What was Berlin really like before the Nazis ? Before dictatorship, war, and destruction, Berlin was the most exciting city in Europe — a place of jazz, avant-garde art, sexual freedom, political extremism, and nonstop nightlife. The Weimar Republic  turned Berlin into a laboratory of modern life, and the 1920s in Berlin  became legendary as the Roaring Twenties  or Golden Twenties . If you’re looking for the Weimar Berlin tour to take in Berlin , this is it. This private tou

If you walk Berlin with a guide, you quickly learn one thing: this city doesn’t really behave like one city. Berlin feels more like many towns stitched together , each with its own rhythm, history, and personality. Officially, Berlin has 12 districts (Bezirke) , but when I guide visitors through the city, I almost always explain it using the 23 former districts  that existed before 2001 — because that’s how Berlin actually works on the ground. I’ve been guiding in Berlin sinc

It’s one of the most common questions when planning a trip to Germany: “If I only have time for one city in Germany — Berlin or Munich — which should I visit?” Short answer: it depends on what kind of Germany you’re looking for. Long answer? That’s what this article is for. I’m based in Berlin, have been guiding here for many years, and yes — I’m biased. But I’ve also been to Munich many times, genuinely like it, and often recommend it to guests. Berlin and Munich are both fa

For many travellers, visiting a former concentration camp is one of the most meaningful — and difficult — experiences of a trip to Europe. These memorial sites are not tourist attractions, but places of remembrance that document how Nazi persecution, forced labour, and genocide were organised and carried out. Visitors often ask: Which concentration camp should I visit? Is Sachsenhausen or Dachau better to visit? Are all concentration camps more or less the same? How do other

Honest advice from a Berlin tour guide with 15+ years of experience If you’re planning a trip to Berlin, chances are Checkpoint Charlie  pops up on every “must-see” list. And yes—standing outside at the historic border crossing is absolutely worth it. But visiting the Checkpoint Charlie Museum ? As a long-time Berlin tour guide who once had to bring bus groups inside regularly, I’ll tell you what I always tell my guests: Do. Not. Bother. Here’s why: 1. It’s a Privately Run

Berlin has always been a city of architectural experiments, but since the 1990s a new and distinctly local style has emerged—quietly at first, then with growing confidence. Today, this movement is visible across entire neighbourhoods and has become one of the most influential architectural trends in Germany. This is the Berlin Style —also called Berlin Classicism —a neotraditional approach that blends classical proportions with modern construction. Streamlined façades, calm g

If you’ve spent any time in Berlin, you’ve likely heard the joke: “David Hasselhoff brought down the Berlin Wall.” It’s one of those myths that’s so absurd, so kitschy, and so deeply German that it almost feels true. And like many Berlin stories, it contains just enough fact, chaos, and cultural memory to keep it alive. So what is  the deal with Hasselhoff and Berlin? Why do so many people still connect the star of Baywatch  and Knight Rider  with one of the most important ge

If you’re wondering why German Christmas  feels so magical—or planning to travel to Germany during the festive season—you’re in for a treat. From Christmas Eve gift-giving  to the charming St. Nicholas Day  and the world-famous Christmas tree tradition , Germany has shaped many of the holiday customs we celebrate around the world. Let’s take a closer look. And don’t miss the chance to join me on a magical Berlin tour during the Christmas season! Be sure to also check out my c

As one of Berlin’s leading private tour guides , I meet many travelers staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin — a property that has long set the standard for five-star hospitality at Potsdamer Platz. Whether guests are in town for business, a special occasion, or just a few days of sightseeing, this hotel often comes up in conversations as a favorite for its polished elegance, personal service, and sense of calm in the middle of the city’s buzz. This review brings together my o

By Matti — Berlin Tour Guide & WWII History Specialist Are you traveling to Berlin and fascinated by World War II history? I’ve guided visitors from all over the world for more than 15 years, and as a partner of the National WWII Museum in New Orleans , I’ve designed what I believe is the most complete and easy-to-follow WWII itinerary in Berlin  — no matter how long you’re staying. Whether you have one day or five , this itinerary gives you the perfect mix of guided tours ,

As a WWII historian and Berlin tour guide , I’ve spent my career walking in the footsteps of the war that shaped the modern world. I also collaborate with the National WWII Museum in New Orleans , which organizes expert-led tours across Europe. I meet countless travelers who are deeply interested in WWII history — but aren’t sure where to start. If that’s you, this guide is for you. I know firsthand which places are truly worth visiting and which are more touristy stops. From

As a private tour guide in Berlin — and as someone who grew up in East Germany — I get this question constantly:“Are there still differences between East and West Berlin?” My short answer: Yes and no. At least, not in the way people expect. See where the Cold War still leaves its mark — join my Cold War Walking Tour of Berlin! On the Streets: The Subtle Architectural Story Many first-time visitors assume they can spot the old East by its gray concrete blocks or socialist arch

Berlin has always been more than a backdrop to history — it’s a magnet for genius, scandal, and reinvention. From Beethoven’s stormy improvisations before the Prussian court to Munch’s controversial exhibition that shook the city’s art world, from Tchaikovsky’s encounters with the Berlin Philharmonic to Michael Jackson waving from the Adlon balcony — the German capital has quietly shaped, and been shaped by, some of the world’s most iconic artists and dreamers. These are thei

When I’m not guiding visitors around Berlin, I work as a radio journalist  — and for the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Wall, I...

Berlin has always been a city of newcomers. From Huguenots in the 17th century to today’s international students and tech workers, the...

The question “Did Hitler have children?”  continues to intrigue guests on my WW2 and Third Reich walking tours of Berlin . Adolf Hitler...

The Truth Behind the “Berlin Ghetto” Myth Many visitors search for where the Jewish ghetto in Berlin was . The surprising answer: there...

Few artifacts capture the world’s imagination like the 3,300-year-old Bust of Nefertiti. Crafted around 1353 BCE in the workshop of the...

The BMW Berlin Marathon  isn’t just another race – it’s one of the world’s great running events, part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors alongside Boston, New York, London, Chicago, and Tokyo. Every September, more than 45,000 runners from over 150 countries take to Berlin’s streets. Whether you’re running or cheering, here’s everything you need to know. Join me on a private guided tour of Berlin , and check out my lists of recommended hotels , restaurants and this guide to

Planning a day trip to Potsdam from Berlin? You're in for a treat— Potsdam is one of the most beautiful and historically rich cities ...