Germany’s capital is a popular city break destination and is easily accessible via cheap flights or trains from across Europe. Although Berlin is relatively affordable as European cities go, it’s still great to save a few Euros whenever you can. Luckily, some of the best Berlin attractions are provided completely free of charge – meaning you have extra cash to spend on drinking beer and eating currywurst, hurray!
1. 1) Treat your ears to a performance by Berlin’s Philharmonic orchestra
Every Tuesday at 1 PM the famous Berliner Philharmonie hosts a special performance of classical music in its foyer. These “Lunchkonzerte” or Lunchtime Concerts have been running since 2007 and provide a great musical interlude to a busy day sightseeing in the city. The chamber music performances last from 40-50 minutes and there is a wide array of good food available so you can feast your belly as well as your ears. Visitor numbers are limited to 1,500 and on a first-come-first-served basis so make sure to arrive in plenty of time.
2. 2) Learn how the human body moves at the Otto Bock Science Centre
The Otto Bock in Potsdamer Platz, locally known as the ‘muscle house’ is worth a visit due to its quirky modern design. However, inside the building is a free three-storey exhibition examining the human body in detail. The interactive, multimedia experience aims to help us understand the topic of mobility, especially in regards to those with mobility disorders. Open from Thursday to Monday.
3. 3) Explore a piece of Berlin’s history after dark
The Reichstag Building is one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks. The official seat of the Bundestag (Germany’s parliament), the Reichstag’s dome, roof terrace and gardens can be visited for free. Registration in advance is essential and can be booked online or at the office across the road from the building itself (you will need your passport). For a less busy experience and an awesome evening panorama of Berlin, go for one of the late timeslots; the last admission is at 10 PM. A 20-minute audio guide is provided which details facts about the Reichstag Building and surrounding landscape.
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4. 4) Take a history lesson at the Topography of Terror
Scary name aside, this free exhibition aims to educate visitors on the history of one of the pivotal Nazi organisations: the SS. The site upon which the museum is built was once home to the Secret Service Police Office and the Reich Security Main Office. While these were torn down after the Second World War, the reign of terror that was planned and implemented from this very site has not been forgotten. There is a free, highly informative indoor exhibition detailing the role of the SS before and during the war, as well as a further exhibition outside in the grounds.
Berlin Tour Guide
Matti Geyer
I was born in Berlin the year before the wall fell and thus had the fortune and privilege to grow up in a city that was growing up itself. In 2008, I decided to turn my passion for this amazing city into a career by becoming a tour guide. Both my parents lived in East Germany: My dad became a teacher, until refusal to join the Communist party ended his career, whilst my mom worked as a tour guide for tourists from the Soviet Union. In a way, I am following in her footsteps, although our tours would be incredibly different. For instance, my mom failed her first test tour, when she didn’t refer to the Berlin Wall by its official East German propaganda term ‘antifascist protection barrier.’On my tours, I am always happy to share personal family stories about what it was like growing up in such an exciting and ever-changing city. I have a Bachelor’s degree in English and History from the University of Potsdam and a Master’s degree in European Studies from the Viadrina Frankfurt/Oder.When I’m not guiding, I work as a journalist at one of Berlin’s biggest radio stations or spend time with my wife and son. I have also lived in New York City and in Brussels, where I worked at the Goethe-Institut and the European Parliament, respectively. I speak fluent English with hardly any accent. I am a member of the Berlin Guides Association. I am looking forward to showing you around this amazing city – on and off the beaten track – and to sharing its fascinating anecdotes, stories, and secrets! I am also a big fan of Potsdam, and am always happy to take people there as well!
Tours by Matti
Berlin Tour Guide
Asaf Leshem
My name is Asaf and I am a professional tour guide. I hold a Ph.D. in Dark Tourism and interpretation of history. In Berlin I guide tours on such topics as the Cold War, the Third Reich, Berlin's Jewish Heritage, Berlin and Brandenburg's Prussian History, and more. I also guide in Potsdam, and I am certified to guide in the Memorial and Museum Sachsenhausen. I am also an enthusiastic runner and cyclist. For repeating visitors, looking for unique experiences outside the city, I guide special cycling tours in Brandenburg's northern lake district, and in the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve.
Tours by Asaf
Berlin Tour Guide
Tina
Born and raised in Australia, I studied psychology at the University of Queensland but had always loved reading modern history books. I came to Berlin for a nerdy history vacation in 2017, fell in love with the city and decided to make it home. I offer tours of Berlin and its surrounds which are rich with history and packed with energy. I don’t just show my guests Berlin's sights; I also explain the history behind them in an accessible and engaging way and help my guests to connect with the city’s spirit and uncover its real soul. Not sure what to do in Berlin? In addition to my Tips on Trip101, you can find lots of ideas on my Instagram. Every Thursday I post a highlight Story called "Tina's Tips" where I suggest events in Berlin for the coming week, like comedy, live music, gallery tours, dance parties etc.
Tours by Tina
5) Treptower Park Soviet War Memorial
The largest of the three Soviet war memorials in the city, Treptower Park’s epic sculptures are a sight to behold. Serving as a cemetery for 5,000 Soviet soldiers as well as a tribute to the 80,000 men who lost their lives during the fight for Berlin in World War Two. The memorial was completed shortly after the war ended in 1949. Without a doubt the imposing 12-metre tall statue of a Soviet soldier rescuing a German child and stamping on a swastika will stay with you long after you leave the park.
Enjoy the best of Berlin for free
Berlin is a city rich in history and culture. The best thing about a visit to Germany’s capital is how many experiences are provided free of charge meaning everyone has the opportunity to take part, whatever their budget.
History
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