Berlin: Then and Now Walking Tour with Archival Photos
Alexanderplatz 1, 10178 Berlin, Deutschland
Description
St. Mary's Church stands in a large open space near Alexanderplatz. Archival photos show a different scene: houses and narrow streets crowded around the church. On this walk, I use photos of the places along the route to show you the Berlin that has disappeared.
I’m Yusuf, your guide. We begin at the World Clock on Alexanderplatz and walk through the historic center of former East Berlin. Along the way, I’ll show you archival prints so you can compare the old views with what stands before you: the missing streets around St. Mary's Church, the Neptune Fountain, which once stood in front of the royal palace, the palace site at the Humboldt Forum, and the war damage behind Museum Island.
My advice: Hold your phone next to my print and photograph the comparison.
The walk lasts about 2.5 hours and covers approximately 3 km. It ends at Hackescher Markt, near restaurants and public transportation.
Experience details
Mobile ticket
Group size
Up to 2 travelers
Instant confirmation
Offered by
Walk of Berlin
What's included?
Included
- Guided walk with a knowledgeable local guide
- Archival photo comparisons along the route
Not included
- Museum admission, as we will be directly outside the TV Tower and other attractions
- Food and drinks
- Public transportation tickets
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What to expect
Alexanderplatz
We meet at the World Clock on Alexanderplatz. I’ll show you the square and explain what it looked like before it was rebuilt as the center of East Berlin.
10 m
Berlin Television Tower
We look up at the TV Tower and discuss why East Berlin built it here in the 1960s. We stay outside for 10 minutes; going up the tower is not included.
Rotes Rathaus
At Berlin's Red Town Hall and the Neptune Fountain, I’ll show you how the fountain once stood in front of the royal palace before it was moved here.
15 m
St. Marienkirche
St. Mary's Church now stands in a wide open space. Archival photos show the houses and narrow streets that once surrounded it.
15 m
Marx-Engels-Forum
At the statues of Marx and Engels, we discuss GDR memory and the old streets that have disappeared from this area.
10 m
Humboldt Forum
We pass the Sanchi Gate replica beside the building and then compare the palace site with the Palace of the Republic and today's reconstructed façade. We take a 10-minute break here.
25 m
Berliner Dom
From the Lustgarten, we look across at Berlin Cathedral and the Old Museum beside the Spree. We stay outside for 20 minutes; admission is not included.
Museumsinsel
On Museum Island, we view the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, and the Pergamon Museum from outside for 20 minutes. Archival photos help explain the war damage and restoration behind what you see today. Museum admission is not included.
Friedrichsbrücke
We cross Friedrichsbrücke from Museum Island toward Hackescher Markt.
5 m
Hackescher Markt
The walk ends at Hackescher Markt, near dining options and public transportation.
10 m
Meeting and pickup
Meet me beside the World Clock (Weltzeituhr) on Alexanderplatz at 12:25, five minutes before the 12:30 start. Look for my green umbrella.
The walk ends at Hackescher Markt S-Bahn station, near dining options and public transportation.
Show your ticket on your phone or on paper at the World Clock on Alexanderplatz. Look for my green umbrella.
Important information
- Mobile ticket or paper ticket accepted
- 1 per booking
- Toddlers can be pushed in a stroller.
- Companion animals allowed
- Public transportation is available nearby.
- Suitable for all fitness levels
Cancellation policy
Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time to receive a full refund.
Booking options
Berlin: Then and Now Walking Tour with Archival Photos