Tour operator
Original Berlin Walks
A Berlin walking tour company running since 1993, known for its Discover Berlin introduction and themed tours on the Third Reich, Sachsenhausen and Potsdam.
Alternative Berlin Tours
A Berlin tour company focused on street art, subculture and the city's creative side, with a three-hour Alternative Berlin Tour from Alexanderplatz.
At a glance
- Type
- Street art and subculture tours
- Area
- Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
- Official site
- alternativeberlin.com
Good to know
- Alternative Berlin Tour
- Street art workshop
- Private tours
Why we recommend it
Alternative Berlin Tours shows visitors the side of the city that grew up in its squats, studios, clubs and backyards. Rather than concentrating on monuments and museums, its guides focus on street art, subculture, creative projects and the way Berlin's neighbourhoods have changed since the fall of the Wall. It is a good complement to a classic history walk, and many visitors take both.
The main tour is the Alternative Berlin Tour, which lasts about three hours and starts at Alexanderplatz. From there it heads out into the districts where Berlin's alternative culture is most visible, looking at murals, paste-ups and stencil art, at former squats and creative spaces, and at the debates about gentrification and rising rents that shape the city today. Guides are happy to answer questions along the way, and routes can vary, so check the details of your tour when booking and carry a valid public transport ticket in case it is needed.
For a hands-on experience, the Street Art Workshop lasts about two hours and is held at Urban Spree, the art space near Warschauer Strasse in Friedrichshain. Participants learn about the techniques used by street artists and create a piece of their own, which makes it a memorable activity for friends, couples and families with teenagers. The company also offers a free tour and private tours for groups, which can be requested by email.
The tours suit younger travellers, art and photography lovers, repeat visitors who have already seen the main sights and anyone curious about contemporary Berlin. They involve plenty of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Be ready for frank discussion of politics, protest and urban change, which is part of the story.
Check the website for current tour times, prices and booking, as the schedule changes through the year, and book ahead in summer. Alexanderplatz is served by S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams and regional trains, so the meeting point is easy to reach from anywhere in the city. After the workshop at Urban Spree, the East Side Gallery and the bars of Friedrichshain are a short walk away.
Alternative Berlin Tours FAQs
What does the Alternative Berlin Tour cover?
Street art, subculture, creative spaces and how Berlin's neighbourhoods have changed.
How long is the main tour?
About three hours.
Where does it start?
At Alexanderplatz.
Is there a street art workshop?
Yes, a workshop of about two hours held at Urban Spree in Friedrichshain.
Should you carry a transport ticket?
It is sensible to carry a valid public transport ticket, as routes can vary.
Are private tours available?
Yes, private tours can be requested by email.
Who is it best for?
Younger travellers, art lovers and repeat visitors curious about contemporary Berlin.
How do you book?
Through the company's website.