From Berlin to Potsdam's Palaces: A Historical Walking Tour
5
From Berlin to Potsdam's Palaces: A Historical Walking Tour
By Insider Tour
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About
Swap the hustle and bustle of Berlin for a visit to picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site of Potsdam. Save hours of research time, and benefit from a guide’s insider knowledge on the city’s best sights. Pass by historic palaces such as Schloss Cecilienhof, visit the Church of Peace (Potsdam Friedenskirche), go to the “Bridge of Spies” (Glienicke Bridge), and see beautiful nature spots, such as Neuen Garten.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 20 per group
Duration: 6h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Visit a place that’s known for its incredible palaces and castles—Potsdam
- Don’t worry about long distance journeys—Potsdam is just outside of Berlin
- No need to study a map—a guide leads the way and takes care of navigating
- Lots of great photo opportunities, including Babelsberg Castle
- Local Expert Guide
What's not included- Tour does not include entrance to the palaces, this is a 'street level' tour.
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Transportation to/from attractions, approx. 7€ per person for an ABC day pass
- Entry/Admission - Altes Rathaus
- Entry/Admission - Schloss Cecilienhof
- Entry/Admission - Sanssouci Palace
- Start:
- Reichstagufer 17, 10117 Berlin, GermanyMeet outside Friedrichstr. train station, on the square beside the 'Traenenpalast' (Palace of Tears)
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5560P19- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- This tour requires an ABC Zone train ticket
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5560P19
From
$33.90
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- Reichstagufer 17, 10117 Berlin, GermanyMeet outside Friedrichstr. train station, on the square beside the 'Traenenpalast' (Palace of Tears)
- 1
- 2
- 3Pass byPotsdam Paradise Garden
- 4
- 5Pass byBabelsberg Castle
- 6
- 7
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- J6808AFgrahams0 contributionsSachsenhausen September 16th, 2024 - TINA Amazing ExperienceWe went on this tour with TINA on September 16th, 2024. She was an exceptional guide and put considerable effort into planning a fulfilling tour. Learned more in 2 hours on her tour than we ever did in a classroom. Absolutely ask for Tina for any tours around Berlin - she is excellent.Written September 16, 2024
- ECAb850 contributionsA great couple of hoursOur tour guide Lewis was really knowledgeable and passionate about the subject, as well as a naturally good orator. His enthusiasm made the whole thing really interesting. Loved learning about the recent history of Berlin. Highly recommend.Written September 16, 2024
- lundquistsheila0 contributionsCambel is the best!Cambel was knowledgeable and lots of fun! He was engaging and kept the group's attention. He was able to answer all questions and has a true love of Germany and its history.Written September 16, 2024
- brianunder0 contributionsFascinating and movingOne of the best walking tours I have taken in any city. Alan, a Brit living in Berlin 30 years, was absolutely fantastic - delivering incredible history with clarity and emotion. We hit all the key spots you'd expect, and you could just feel the gravity of all that has happened in this city.Written September 16, 2024
- AMT8760 contributionsExcellent way of seeing many of the man historical places in the city and learning more about themExcellent tour and would highly recommend as a good way of seeing many of the main historical places of the city. Very easy to book on line and to find the meeting place. Our guide was excellent, very interesting & knowledgeable. We went with our 2 children aged 13 & 11 who also enjoyed it and learnt a lot.Written September 16, 2024
- 356ellieg0 contributionsDefinitely recommend!The tour was brilliant, very informative and a great way to see all the main sights. Great for making new friends too and the tour guide, Paul, was very helpful. He took us to a lovely bakery halfway through the tour so we could grab a bite to eat which was greatWritten September 15, 2024
- W5330NEtarah0 contributionsMust go….highly recommendDr. Tom, was extremely knowledgeable - and I feel like I was able to get way more out of this tour with a guide than if I would have gone by myself.Written September 15, 2024
- ameliamG1050CL0 contributionsIncredibleI had an amazing tour guide called Hannah, she was incredible. Going to the camp is a harrowing experience but she made everyone feel comfortable and provided us with so much amazing history. I can’t recommend this tour/ Hannah enough!!Written September 15, 2024
- BXKeller0 contributionsTina’s Amazing Third ReichCold War tourFirst and foremost, our tour guide, Tina from Tina’s Tours, was amazing!! Clearly, an historical scholar, with deep insights into the Third Reich and through the Cold War and ultimate German reunification. Great insights and little known facts!Written September 14, 2024
- cherylbA9626FR0 contributions3 hour insider walking tour of BerlinArtie was a great tour guide and as a history student imparted his knowledge with passion and humor. I would totally recommend any visitor to Berlin to do one of his tours. We had 32 Celsius so a bit of fitness is required.Written September 14, 2024
- Pandora_HK0 contributionsinformative tourStefan was our guide, knowledgable and has his own views. We could read facts from wikipedia but what's more valuable is the guide's own perspectives towards the matters, and how he presented them. The group was like ~20 people but Stefan presented in a good way that I can hear most of the things.Written September 14, 2024
- sueoconnor1380 contributionsTake the tour. This stuff is importantThis was our second time doing this. Once 4 years ago and now with my son and his wife. Same tour but I will say the experience is no less powerful. It’s a 45 min train ride, a 20 minute walk and then the tour which moves quite fast. You get to take a bus back to the train and then the train back home. The difference this time was our guide Hannah. We have taken many walking tours in many cities but Hannah apart from being very fast, was one of the best we’ve ever had. Her manner of speaking and grasp on the difficult subject matter was unmatched. She is amazing. Give this girl a raise.Written September 14, 2024
- 725learninge0 contributionsThe best walking tour in BerlinOur guide was Tina, a super energetic passionate girl from Australia. She is in love with history and with Berlin. She's friendly, competent, professional and most of all fun to listen to. She also gave extra tips about food, music , art to make the most of our stay in Berlin. A strongly recommend her.Written September 14, 2024
- S9304PMelliec0 contributionsTour by train with HannahHannah as a guide was absolutely wonderful. From the very beginning, Hannah drew us all in with their passion for history, extensive knowledge, deep respect for the subject, and excellent storytelling. After meeting as a group, Hannah gave us a condensed but detailed history of pre-Weimar Germany, before encouraging each group within the larger tour group to introduce where they were from. A great way to break the ice with a group of strangers that we would spend the day with. We started the tour by train and Hannah made sure to check that everyone had the right ticket and understood how to validate it before we boarded. Once we had all piled on, Hannah walked through each carriage speaking to each group individually. Before we even arrived at the concentration camp, we had had fascinating conversations with Hannah about their love for history and journey to becoming a guide in Berlin. Once we arrived in Oranienburg, Hannah led us on the ~20 minute walk through the city to reach Sachsenhausen, where we had a break before starting the main tour. Hannah carefully explained each area we passed. Teaching not only the history of the site, but encouraging understanding of the current use of the surrounding buildings and the political impact. Hannah answered every question (of which I had many!) with patience and expertise. This tour was important to be a part of, and Hannah’s guidance and empathy made it possible to learn so much among so much emotion. Thank you Hannah!Written September 14, 2024
- SwordsPat0 contributionsSay No to hateThis is a timely reminder of what hate speech leads to. It can happen again. Thank you to Hannah for an excellent insight and wise words. First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out — Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out - Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out — Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me —and there was no one left to speak for me. Martin NiemöllerWritten September 14, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
82 reviews
Excellent
68
Very good
11
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Bill H
6 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
This is probably a fantastic tour for younger people, but for seniors like me (I’m 76 and in good health) it was too strenuous. The actual tour takes about five hours, with moderate walking for maybe three and a half to four hours of that.
Our guide, Tobi, was knowledgeable, patient and enthusiastic, though having grown up in the former East Germany he repeated and over-emphasized life before and after reunification, in my opinion.
He also, however, spoke at length about the palaces and castles of Potsdam, as well as the history of the city itself. His heart is in his work, and it shows.
Our guide, Tobi, was knowledgeable, patient and enthusiastic, though having grown up in the former East Germany he repeated and over-emphasized life before and after reunification, in my opinion.
He also, however, spoke at length about the palaces and castles of Potsdam, as well as the history of the city itself. His heart is in his work, and it shows.
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Bill H,
Thank you for your review. Yes, this is a longer 6 hr tour which necessitates quiet a bit of walking. We are always trying to hit that sweet spot between showing our quests as much as possible and not exhausting them! We hope that when you think back on this tour you will recall the outstanding beauty and wonderfully interesting history of Potsdam more than anything else.
Kind regards,
Gerard
Written May 22, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SS
Brooklyn, NY5 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Terrible does not even begin to describe it. Our guide, Tobi, simply left us in the middle of the park in Potsdam outside Cecilienhof Palace while we (me and an 11 year old child) were in the bathroom (it was a scheduled bio break stop). He and the group were standing outside when we went in. They were nowhere to be found once we came outside. I had very bad Wifi connection, so finding our way back was quite a challenge… particularly with a kid, who was quite scared. Moreover, based on the itinerary for the tour on https://insidertour.com/tours/potsdam/, our guide skipped points 2,3,4 and 5 of the tour… we were left behind at #6.
When we eventually made it back to Berlin, I sent an e-mail message to management@insidertour.com describing my experience and at the very least asking for a refund. Alas, I have never heard back!
When we eventually made it back to Berlin, I sent an e-mail message to management@insidertour.com describing my experience and at the very least asking for a refund. Alas, I have never heard back!
Written August 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear SS1324567,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, and we sincerely apologise for the distressing situation you encountered during your tour with us in Potsdam. Your feedback is taken very seriously, and I regret that we did not meet your expectations on this occasion.
Firstly, I am deeply sorry that you were left behind during the scheduled break. This is completely unacceptable, especially considering that you were traveling with a young child. Our guides are trained to ensure that all guests are accounted for before moving on, and it’s clear that we fell short of this standard. Please rest assured that we will be addressing this with our guides and reviewing our procedures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
I also apologise for the lack of response to your email. This is not reflective of the service we strive to provide. I will investigate why your message was not answered and ensure that this is rectified immediately.
Again, I am truly sorry for the experience you had, and I hope we have the opportunity to make it right.
All the very best,
Insider Tour
Written September 1, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kelly F
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Couples
Maria was our guide for this tour and she was very sweet, upbeat and entertaining. She was knowledgeable and made the tour interesting and worthwhile. As others have said, this tour is fast paced and is a lot of walking. Our group was 22 persons and the downside is the group would spread apart and slow the tour down at times. Maria always patiently waited for everyone to arrive before beginning her talks. We stayed in Potsdam and took the tour of the Palace. We had reservations at 3:45 and just arrived in time. I recommend this and wished we had time left in our day for the new Palace. All the walking ate up a lot of time.
Written July 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear F6253FG,
Thank you very much for this very good review of our Potsdam tour with top tour guide Maria. Great to hear that you made your palace tour on time, as planed. Thank you for touring with us.
Kind regards,
Gerard
Written July 25, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chad H
4 contributions
Jul 2023
Tobi did a great job of informing our group and keeping us on track. I highly recommend this tour if you have tine for a short day trip outside of Berlin. One point to note - there is quite a bit of walking, so this tour is not appropriate for people with mobility isses.
Written July 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear M93UZcha,
Thank you for this excellent review of our Potsdam tour with top tour guide, Tobi. This is a wonderful time to visit Potsdam, when its gardens are all in bloom. Yes, there is a lot of walking. That is a good tip for participants. Thank you for touring with us.
Kind regards,
Gerard
Written July 5, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LIsa292
Southampton, UK7 contributions
Jul 2022
We were initially disappointed by the fact that Holger could not do our guide on the day. I only booked the tour because Holger's reviews were good. Holger sent a guy called Andreas to guide us instead.I believed that Andreas studied History in University that he was knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about the town and what he does. My husband who loves history enjoyed his guide.
Written October 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amanda P
8 contributions
Apr 2023
The guide (Josh) was very friendly and well organised so the tour went seamlessly using various types of public transport. He was extremely knowledgeable and kept us entertained with information and stories from the past and was happy to answer any questions. Potsdam itself is beautiful with palaces, lakes and gardens - definitely worth a visit.
Written April 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear amandap,
Thank you very much for this great review of our Potsdam tour with Josh. It is a most beautiful place in Spring when the fresh shoots and cherry blossoms are out!
We really appreciate you recommending us to others.
All the verry best,
Gerard
Written April 5, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alice A
Boston, MA100 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Walking tour is the best way to see Potsdam. So much history, starting with the Bridge of Spies, so picturesque with the Dutch quarter downtown. Maria was very knowledgeable. Rating is 4 instead of 5 because we didn't realize how much public transport there would be - besides the train to Potsdam, there were 3 different busses to get around Potsdam. A bit of rushing because the busses don't run often. Glad we went!
Written October 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Alice,
We're overjoyed by your positive feedback! It's our mission to provide top-notch walking tours, and your review reaffirms that commitment. Thank you for choosing us, and we can't wait to exceed your expectations again in the future!
All the best.
MIguel
Written October 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marjorie L
30 contributions
We were a small group of around 7 on a Sunday morning, so it was perfect for traveling together on the train/bus to get to Potsdam. Our guide was Jim, and he was awesome! He has a degree in history so his interest and enthusiasm really shone through all of his explanations and descriptions. Potsdam is beautiful, and the tour ended on the incredible grounds of Sansoucci. I don’t know the usual tip, but we gave Jim €20 for our gratitude. Afterwards, we stayed in Potsdam and walked around a bit more, enjoying wine and charcuterie in a square overlooking the Brandenburg Gate of Potsdam. Highly recommend this tour—no thinking involved, as Jim takes care of that 😉. One more thing…some reviews on this tour mentioned that it was too much walking. We are a 61-yr-old couple in good shape and did not mind it at all (actually appreciated the exercise). Just be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Written September 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Curiousit...
Thank you for your kind review. Jim is indeed an excellent guide. He guides many themed tours in and around Berlin, but Potsdam is his favourite, and it shows!
Kind regards,
Gerard
Written September 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rhonda P
4 contributions
Our tour of Potsdam was one of the highlights of our stay in Berlin. Maria, our guide, was able to bring the rich history of the area to life with her interesting and entertaining stories. We had an absolutely wonderful day and would highly recommend.
Written June 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your glowing review! We're thrilled to hear that your tour of Potsdam with Insider Tour was one of the highlights of your stay in Berlin. Maria is a fantastic guide, and we're delighted that she could bring the rich history of the area to life with her interesting and entertaining stories. We're so pleased you had an absolutely wonderful day and would highly recommend our tour.
All the best,
Miguel
Written June 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Danielle Souza
Boa Vista, RR140 contributions
Josh took us to Potsdam by train and then by bus. He not only shared histórica information. One could see he really enjoys that city. Buy the ABC Train ticket before joining the Groupon and have a face mask with you. It's still mandatory to wear it in German public transport.
The meeting point is right at the entrance to Friedrichstr. Station. Google maps took me to the wrong spot and I almost lost the tour.
The meeting point is right at the entrance to Friedrichstr. Station. Google maps took me to the wrong spot and I almost lost the tour.
Written September 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where can my family plan to have lunch on this tour? Where/when do breaks occur?
Written May 25, 2023
When we went there was a half an hour stop and places to eat along the Main Street of Potsdam, but it is a small place.
Written May 26, 2023
Is there a place to meet you in Potsdam? I am staying here.
Written August 16, 2022
Looking into this tour but I'm not traveling till May 2023 between the 21st and he 23rd and there are no available dates are they sold out, or just not posted yet.
Thank you
Written July 4, 2022
On my tour we did not enter the Palaces but I think that there is public access. I'm sure that time was a factor on my visit.
Written October 8, 2019
I see very positive feedback on this tour and i'm so interested in purchasing it but really confused as ii is not clear if we gonna meet in Berlin then ride the train or bus to Potsdam? or gonna meet in Potsdam ?
Written July 1, 2019
It is a very interesting tour, highly recommended. The tour group meets at Zoological Gardens and takes a 30 minute train ride to Potsdam. From the Potsdam station we used local the Potsdam bus service to get to the Neues Palace and the same again to Sansoucci Palace. We walked from Sansoucci Palace to Cecilienhof Palace and on to the Glienicker Bridge (Bridge of Spies) before taking the Tram back to Potsdam Station for the train to Zoological Gdns.
Written July 1, 2019
Do we meet in Berlin and then ride the train together? Or do we meet you at Potsdam?
Written June 13, 2019
We met in Berlin and went on the train together with our guide. It is well worth doing that as the guide then takes you on buses in Potsdam
Written October 26, 2019
Si,en Alexanderplace, salen grupos con guía en español, hacen ruta en tren, lo recomiendo
Written May 25, 2019
if we take the tour, can we stay and on our own tour the palace?
Written June 14, 2018
Yes you can, you just need to buy the entry tickets into the palace. Have a great time and my apologies for the delayed response. Cheers.
Written June 14, 2018
paulinecon
Solana Beach, California
Where do we buy tickets to Sansoucci Palace.? We want to see the palace
Written May 24, 2018
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