A chance encounter with a Cold War spy in Berlin led me to stumble into tour guiding 19 years ago after moving to the German capital as an aspiring writer from my native England.

Assured that not only did I. . . "know a lot about German history" but also. . . "didn't mind embarassing myself in front of large groups of people" - the basic requirements for a Berlin tour guide at the time - I was hired by a local tour company and began what has since turned into my passion and profession.

Over the years I have introduced thousands of visitors to Berlin: from independent travellers, families, companies and schools - to Holocaust survivors rediscovering the streets they once called home and the relatives of Nazi perpetrators seeking answers to the crimes within their families.

Although due to my professional background I specialise in Berlin's 'heavy history' of the 20th century (the era of Adolf Hitler's so-called 'Third Reich' and 'Cold War' period), I also understand it would be impossible to understand the big picture when it comes to Berlin without the context of previous chapters in say Prussian and early medieval history - and the city's more uplifting contemporary realities. Adding context to Berlin's history is, for me, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a tour guide.

As such, although I do offer historical experiences of Berlin exploring the distinct periods in the city's past, I always tailor my tours to my clients wishes, expectations, and previous knowledge.

Of course, we can visit the major places in the city - the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie etc - but the quirky, comical, and often secret details are what many people will remember beyond these sights. As Berlin is a city that is more than the simple sum of its landmarks, and is best experienced that way.

There is something for everyone here; and the stories of this city echo across the world.

Come explore and find your Berlin.

18 years experience (Berlin guide since 2006)
President Emeritus - Berlin Guides Association (BBS) 2018-2020
Rick Steves Partner Guide 2024
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial License
Former East German Secret Police Headquarters - Stasi Museum Historical Consultant
BA Journalism (Hons)
First Aid Certified

I am not a driver, but can arrange for a vehicle and driver at an additional cost - upon request.

Home to the opulent summer residences of the Prussian kings &amp; German emperors, Potsdam is flush with regal splendour and tranquil sculpted parks and gardens.

A city of kings and emperors, often referred to as Berlin's equivalent of Versailles, Potsdam housed Prussia's royal House of Hohenzollern (lit: 'High-Taxer') family on the edge of Berlin until the fall of imperialism in 1918. Although the city did not make it out of the Second World War unscathed, it retains much of its old world splendour - visible in its luscious lakeside parks, castles, and its charming historical centre.

This tour is a relaxing day out from Berlin to this beautiful city, boasting architectural wonders of Baroque, Rococo &amp; Neo-Classical style. Beyond the famous Sanssouci Palace, constructed by Frederick the Great in 1747, we will also have time to visit the Cecilienhof Palace - site of the 1945 Potsdam Conference attended by Truman, Stalin and Churchill

The Parks &amp; Palaces Of Potsdam - The Glory Of Prussia Tour | 6 Hours - Day Trip from Berlin

If you're newly arriving in Berlin and looking to get to grips with the city and its unique history over the space of a steady three hour tour - this is what you're looking for.

To remove Berlin from the European story would leave many questions unanswerable; eras have begun and ended here; events served as catalysts to the great turning points in history. Germany's doomed involvement in World War One; the city's status as the nerve centre of Hitler's Third Reich; Berlin carved up and occupied on the frontline of the Cold War conflict; the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall; the reunification of Germany with Berlin as the country's capital.

To walk the streets of this city is to be confronted with major history at every turn.

This Berlin Highlights Private Van Tour takes you through the milestones of Berlin past and present. Covering the major sights and stories behind them.

Explore a city fraught with history.

Bitesize Berlin - Private Mini Bus Tour | 3 hours | Max Group Size: 20

Home to the opulent summer residences of the Prussian kings & German emperors, Potsdam is flush with regal splendour and tranquil sculpted parks and gardens.

A city of kings and emperors, often referred to as Berlin's equivalent of Versailles, Potsdam housed Prussia's royal House of Hohenzollern (lit: 'High-Taxer') family on the edge of Berlin until the fall of imperialism in 1918. Although the city did not make it out of the Second World War unscathed, it retains much of its old world splendour - visible in its luscious lakeside parks, castles, and its charming historical centre.

This tour is a relaxing day out from Berlin to this beautiful city, boasting architectural wonders of Baroque, Rococo & Neo-Classical style. Beyond the famous Sanssouci Palace, constructed by Frederick the Great in 1747, we will also have time to visit the Cecilienhof Palace - site of the 1945 Potsdam Conference attended by Truman, Stalin and Churchill

Tour guide in Berlin Matt R.

German, English

Contact the Guide

Delivers tours starting at

Tours by Matt R.

Customize your tour

Traveller reviews for private tours