Private tour in Berlin Matthew R

Bitesize Berlin - Private Walking Tour | 3 hours

5.0

(7) reviews

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Matthew R.

5.0

Guide rating

83

Reviews

Tours delivered

3 hrs

Avg. response time

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. 20 years experience (Berlin guide since 2005) President Emeritus - Berlin Guides Association (BBS) 2018-2020 Rick Steves Partner Guide 2023-25 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.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Matthew R.

Overview of your Berlin tour

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. In over a decade of working as a professional guide, 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 familes. 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.

Recent Reviews

Noah K.United States
June 2025

Excellent tour guide, among the best we've had. We would definitely book with him again when we return to Berlin.

Linda E.United States
May 2025

Matt was a wonderful guide. He was extremely knowledgeable and took us to many locations we didn't know about or expect to see, yet still was very receptive to our requests on places we wanted to visit. Since one of our group was elderly and walked with a cane, he allowed us to walk at a slower pace and also suggested using a car on our second day with him. He supplemented his tour with a very comprehensive album of photos which he showed us on his large screen mobile device. His driver, Markus, also added to the tour with his stories of escaping from East Berlin. We would highly recommend Matt as a great tour guide.

Michelle B.
January 2025

Matt is amazing. His depth of knowledge and interpersonal skills are unmatched. We had a great time ( my two teenage sons and myself) and learned so much! Highly recommend and thank you for an amazing morning!

Donna D.Australia
June 2024

We had the most amazing tour with Matthew today. He is extremely knowledgeable and there was not a historical question he could not answer. I would highly recommend booking this tour.

Amy V.United States
August 2023

Matthew was so great! We were tired that afternoon and he kept us entertained and engaged on our walking tour of Berlin. Would highly recommend. His knowledge of Berlin and the history of German culture is outstanding. So grateful!

Lisa A.Canada
November 2022

We were extremely impressed with Matt's level of knowledge on the city of Berlin. There wasn't one question we had that he was not able to answer. We enjoyed everything we saw and appreciated the look into the dark history of Berlin. Would highly recommend Matt to anyone!

Your Berlin tour itinerary

This 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. - Within the three hours of this private Berlin Highlights tour, you will discover the city's major and many minor sights - focusing on the central historic Mitte district and the five grand squares - the Lustgarten - Bebelplatz -Gendarmenmarkt - Wilhelmplatz - Pariserplatz - From the Lustgarten to Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall to the Brandenburg Gate. The city's central historic district is easy to walk, with many important stories and secrets that can be missed along the way. This tour can easily be tailor to your own interest in the city - hear the stories of Berlin's humble beginnings; of life in the Prussian Kaiser's capital; Hitler's rise to power; the Fall of the Berlin Wall, and discover what Berlin has to offer. Please contact me for a custom tour.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

This is a private walking tour so there is no need for public or private transportation.

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
History
Architecture
Tour reference number
607309
Languages
German
English
Activity level
Minimal

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Berlin best suited for?

This private tour in Berlin is perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the city's rich past. It's ideal for travellers who want to connect with a local guide like Matthew R. for deeper insights into Berlin's historical milestones, from the Brandenburg Gate to the Berlin Wall.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Berlin be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
More tours in Berlin by Matthew R.
Similar tours in Berlin
Explore more of Berlin
The Berlin History Tour - Private Van Tour | 6 hours | Max Group Size: 6Your Fabulous 4-Hour Berlin Tour with a Minivan and DriverBerlin Half Day City Sightseeing for first timers: with a contemporary witness!Total Berlin: Full-Day Private Walking Tour with a History ScholerHistorical Berlin by chauffeur driven private vehicle.VIP Total Berlin: Full-Day Luxury Van Tour with Driver & Local Expert World War II and Cold War in Berlin - Express tourBerlin: A General History Experience - Half-Day TourPotsdam Full-Day Tour - World Cultural Heritage SiteShore excursion Warnemünde-Berlin with a private guide and contemporary witnessBerlin Overview - Express TourBerlin City Sightseeing for first timers: Full Day Tour with a contemporary witness!The Parks & Palaces Of Potsdam - The Glory Of Prussia Tour | 6 Hours - Day Trip from BerlinHalf Day Berlins Highlights TourMarvelous Berlin City Center - Private Walking TourBerlin's Amazing History and Landmarks - Chauffeured Private TourMemorial Former Concentration Camp Sachsenhausen - Half-Day Tour from BerlinBerlin Behind The Screen and it's Hidden Treasures - Half-day TourPotsdam - unparalleled BeautySachsenhausen Concentration Camp - Day Trip from Berlin with a VanBerlin Hidden Gems - Half-Day TourPotsdam Highlights - Day tourPotsdam with a guide and driver - Day Trip from BerlinBerlin Behind The Screen with Private Luxury Car & DriverBerlin for the first time with a contemporary witness - Half-DayBerlin from A to Z - Half Day TourJewish Stories and Places in BerlinBerlin Highlights - Half-Day TourHigh on History - From Third Reich to Cold WarMuseum Island-Private TourSachsenhausen Concentration Camp Day TripThird Reich Berlin - Half Day Private Walking TourTaste Berlin - Get the Feeling of the Vibrant City - Full-Day TourBerlin's 20th Century: 3 h city walk with "senior" guideThe flexible Berlin guided tour with a contemporary witness and driverBerlin City Sightseeing in a Nut ShellSachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial - Day-Trip from BerlinWalking Tour of Potsdam - Day-Trip from BerlinSachsenhausen Concentration Camp - Day Trip from BerlinHalf Day Berlin City Sightseeing