Excellent tour guide, among the best we've had. We would definitely book with him again when we return to Berlin.
Private tour in Berlin Matthew R
5.0
(7) reviews
1
1
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.
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.
Excellent tour guide, among the best we've had. We would definitely book with him again when we return to Berlin.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
This is a private walking tour so there is no need for public or private transportation.
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:
Who is this private tour in Berlin best suited for?
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
1
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works