Hidden Courtyards of Berlin – Tour in English

The tour at a glance

• Discover fascinating facts, curious tales and surprising stories about the history of Berlin’s courtyards.
• Explore the historic Spandauer Vorstadt neighbourhood in Berlin-Mitte.
• Admire Germany’s largest enclosed courtyard complex and discover the history behind its façades.
• Follow the traces of Jewish life.
• Find out what the „Toleranzgasse“ is all about.

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What to expect

• Discover Berlin beyond the usual tourist routes

  The history of Berlin’s courtyards dates back to the 19th century, when Berlin grew into a city of a million people and large tenement blocks were built. These courtyards have many stories and legends to share.

  On our 2-hour Berlin tour, you will see famous, hidden and individually designed courtyards for yourself.

• An alternative walk through the courtyards of Berlin-Mitte

  Once outside Berlin’s city gates, the Spandauer Vorstadt is one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. This well-preserved district lies between Hackescher Markt, the River Spree, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße, Torstraße and Oranienburger Straße in Berlin-Mitte. The former poor quarter is characterised by three- and four-storey buildings from the 19th century, alongside some prefabricated apartment blocks. The Spandauer Vorstadt is now protected as a historic architectural ensemble.

• Berlin sights: Hackescher Markt & Hackesche Höfe

  Our guided walk starts at Hackescher Markt in the heart of the Spandauer Vorstadt. From here, we head to the world-famous Hackesche Höfe. Built in 1906, these beautifully restored Art Nouveau courtyards, some decorated with colourful tiles, were intended as a model for modern, healthier living and working. Made up of eight courtyards, the complex is the largest enclosed courtyard ensemble in Europe.

  The Hackesche Höfe are among the best-known attractions in Berlin. Almost every visitor to the city has been there. But do you know the history behind this impressive setting? On our guided walk, we share the fascinating background stories and their surprising details.

• Hidden places in Berlin

  Haus Schwarzenberg // Rosenhöfe // Sophie-Gips-Höfe // Heckmann Höfe

   

  Do not miss these places! We leave the usual tourist routes to explore Berlin’s hidden courtyards. This alternative Berlin tour is a journey through time. What do the courtyards tell us? People once lived, worked, made things and celebrated in these confined spaces. Today, these hidden places are cultural gems. Former stables now house modern restaurants, cosy cafés, galleries and creative concept shops.

• A walk through Jewish Berlin

  New Synagogue // Old Jewish Cemetery // Otto Weidt Workshop for the Blind

   

  Following the traces of Jewish life, we continue west to the New Synagogue on Oranienburger Straße, one of Berlin’s best-known promenades. Its dome, more than 50 metres high and decorated with golden ribs, is visible from far away. Until the Second World War, this place of worship, with more than 3,000 seats, was Germany’s largest and most important synagogue. Inaugurated for the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, in September 1866, the New Synagogue symbolises German-Jewish history.

• One of Berlin’s lively neighbourhoods

  The area around Hackescher Markt has developed into a fashionable, multicultural neighbourhood. Design and fashion shops, bars and restaurants characterise this creative district between Friedrichstraße and Alexanderplatz.

• Our restaurant tips for after the tour

  Restaurant „Clärchens Ballhaus“, Auguststraße

  Restaurant „ROOT“ in the former telegraph office, Monbijoustraße

  Restaurant „House of Small Wonder“, Auguststraße

Meeting point / end of tour

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