About this activity
Editor's Note
Look, most people think "government district" and immediately expect a dry lecture on bureaucracy and occupancy rates of office blocks. I’ve spent fifteen years in travel, and I'll tell you straight—most of these tours are just glorified walks. But Berlin? Berlin is different. It’s one of those rare spots where the architecture actually tells the truth about the scars of history, rather than hiding them. While the industry keeps pushing high-margin "luxury" bus tours, the real lead here is the Reichstag. It’s a bit provocative, isn't it? A building that was burned, bombed, and wrapped in fabric, now sitting under a glass dome that literally lets the public look down on the politicians. If you want to understand why Germany functions the way it does—and why their revpar in the city center stays so high—this is the walk you need to take. Honestly, it's better than any textbook I've ever read, even if the security lines are a bit of a pain.
About the Tour
The Heart of German Democracy
This tour takes you deep into the political engine room of Europe. Your journey begins in the Government District, where you will trace the path of the old historical sector border. This isn't just a stroll; it’s a lesson in how a divided city became the powerhouse it is today. You'll explore the grand scale of the parliamentary buildings while your guide breaks down the complex tasks and duties of the Bundestag.
An Architectural Masterpiece
The highlight for many is, of course, the Reichstag building. You’ll hear the gripping narrative of its survival and its eventual transformation into a symbol of transparency. The tour focuses heavily on the work of Lord Norman Foster, the visionary who reimagined the building. You will learn about the sophisticated ecological concepts behind the design—it’s a marvel of modern engineering that actually powers itself.
From the Plenary Chamber to the Sky
During the visit, you will get an exclusive look at the Plenary Chamber (Plenarsaal). Standing at the heart of the German government, you’ll see where the nation's biggest decisions are debated.
Finally, you’ll ascend to the famous Glass Dome. Walking the spiraling ramps of the dome offers a literal and metaphorical view of transparency in government. Once you reach the rooftop terrace, you are rewarded with some of the most stunning panoramic views of the Berlin skyline. It's the perfect spot to capture the contrast between the historic Tiergarten and the modern skyscrapers of Potsdamer Platz.
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
- Key Sights: Reichstag Building, Plenary Chamber, Foster’s Dome, Government District.
- Pro Tip: Security is tight (as you'd expect for a government building), so make sure your IDs are ready and you arrive early to beat the rush.
Highlights
- Learn about the political history of Berlin on a guided tour of the Reichstag
- Visit the Plenarsaal and/or the dome of the Reichstag building with your guide
- Get a look behind the scenes of the heart of Germany's political landscape
- Admire the fascinating design of the building and the surrounding district
- Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of Berlin from the rooftop terrace
Know before you go
- On certain dates, the visit to the dome can be combined with a visit to the Plenarsaal to hear a free speech of the Bundestag (45 minutes, no guarantee)
- The Bundestag may cancel bookings to visit the dome on short notice
- The time booked cannot always be guaranteed. Please make sure your itinerary is not too crowded, since the actual tour may take place up to 2 hours earlier or later than scheduled
- The dome of the Reichstag can be visited for free
- The dome will probably not be open to visitors from July 28 to July 31, 2025, from September 29 to October 1, 2025 and from October 20 to 23, 2025 due to cleaning and maintenance work. The roof terrace will remain accessible even when the dome is closed and we will still be able to offer guided tours.
What to bring
Not allowed
Includes / Excluded
Itinerary
Starting location:
Paul-Löbe-Allee & Konrad-Adenauer-Straße
Reichstag
Guided tour (2 hours)
Reichstag Plenary Chambers
Visit
Reichstag Dome
Visit
2 drop-off locations:
Reichstag Building, Reichstagsgebäude