Explore Berlin’s famous and hidden courtyards on a two-hour guided walk in English. Starting at Hackescher Markt, discover the historic Spandauer Vorstadt in Berlin-Mitte and the stories behind its façades. Small groups of up to 15 people.
- Discover famous and hidden courtyards in Berlin-Mitte.
- Explore the historic Spandauer Vorstadt on foot.
- Visit the Hackesche Höfe and hear the stories behind their façades.
- Follow traces of Jewish life past the New Synagogue and the Old Jewish Cemetery.
- Enjoy a guided tour in English with a maximum of 15 people.
| Included | Guided walking tour in English |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Bring along | Recommended: comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. |
| Participants | Max. 15 people |
| Important information | Meeting point: Outside the entrance to the I LOVE BERLIN shop at Hackescher Markt 4 (formerly BUTLERS; corner building). Near Hackescher Markt S-Bahn station. End of tour: Oranienburger Straße / Tucholskystraße, near Oranienburger Straße S-Bahn station. Accessibility: The tour is largely accessible. Please discuss individual requirements with Secret Tours Berlin before booking. |
| Additional information | AGBs (Stand 2021).pdf |
Further information
Berlin is known for its many courtyards. Their history goes back to the 19th century, when Berlin grew into a city of a million people and large tenement buildings were built.
An alternative walking tour: Berlin's courtyards
Once outside Berlin's city gates, the Spandauer Vorstadt is one of the city's oldest and best-preserved neighbourhoods. It stretches between Hackescher Markt, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße, Torstraße and Oranienburger Straße in Berlin-Mitte. Once a poor neighbourhood, it is characterised by three- and four-storey buildings from the 19th century, alongside some prefabricated apartment blocks. The district is now protected as a historic architectural ensemble.
Hackescher Markt and the Hackesche Höfe
Our walk starts at Hackescher Markt, in the heart of the Spandauer Vorstadt, and leads to the famous Hackesche Höfe. Built in 1906, these beautifully restored Art Nouveau courtyards, some decorated with colourful tiles, were intended as a model for healthier living and working. With eight courtyards, the complex is one of Europe's largest enclosed courtyard ensembles.
Hidden places in Berlin
We leave the usual tourist routes to explore Berlin's hidden courtyards, including Haus Schwarzenberg, the Rosenhöfe, the Sophie-Gips-Höfe and the Heckmann Höfe. People once lived, worked, made things and celebrated in these confined spaces. Today, former stables and factory buildings house restaurants, art galleries and creative shops.
Traces of Jewish life
Following the traces of Jewish life in Berlin, we continue towards Oranienburger Straße. The gilded ribs of the New Synagogue's dome, around 50 metres high, are visible from afar. Before the Second World War, this was Germany's largest and most important synagogue. The route also passes the Old Jewish Cemetery and the Otto Weidt Workshop for the Blind.
A lively Berlin neighbourhood
Today, the area around Hackescher Markt is a fashionable, colourful and international neighbourhood.
