Bowie's Berlin Tour: Cold War Music Inspiration

Explore how the Cold War influenced David Bowie’s iconic Berlin albums on a 3-hour guided tour. Follow in the footsteps of Bowie and discover the historical sites that inspired his music.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

When David Bowie moved to Berlin in 1976, he found an island of Cold War angst, “cut off from its world, art and culture, dying with no hope of retribution.” This tour takes you back to the decadent 1970’s city that inspired Bowie’s classic Berlin albums Low, Heroes and Lodger. Starting at Cold War West Berlin’s decadent heart, Zoo Station, we follow…

What's Included
  • Tour guide expertise provided by historian, professor, doctoral student, journalist, or published author
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Transportation to/from attractions: You will need to use public transport a few times, since the distances between some key sites would be too far to walk. If you will not have a few days visitor’s transit pass to Berlin already, we suggest that you purchase the day metro pass. If you cannot purchase it in advance, your guide will help you purchase it at the first metro station on the tour
Additional Information

Uncover how the Cold War era of the 1970s instigated the creation of Bowie’s renowned Berlin records. Embark on a 3-hour journey around Berlin, a city Bowie referred to as “isolated from its world, art and culture, perishing with no chance of recompense,” guided by an expert. Trace Bowie’s footsteps to the building he lived in with Iggy Pop, and saunter…

Location
Schiffbauerdamm 8
Schiffbauerdamm
Please meet your guide in front of Ständige Vertretung, a memorabilia-filled cafe. Schiffbauerdamm 8, 10117 Berlin.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(110 Ratings)
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Carocozze
Nov 12, 2024
Berlin from a unique perspective - Dan was such a great guide and he knew the answer to every question we threw at him. We saw all the highlights of David Bowie's life in Berlin. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting. We had three generations in our group and each one enjoyed it. Thank you Dan!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Caroline_c
Nov 11, 2024
Cool, Unique Experience - Dan was such a great guide and he knew the answer to every question we threw at him. We saw all the highlights of David Bowie’s life in Berlin. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting. We had three generations in our group and each one enjoyed it. Thank you Dan!
Review provided by Viator
Bigtraveller1
Oct 17, 2024
A must for Bowie fans! - I am a big David Bowie fan so I was really looking forward to this tour. Our guide, Dan Borden, was excellent. As a fan, I wanted to see Bowie’s Berlin and learn some things I didn’t know. Dan was very personable and a great guide and speaker. He wove all the elements of Bowie’s time in Berlin into a fascinating narrative as he led us through the various sites playing selections of the Berlin Trilogy. I enjoyed every minute. My wife, who was not a Bowie fan said at the end: “I’m now a Bowie fan.” Very enjoyable and highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Neilmb2753rb
Oct 17, 2024
The best walking tour ever - An absolutely fascinating experience that brought 1970s Berlin to life. Not only did we talk about Bowie and his music, but also the state of the city, art, history and the context of his decisions and lifestyle. Our guide Lee's passion and knowledge came through from the first minute to the last. I had goosebumps as we followed in the footsteps of the great man. A bit more expensive than other tours, but absolutely worth it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer_l
Oct 13, 2024
Great Bowie walking tour in Berlin! - Dan is a great guide, very knowledgeable, friendly and interactive. The tour covered lots of different areas and sights in Berlin with specific zoom-ins on a given period or part of Bowie's career. Music was also provided as we walked along, and there was time for pictures and all the logistical stuff. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Viator
Expedition362323
Sep 20, 2024
Do it! David Bowie tour - Lovely! Excellent and Knowledgeable Guide. A walking David Bowie Wikipedia. A musical experience along Bowie's favorite places in Berlin.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kenneth_z
Sep 19, 2024
Lee and Bowie - Lee, our guide, performed expert-Lee, spouted his knowledge effortless-Lee and helped us to appreciate Bowie complete-Lee
Review provided by Viator
Diane_d
Sep 15, 2024
Fantastic slice of Music History during Bowie’s Berlin Era - We thoroughly enjoyed our Bowie in Berlin Tour with Lee Evans. Lee has a great sense of humor and brought keen insights into what inspired Bowie during his highly productive creative renewal period in Berlin. Lee infused the tour with relevant Bowie music, local history & culture and kept the tour moving at a steady pace while juggling late arrivals and changing train schedules. We highly recommend this tour if you seek a deeper understanding of Bowie’s favorite Berlin haunts and inspirations.
Review provided by Viator
Wendy_t
Aug 25, 2024
Bowie - What an amazing experience. I’m a mad Bowie fan but learnt so much from our guide Lee. I would highly recommend it. Thank you xx
Review provided by Viator
Daniel_h
Aug 10, 2024
Berlin through Bowie’s eyes - A really fascinating journey into this period of Bowie’s life in the context of Berlin’s rich and tumultuous history. We learned so much from our wonderfully kind and knowledgeable guide, Rachel.
Review provided by Viator
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