Sandemans free walking tour in Berlin is the perfect introduction to the city for first time travelers or for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of the area.

Anyone who travels knows how expensive globetrotting around the world can be. Between flights, accommodations, food and excursions it’s easy to see your bank account dwindle down to nothing.  Traveling on a shoestring can be tough, but Sandemans makes jetsetting much more affordable. Even those on the tightest budget can swing this tour because it’s free!

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

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That’s right–a 2.5 hour Sandemans walking tour of the city with a professional, insightful guide won’t cost you anything but a tip. Since this was my first time in Berlin I wanted to see a much as possible. But I was a little nervous to get around on my own since I was by myself for the first few days of my vacation. So being part of this tour was great. I didn’t have to worry about where I was going. I just followed the guide for the Sandemans free tour around and I got to see the main highlights of the city. In addition, I learned so much about the history, which I didn’t know before.

Gendarmenmarkt

Duarte was my guide for the Sandemans free walking tour and he was really knowledgable about the city. He talked in-depth about historical events that took place in Berlin and was very friendly. He always made sure everyone in the group was together and was super easy to talk to.

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My one minor complaint about the Sandemans tour was that I didn’t feel like we had enough time to take photos. For instance, at the Berlin wall, we didn’t actually walk down to it. We stood nearby and listened to Duarte as he gave interesting details about it. But we didn’t get to see it up close. We weren’t given time to explore, however it did look like it was about to rain. So we rushed through a few things in order not to get caught in the bad weather. It is a free tour, I saw so much of Berlin and I loved the guide, so can I really complain? No!

Everything else was wonderful though and I enjoyed my time with Sandemans. I’d absolutely recommend doing the tour, which is easy to set up.  Go to the site and choose the city you want. Sandemans free tours are offered in 20 cities around the world, so make sure to select the right one for you. Sign up and then you will instantly receive an email with your ticket. Once you arrive at your meeting point, show it to your guide and you’re all set. At the end you tip your guide. I suggest at least 10 euros per person.

For more information go to http://www.neweuropetours.eu/

Berlin is an incredible place where you can eat schnitzel, enjoy giant steins of beer, take in the local art scene and learn about the dark history, which shaped the look of the city today. While there’s a long list of things to do, it’s highly recommended to switch up the metropolis scenery for a day to stroll in the stunning gardens and parks in Potsdam.

The former Prussian royal city is about an hour away from Germany’s capital and the best way to experience it is by a guided tour. After taking a free walking tour with Sandemans, I signed up for their Potsdam tour, which was 15 euros plus a 10 euro tip. My tour started at 11:00am and we left promptly for the train station. You’ll need the all day ABC pass to get to Potsdam. You can use it for any means of public transportation and it’s less than 8 euros, so it’s a good deal. Your guide tells you how to buy your ticket if you don’t already have one and your group will take the train together, which is about a 40 minute ride. From there you’ll take a bus for about 10 minutes and you use the same ticket.

Duarte was my guide for both of the tours I took with Sandemans, and he was great! He’s very attentive to everyone on the tour, made sure we all got on the train okay and had seats. He directed us to Potsdam every step of the way, and those who were older in the group or were nervous to use public transportation were well taken care of.  Our first stop on the tour was where the Oscar-nominated movie “Bridge of Spies” was filmed. The iconic location is just outside of Potsdam and Duarte told us interesting details about the area and Cold War era before we wandered towards the Old Dutch Quarter.

As we marveled at the red-bricked Dutch architecture and colorful streets, Duarte, who is incredibly knowledgable about historical events, talked about the significance of Potsdam and gave us time to walk around the fairy-tale buildings.

Since it was raining in Potsdam we didn’t get to see a few things that we would normally on the tour. But we did make it to the Cecilienhof Palace. This is where Allied leaders Harry Truman, Joseph Stalin, and Winston Churchill gathered for the Potsdam Conference in 1945. We also saw the magnificent gardens and the Sanssouci Palace, which was the summer residence for Frederick the Great, King of Prussia.

We didn’t go inside any of the palaces since that’s an additional entrance fee, which isn’t included. However, the tour ends around 3:00pm so you’re free to explore anything else in Potsdam you’d like. If you want to head back to Berlin, the guide gives directions to where you’re going and helps you navigate the bus and train.

I thought it was a great tour to Potsdam and would encourage anyone to go. I was bummed the weather wasn’t better. But considering I still feel like we saw a lot of things, and I was happy I went.

Known for its eclectic mix of new and classic architecture, dark history and significant cultural landmarks, Berlin has become one of the hottest destinations in Europe to visit. The German capitol is an interesting blend of contradictions–glamour and grittiness, old and modern, laidback and wild. There’s a lot to learn about the city besides the historical aspect. There’s also a lot to experience like the buzzing nightlife and delicious dining. And the best way to take in Berlin and its diverse local scene is by a private tour, but not just any private tour, you need Henrik Tidefjärd.

Starting at $400.00 for an afternoon excursion, his tours aren’t cheap, but you’re guaranteed a good time. Tidefjärd, who is the founder of Berlinagenten, a luxury lifestyle tour company, is all about creating unique experiences for travelers. He introduces his mostly high-end cliental to trendy, chic places, amazing food and lively nightlife–and yes he goes out clubbing with you! Although he’s a licensed and professional guide, he’s more like the most convivial travel partner you’ll ever have.

He also takes his unforgettable tours a step further and caters to people who are looking for inspiration because they’ve already seen and done everything. Storytelling travel and concept VIP is the trend right now for high rollers who’ve traveled extensively and are in search of a new thrill.

“You create an experience almost like a theatre. So if you take a cruise or private boat then they will set up maybe like a mermaid on the rocks and then she disappears into the ocean. There’s no limit on price. It’s all about experience,” he said.

So what would a storytelling experience look like for Berlin?

“We have an edgy, sexy, underground, creative scene. You could step in behind closed doors and meet the founders of creative companies, go to a special bar, clubs and restaurants. Everything that Berlin is about and its creative scene, you would feel it and touch it and meet,” he continued.

Tidefjärd moved to Berlin in 2001 and quickly learned there wasn’t many “cool trendy restaurants” at that time. So he scouted out the places he’d want to go and “put together a tour to offer travelers who are keen on the food scene. But not traditional restaurants, more hip. Berlin doesn’t represent Germany because it’s much more multi-cultural,” he said. “This is more like New York or London. If you go to Munich there you will find the authentic German food, here’s it’s really international,” Tidefjärd said.

Over the last couple of decades the city has experienced a culinary explosion of immigrant and classic cuisines, as well as an impressive array of fine dining, adding to Berlin’s increased popularity.

“We have the biggest Turkish community in the world outside of Turkey. They are important to Berlin. They have restaurants open 24 hours, they import fresh fruits and vegetables. They’re very hard working people. They put the spice in city. We also have a big Vietnamese population because during the Cold War there was an exchange between Communist countries. In East Germany, they got Vietnamese workers to work in the factories and they stayed here. We have so many good Vietnamese restaurants,” Tidefjärd told The Voluntourist.

But eating good relatively inexpensive food isn’t the only exciting thing about Berlin.

“When it comes to sex, drugs and rock n’ roll, people should make their own decisions on what to do and when we do it. That’s why there’s no closing restrictions on bars and club,” Tidefjärd said. And on our tour of Mitte, one of Berlin’s coolest neighborhoods, he explained how locals like to party.

“A typical bar scene looks like someone pulled in furniture from the street or the garbage. We like the concrete and rough style because that means we can’t destroy anything when we’re having a good time. If you walk into a fancy place where they have a fancy chandelier and it’s super nice, you’re afraid to dance because you don’t want to destroy anything. In Berlin we go pretty wild and want to feel relaxed. So we love vintage furniture because it’s already used. And we like concrete because that means it’s very stable to dance on,” Tidefjärd laughed.

Another amazing fact about Berlin is how welcoming locals are.

“Berlin is a city of contrast. When it comes to people, Berlin is a healthy city with acceptance and tolerance of others. In one courtyard you have part of a building, which is more like a community, bohemians, anti-capitalists, anti-fascists. Then next door you have Coco Chanel people, very wealthy, hipster people who have moved in,” Tidefjärd told us.

“Many other cities around the world you have the rich people in the centers and their own communities, so they never get the chance to meet those alternative people and vice versa. So in Berlin we have a high acceptance and understanding of subcultures because they live next door. That makes us very healthy and not divided or segregated. That’s why Berlin is such a special city where we love each other and we live in peace,” he added.

Squatter House in Berlin

Tidefjärd and his team of 40 guides entertain intrepid travelers, large groups, corporations, celebrities and thrill seekers who are into vibrant culture, cutting-edge architecture, shopping, art, lifestyle, fabulous food and parties.

Here’s just a taste of what you could be doing on a Berlinagenten tour.

“In the summertime you have to check out the beach clubs. We don’t need to go to Ibiza. We have the best summer parties. The two you must go to are Haubentaucher and this floating swimming pool in the river called Badeschiff,” Tidefjärd said.

“Another cool thing to do is the historical airport Tempelhof. It’s the former American airport during the Cold War. It’s a public park today so you can go ziplining, parachuting, picnicking, grilling, whatever. You have fun on the runway. It’s a very cool place. There are so many different ways to discover Berlin, but the waterways is the highlight because you see places that you wouldn’t from the street. You will be surprised about the hidden gems around the river. It’s beautiful and fun,” he added.

If you are looking to just hit up Berlin’s typical touristy attractions, Tidefjärd isn’t for you, but he does have some advice.

“Don’t do the beer bikes. It’s so touristic. You just go around on a stupid bike with 10 people with a barrel of beer and a Berliner will spit on you and throw a bottle of beer at you because we hate it.”

For more information on Berlinagenten and the custom tours Henrik Tidefjärd offers please visit https://www.berlinagenten.com/#/tourshop

Also check out Gil Travel Group if doing a fun multi-city vacation of Eastern Europe is more your thing. I’m all about tours when I travel and while I haven’t tried Gil Travel Group yet, they look awesome and I hope to soon.

Poznań is one of the largest and oldest cities in Poland, and surprisingly still under the radar with travelers. However, after experiencing its beauty and uniqueness, there’s no doubt tourists will soon be overrunning it. So go now!

Located between Berlin and Warsaw, Poznań is known for its Renaissance style buildings and remarkable charm. The city has a 1000-year-old history and played a significant religious and political role during the 10th century. As you wander through the vibrant cobblestone streets, the European city has an exciting antiquated feeling that’s vividly present. Poznań is distinctive in the sense that tradition and history are interwoven with modernity offering interesting attractions and idyllic hideaways.

One of the most popular places to see is the Old Market Square. There you’ll find cafes, bars and shops buzzing with the friendly locals. Make sure to be there at noon and mull around the Town Hall. Every day at that time the clock strikes and two mechanical billy goats come out butting heads 12 times–a tradition since 1551. Legend has it a celebratory elaborate feast was prepared for the town’s esteemed guests. However, the chef burnt the roast to a crisp, which was the main dish. In a desperate move to save the festive occasion, he stole two billy goats from a nearby meadow, but that didn’t work out so well for him either.

They escaped and were found butting heads in front of the Town Hall. The mayor was rather amused by the incident and ordered two billy goats be added to the clock. They’ve been battling it out center stage ever since. You could easily spend an entire day at the Old Market Square, but if you have limited time, make sure to explore the other must see places in Poznań. The Fara Church is around the corner from the square and is strikingly breathtaking. You could also spend countless hours admiring the baroque gold decor, ornate high ceilings and detailed statues. The 1600s pink facade Catholic church does have guided tours, so if you some time you can schedule one.

RELATED: Potsdam Day Trip from Berlin

Other Places to See in Poznań

–Old Brewery 50 50

–Cathedral Island

–Citadel Park

–Imperial Castle

–Poznań National Museum where you can see Claude Monet – “La plage à Pourville, soleil couchant” (“Beach in Pourville”). It was stolen in 2000, but recovered and returned to the museum in 2010.

Poznań is easily accessible by bus, plane or train, which is what I took from Berlin. It was about $90 each way and was six hours roundtrip, but so worth the price and long day. The city can be seen in a day, but if you can stay overnight, you can enjoy the nightlife, which is something I didn’t have time for.

Keep in mind you can’t use Euros so make sure to bring a credit card or exchange money.  In my experience not as many locals spoke English as they did in Berlin. However, it’s still easy to communicate with people. Also you don’t need your passport to enter from Berlin by train. But there were random passport checks on the train by German authorities so have it with you just in case.

You should absolutely add Poznań to your list of must see places. The city contains an impressive amount of history to soak up and learn about. But, even if that’s not your thing, the architecture, food and lively atmosphere is reason enough to go.