WALKING TOURS -- For an excellent introduction to Berlin and its history, try one of the themed walking tours offered by Berlin Walks (tel. 030/3019194; www.berlinwalks.de). “Discover Berlin” is a 4-hour introductory tour; “Infamous Third Reich Sites” focuses on the sites of major Nazi buildings in central Berlin; “Jewish Life in Berlin” takes you through the prewar Jewish community; Reservations are unnecessary—simply meet the guide at the appointed starting point, which will be listed on the website. Tours (in English) cost 14€ for adults, 12€ for 14- to 25-year-olds and seniors.

BUS TOURS -- Berlin is a sprawling metropolis and an organized bus tour can be the best way to get a good overview of the entire city and its many neighborhoods and sights you might not otherwise have time to see. Severin+Kühn, Kurfürstendamm 216 (tel. 030/88-04-190; www.severin-kuehn-berlin.de; U-Bahn: Kurfürstendamm), offers a half-dozen tours of Berlin and its environs. Passes start at 15€, but vary by route.

BOAT TOURS -- Berlin is a city of rivers (the Spree and Havel) and canals, and a boat tour opens up a different side of this endlessly fascinating metropolis. The city’s best-known boat operator is Stern und Kreisschiffahrt, Pushkinallee 15 (tel. 030/53-63-600; www.sternundkreis.de). The most popular of their cruises, “Historische Stadtfahrt” (Historic City Tour), offered daily from March through October, takes you for a 1-hour ride on the Spree; see their website for departures times and prices.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.