Berlin Cold War GDR Survival Food Tour: Life Behind the Wall
Delve into the culinary history of Berlin on the Cold War GDR Survival Food Tour, Life and food behind the Berlin Wall, where food serves as a lens to understand life in the East German GDR and behind the Berlin Wall. This unique experience offers a glimpse into the daily lives of East Germans through authentic dishes shaped by rationing and state control.
About this experience
Delve into the culinary history of Berlin on the Cold War GDR Survival Food Tour, Life and food behind the Berlin Wall, where food serves as a lens to understand life in the East German GDR and behind the Berlin Wall.
This unique experience offers a glimpse into the daily lives of East Germans through authentic dishes shaped by rationing and state control. Enjoy tastings of GDR-era foods and drinks while learning about the improvisation and resilience of ordinary Berliners navigating a divided city.
Alongside delicious food, short historical insights, and landmarks provide context about the Cold War and the realities of life in the GDR. Perfect for food lovers and history buffs alike, we conduct this 3.5-hour tour in small groups for the unique personal touch.
- Sample authentic East German dishes and drinks
- Short historical stops connecting Landmarks & food to Cold War history
- Small group sizes for the best experience
- Tours last around 3.5 hours, starting at 15:00 or 15:30
What is included
- Sample a selection of GDR-era dishes that reflect daily life in East Berlin, from simple staples to comfort foods shaped by shortages and limited ingredients. Food Stories From Behind the Wall.
- Sample East German style drinks
- There will be an Alcholic East German sample available for those of ages it is completely optional
- Food and drinks
What you will see
Alexanderplatz 1, Berlin
The Capital of the GDR Alexanderplatz was redesigned in the 1960s to serve as the symbolic center of East Berlin and the capital of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). This vast open square reflected socialist city planning ideals — monumental, functional, and built for the “people.” This stop sets the historical foundation for understanding life in the GDR.
Berlin
Karl-Marx-Allee was East Germany’s grand architectural statement — a monumental Stalinist boulevard designed to demonstrate the power and prestige of the workers’ state.
Samariterstraße
Away from monumental showpieces, we explore residential East Berlin along Frankfurter Allee to understand everyday life.
Revaler Str. 99, Berlin
Once a Reichsbahn railway repair yard, RAW became a symbol of post-1989 transformation. After reunification, abandoned industrial spaces were taken over by artists and subculture movements.
Warschauer Str.
The end of the GDR Warschauer Straße was once a border crossing zone between East and West Berlin. Today it represents reunified Berlin — vibrant, chaotic, and transformed.
Muhlenstrasse, Berlin
The East Side Gallery is the longest remaining preserved section of the Berlin Wall, transformed into an open-air gallery in 1990.
Berlin
We conclude at a East German style and themed restaurant featuring original GDR-era décor and Trabant cars outside for photos. Guests may choose to try traditional East German dishes
Cancellation and terms
- Free cancellation up to 1 day before
Where to meet
8 Karl-Liebknecht-Str., 10178, Berlin
Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 8
Know before you go
• Infants must not sit on laps
• Infant seats unavailable
• Wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller or pram accessible
Animals or pets allowed
Public transportation nearby
Minimum age: 1.
Guide speaks: English.