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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 16 December, 2022

East Germany’s darkest past is on show at this former prison of the Stasi, the notorious East German secret police.

Thousands of inmates, ranging from student activists to leaders of the 1953 uprising, were interned here. Now a memorial, tours are usually conducted by former inmates offering a more vivid – and chilling – first-hand account of prison conditions and the interrogation methods employed by the GDR’s Ministry of State Security. It recounts stories of prison life and inmates suffering through over 300 photos and nearly 500 artefacts, including prison clothes and letters from inmates.

Price from: £5
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Take tram M5 from the S-Bahn stations at Alexanderplatz or Landsberger Allee to the Freienwalder Strasse stop. The Memorial is then about a 10-minute walk down Freienwalder Strasse.

Note that it is only possible to visit the memorial on one of the guided tours. The English-speaking public tour runs three times daily. You can just turn up, but it’s better to book in advance via the website.

When to do it

The memorial is open all year round, seven days a week.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Michelberger Hotel

Berlin, Germany[5.5 miles]

Clever Manhattan-style blend of hostel and upmarket hotel in post-industrial surroundings, with an excellent in-house organic restaurant. Great for singles, the socially-minded and hip partygoers.

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Lux 11 Berlin-Mitte

Berlin, Germany[6.4 miles]

A superb apartment hotel, with 72 self-contained luxury apartments, conveniently located for Berlin best attractions, bars and shopping.

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Casa Camper

Berlin, Germany[6.8 miles]

A quirky chic boutique hotel that blends simple luxury and hip Spanish design in a killer Mitte location. In the heart of the city’s buzz.

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Hotel Amano

Berlin, Germany[6.8 miles]

The gorgeously understated Amano offers a soothing, affordable designer option in uber-trendy Mitte.

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Stasi Museum

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Badeschiff
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Best for ages: 8+ | £6 | 1+ hours

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Market Hall Nine

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