My name is Anastasia and I'm a tour guide in Berlin.

Berlin is like a coconut. It looks cold and impregnable, but as soon as you penetrate its essence, its richness and diversity are revealed. The observation towers of the GDR coexist with hi-tech architecture, and on one patch you can see a reflection of almost the entire history of the 20th century from the Nazis and the Gestapo through the Democratic Republic to the united country. Everything is closely intertwined on these streets - graffiti, synagogues, bunkers, mosques, squares and memorials. Berlin is interesting because it raises many different questions, and there is no simple answer to any of them. 

I studied history, architecture and contemporary art, but street art became my passion. Watching culture and art spill onto the streets, how the city speaks to every passerby, is incredibly exciting. I will gladly talk with you about how to read those strange squiggles on the walls, the social processes behind it, and you will find that the streets are full of hidden messages - all around us it is a real open-air gallery!

I have been living in Berlin since 2016; I've walked its streets, felt its stones, finding my own understanding and my favorite routes. I feel that I have something to share beyond historical facts and architectural analysis though this is also an important and necessary part of course. I like to take not so hackneyed routes, pay attention to the details and local features.

In my life I moved a lot: I was born and went to school in Ukraine, finished high school in Siberia, studied at university in Moscow, worked in St. Petersburg. Then I moved to Germany and got my Master of Art degree at the ex-Bauhaus school in a very international community. Now I live in Berlin, specifically in the district of Neukoelln, where you can find people of 180 nationalities. This gives me is the ability to see the other side. I know how different the understanding of life may be and the way people perceive the information. I can adapt my explanations and give a different perspective on the subject.

Also I have a lot of work experience. I started my tour guide career in a perfect place for it - in St.Petersburg: city of palaces, museums and history. Later on I worked on the icebreaker, on Trans-Siberian and Golden circle tours, trips to the Russian north and on the Baltic cruises. So I can definitely say that I can handle any situation that may come up during the tour. I'm always ready for last minute changes and time pressure.

Moreover, I had trainings on safety recommendations for tour guides and renew my First Aid certificate every two years. So you'll be safe for sure for at least the hours of the tour. I am looking forward to your visit and will be very happy to be your guide in Berlin.