The Palace of Tears commonly features as a stop on historical walking and bike tours that tell the story of the Cold War and the Berlin Wall. Other key landmarks typically showcased on these tours include Checkpoint Charlie, the Berlin Wall Memorial, Brandenburg Gate, and the Reichstag building. Another way to visit the Palace of Tears is on a self-guided audio tour, but going with a local expert is recommended for in-depth commentary on the exhibits.
The Palace of Tears is located near Friedrichstrasse station. If using public transport, the easiest way to get there is to hop on the S-Bahn and choose between lines S1, S2, S5, S7, S25, and S75. You can also take the U6 U-Bahn, or the M1 or #12 tram to Friedrichstrasse. There are no parking facilities at the museum, so it’s best to take public transport or a taxi.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday all year round, but it's advisable to check the website for opening hours before visiting. To avoid the afternoon crowds, it's best to start early when the museum opens—usually around 9am. Alternatively, get there later in the day, after 4pm.
There are several museums where you can expand your knowledge of the Cold War period in Berlin, including the Stasi Museum, located at the former grounds of the East Germany Secret State Police. There’s also the BlackBox Cold War Museum at Checkpoint Charlie, and the German Historical Museum—the perfect place to get an overview of Berlin’s complex history.
