Berlin Attractions
Most of the attractions in Berlin are related to its special past. Brandenburger Tor is the primary symbol of Berlin, especially since the fall of the Wall has reduced its competition. Speaking about the Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the East Side Gallery (see the section Sightseeing), have made sure you’ll still be able to experience its remains. For a family trip, Berlin’s wonderful Zoo might be a good idea. Or what about enjoying a view over the city from the Fernsehturm with the kids?
Zoologischer Garten (Zoo), Hardenbergplatz 58
Fernsehturm (Television Tower), Panormastrasse 1a
Brandenburger Tor
The Brandenburger Tor is one of the icons of Berlin. The gate, built in 1795, originally was situated at the border of the town. On top of the gate, there is sculpture of a chariot with the goddess of victory. The Berlin Wall passed just behind the Brandenburger Tor. The square behind the gate is full of souvenir stationeries, selling made in China parts of the Berlin wall, Russian army caps and GDR memorabilia. You also can take your picture with people dressed up as Russian or American soldiers. More originally, you might encounter some "Ampelman": street artists playing the part of the distinct Berlin traffic lights.
Pariser Platz 7
Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie is a historical place. The only border crossing between East and West Berlin was located at this checkpoint in the former American sector. During the Cold war, Russian and American tanks where facing each other here. The border crossing was heavily protected to prevent East German citizens to leave their country. For this purpose, in 1961 a 155 km wall around West Berlin was built. The wall was 3.6 meter high and 1.2 meters wide. Although figures are uncertain, more than 100 East Germans were shot dead when attempting to cross the guarded wall. Nowadays, the Haus am Checkpoint Charlie (House at Checkpoint Charlie) is located here. This Berlin wall museum tells the story of the wall and of the German disintegration and integration.
Friedrichstrasse 43-45.