Checkpoint Charlie
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Will echo what prior reviews have said about this famous crossing checkpoint point from East to West Berlin: - look before crossing the street and beware of traffic, this is a regular street with a good number of cars, buses, motorcycles, etc, so be considerate and safe! - the monument itself is outdoors so technically open 24/7, though is pretty much a place to snap a few pics if you want. The museum along the street has more detailed history and exhibits. - the original larger checkpoint booth is now displayed in the Allied Museum in Berlin.
After the Berlin Wall fell, they kept the checkpoint where you had to go to get back and forth between East and West Berlin. That is Checkpoint Charlie in a nutshell, and it is nothing more than the booth and some signage. Tourists line up to take a few pics with their loved ones. But face it, you're gonna go. It's like the Empire State Building or Statue of Liberty in NYC. And like NYC, the area around the simple border gate remaining has morphed into Berlin's equivalent of Times Square without the smelly dangerous people in costumes. All the restaurants and bars around it reference Checkpoint Charlie in their names or menu items. The stores all sell touristy tchotchkes. But, hey, it's history, and it only takes a couple minutes. Check it out!
Checkpoint Charlie is one of the best known sites in Berlin. It became a symbol of the Cold War itself, representing the separation of East and West. The checkpoint itself is very small and there's not much to see, rather it's just a photo opportunity. As many other reviews have mentioned this is a very busy street and there will be cars coming and going on both sides of it. Make sure to check both ways when you cross the street to get in front of it and also be aware that this area is extremely crowded and you will see tons of tourists. It's not the most exciting thing to do in Berlin nor will it take a lot of time, but I feel that everyone should see it at least once. Especially if you are from the West. I'm glad that it is still here, although it was not the most exciting part of our Berlin trip.
Interesting sight with many people. There's not much to see though. We were already in the area so we went to go check it out. It feels a bit unsafe because the roads surrounding the sight are busy with cars and tour buses and stuff. And there's ton of people trying to get pictures and are walking in the street. Maybe worth going to if you like history and in the area.
Such a historic site in Berlin. Finding the checkpoint was really easy. Parking was simple as well. I was able to find a spot on the street. Walking up to the checkpoint they have information on the walls that describe the history of the checkpoint. I only stayed for a few minutes, took some pics, and then left. It's worth checking out if you have time.
I like it because of the alliteration and it definitely wouldn't be as cool if it were Checkpoint Other-NATO-Phonetic-Alphabet letter. Checkpoint Alpha, Bravo, Delta--just doesn't have the same ring to it. If you've been looking forward to checking this place out, it will indeed be very interesting, but then you'll realize how commercialized it is right next door. I mean, when you're taking a picture with this site, you will also get a good picture with the golden arches of McDonald's . So, aside from the busy street which does take away some charm, Checkpoint Charlie is cool for what it is and is worth a visit if you're into this history about the Berlin Wall. Check it out in the morning when it's not as busy and then grab some coffee at Einstein Kaffee right next to it.
The literal crossing between old east and West Berlin. You put note today that they used to be a wall between the two parts of the city. Which of the walls have been taken down. There's been some sections left up as a relic and reminder of the past history of Berlin. The checkpoints off isn't much to look at. It's a small gate with a couple soldiers on Watch still. The best part of checkpoint Charlie in the vicinity are all the remaining walls. Just to see the fortress that was built around the east and west Berlin wall. You could easily spend a couple hours or even longer walking around and checking out all the graffiti on the wall. And seeing the little cracks in the walls that were created by residents on either side trying to see the world on the other side. I do recall seeing rerun of the videos on TV of the wall coming down, it was a historical moment in Germany and Berlin's history.
There is historical significance to this location so that's why it gets three stars. Unfortunately now it is more like Times Square with costumed (uniformed?) people dressed like soldiers asking for money for you to take pictures of them standing in front of the guardhouse, much like the numerous Minnie Mouse and Elmo characters in Times Square. It's also distracting that there is a giant KFC right beside the place! Definitely worth a visit but then go check out some of the nearby museums to get more of a historic than touristic feel for the place.
2 months ago
Checkpoint Charlie. Next to the Brandenburg Gate, this has got to be the 2nd most famous site to see in Berlin. No, there's not much to it, but if you are a history buff, this is a must-see. Unfortunately, since the wall came down, commercialism has taken over the area and shops of all kinds have been built up surrounding it, including a McDonald's which will almost always show up in photos. This landmark is now in the middle of the street. Another unfortunate thing is that, at certain times, there are people dressed as soldiers from the US and USSR who will take photos with you for a fee. When I was there, it was my understanding that you couldn't get a good photo (behind the sandbags) with out paying this fee. Lucky for us, on the day we visited, these guys were nowhere to be seen, so a bunch of tourists just took pictures for each other, and it was actually orderly! Not one squabble, and it does get crowded. Check out the checkpoint. It's not a waste of time. 85/2025 read more
This is the crossing point divide between west and east Berlin. We came here with our tour guide and he explained the US vs the Russian side. This was an interesting part of history and to see the photos explaining some big points in the history where there was conduct between both sides. It is free with limited parking. read more
Will echo what prior reviews have said about this famous crossing checkpoint point from East to West Berlin: - look before crossing the street and beware of traffic, this is a regular street with a good number of cars, buses, motorcycles, etc, so be considerate and safe! - the monument itself is outdoors so technically open 24/7, though is pretty much a place to snap a few pics if you want. The museum along the street has more detailed history and exhibits. - the original larger checkpoint booth is now displayed in the Allied Museum in Berlin. read more
After the Berlin Wall fell, they kept the checkpoint where you had to go to get back and forth between East and West Berlin. That is Checkpoint Charlie in a nutshell, and it is nothing more than the booth and some signage. Tourists line up to take a few pics with their loved ones. But face it, you're gonna go. It's like the Empire State Building or Statue of Liberty in NYC. And like NYC, the area around the simple border gate remaining has morphed into Berlin's equivalent of Times Square without the smelly dangerous people in costumes. All the restaurants and bars around it reference Checkpoint Charlie in their names or menu items. The stores all sell touristy tchotchkes. But, hey, it's history, and it only takes a couple minutes. Check it out! read more
Checkpoint Charlie is one of the best known sites in Berlin. It became a symbol of the Cold War itself, representing the separation of East and West. The checkpoint itself is very small and there's not much to see, rather it's just a photo opportunity. As many other reviews have mentioned this is a very busy street and there will be cars coming and going on both sides of it. Make sure to check both ways when you cross the street to get in front of it and also be aware that this area is extremely crowded and you will see tons of tourists. It's not the most exciting thing to do in Berlin nor will it take a lot of time, but I feel that everyone should see it at least once. Especially if you are from the West. I'm glad that it is still here, although it was not the most exciting part of our Berlin trip. read more
1 year ago
Interesting sight with many people. There's not much to see though. We were already in the area so we went to go check it out. It feels a bit unsafe because the roads surrounding the sight are busy with cars and tour buses and stuff. And there's ton of people trying to get pictures and are walking in the street. Maybe worth going to if you like history and in the area. read more
Such a historic site in Berlin. Finding the checkpoint was really easy. Parking was simple as well. I was able to find a spot on the street. Walking up to the checkpoint they have information on the walls that describe the history of the checkpoint. I only stayed for a few minutes, took some pics, and then left. It's worth checking out if you have time. read more
I like it because of the alliteration and it definitely wouldn't be as cool if it were Checkpoint Other-NATO-Phonetic-Alphabet letter. Checkpoint Alpha, Bravo, Delta--just doesn't have the same ring to it. If you've been looking forward to checking this place out, it will indeed be very interesting, but then you'll realize how commercialized it is right next door. I mean, when you're taking a picture with this site, you will also get a good picture with the golden arches of McDonald's . So, aside from the busy street which does take away some charm, Checkpoint Charlie is cool for what it is and is worth a visit if you're into this history about the Berlin Wall. Check it out in the morning when it's not as busy and then grab some coffee at Einstein Kaffee right next to it. read more
The literal crossing between old east and West Berlin. You put note today that they used to be a wall between the two parts of the city. Which of the walls have been taken down. There's been some sections left up as a relic and reminder of the past history of Berlin. The checkpoints off isn't much to look at. It's a small gate with a couple soldiers on Watch still. The best part of checkpoint Charlie in the vicinity are all the remaining walls. Just to see the fortress that was built around the east and west Berlin wall. You could easily spend a couple hours or even longer walking around and checking out all the graffiti on the wall. And seeing the little cracks in the walls that were created by residents on either side trying to see the world on the other side. I do recall seeing rerun of the videos on TV of the wall coming down, it was a historical moment in Germany and Berlin's history. read more
There is historical significance to this location so that's why it gets three stars. Unfortunately now it is more like Times Square with costumed (uniformed?) people dressed like soldiers asking for money for you to take pictures of them standing in front of the guardhouse, much like the numerous Minnie Mouse and Elmo characters in Times Square. It's also distracting that there is a giant KFC right beside the place! Definitely worth a visit but then go check out some of the nearby museums to get more of a historic than touristic feel for the place. read more
4 years ago
Something of a must for visitors, Checkpoint Charlie was the best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Featured in films the area offers lots of photo ops and signage that can be accomplished in approximately 1 hour. read more
Five stars for the history, one star for the crass commercialism. If you're in Berlin you sort of have to see Checkpoint Charlie, the barrier and checkpoint booth (now a replica) that separated the borders of East and West Berlin during the Cold War. It's chilling to think about how life used to be in this city. The barrier, booth, flags and sandbags are all based on the original site (although they aren't original themselves). It's free to visit and open 24 hours a day. During the busy daytime hours when the street is bustling with tourists, there will be guys dressed as guards that will pose in your photos -- for a price, of course. If you want to avoid them, just go late at night. There's an easy subway stop that's steps away from the checkpoint. What irritates me the most about it is that it is impossible to get a photo without capturing the McDonald's in the background. Nothing ruins the moment like the golden arches. read more
It is a tourist trap and there were other crossing points, but this was the main point where one crossed between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. The history is worth a stop though you can probably avoid the 3€ photo ops with dressed up soldiers. Besides the spot itself there's a related museum and gallery to fill up your time in this area. Amidst all this are eateries and shops to rest and refresh worthy of any tourist traps. read more
If you're the kind of person who stands at Four Corners in the US and thinks "OK, now what" (like Gary A), yeah, this is a boring exhibit. To you, Four Corners is merely a cement slab, and Checkpoint Charlie looks like an abandoned Fotomat preparing for a flood. But if you're the kind of history-appreciating person who understands the significance of what Checkpoint Charlie now symbolizes (or if you think selfies are kEwL), then you will like it. Besides, it's all part of an integrated concept to the Berlin Wall remembrance, including the East Side Gallery, History Trail, Brandenburg Gate, Parliament of Trees, and other memorials. I especially liked it because it's next to a Subway, and for eight days in Europe, I had not found a place with free soda refills. It was like America again! O Beautiful, for spacious skies... read more
10 years ago
Historical line to stroll through! What could have been WWIII, was prevented at Checkpoint Charlie. It was heavy tension at the borderline and the right choices were made. It can be very touristy by taking a picture with the dressed up soldiers, but besides that, it's pretty neat! read more
11 years ago
Another awesome tourist attraction in Berlin. It's setup just like the original times with the guard shack and all. Great for souvenirs and photo ops. read more
7 years ago
This is difficult to review. Being American it is an automatic 5 stars. It's awesome seeing this piece of history and imaging what it would have been like when this check point was functioning. However when I arrived here and turned the corner I was surprised. This checkpoint (little house) is on an island in the middle of a busy highway. Nostalgic but odd. Then you see actors/soldiers at the check point but quickly notice they're caricatures working for tips. Across the from the checkpoint is a museum/gift shop selling merchandises. I'm thankful the location is still here and maintained. I just wasn't thrilled how it is now represented. With that being said if you're in Berlin it's a must visit and down the road from the Berlin Wall. read more
I understand is a must in Berlin, the place itself it's disappointing but the energy, the neighbourhood and it's story were awesome! Entiendo que es un must en Berlín, el sitio en si mismo es decepcionante pero su energía, El Barrio y la historia fue impresionante! read more
It's cool. It's touristy but it's significance to modern Germany history is profound. It's just not that much to look at to be honest. It is a little closed off street with a small gate. I mean that is just about it, some sandbags. What is the cool part is the sections of the wall, the museum next to it, and the information around the area. You could spend a good hour here and really check it off the list. The plaques with information and the history will get you there. The museum on the Cold War is a nice way to dive deeper but unless you are really into it, you could skip it. Worth checking out for a little while. And its really walk-able from most parts of Berlin. read more
Been there, done that, didn't buy the t-shirt. This had much more significance during our first visit to Berlin in 1991. Now it all just seems ridiculously commercialized and sad. There are guys in WW2 uniforms happy to have their photo taken with you in a replica hat for a few Euros. I suppose as a first timer, you still need to "see" it, but I wouldn't plan your day around this photo op. read more
This is basically the location of the main crossing between East and West Berlin back in the days when there happened to be a massive wall surrounding the western part of the city. Honestly, it seems like half a life time ago when that particular wall came down which, in my experience it actually was (which is basically giving away my age somewhat). This has basically become a tourist attraction, though the actual checkpoint has been movie, a replaca still stands here, along with numerous other tributes to a time long past. read more
10 years ago
Did you watch that Tom Hank's movie? Bridge of Spies was recently released here, so naturally it's worth a visit. It's a place you should not drive to. When you finish the board facing the street, go inside, There was a piece of wall turned into an art installation, there were food and drinks, and museum to wander into. It's a really great place to grab some amazing shots if you ask me. I did not care for the chachkies, which was sold all over this tourist place. Before the fall of Berlin, Americans would be able to wander into and out of this Checkpoint Charlie, and there would not be any advertising or any color on the east side of Germany. It was dreary to say the least. I'm not a history buff but I'm fascinated by anything cold war and WWII related, so this was worth spending an hour or two in. If you don't know about this period of German history, you should do a wiki of Berlin Wall. Heck, even if you do, read it anyhow because there were so much to it than the general knowledge stuff. Then come here. It'll make more sense if you read ahead. One of my favorite movies is Barbara, a German movie about an East German era. My last two German movies were A Coffee in Berlin and Victoria (my name sake movie), I caught both of them at the Berlin and Beyond Film festival in San Francisco. You can imagine why this place and Berlin has special meaning to me. I'm a fan, even though this is a touristy place, it's well worth it. read more
Since you came all the way to Berlin to see the Wall, why not take a peek? It's a guard post with hired men dressed in uniforms for entertainment purposes. The surrounding area is loaded with vendors hocking souvenirs. OVERALL: It's chocked full of tourists, crowded, and not that impressive to see. Next! read more
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Checkpoint Charlie - landmarks - Updated July 2026
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