Checkpoint Charlie is a rather historic sight in the very historic city of Berlin, back in the Cold War, this was one of the main crossings between the Communist East (Boo!) and the Capitalist West (Yay!). This now has bee exploited, hence becoming a tourist trap, such as with actors posing as fake soldiers, taking pictures for a price, of course, their is a large amount of American businesses and brands here such as Domino's, KFC and Mcdonald's, some of which especially the first two, don't have a large presence in Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie, of course, does have the historical significance in the Cold War, they also do try to make it as much of a tourist attraction nearby with a few Berlin wall exhibits, just before one enters "The American Quarter" The overall area is decent to walk through, as of course with the reunification of Berlin and Germany, it isn't separating two opposing sides of the city, in an ongoing war anymore. In my opinion, this is a place one should visit in Berlin, but mainly down to there not being enough to do at Checkpoint Charlie for a prolonged period time and the fact this has been slightly ruined and exploited as a tourist trap for money, I feel the highest rating for CC deserves is two-stars. read more

See all

It's a hopping place, full of tourists and sites to see. But again, very touristy. We walked here from elsewhere in Berlin and it was a quick visit, but we didn't find that there was that much to see or do here. I can now say I did it, but don't feel like I need to return to this one. read more

Checkpoint Charlie - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Berlin, BE

See all

The guys who go out there everyday and dress up, hats off to you! You guys are funny, polite, and very very happy to be there; it seems like anyways. you can get your passport stamped here! Which is awesome, there's 6 stamps for 5€ per passport. We did all threee of ours and the guys were nice enough to take our photos for free. If you want a picture it's 3€ and the guy who takes them takes quite a few at one time! It's sad to see this place is now so done up, good luck trying to get a picture without the damn mcdonalds sign right in the background read more

Yah this place is ok, maybe not worth your time if you have limited time. It's just a stop - kinda like a toll booth without the toll. I'm sure it may have been a site back in the day. There are a few cheeses museums and souvenir stores, but I would not expect too much. read more

Checkpoint Charlie - I should have stopped by McDonald's... This is the true symbolism of western capitalism... - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Berlin, BE

See all

I have to agree with other reviewers in that this was a complete tourist trap, and if it wasn't for the history behind it, a complete waste of time. Once I got there I asked myself, is this it? Not only was it underwhelming, but they have guards at the checkpoint pushing for tourists to pay to take pictures. The museums around the checkpoint looked far more interesting although I didn't get the chance to go in. If you do go, don't expect much. read more

See all

This place has a lot of historical significance but the site itself is somewhat dubious in quality. The structure is a reconstruction for the purpose to extract money from tourist - probably targeted Americans. There are re-enactment actors dressed in GI uniforms that you can take photo with for €3. You can get your passport stamped for €7. There is a gift shop next to it with meaningless stuff. It was a bit disappointing to me. read more

Most have heard of Checkpoint Charlie, and many have wondered how it got its name. It turns out that Checkpoint Charlie was the most well-known of the three because it was the only checkpoint through which diplomatic personnel, American military and non-German visitors could pass into East Berlin. The names of the three checkpoints were Checkpoint A - Alpha - Checkpoint B - Bravo and of course Checkpoint C - Charley. The history of the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charley bring memories of terror when I think of the people gunned down when attempting to jump the wall. Checkpoint Charley is made famous in many spy movies. The location of Checkpoint Charley is, from my viewpoint, a tourist trap that is of little value. Walking the wall and reflecting on history is very moving for me. The tragedy of this part of world history may be lost, but for those of us who lived through it, it was a haunting part of history. read more

See all

Are you familiar with history? I am a bit rusty on the subject. I'd heard of Checkpoint Charlie, but was not sure of its significance until we made a quick pitstop here. It is a neat historical spot, and it was the most famous Berlin Wall crossing point during the Cold War. Did not expect it to be so small. It looks like a little shack with some sandbags surrounding it. I expected to see a fortress with cement barriers and guard towers. Of course, the original little shack looking guard house sits in a museum. What you see here is a replica. Overall, Checkpoint Charlie is a good place in Berlin to stop at for photo opps and to learn some history! read more

See all

Checkpoint Charlie has a very different significance today than it would have if I was writing this Yelp review 25 years ago. A large sign still warns that you're leaving the American sector Carved up by the victors of the Second World War, local Berlin families were separated by the Berlin Wall, which came to symbolise the mutual distrust and antipathy of the Cold War protagonists The actual checkpopint itself is now disappoiontingly garish and Disneyfied - you can pay to have your photo taken with the fake American guards at the checkpoint hut. I preferred the historical content nearby - there are big maps showing where the wall used to run only just over 2 decades ago and parts of the wall are still on display. The Checkpoint Charlie museum is also worth a browse I would recommend a visit to Checkpoint Charlie when you're in Berlin but you'll get more out of it if you're interested in history read more

See all

very historic area. clean as well. There's a lot to do and the gift shop is really cool too.

This is a historically significant landmark, iconic of the West/East Berlin divide. The restoration of this gateway is done very well. The guards were in period correct uniforms and certainly liked their picture taken, unlike the real thing, a generation ago. Well, you need to pay a few Euros for the snaps, but what the heck. The burly American sergeant hustling the photos was out of Central Casting. All in all, an unforgettable experience, especially for Americans with a knowledge of history and a sense of irony. It's now a popular tourist attraction. read more

Oooooo check me with the globe trotting! I spent a wonderful long weekend in Berlin back in August and as our hotel was very close to Checkpoint Charlie this was the first land mark we visited. The short story is, unless it's in easy reach of where you're staying I'd say give it a miss. There's so many things of historical significance to see in Berlin which are much better than Checkpoint Charlie. The main gripe is that none of it is actually real in any way shape or form (other than the location). The checkpoint is fake, the actors playing Soviet and US soldiers are dressed in uniforms which in no way resemble the actual uniforms the soldiers of the time would have worn, the sign declaring that you "Are now entering the American sector" in English, German and Russian is fake, and the photo of a "soviet solider killed at the checkpoint" is also fake (any decent guidebook on Berlin will tell you all this. I recommend the Time Out guide if you're asking! The Lonely Planet guide is also very good.) The actors playing soldiers always looked bored, were eating McDonald's or were joking around detracting from the sombre mood such a site deserves. The positive spin is that it doesn't cost anything to go and have a look and there are some informative displays surrounding the area with some interesting photos. read more

Checkpoint Charlie - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Berlin, BE

Seems insensitive and tacky to make to make this landmark commercial. However, since it is a landmark of historical significance, a visit seems appropriate. Nearby attractions offer a more historical and educational experience. Think it's worth a stop at least once in life. . . If you're in the area, why not? read more

Visited Berlin as a tourist and saw this sight. I am still confused by the historical significance, but it is related to the American involvement with the Cold War. In any case, it's funny and charming to see the replica of soldiers. read more

Checkpoint Charlie - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Berlin, BE

See all

Cool to see I guess. It is of course a historical place. I did have a small problem with the people dressed as American soldiers that "man" the gate taking pictures with tourist. The "soldiers" are not american and charge you $2 euros to take a picture. I skipped that part. They will also stamp your passport for $2 and give you an old passport stamp for a country that does not exist anymore. I am not sure why anyone would want to get fake stamps in the passport. read more

Checkpoint Charlie - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Berlin, BE

Pretty ok spot I know this place is famous and everything but it wasn't amazing to me. I did go to the museum as well and yes that was alright too. But like many people have said it is packed with loads of tourist. I ended up just passing by and not even taking any pictures just because to me it wasn't that great but maybe your into it. I went to a local coffee store and just ended up sitting and sipping on my cup of coffee which to me is my thing. Oh and there are people that will come up to you for money just be a little bit careful especially if you are by yourself I felt a little bit uncomfortable. read more

An obvious must do in Berlin!! Plenty of photo ops here. I paid the €5 it costs to get my passport stamped at the checkpoint. After all, Why not?! read more

See all

GO HERE! You see Checkpoint Charlie in spy shows and movies when they are headed to Berlin. You don't want to miss it. And pay the five or ten Euro to get your picture taken with the guards there. If you don't do it, you'll wish you had. The guy across the street stamping your passport for five Euro is worth it too. You don't get stamps in that fancy passport book when you travel the train in Europe. Why not stock up in Berlin? There are many museums, shops, and coffee stops near Checkpoint Charlie. Spend a day here. It'll be great. read more

I can't even say how many times I have been here to show it to friends visiting from other countries, not to say how often I pass by Checkpoint Charlie in my day-to-day life without even thinking about it. The location itself is always packed with tourists. I recommend doing the night tour, which means stopping off here in the evening or at night when it's not so busy, or even when it's deserted. That way, you can see the sights without all the kitsch. This place isn't AMAZING but I still have it on my list of places to take visitors because of the historical significance. Just don't waste too much time here because there are so many other things that are way more interesting in this city. read more

Something you might like to know about Checkpoint Charlie, it also called as "Checkpoint C" was the name given by the Western Allies to the best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin during the Cold War. At that time It became a symbol of the Cold War, representing the separation of East and West. Soviet and American tanks briefly faced each other at the location during the Berlin Crisis of 1961. At the present day, this is one of the popular sight for most of the tourists who visit Berlin. For me, it did turn out to be a bit dull. There is the camp, the sight of the two soldiers, which represents the two sides in the Cold War. The whole thing seem too tourist. There are soldiers (I'm not sure if there real soldiers) still stand around. But basically just help to take picture or be in one or two. To be honest, it didn't impressed me much, I expected something less commercial. Around the checkpoint, just some shops and restaurants, very busy street though. Of course, it's still good place to witness the heritage of history. If you are only here for a short time and looking for something more local and special, there are better places to be in Berlin. read more

Checkpoint Charlie - A historical checkpoint. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Berlin, BE

Ahhh checkpoint charlie. The CPC museum is pretty good. It's expensive though. The outdoor area, with the original sign "You are now entering the American zone" is very touristy but it kind of a staple stop if in Berlin. There are some good restaurants in the area and from gazing in windows some higher end shopping. read more

Checkpoint Charlie - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Berlin, BE

This is a TOURIST TRAP! Think of a German Times Square. The checkpoint is a replica with actors dressed up as American or Soviet soldiers. You won't learn much at the checkpoint since the street is really a busy street with tons of stores and restaurants for tourists. Come once and you'll never have to go back. read more

See all

Not sure what everyone's hate is for Checkpoint Charlie! It's free for goodness sake - and doesn't actually take any time at all. Personally I found it quite poignant, with pieces of the wall mounted along the street. There was a rather large section of the wall in the free to access section of the black box area. It wasn't all that busy at the actual Checkpoint, but did get busier down the street with tour groups around etc. read more

Checkpoint Charlie - Christmas at Checkpoint Charlie - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Berlin, BE

See all

Haus am checkpoint Charlie - 50 years Open every day of the year from 9 am until 10 p.m read more

See all

This was the crossing point between East and West Berlin back in the Cold War. Western allies vs Soviets. East Berlin was not allowed to go to West Berlin by the Soviets. A few years later, the Berlin Wall was erected. Barb wire, checkpoint, photo of an American soldier on one side and a Russian soldier on the other and a museum on the side. Lots of tourists, and people selling souvenirs. For about 5euros, you can get a photo taken and get your passport stamped - no, thank you, my passport space is precious to me and my future travels. You come here, take quick pictures and move on. read more

If most tourist had any common sense, they would skip this cheesey photo op location. First, it isn't even in its original location. Do check out the courtyard across the street which goes into the history of the area. Skip the tourist trap 'museum' in the same courtyard. Skip the posing with fake soldiers (for money of course). read more

It has history behind it and is worth the check in. Take some pictures with the male actor props to add to the effect. Some souvenir shops in the same location as well as a museum. read more

Checkpoint Charlie - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Berlin, BE

My recommendation is to pay a few Euros to get the picture with the guards, go into the museum shop and buy some good stuff, one of the best museum gifts shops in all of Germany. And then move on. Hit the Mcdonalds next door for WiFi read more

You can skip this and you wouldn't be missing out on much! It's more interesting if you read about it. Historically and probably most famously, this was the site of the tank standoff between the Soviets and the U.S. during the Cold War (which actually resulted from a complete misunderstanding! So now you should Google it to see what happened! P.S. It's opera related and could've been the start of WWIII!). It's also where many East Germans passed through into West Berlin when the Wall fell. Today, it's called the Disneyland of Berlin for a reason. The soldiers standing there are not Americans, and they WILL charge you for taking a picture with them. We just passed by on a walking tour, and I think that was sufficient. Some more interesting information: The man you see at Checkpoint Charlie is not Charlie... surprise, surprise! It's actually Checkpoint C, and in the Military Phonetic Alphabet, C is Charlie. See how much you've learned already? :) Spend your time elsewhere, like the museums! read more

Unless you're a huge history buff that wants to say "I've been here" or are going to the museum near by this is just a over-crowded touristy area. It's nice to see but it's nothing I would go out of way for unless you have a huge interest. There are tons of places throughout the city the cover the history of the cold war in a much more compelling way. read more

Checkpoint Charlie - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Berlin, BE

See all

Fun place to experience a piece of history. Guards let you take pictures for a small fee. read more

See all

Honestly, this attraction has become very touristy. There is however a lot of information on the walls nearby where you can get an in depth history lesson about checkpoint Charlie and more. This is a great spot for people watching if you grab a coffee with outdoor seating at a coffee shop nearby :) read more

See all

If you stop by there the soldiers there are not real soldiers . If you want s picture with them you have to pay . They also stamp your passport . From what I hear that if you do that you void your passport , so I wouldn't take the chance . I want to go home. There's a museum and parts of the Berlin Wall around there. If you see two rows of bricks on the street around or sidewalk that means the Berlin Wall used to be there . read more

See all

This place is amazing there's so much history in Berlin. I love being here. Everyone who visits Berlin should make a stop here and have a nuttela crepe walk around go to the museum. It's beautiful and so much to learn. More than what our history teachers have taught us. read more

See all

Checkpoint Charlie deserves 4-Stars for its historical significance, and a 1-Star deduction for its attempt to attract tourists with its faux soldiers and souvenir peddlers. The checkpoint is small and almost hard to miss but just look for the crowds of people, oh, and Charlie's photo. Snap a few pictures of Charlie and his famous sign and you're done. While on the subject of taking pictures, the "guards" at the checkpoint charge €1,00 for a photo opt. The souvenir peddlers on the sidewalks sell replica Cold War tchotchkes -- I'd recommend visiting a flea market instead. You can also have your GOVERNMENT ISSUED passport defaced, I mean stamped, by an unauthorized individual. Visitors who are interested in Germany's past might want to consider making a trip to this point. For everyone else, it's a quick sightseeing attraction if you're within the area. read more

Checkpoint Charlie is a symbol of the Cold War, representing the separation of East and West Berlin. Name given by the Western Allies, Checkpoint C was the best-known Berlin Wall crossing point between East and West. The actual checkpoint has become a an attraction in the middle of a commercial shopping district, crowded with tourists and equipped with its own two soldiers for photo opportunities. To be honest, it was quite boring, with not much to actually see. The only interesting part of the visit was the Black Box information pavilion on the history of the checkpoint across the street. read more

See all

This is the site where the original checkpoint stood. Today it is a recreated piece of history for tourists, where you can get photos taken with actors who play guards/soldiers. It is great to see it but it feels incredibly gimmicky. However as a tourist there is a lot to get from this site, including some great photos and for a small fee your passport stamped. read more

One of the must see places in Berlin, if only because of it's historical and political significance, including the standoff between US and Soviet tanks, several escapes and deaths. It was the place to cross if you were going by car. It's a shadow of it's former self, but that's something to celebrate. To help orient you, if you stand looking down Friedrichstraße so that you see the Soviet soldier picture, then you are looking from West Berlin to East Berlin. The most disturbing change is that the new buildings you see were all easily built after the wall came down in the killing zone of the no-mans-land between west and east. I crossed through Checkpoint C by car several times in the 80s and it was a maze of barbed wire, obstacles, guards and search points on the east side that was very intimidating and thorough. So what today looks like beautiful new buildings was once a stark symbol of the differences between capitalism and communism. Wikipedia has a nice history on it with some pictures. read more

Drove down Friedrichstraße, and almost missed it. Surrounded nowadays by cheap restaurants, department stores, bus stops, and city buskers. Many of the young people who pass cannot remember a time when this spot stood on the edge of a dangerous No Man's Land. Maybe, that's not such a bad thing. read more

Checkpoint Charlie feels likes must-see in Berlin, but it's definitely a far cry from it's Cold War days. There's a McDonald's across the street and you can pay 2 euro for a photo with an actor posing as an American or French soldier. The Soviet soldier looking down from the photo is actually a Dutch model. Fake, fake, fake. But, I don't think I'd suggest skipping it. There are a bunch of displays about the history of the Wall nearby, and it isn't too time consuming. Just squint really hard and pretend it's not a tourist trap. read more