Checkpoint Charlie & The Mauer Museum

Checkpoint Charlie was the most famous - or perhaps infamous - crossing between East and West Berlin. It was the main entry point for diplomats, journalists and visitors crossing into East Berlin on a one-day visa. An ominous sign which read “You are now leaving the American Sector” in English, Russian, French and German is an enduring symbol of the Cold War.

It was here in 1961 that US and Soviet tanks engaged and faced each other in what the world thought may be the beginning of another world war. Much of the area has been reconstructed as part of the museum to mimic the way it looked during the Cold War. The museum also includes interesting exhibits and a theatre dedicated to the history of the Cold War and Berlin Wall. Many of the museum’s exhibits tell stories of individuals who tried to escape and include items such as cars with hollow seats used to smuggle people into West Berlin from the east side. It's pretty much always busy but it's worth being patient to see what's inside.