Tourist Traps to Avoid in Berlin, Germany

Photo by 🇨🇭 Claudio Schwarz | @purzlbaum on Unsplash

Tourists who are looking for an immersive and fascinating experience in Germany’s capital of Berlin are sure to find it if they go with just a little bit of knowledge about what to do and see in this fantastic city.

However, it’s also important to know what to skip when visiting this city of nearly 4 million. Don’t waste your time at these tourist traps while in Berlin!

Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie represents the border crossing that used to exist between West and East Germany during the times of the Berlin Wall. The now-frequented tourist attraction that claims to be the original site, however, is 0% authentic. This is simply a replica of the original checkpoint that isn’t even located in the right place!

Alexanderplatz Christmas Market

Christmas Markets are a fascinating option while visiting Germany in winter, but the one in Alexanderplatz in Berlin is nothing more than an expensive tourist trap. Instead of cheap mulled wine and handmade decorations, everything here is simply overpriced and over-commercialized. Visit one of the smaller markets, like Charlottenburg, instead.

Berlin TV Tower

Berlin’s TV Tower towers over the city at 1207 feet tall, and whether you think it’s an architectural aberration or an iconic landmark, its importance in Berlin can’t be denied. However, what can be skipped is the overpriced ticket which allows you to go up to its observation deck after a long wait to get a relatively uninteresting view of Berlin’s unimpressive skyline.