Overview
✓The popular Fernsehturm (TV Tower) often has lengthy lines all day long. But you're too smart for standing in that human chain that snakes around the square.
✓Grab this Early Bird ticket and head there for opening.
✓Walk right up to the doors and stroll inside.
✓Enjoy your time on the viewing deck in relatively calm and serenity.
✓As a wise tourist once said: Built in 1969, this TV Tower was supposed to demonstrate the GDR's engineering prowess. It did that - sorta. However, when the sun hits the steel sphere below the antenna, the reflection appears as a giant, luminous cross. The staunchly secular Eastern Bloc state would have no doubt been less than pleased. Gleeful West Berliners dubbed the phenomenon ‘the Pope’s revenge’. More than 50 years on, this 368m-tall needle is a universally loved silhouette on the Berlin skyline, a symbol of the city, and a 'must-see' Berlin attraction.
✓A trip to this structure is one of the most popular activities in the city, hence the long line ups out front all day long. If that's the problem, here's the solution. Early Bird access that gets you into the (tele-asparagus) right at opening (9:00 from March to October, 10:00 from November to February).
✓ Once up above the city you'll get astounding views of the German capital from 203 meters up. Famous sights such as the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate, as well as the river Spree are all visible. If you get a clear day you'll be able to see up to 42 kilometers away! The views from the viewing platform are spectacular. And if you decide to stick around for a breakfast or coffee, the Sphere restaurant has - as you can imagine - pretty nice window tables.