Meet Me at the Clock: Exploring Berlin’s Alexanderplatz

Alexanderplatz is one of Berlin’s busiest and most vibrant squares—a natural meeting spot and a great place to kick off your city adventure. Whether you're here to shop, grab a bite, or check out some iconic sights, there’s plenty to see and do all within a short walk. Let’s take a look at three iconic sites for you to put on your must see list.

ALEXANDERPLATZ

TV Tower

The TV Tower is the tallest structure in Germany, standing at 1,207 feet tall including its antenna. I highly recommend purchasing tickets to take in the city of Berlin from its enclosed observation deck. The large windows offer panoramic views, and helpful signage identifies the buildings and points of interest you're looking at.

It’s best to buy tickets in advance from the TV Tower’s website. You can choose your preferred day and time, and you're allowed to enter up to 15 minutes before your scheduled slot. Plan to spend at least an hour enjoying the views—it’s especially lovely if you can time your visit around sunset.

There is a restaurant, but it's currently closed for renovations. However, you can still order drinks and snacks on the observation deck. There are high-top tables where you can relax and take in the scenery.

When I first visited Berlin in 1992, I went up in the TV Tower and took three photos. (Film was expensive then, hah!) As expected there have been a lot of changes in Berlin, but thankfully some major buildings are still there, so I was able to take a new photo of one of the original shots, shared below.

World Time Clock

The World Time Clock was designed by Professor Erich John and completed in late 1968. With the help of 124 volunteers, it was built in just a few months and officially unveiled on September 30, 1969, to mark the 20th anniversary of the GDR. (GDR, or German Democratic Republic, is what we knew as East Germany between 1949-1990.)

The clock features a rotating dial at its center that displays the current local time for 146 cities and regions around the world. At the time, its purpose was to symbolize a connection to the world beyond the GDR’s borders.

The World Time Clock also makes a great backdrop for photos with its unique design and historical significance. It's a popular spot for both tourists and locals, so it’s also a convenient place to meet up with friends or fellow travelers while exploring Alexanderplatz.

Neptune Fountain

The Neptune Fountain was created in 1891 by Reinhold Begas, a German sculptor born right here in Berlin. Originally located in Schlossplatz, the fountain was moved to Alexanderplatz in 1969.

At the center of this impressive bronze sculpture is Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, surrounded by four women who represent the main rivers of Prussia at the time. Each one is holding something that symbolizes her river—Elbe with fruit and corn, Rhine with a fishnet and grapes, Vistula with wooden blocks, and Oder with goats and animal skins.

It's a fun and artistic stop in Alexanderplatz that's perfect for another photo op or a quick break as you continue your tour of Berlin.

I hope you enjoyed this mini-trip to Alexanderplatz!

As you can see, I enjoyed soaking in the views from the TV Tower and snapping pics at the World Time Clock and the Neptune Fountain. Alexanderplatz is full of charm and history and is the perfect capsule of Berlin's unique vibe.

‘til next week, happy exploring!
Kathleen

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