Germany's tallest structure, the TV Tower has been soaring 368m (1207ft) high since 1969 and is as iconic to Berlin as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. On clear days, the panoramic views are stunning from the observation deck (with bar) at 203m (666ft) or from the upstairs Sphere restaurant (207m/679ft), which makes one revolution per hour. Express lifts take visitors to the top in less than a minute. On the observation deck, information panels below the windows help you spot city landmarks. Book a time-slot ticket online (prices start at €22.50) to avoid long queues or make a reservation at the restaurant – bookings for window tables cost €27.50.
No matter where you are in Berlin, look up and chances are you'll see Fernsehturm. Built between 1965 and 1969, the tower’s rocket-like shape was inspired by the space race of the 1960s and the launch of the first satellite, the Soviet Sputnik. It was supposed to demonstrate the GDR's engineering prowess, but ended up being a bit of a laughing stock when it turned out that, when hit by the sun, the steel sphere below the antenna produced the reflection of a giant cross. West Berliners gleefully dubbed the phenomenon "the Pope’s revenge".
