Right on the square
Berlin TV Tower
368 metres tall, Germany's highest structure, Berlin's landmark since 1969. The viewing platform sits at 203 metres, the revolving restaurant "Sphere" at 207. On clear days the view reaches 42 kilometres. Book tickets online in advance – the queue at the base is legendary.
World Clock
Berlin's meeting point since 1969. A rotating aluminium cylinder shows the time in 148 cities. Free, and on every Berlin postcard.
Fountain of Friendship of the Peoples
Opened in 1970, 6.20 metres tall, coloured glass mosaics – a GDR original used as a foot bath on hot days.
Berolinahaus and Alexanderhaus
The only pre-war buildings surviving on the square. Designed by Peter Behrens, completed in 1932, listed monuments.
Five minutes on foot
St Mary's Church (Marienkirche)
One of Berlin's oldest churches, first mentioned in 1292. Worth seeing: the late Gothic "Dance of Death" fresco in the tower. Free entry.
Neptune Fountain
Between St Mary's and the Red City Hall, erected 1891, monumental. Popular photo spot.
Red City Hall (Rotes Rathaus)
Seat of Berlin's Governing Mayor, red brick, Italian Renaissance style – completed 1869.
Nikolai Quarter
Reconstructed old town around the Nikolaikirche, Berlin's oldest church. Not historically authentic (rebuilt by the GDR in 1987), but cosy with decent restaurants.
What's worth it – and what's not
With just one day, aim for the TV Tower (with pre-booked ticket), a quick photo at the World Clock, then walk on toward the Nikolai Quarter or Museum Island. The Alex itself takes half an hour. Its neighbourhood deserves hours.
Underrated: St Mary's Church. Overrated: the Alexa shopping mall (a standard German mall, of which there are hundreds).