Golden Arches for Checkpoint Charlie

As a former crossing point between West and East Berlin during the time of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie is undoubtedly one of Berlin?s most popular tourist destinations. And while the museum associated with the site is full of interesting stories and artifacts, the actual spot of Checkpoint Charlie on Friedrichstrasse Street has turned into a bit of a Disneyland where tourist euros flow freely and historical accuracy is somewhat of an afterthought.

The newest addition to the former ?American Sector? of West Berlin, where Checkpoint Charlie is located, will open in mid-2010 and it, quite appropriately, hails from the United States - a McDonald's fast food location.

The term ?tourist trap? springs to mind, but we don?t want to play the blame game - many Berliners have told German newspaper Bild that they are happy with the upcoming addition. It keeps with the American theme after all...

Our advice is to look for some local grub (try our eat section for some ideas) before heading over to see Charlie (if you really must).