A café near Checkpoint Charlie without tourist prices
Five minutes from the Friedrichstraße/Zimmerstraße junction, west along Zimmerstraße: Typisch Berlin, Wilhelmstraße 42, right next to the Weltballon. Coffee, Berliner doughnuts and currywurst at prices you rarely see in central Berlin.
Why walk five more minutes
Right at Checkpoint Charlie it is loud, crowded and expensive. Walk west along Zimmerstraße, past the Trabi Museum, and after about 350 metres you reach the corner of Wilhelmstraße where the Weltballon takes off. That is where our café is. Counter downstairs, seats upstairs overlooking the street, a terrace at the back.
What we serve and what it costs
- Berliner doughnut with vanilla filling €2.20, chocolate €2.50
- Apple cake, cherry cake, bee sting cake, brownie and raspberry cake €3.50 each
- Beef bratwurst in a roll €4.90, chicken schnitzel roll €4.50, sandwich €3.90
- Currywurst and vegan bratwurst, prices at the counter
- Fruit cup €3.80, chia pudding €3.80, freshly squeezed orange juice
Coffee comes as espresso, cappuccino, latte macchiato or filter coffee, with oat or soy milk if you like. Everything is available to take away, for example for the queue at the balloon.
Who the café suits
Groups from the checkpoint who want to sit for a moment before the Topography of Terror. Families who need a chocolate Berliner. Anyone looking for toilets and Wi-Fi. The team speaks English, the menu is also available in Spanish.
How to get here from the checkpoint
From the Friedrichstraße/Zimmerstraße junction head west along Zimmerstraße. After about five minutes you see the balloon; the café is the corner building with the wine-red awning. By U-Bahn take the U6 to Kochstraße, bus M29 stops at Wilhelmstraße/Kochstraße.
Frequently asked
How far is the café from Checkpoint Charlie?
About 350 metres or five minutes on foot west along Zimmerstraße, up to the Weltballon.
Are there toilets and Wi-Fi?
Yes, both free for guests. The quiet seats are upstairs.
Can I just grab a coffee to go?
Yes, the counter on the ground floor is made for that. Berliner and cake are available to go as well.
