At the beginning of the nineteenth century, Alexanderplatz was one of the busiest squares in Berlin. Its current appearance is mostly the result of the efforts of the former government of East-Germany to use the square as a showpiece of Socialist architecture. Despite recent attempts to make the square more attractive, Alexanderplatz is still a concrete island enclosed by large buildings and can come across as rather soulless. Chances are however that you'll end up here at some point during your stay in Berlin since it's a significant traffic and shopping hub. And the TV-tower on the southern edge is visible from almost anywhere in Berlin.