The ubiquitous logo of hip Berlin, this "Socialist vertical dominant" has been offering visitors a bird's eye view since 1969. If its 203-meter observation deck isn't … high enough for you, add a few more meters by dining upstairs at the Telecafé. [link]

The bold rebuilding of Potsdamer Platz wouldn't have been complete without this aerie vantage point atop the Kollhoff-Tower. Caution: not for the weak of stomach -- … the 100 meters from street level to the observation deck is climbed via the fastest elevator in Europe. [link]

Norman Foster's glowing dome of metal, mirrors, and glass is the symbol of a reunited Germany. Unfortunately, it is thus the destination for field trips from high schools … around the continent. Avoid the student body by making a reservation at Kaefer's Roof Terrace Restaurant -- diners sidestep the usually lengthy tourist queue. [link]

Berlin's first high-altitude observation point (completed in 1873), the Siegessäule's view (from 70 meters in the middle of the Tiergarten, the big green spot on … the Berlin map) is well worth the climb up 285 steps. Siegessäule is also the name of Berlin's leading gay magazine, hinting at even more reasons for the Tiergarten's popularity. [link]

Make like Richard Branson and sail heavenwards in a hot air balloon (but unless something odd happens, don't count on the same media attention). The Hi-Flyer rises only … vertically and is controlled via cable, but the view from 150 meters over Checkpoint Charlie is still refreshing. Check the weather before going; windy days keep the balloon earthbound. [link]

Relive the Berlin airlift by soaring at 600 meters over the city in a Douglas DC-3. Carrying only 25 passengers, the "only flight-ready DC-3 in Germany" has been restored … to its postwar glory, while the crew has also been fitted out with nifty 1940s duds. But BYOC (bring your own candy). [link]

For a real blast from the past, consider boarding the Tante Ju. This classic four-engine aircraft built in 1936 seats 16, and the take-off from Tempelhof Airport is as … close as one gets to experiencing Berlin travel as it was before the rubble. Wondering how you'll appear from below? Watch the first few minutes of Riefenstahl's Triumph of the Will. [link]