Other Allied checkpoints on the Autobahn to the West where Checkpoint Alpha at Helmstedt and Checkpoint Bravo at Dreilinden, southeast of Wannsee, named from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's phonetic alphabet. Many other sector crossing points existed in Berlin. Some of these were designated for residents of West Berlin and West German citizens. Checkpoint Charlie was designated as the single crossing point (by foot or by car) for foreigners and members of the Allied forces.

Checkpoint Charlie was located at the junction of Friedrichstraze with Zimmerstraze and Mauerstraze (which coincidentally means "Wall Street") in the Friedrichstadt neighborhood, which was divided by the Berlin Wall.

Checkpoint Charlie became a symbol of the Cold War, representing the separation of east and west, and — for some East Germans — a gateway to freedom. It is frequently featured in spy movies and books, such as those by John le Carre. The famous cafe and viewing point for Allied officials, Armed Forces and visitors alike, Cafe Adler ("Cafe Eagle") is situated right on the checkpoint. It was an excellent viewing point to look into East Berlin, whilst having something to eat and drink.