Gay Berlin – A city that always surprises!
Berlin is Europe’s never-ending city of parties, fetish and fun, a place that likes to think of itself as “poor but sexy”, and this vibe makes it such a unique place to visit.
Whether you are staring up at the Brandenburg Gate or gazing into the eyes of the blue-eyed blonde you just met in the West Berlin gay district of Schoenberg, Berlin will make you smile.
There is a vast and diverse gay crowd in Berlin, so if beautiful blondes don’t do it for you, the bear of your dreams may be just round the Strasse.
Gay Berlin is home to sexy street cafes, fabulous restaurants and tree-lined strasses.
When it comes to partying, visitors are spoilt for choice with loads of late-night clubs, saunas and sex bars, year-round gay festivals and parties, including the Easter Fetish Week and Folsom Europe in September.
And if you lean toward Marlene Dietrich, monocles, martinis and beautiful boys, Berlin has that too (well, maybe not the monocles). It’s good to be gay here.
Berlin, the first major gay capital of the 21st century.
Berlin Gay Neighbourhood Guide
Popular Berlin Gay Neighbourhoods
- Schöneberg is home to Berlin’s largest gay village and some of its most popular gay venues. Hotels in this area are within walking distance of Berlin’s busy gay bars and the famous Ku’Damm shopping street. Good transport links make it easy to explore the city from the gay district.
- Most gay Berlin hotels are within walking distance of Alexanderplatz, but boutique and designer hotels are scattered throughout the other neighbourhoods.
- Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain and Prenzlauer Berg are easily accessible via public transportation and provide a more local experience for travellers.
- Neukölln is another excellent area to stay, thanks to a handful of cool hipster hotels and close to some of the most unique Berlin nightlife experiences.
Berlin’s Gay History
Home to a vibrant queer community with a relaxed attitude to sex and respectful disdain for all things vanilla, Berlin is proud to celebrate its history and culture.
Its history is evident throughout the city and tells a tale of Europe. The Wall came down in 1989, bringing reunification to Germany, and you can trace exactly where it stood right through to the last bricks remaining at the Eastside Gallery in Friedrichshain near the Oberbaumbruke.
The city’s gay history includes a period from 1919 to 1933 when it was home to the pioneering Institute for the Science of Sexuality, whose works were destroyed during the Nazi book burnings.
Take a gay tour of Schöneberg.
- Berlin has had gay neighbourhoods in the districts of Schöneberg and Kreuzberg (both in the western part of Berlin) and Prenzlauer Berg (the eastern part) since the 1920s.
- Experience an exciting tour of the historical traces of Berlin’s oldest gay neighbourhood, the rainbow quarter of north Schöneberg, between Dennewitzstraße and Nollendorfplatz. Learn about how the district became what it is today and what the future holds.
Memorial to Homosexuals
- Poignant reminders of the past surround Berlin, including the Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism, on the edge of the Tiergarten.
- In this concrete cube, a video shows gay and lesbian couples in various embraces.
- Embark on a private guided walking or car tour and discover more about Berlin’s LGBTIQ scene, both past and present.
Getting Around
Public transportation is never really a problem in Berlin; most gay neighbourhoods are well-connected and easy to reach from the airports.
From Berlin Brandenburg Airport
- The best way to get from Berlin to Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is to train, which takes 27 min and costs €2 – €27, depending on your final zone/destination.
- The railway station at the airport is directly below Terminal 1 on level U2.
- The Airport Express and regional trains leave Berlin Hauptbahnhof four times every hour.
- Alternatively, you can line the 057 bus, which costs €5 – €8 and takes 40 min.
- For Taxis, the starting rate is €4.30 and then €2.80/km (for the first 7 km); after that, it’s €2.10/km. Expect to pay between €60 – €75 for most locations in the heart of Berlin.
The Subway
- The city’s subway system is called the “U-bahn“, while the overground train is called the “S-bahn.”
- Berlin works on a zone system starting with Zone A in the centre and B and C moving towards the city’s outskirts.
- Tickets are valid on all trains and buses and must be validated at the machine before boarding.
- The most economical route is to purchase an unlimited or multi-day ticket or a 4-ride ticket which offers a discount compared to single rides.
Where to stay in Gay Berlin?
From luxury hotels to charming guest houses and apartments, discover our top recommendations.
SO/Berlin Das Stue – complete with its own private entrance to the Zoo!
Berlin Gay Hotels & Gay Friendly Options
It wouldn’t be a stretch to declare that Berlin has evolved into the first major gay capital of the 21st century – it rivals London, Paris and New York in sheer enormity, cultural importance, and ‘it’ factor more than any other prominent world capital.
Berlin’s gay scene is defined less by clusters of discos and drag bars and more by the remarkable degree to which GLBT residents and visitors permeate the fabric of numerous neighbourhoods.
Popular Gay Berlin Hotels
- The RIU Plaza Berlin – This hotel is in a modern 18-story building on Berlin’s Kurfürstendamm boulevard. Riu is a 5-minute walk from Kurfürstendamm Underground Station, the world-famous KaDeWe department store, and Berlin’s gay bars. Each room includes a flat-screen satellite TV, a safe, a fridge and air conditioning.
- Casa Camper – A four-star, contemporary, stylish hotel conveniently located close to many bars, restaurants and art galleries and a short distance to the gay district of Prenzlauer Berg.
- Hotel Zoo Berlin – Stunning Design Hotel. The individually designed rooms showcase a unique clash of modern design and historical elements. The hotel also offers a fantastic breakfast in the Grace Restaurant.
- Gorki Apartments – In the trendy central Mitte district surrounded by numerous bars, cafés, galleries and shops. Housed in an attractive 19th-century building near Rosenthaler Platz, the accommodation comprises individually furnished apartments and two spacious penthouses. The property combines famous design names with quirky flea-market items and contemporary elements.
- Pullman Berlin, 5 Star – The Pullman offers a spa with a heated pool and a 24-hour gym & is located close to the famous Ku’damm avenue, KaDeWe department store, Berlin Zoo and a short walk from gay bars & clubs in Schöneberg.
- InterContinental – 5 Star hotel in the Tiergarten district of central Berlin features an award-winning spa with a hot tub, sauna area and swimming pool. Its Michelin-star restaurant, Hugos, offers panoramic views.
- SO/Berlin Das Stue – Located in a former Dutch embassy building tucked in a tranquil diplomatic enclave on the edge of the Tiergarten, the hotel is a short walk from the Schwules gay museum with its own private entrance to the Berlin Zoo.
Gay Map of Berlin
Lützowufer 15, 10785 Berlin, Germany
This lifestyle hotel offers elegant accommodation and a modern spa with indoor pool, just 600 m from Berlin's Tiergarten Park. The Kurfürstendamm shopping area and Potsdamer Platz entertainment district are 1 km away.
The spacious rooms and suites of the non-smoking Sheraton Grand Hotel Esplanade Berlin feature a modern design and panoramic windows. They include a flat-screen TV, minibar, large bathroom and free WiFi.
Wittenbergpl. 3, 10789 Berlin, Germany
Mercure Berlin Wittenbergplatz is set in the Schöneberg district in Berlin, just a 1-minute walk from the KaDeWe and the Kurfürstendamm-boulevard.
All rooms at the Mercure Berlin Wittenplatz come with a flat-screen TV, and some also have a balcony. WiFi is provided free of charge, and high-speed internet can be purchased for a daily surcharge.
Martin-Luther-Straße 1, 10777 Berlin, Germany
This hotel is set in a
17-storey building on Berlin's Kurfürstendamm boulevard. The RIU Plaza Berlin is a 5-minute walk from Kurfürstendamm and the world-famous KaDeWe department store.All rooms and suites at the Hotel Riu Plaza Berlin am Kurfürstendamm feature luxury furnishings. Each room includes a flat-screen satellite TV, a safe, fridge, air conditioning and a private bathroom.
Fuggerstraße 3310777 Berlin, Germany
This hetero-friendly gay hotel in Schöneberg is 700 m from Berlin’s Kurfurstendamm shopping area and the KaDeWe department store. The hotel's breakfast buffet is available until late, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.
A 10-minute walk from the many bars of Nollendorfplatz Square, the ArtHotel Connection has rooms with a flat-screen TV, DVD player and iPod docking station.
Lietzenburger Straße 13 10789 Berlin, Germany
Axel Hotel Berlin-Adults Only offers accommodation in the Schöneberg district, only 1.4 km from Kurfürstendamm. It features a restaurant, fitness centre, a garden and a rooftop bar with panoramic views. A 24-hour front desk, room service and with free WiFi are also available.
The designer rooms and suites include a large bed, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. The wellness area has a hot tub, a sauna, a Turkish bath, and a gym.
Potsdamer Straße 89, 10785 Berlin, Germany
This Apartment is 128 square meters and offers space for up to 10 people to sleep, live and cook. It has three separate bedrooms with king-size and single beds, a workplace with and a large seating area in the living room with Flat-screen TV & a fully equipped kitchen. Free WiFi
Motzstraße 10, 10777 Berlin, Germany
This self-catering apartment comes with high-ceilings, 1 Bedroom and bathroom with shower. The living room includes a seating area (sofa-bed) with a flat-screen TV. The kitchen is equipped with a Nespresso machine, & washing machine. Free WiFi, Sleeps up to 4
Schönhauser Allee 90, Berlin 10439
● Bear-friendly neighborhood bar
● Located in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg
● Smoking bar
Monday-Friday 18:00 – 03:00; Saturday 20:00 – 03:00
Mulackstraße 13, 10119 Berlin, Germany
● Small bar in Berlin-Mitte
● Very busy on weekends
Monday-Thursday 20:00 – 03:00; Friday, Saturday 20:00 – 05:00
Motzstraße 28, 10777 Berlin, Germany
● Straight-friendly cocktail lounge bar
● Popular street terrace in good weather
● Karaoke on Tuesdays
Daily 15:00 – 04:00
Wühlischstraße 32, 10245 Berlin, Germany
● Friendly, arty gay bar
● Close to Boxhagener Platz
Daily 18:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday till 03:00
Lietzenburger Str. 12, 10789 Berlin, Germany
● Traditional, camp bar
● Mainly mature locals and friends
Daily 14:00/15:00 – 02:00/05:00
Welserstraße 27, 10777 Berlin, Germany
● Small traditional Berlin bar
● Mainly mature, local clientele
Daily 14:00 – 04:00; Friday, Saturday till 06:00
Urbanstraße 70, 10967 Berlin, Germany
● Smoking pub with live DJs on several nights
● Small cruising area in the basement
Chodowieckistraße 41, 10405 Berlin, Germany
Popular gay bar thats always fun an karaoke nights
Boxhagener Str. 114, 10245 Berlin, Germany
Motzstraße 19, 10777 Berlin, Germany
● Popular bar since 1990
● Located in the gay area around Motzstraße
Daily 19:00 – 04:00
Motzstraße 5, 10777 Berlin, Germany
● Cocktail lounge bar with smoking area
● Two rooms, second with music TV screen
Daily 20:00 – 03:00; Friday, Saturday till 04:00+
Kleiststraße 6, 10787 Berlin, Germany
● Mature and middle-aged clientele
● Music: Pop and German 'Schlager'
● Smoking bar
Monday-Saturday 14:00 – 01:00+; Sunday 12:00 – 01:00+
Nansenstraße 31, 12047 Berlin, Germany
● New bar for gays and friends
● Opened in 2023
● Little brother of Große Freiheit 114 and Das Hoven
Wednesday-Saturday from 19:00
Marienburger Str. 7, 10405 Berlin, Germany
● Cafe, bar and lounge in Prenzlauer Berg
● Mixed clientele
● Smoking bar
Tuesday-Thursday 19:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday till 03:00
Mehringdamm 61, 10961 Berlin, Germany
● Cafe-bar in Kreuzberg
● Mixed clientele
● Smoking area available
Tuesday-Thursday 17:00 – 01:00; Friday, Saturday till late
Reichenberger Str. 177, 10999 Berlin, Germany
● Popular LGBTQ-friendly bar in Kreuzberg
● Queerest night is Thursday
Tuesday-Saturday from18:00
Fuggerstraße 3, 10777 Berlin, Germany
● Small hustler and music bar in Berlin-Schöneberg
● Smoking bar
Daily 14:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday till 04:00
Fuggerstraße 33, 10777 Berlin, Germany
● Very popular, large gay bar in Berlin-Schöneberg
● Fair mix of locals and Berlin visitors
● Summer street terrace
Daily 15:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday till 03:00 in winter Monday-Thursday
from 18:00
Rhinower Straße 12, Berlin 10437
● Small LGBT-friendly bar in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg
● Mixed clientele
● Smoking bar
Monday-Thursday 18:00 – 01:00; Friday, Saturday 18:00 – 03:00
Eisenacher Str. 3A, 10777 Berlin, Germany
● Frequented by rentboys (Ex Toy Boy Bar)
● Smoking bar
Daily 24h
Mehringdamm 62, 10961 Berlin, Germany
● Cocktails, drag shows, karaoke, Pop & Schlager
● Smoking bar
Monday 20:00 – 03:00; Tuesday-Thursday 20:00 – 04:00; Friday, Saturday 20:00 – 06:00; Sunday 20:00 – 04:00
Ziegelstraße 29, 10117 Berlin, Germany
● Gay bar with a French touch
● Long drinks, cocktails and wine
Monday 20:00 – 03:00; Tuesday-Thursday 20:00 – 04:00; Friday, Saturday 20:00 – 06:00; Sunday 20:00 – 04:00
Weserstr. 206, 12047 Berlin, Germany
● Gay-inclusive bar in Berlin-Neukölln
● 'For kings and queens and criminal gays'
● Mixed clientele
Monday-Thursday 17:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday 17:00 – 03:00
Fuggerstraße 3, 10777 Berlin, Germany
● Hustler bar and one of the oldest gay bars in Berlin
Daily 18:00 – 03:00; Friday, Saturday till 05:00
Kleine Präsidentenstraße 3, 10178 Berlin, Germany
● Stylish gay cocktail bar in the theatre and museums quarter of Berlin
Monday-Thursday 20:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday 21:00 – 03:00; Sunday 20:00 – 02:00
Eisenacher Straße 6, 10777 Berlin, Germany
● Simple pub in Berlin-Schöneberg, open day and night
● Smoking bar
Daily 24h
Fuggerstraße 37, 10777 Berlin, Germany
● Popular cruisy bar in Berlin-Schöneberg for bears, hairy and mature guys
Daily from 18:00/21:00
Revaler Str. 99, 10245 Berlin, Germany
● Music bar in Berlin-Friedrichshain with mixed clientele
Wednesday, Thursday 20:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday 21:00 – 05:00
Sachsendamm 76-77, 10829 Berlin, Germany
● BDSM club specializing in spanking
● Check their website for upcoming events
Motzstraße 19, 10777 Berlin, Germany
● Gay cruising bar in Schöneberg, opened in March 2024 in the former Tom's Bar
Daily 15:00 – 05:00; Friday, Saturday till 06:00
Website
Kleiststraße 35, 10787 Berlin, Germany
● Small gay cruise bar open 24 hours
● Be aware of the unique atmosphere
24 hours daily
Görlitzer Str. 71, 10997 Berlin, Germany
● SM & fetish after-work club
● Check their website for program details and mixed/gender-specific policies
Fuggerstraße 33, 10777 Berlin, Germany
● Lounge bar and dancefloor on the ground floor
● Cruising labyrinth and bar in the basement
● Mainly young and middle-aged clientele
Friday, Saturday 23:00 – 06:00
Motzstraße 25, 10777 Berlin, Germany
● Fetish-oriented bar, operating since 1995
● Dark cruising area in the basement
● Smoking pub
Monday-Saturday 21:00 – 04:00+; Sunday 17:30/21:00 – 04:00+
Urbanstraße 64, 10967 Berlin, Germany
● Gay underwear/naked club ● Minimum consumption: €16
Tuesday, Wednesday 20:00 – 04:00; Friday, Saturday 22:00 – 06:00;
Sunday 16:00 – 24:00
Am Wriezener bhf, 10243 Berlin, Germany
Hardcore men only sex club
Kleiststraße 35, 10787 Berlin, Germany
● Gay leather and fetish cruise bar
● Strict dress code
Wednesday 22:00 – 02:00; Thursday 22:00 – 03:00; Friday, Saturday
22:00 – 05:00; Sunday 22:00 – 02:00
Hohenstaufenstraße 53, 10779 Berlin, Germany
● In the pulsating heart of Berlin
● the Incognito Showpalast rises majestically
● an oasis of entertainment and glamour
Wednesday - Saturday 6:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m
Simon-Dach-Straße 36, 10245 Berlin, Germany
● Our chilled bar is located in the heart of friedrichshain.
● Enjoy our special drinks, cocktails and us.
mon-sat 17.00 till late, sunday 16h till late. tuesday: queer night
Nollendorfstraße 1, 10783 Berlin, Germany
● gay bar with outdoor seating & entertainment, such as drag shows.
Tuesday to Sunday from 2pm
Adolfstraße 17, 13347 Berlin, Germany
● Fun gay bar with regular entertainment
Wed to Sat from 7pm
Warschauer Pl. 18, 10245 Berlin, Germany
● Popular Gay Club with 2 large air-conditioned floors ● the best electro, techno, dance, pop,oldie and Schlager beats.
Friday & Saturday from 10pm
Rollbergstraße 26, 12053 Berlin, Germany
● The SchwuZ was founded in 1977 and is Germany's oldest queer club ● and largest cultural institution in the queer sector.
Wednesday 7:00 PM - 1:00 AM, Thursday 7:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Friday 9:00 PM - 6:00 AM, Saturday 9:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Maaßenstraße 7, 10777 Berlin, Germany
● Popular gay cafe in Berlin-Schöneberg
● Bustling street terrace during summer
Daily 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Maaßenstraße 5, 10777 Berlin, Germany
● Renowned for a variety of quality coffees
● Great spot for people-watching at the street terrace
● Not specifically a gay cafe but frequented by many gay customers due to its location
Monday-Friday 07:00 – 19:00; Saturday, Sunday 08:00 – 19:00
Motzstraße 20, 10777 Berlin, Germany
● Trendy and spacious gay cafe in Berlin-Schöneberg
● Busy street terrace in good weather
Daily 08:00 – 20:00, in summer till 24:00
Pflügerstraße 19, 12047 Berlin, Germany
● New cafe and restaurant for queers and friends in Berlin-Neukölln
Daily from 09:00
Admiralstraße 1-2, 10999 Berlin, Germany
● LGBT-friendly cafe-bar in the heart of Berlin-Kreuzberg
● Large terrace and beer garden in summer
● Offers cakes, salads, hearty dishes, and more
● Hosts concerts and other events at night
● Attracts a mixed, international clientele
Monday-Thursday 17:00 – 01:00; Friday, Saturday 17:00 – 02:00; Sunday 15:00 – 24:00
Berlin Gay Friendly Restaurants
Berlin is home to some superb 5-star restaurants and homely bistros serving authentic German cuisine with a twist.
Restaurant am Steinplatz – For the perfect special occassion.
Gay and Gay-Friendly Berlin Restaurants
Berlin has become one of the top “foodie destinations” in Europe, blending traditional German food with an influx of international influences. With 20+ Michelin-starred restaurants and a host of spots offering cuisine from Japanese to Turkish to French (and everything in between), this city relishes its food.
Berlin Food Tour
- Berlin is cosmopolitan, international in scope, and constantly surprising, and it offers one of Europe’s best culinary scenes.
- If you’re a bit daunted by the riches, sign up for a culinary tour where you can Taste and learn about the transformation of Berlin’s cuisine. You will be stunned by the quality of dishes offered in this tantalising city.
All Day Breakfast
- Schwarzes Cafe is open all day and all night and offers everything from a great all-day breakfast to a superb steak!
- Great in the Summer when you want to eat outside. Service is friendly, and the beer selection is excellent.
- Fruhstuck 3000 – Delightful daytime-only eaterie, serving cheddar waffles with chili-bacon caramel and banana bread topped with peanut-chocolate ganache.
Gay Cafe
- Romeo & Romeo – Playful café offering coffee, pastries & light bites in a bright venue with rainbow awnings. Perfect for soaking up Schöneberg’s chilled daytime atmosphere.
A Long Lunch
- Brasserie Colette – Elegant French-accented bistro cuisine near popular gay bars and shopping.
- Enjoy a richly laid table full of French delicacies for lunch, 12 noon – 2.30pm. Start with five small starters and a main course, served simultaneously to take you on a culinary journey through France. This is followed by a delicious dessert.
Something Turkish
- Doyum Admiralstrasse – Phenomenal Turkish grill in the hip Kreuzberg neighbourhood.
- An authentic Turkish experience, serving doner kebabs, durum wraps, rice dishes & colourful salads.
Something German
- Klinke – Ingenious transformation of traditional German cuisine into elevated small plates such as dumplings and blood sausage, golden potato croquettes, or delicious meatballs.
- The restaurant has a contemporary vibe & terrace seating.
Rutz
- At Rutz Weinbar, you enter a wine shop/bar with floor-to-ceiling glass shelves full of wine bottles, dark floors, and a soaring ceiling. Enjoy a creative bar menu here, or head up the illuminated, translucent steps to the restaurant, which features pink marble and deep wood tables with white cloth runners.
- The food, served with amiable flair, is among Berlin’s best and includes such offerings as a silky, cold red pepper soup with two perfectly-grilled, charry scallops and a small dish of tandoori ice cream that tastes about like you’d expect tandoori ice cream to taste, but a million times better.
Monsieur Vuong
- Monsieur Vuong is an authentic Vietnamese restaurant with style and a pioneer in traditional Vietnamese street-style food in Berlin.
- The restaurant is always busy with a buzzy vibe and great cocktails and juices. The queue moves quickly when busy, so don’t worry.
Restaurant am Steinplatz
- At Restaurant am Steinplatz, the glamorous 1920s get a 21st-century kitchen and decor makeover. Black-and-white photographs of cabaret dancers set bold accents for the classic dining room, whose elegant tables are orbited by mustard-yellow chairs and lit by contemporary-floral chandeliers.
- At the far end of this superb restaurant is the open kitchen where veteran chef Marcus Zimmer and his team orchestrate modern interpretations of time-tested German and Berlin recipes. This restaurant blends old and new with innovative dishes in a stylish but relaxed ambience.
Le Faubourg
- The Restaurant Le Faubourg at the Dorint Berlin Kurfürstendamm presents itself with cosmopolitan flair and eye-catchers like Bauhaus-inspired furniture, avant-garde Portuguese copper lamps and a wall-sized painting by German artist Junior Toscanelli.
- The cuisine takes on seasonal, French-inspired cooking. At the menu’s heart are just five main courses that can be ordered and prepared in classical or contemporary style. Think sautéed turbot vs sousvide confit turbot with chorizo.
Hugos
- Hugos takes haute cuisine to new heights in Berlin, literally. The 14th floor at the Hotel Intercontinental offers panoramic views of the city.
- The 4 to a 7-course menu from this Michelin-starred restaurant is sublime, as is the service and attention to detail.
Cecconi’s Berlin
- No need to be a Soho House member to dine at Cecconi’s – this dispenser of reliably executed Italian classics is open to all, even though it’s set within the famous members-only social club emporium.
- Aside from pasta, pizza and risotto – some souped up with lobster and truffle – the menu also checks the superfoods box with its quinoa and chia salads while also featuring carnivore-pleasing grilled meats. The vibe is Berlin-chic thanks to the handsome clientele, sensuous crimson leather seating and tables overlooking the open kitchen.
Nothing but desserts
- Coda Dessert Dining – Michelin-starred chef René Frank and his team regard pastry as a creative handcraft under constant experimentation at CODA.
- Enjoy one-of-a-kind fixed-price pairings of avant-garde drinks and not-so-sweet desserts.
Currywurst
After shopping at west Berlin’s massive KaDeWe department store, head to the district’s best currywurst kiosk to refuel on its sausages in a spicy sauce before you attempt strolling and shopping your way up the famous Kurfürstendamm (Ku’ damm) boulevard.
The invention of Currywurst is attributed to Herta Heuwer in Berlin in 1949 after she obtained ketchup (or possibly Worcestershire sauce) and curry powder from British soldiers in Germany. She mixed these ingredients with other spices and poured them over grilled pork sausage.
Witty’s Berlin
- Witty’s is the best joint on the square, using only the best local meat and vegetables. Besides the famed sausages (with or without the skin),
- Witty’s has grilled bratwurst, frankfurters and some great chunky Belgian-style fries – all liberally drenched in a sauce of your choice. In keeping with its organic credentials, it sells tasty Weissenoher, a monastery-brewed bio-beer. The multitude of snack stalls (called an “imbiss” here) means you can get great falafels and Currywurst for less than €5.
Bier’s
- Bier’s Kudamm 195 in western Berlin serves delicious Currywurst with a pedigree from 1965.
- Many of its regulars, including numerous local celebs, enjoy washing down their sausage with a small bottle of Champagne, and it’s often busy until the wee hours.
Curry 36
- Another popular night owl roost is the famous Curry 36, the original branch in Kreuzberg or the newish one at Zoo station.
Fresh Market Food
- In October 2011, a historic market, Markthalle Neun (Market Hall Nine), opened its gates again in Kreuzberg’s Eisenbahnstraße – precisely 120 years after its original opening: on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, head to the traditional weekly market.
- It gets crowded every Thursday evening (5–10 pm) at “Street Food Thursday”. The various stalls compete with each other with their culinary delicacies, but the visitors are the winners. Excerpt from the menu: British pies, Thai tapioca dumplings, Mexican tacos, Allgäu cheese spaetzle or Nigerian FuFu.
Tipping in Berlin
- Service is not included on your bill in most German Restaurants. So remember to add a tip for good service. Check whether your restaurant accepts Credit Cards, as many take cash or debit cards.
Dining Times
- If you want a hot meal in Germany, you’d better time your restaurant visit for “meal times,” from around 11:30 to 2 and 6 to 9. Germans don’t eat at all hours. Breakfasts, though, have become the rage of late, and many restaurants serve them at all hours.
Shopping in Gay Berlin
Spend an afternoon in KaDeWe for some retail therapy.
Berlin offers exceptional shopping in large shopping centres, department stores, small shops and exclusive boutiques. Lovers of fine fashion, bargain hunters and trendsetters alike will find plenty of the latest fashions to choose from in the German capital.
Berlin Shopping Districts
- Shopping in Berlin slightly differs from what you might be used to in other German cities.
- Because of how the town grew neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood, and its decade of division, there is no single city centre or pedestrian shopping zone as in Germany’s other large cities.
- Instead, besides the two most famous Kurfürstendamm and Friedrichstraße, there are many shopping areas across the city.
Kurfürstendamm
- Kurfürstendamm, often called “Ku’damm” for short, and Tauentzienstraße is Berlin’s most famous shopping streets for tourists in the western part of the city. The KaDeWe is Berlin’s largest and most renowned department store. Its 60,000 square meters of retail space and gourmet floor attract visitors from all over the world.
- Lovers of luxury will find much more here than the wide range of men’s fashion from international designer labels. The store offers six storeys of shopping heaven, and the food hall is the absolute highlight of KaDeWe and is a must, not just for tourists.
- Shopaholics will also find a variety of international chains with shops on Tauentzienstraße, including Zara, H&M, and Benetton, as well as several meccas for sports fans, such as Nike Town, Adidas, and Adidas NEO.
Luxury Shopping
- The western end of Kurfürstendamm tends to be home to exclusive designers like Lagerfeld, Lacoste, and Tommy Hilfiger. Luxury brands such as Bulgari, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Valentino and Gucci line the boulevard between Uhlandstraße and Adenauerplatz.
- At the same time, the quieter side streets in either direction off Uhlandstraße also offer plenty of charm.
Trendy Mitte
- An exciting shopping destination is in the trendy Mitte district around Hackescher Markt.
- The small galleries and fashion boutiques in and around the Hackesche Höfe offer distinctive fashions, striking shoes, jewellery and accessories, colourful knick-knacks, and fun gift items from young designers from Berlin and around the world.
Kreuzberg
- The eastern districts of Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain have developed quite a reputation for being centres of fashion.
- Kreuzberg’s Bergmannstraße is a great place to shop for second-hand fashions, trendy accessories and urban sounds.
The Flea Markets
- Anyone lucky enough to be in Berlin on the weekend should definitely visit one of the flea and design markets.
- The Mauerpark in Prenzlauer Berg or Boxhagener Platz in Friedrichshain is recommended.
Authentic Berlin Souvenirs
- Berlin stores have more mementoes to offer than the man in the hat from the city pedestrian crossings and pieces of the Berlin Wall.
- Everything on offer at Ausberlin on Alexanderplatz is unmistakably and specifically designed and manufactured in Berlin. From biscuit (cookie) cutters in the shape of Berlin landmarks to Neuköllnisch Wasser (a kind of liqueur) to the Rütli shirt, the shop offers a wide range of unusual Berlin memories.
- The same applies to BoxoffBerlin: Besides original travel souvenirs for Berlin lovers, BoB also offers a café and a gallery with changing exhibitions.
Berlins’ Best Gay Shopping Options
- Sling King Slingking is the home of Berlin’s original slings, fetishwear and clubwear, known for their infamous promotions throughout the city. Watch out for their slings and bears!
- RubAddiction Berlin RubAddiction specialises in handcrafted German-made fetish gear. The shop provides men with an extensive range of latex and heavy rubber gear.
- Frontplay Berlin – sells brands popular with the gay skin community and more, with top names like Lonsdale and Fred Perry; get the look here!
- Wagner Berlin – offers a wide range of club and neoprene wear with particular ranges and a diverse collection of brands and fetishwear.
- Connection Shop Berlin – Connection Shop Berlin is part of the Connection Club and was recently remodelled with 3 floors of shopping and cruising, complete with a Cinema.
- Butcherei Lindinger– is a leather and rubber shop that offers tailor-made clothes and accessories, everything from a handmade jacket to a rubber outfit.
- Brunos Berlin – Brunos Berlin has been one of the mainstays of the gay Berlin shopping scene over the past two decades and has a flagship store with the latest brands.
- Boyz-r-us – Boyz-r-us stock a wide range of well-known fashion brands, from Addicted to G-Star. Check out their special offers.
- BlackStyle Berlin – BlackStyle Berlin offers made-to-measure custom latex and rubber outfits, perfect for the next Folsom of BLF leather party in gay Berlin.
- Boxer Berlin – Boxer Berlin comes directly from Barcelona, offering the best clothing from club to fetish wear! Everything you need to look your best!
- Gear Berlin – Gear Berlin is one of the city’s best-known clubs, fetish and menswear brands, with a great collection of clothing right in the heart of the town.
- Mister B – Mister B, Berlin brings you the very best leather, fetish, and club wear direct from Amsterdam to Berlin. Great range of gear.
- Prinz Eisenherz Bookstore – Prinz Eisenherz is one of the longest-running gay bookstores in Berlin and has a large English section and helpful staff.
- R&Co Berlin – R&Co Berlin is home to some of the hottest leather and fetish wear in Berlin, with a wide range of brands and leatherwear.
Upcoming Berlin Gay Parties and Events
Berlin hosts a different gay party every night of the week and is home to the world famous Folsom Europe parties, 24 hour circuit events and a spectacular pride celebration.
Gay Berlin Events
Highlights on the annual Gay Berlin agenda are CSD and Pride Week.
Berlin’s Gay Leather & Fetish Events
- Berlin is famous for its hardcore leather and fetish scene.
- Huge parties are organised throughout the year, especially during the Easter Fetish weekend and September’s Folsom Europe Street fair.
Berlin Gay Pride
- Berlin’s Lesbian and Gay Street Festival “Stadfest” ( also known as the Lesbigay Street Festival) takes over the neighbourhood around Motzstraße for a weekend in July. It is one of the largest festivals of its kind in the world, attracting more than 350,000 visitors each year.
- The festival is an essential part of Berlin’s Pride celebrations, which cover the month of July, bundling together more than 200 cultural, political, and sporting events.
- In addition to the festival on Motzstraße, Berlin Pride events include Christopher Street Day, CSD on the Spree, and more than ten different circuit events and parties
Gay Berlin, What to see and do!
Berlin is teeming with history, and its key attractions bear testimony to that. But there is something to interest just about anyone of any age in this fascinating city.
The Fraternal Kiss, is a graffiti painting by Dmitri Vrubel on the eastern side Berlin wall. Painted in 1990, it has become one of the best known pieces of Berlin wall graffiti art.
Top things to see and do in Gay Berlin.
Berlin is teeming with history, and its key attractions bear testimony to that. But there is something to interest just about anyone of any age in this intriguing city.
The infamous Checkpoint Charlie and Jewish Museum are two just examples of the many sights that serve as a stark reminder of Germany’s torrid past, and history buffs will enjoy exploring all the museums and memorials this great city has to offer.
Are you on a whistle-stop tour of the capital or just looking for the Berlin Top 10? Look no further because we’ve picked the top ten things to see and do in Berlin, so you don’t have to. The choice was not easy – this city has so much to offer!
Reichstag
- When the decision was made to move the Federal Government to Berlin, it was time to reawaken the Reichstag building from its long years of slumber on the Mauerstreifen, the military zone between the two sides of the Wall.
- The building has since been completely modernised, and today’s visitors to the Reichstag can look out from the building’s glass dome to get a bird’s eye view of the hustle and bustle in the city. Several government buildings are near the Reichstag, such as the Bundeskanzleramt (Federal Chancellery) and the Brandenburg Gate.
- Private Walking tours, including the Reichstag
Brandenburg Gate
- Without a doubt, the Brandenburg Gate is Berlin’s signature attraction. Built in 1791, it was just one of many old city gates around the city of Berlin, which, at that time, was still a manageable size.
- The decorative Pariser Platz was laid at the foot of the gate and is now home to many of the city’s important buildings, for example, the Hotel Adlon with its wealth of history and the Akademie der Künste (Academy of the Arts).
- Enjoy a private tour of Berlin and customise your visit.
Berlin Television Tower (Fernsehturm)
- The Berlin Television Tower, known to locals as the Fernsehturm and instantly recognisable from a distance, stands out of the skyline at 368m, making it the tallest building in Berlin.
- Built in the 1960s, visitors to the tower can enjoy a unique 360° panorama of the city.
- Skip the line Champagne Breakfast at the Tower.
Gendarmenmarkt
- The Gendarmenmarkt is one of the most stunning squares in the city, located close to Friedrichstraße, Berlin’s exclusive shopping street in the central Mitte district.
- Three of the most impressive examples of architecture in the capital city are found here: the Concert House designed by Schinkel and the German and French Cathedrals (the Deutscher Dom and the Französischer Dom).
- Take a private custom tour by car and include this destination!
Berlin Cathedral
- The magnificent German Cathedral (Berliner Dom) dome is a remarkable example of late 19th-century architecture. Near the Cathedral are also the German Historical Museum and the Museum’s Island.
- On the side of Berlin’s boulevard, “Unter den Linden”, stands the Catholic St.Hedwigs-Cathedral.
- Take an evening cruise and see Berlin come alive!
Kurfürstendamm
- Extending all the way from the ruins of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on Breitscheidplatz to Berlin’s elegant Halensee neighbourhood, the affectionately termed Ku’damm is the most expensive address in the capital city and home to the most exclusive brands.
- Europe’s biggest department store KaDeWe is also situated on the extension of the Ku’damm, on the street known to locals as the Tauentzien (short for Tauentzienstrasse). The little ones will just love the Zoological Garden, Germany’s oldest zoo.
- Take the Luxury Berlin Tour
Charlottenburg Palace
- The magnificent Charlottenburg Palace is located just out of the city’s centre. The beautiful palace hosts fine collections of china and paintings and is in the middle of a picturesque palace garden next to the river Spree.
- If you prefer a walk in the park, you can feed your mind in the Charlottenburg museums directly opposite.
- An evening at the palace, dinner and an orchestral concert!
Museum Island
- Berlin’s Museum Island is one of the UNESCO world heritage sites and home to the city’s most important exhibition centres: the Altes Museum (Old Museum), the Neues Museum (New Museum), the Bode Museum, the Pergamon Museum and the Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery).
- The collections in these buildings encompass over 6,000 years of art and cultural history.
- Get the Museum Card and Save on Entry
The Berlin Wall Memorial
- The Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer (Berlin Wall Memorial) is located between the districts of Wedding and Mitte on Bernauer Straße, consisting of the Memorial to the Victims of the Wall, a Documentation Centre and the Chapel of Reconciliation.
- The surviving section of the Wall and watchtower enable visitors to get a real feel for the reality of the border facilities.
- Skip the line Berlin Wall Museum.
Potsdamer Platz
- Once the bustling heart of the city before the Second World War, then a no man’s land from 1945 until the fall of the Wall, the history of Potsdamer Platz has been eventful, to say the least.
- It changed entirely after the fall of the Wall in 1989 and is now dominated by the presence of the Sony Center, skyscrapers and endless shops. What’s more, Potsdamer Platz is the main place to be for stars and celebrities, and not only during film festivals.
- Take the Berlin Live-Guided Self-Drive Trabi Safari Tour
- Get behind the wheel of an adorable, undersized Trabi for a self-drive tour of Berlin.
Gay Berlin – When to visit?
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Berlin is gay all year long and the most popular city in Germany. However, the weather isn’t always so friendly.
- For those who enjoy the freedom of the naked body, the summer months are best with sexy guys on bikes, in shorts, reading on a bench or lying naked on the grass, mainly in Tiergarten park.
- However, winter has secrets, and the gay scene thrives in Berlin’s gay saunas, clubs and bars. Clubs like Berghain keep their cool, with the famous Saturday night queue often just as long as in Summer. Regular gay parties are a part of going out in winter; coat checks are just more popular.
- The cool thing about Berlin’s gay scene is its size and diversity. Berlin’s gay nightlife and cultural offerings are so diverse that there’s something for every type of tourist, from Karaoke to Naked Nights and everything in between, any time of year.
Recommended Hotels in Berlin By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Berlin that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
The Westin Grand
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-star luxury, spa, and grand staircase lobby.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Elegant rooms, flat-screen TVs.
- Offers a blend of historic charm and modern luxury, close to Brandenburg Gate, with excellent dining and spa facilities.
Mercure Berlin
4 Star, Readers Choice
- 4-star, near KaDeWe and Kurfürstendamm-boulevard.
- Close to the gay district.
- Flat-screen TV, & balconies.
- Ideal for exploring Berlin’s Schöneberg district, offering comfort and convenience with a touch of elegance.
Riu Plaza Berlin
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, modern building on Kurfürstendamm boulevard.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Luxury furnishings, flat-screen TV.
- Combines modern luxury with prime location, perfect for those seeking a stylish stay near Berlin’s top attractions.
ArtHotel Connection
3 Star, Gay Hotel
- 3-star, hetero-friendly gay hotel.
- Close to the gay district.
- Flat-screen TV, iPod dock.
- Located in the heart of Schöneberg, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking a vibrant, inclusive atmosphere close to Nollendorfplatz.
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