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Featured Gay Friendly Hotels in Berlin
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Gay Berlin
Berlin has been the capital of Germany since November 9, 1918. The date of November 9 holds historical significance for this city with its turbulent past on numerous occasions. For example, on November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall fell marking the end of the Cold War between Eastern and Western Europe. Specifically in Berlin, once the wall that divided the city came down, German citizens were free to cross the border between the East and West portions of the city. Landmarks in Berlin such as The Brandenburg Gate which was built in the 18th Century once represented the division in Germany. It has since become Berlin's symbol of reunification.
Berlin is an extremely diverse city, residents and travelers of all nationalities visit and live here. The population in Berlin is approximately 3.5 million and is expected to continue to grow. Berlin is extremely liberal as 1 in 10 inhabitants are gay or bisexual, which places this awesome city among Europe’s Top 3 gay cities. Because of the tolerance of the Berlin people, you will easily find many same-sex couples walking hand in hand and kissing along the gorgeous city streets. This is definitely a must-visit city for the rising gay traveler.
Berlin is truly a city that holds many stories, both wonderful and dark. Be sure to read through the comprehensive gay and lesbian berlin travel guide before you venture into the city. During the day there are many places to go and many places for you to see. If you want to view some amazing architecture then head over to the Brandenburg Gate, the gate holds many of Germany's old 18th and 19th-century buildings. The city’s main cathedral also resides in Brandenburg and is definitely a sight to see.
Seeking a darker side of Berlin’s history? Look no further than where the Old Berlin Wall used to stand, head over to the Mauermusem Haus am Checkpoint Charlie which is next to the site where the old border crossing stood when the wall was still up. If you aren’t all that into sightseeing and would rather feed your retail indulgences then don’t fret because there are small shops everywhere. Grab a coffee and make your way down the streets of Berlin and you’ll find a wide variety of different shops and stores which will gladly help you fill your shopping bags.
What Do You Want to Discover?
Top Things to See and Do in Berlin
MUST DO: Attractions & Activities
MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
Best Time to Visit Berlin
Berlin winters can be very cold and chilly while the summers can be very hot. Keep the seasons in mind while planning your trip, and pack accordingly. Arriving in a t-shirt and shorts during the months of December and January could mean a very uncomfortable start to your trip. The best time to visit Berlin is from May through September. This will give you optimal weather to stroll around the city, enjoy some outdoor activities, have a coffee in an outdoor cafe, and much more! The winter, on the other hand, can get a bit extreme. Cold weather is normal as temperatures can drop to 20 - 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Top Things to See and Do in Berlin
Overall, Berlin is on our list of must-visit destinations so be sure not to miss out on this amazing city.
MUST DO Berlin Attractions & Activities”
Berlin is a beautiful and historic city to visit. From the architecture to the art around the city, you can't help but go on a walking sightseeing tour and take in all of the city. While walking about, try some of the local food. Or better yet, stop for a cup of coffee, sit outside and people watch. Berlin is an active and vibrant city. So take the time to immerse yourself in the art, culture, and food. You won't be disappointed. Below, you will find some notable places to visit.
Brandenburg Gate - This structure is one of the most photographed places in Berlin and a very popular tourist destination. It's inspired by Arcopils entrance in Athens and was built for king Fredrik Wilhelm III in 1778. It's a sight to be seen.
Museumsinsel - This Baroque-style building is an island with 5 different museums. Each of the museums offers a different aspect of German art. What a great way to take in top German art and architecture.
Memorial of the Berlin Wall - For the history buff, this place marks the location of the Berlin wall and the history behind it.
Here are a few gay-friendly attractions we recommend:
Schwules Museum, the world's first LGBT-focused museum, opened in 1985.
Nollendorfplatz, a square where the gay community convenes in the Schöneberg district and host of the annual two-day lesbian-gay street festival called "Motzstraßenfest."
MonGay at the Kino International Cinema, a weekly movie series tailored to a gay and lesbian audience.
Gay-Friendly Dining
Berlin’s foodie scene is as active as its gay scene. There are a number of gay-owned restaurants, cafes, and the like that are as great as any restaurant you are likely to find. Take a walk around the city, window shop until you see something you can’t wait to try. It won’t take long. While visiting, you must try all of Germany's three food pillars. Sausages, sauerkraut, and beer. You will then see why they are so in love with them!
Whether you are a local “Berliner” or just visiting, be sure to stop in to view the massive collection of memorabilia, sip a handcrafted cocktail, and dine on one of the delicious, made-from-scratch entrees. The location features an expansive bar, a large seating area, and it is dog-friendly! Visit at Kurfürstendamm 224, Berlin, Berlin 10719 DE or give them a call +49 30/884620.
RESTAURANT & TERRACE
Sunday-Thursday 12-10 PM, Friday & Saturday 12-11 PM
ROCK SHOP
Sunday-Thursday 12-9 PM, Friday & Saturday 12-10 PM
TAKE AWAY FOOD
Monday - Sunday 12-9 PM
Sage Restaurant
The Sage Restaurant is located right on the banks of the Spree on Berlin-Kreuzberg and is a cosmopolitan and artfully designed restaurant with a sunny terrace and a lovely, spacious beach area. Sage serves fresh, sophisticated dishes served at reasonable prices, and the gay scene of Berlin has responded with praise.
This gay-friendly restaurant serves traditional dishes from Berlin and creative German cuisine.
Arman
The Indian cuisine here is delicious and not to be missed!
Cafe Berio
This gay- and lesbian-friendly cafe in the Berlin-Schöneberg district serves us tempting cakes, plus food and beverages that can be enjoyed on a pretty patio.
OYA Cafe
Enjoy delicious flavors and great company at this gay-friendly cafe run by six women who are deeply involved in the queer/trans/feminist scene.
Gay-Friendly Nightlife
Berlin’s gay nightlife is as great as gay bars and clubs can get. This is a major city so there is always something to do. Take a look around you’ll find a facet of the gay nightlife that works for you.
Berghain is the ultimate stop in Berlin, considered and awarded the best club in multiple categories over the past few years and there is a reason. Originally an electric plant in East Berlin, this massive building is now Berghain featuring a massive club floor with steel and concrete playing techno, industrial, and Detroit style techno, a bar, and ice cream parlour.
This eccentric bar area holds the most diverse fetish scene in Europe so look no further for some epic fun!
GMF is the gay night at club Weekend located in Alexanderplatz with three different levels in a high-rise including a rooftop patio to chill the night away with friends old and new while enjoying house music by local DJ's.
A Berlin gay institution, this lively dance club makes its home in a large industrial space complete with a disco ball. Come to drink, dance, and be merry while listening to everything from techno to rock.
Come to this laid-back gay bar for food and drinks seven days a week, plus events and exhibitions focusing on LGBTQ culture. All are welcome, especially gay individuals new to Berlin and those from abroad.
A staple in the gay and lesbian bar scene in Berlin, Bar Himmelrich is known for its loungey interior, drink specials, and Wednesday night "Women's Lounge" event.
Berlin Gay Scene
Berlin is one of the gay capitals in Europe. It is an incredibly tolerant place where for a number of years even the mayor was openly gay. Once the night falls grab your clothes and get ready for a night on the town. Berlin is no joke, the nightlife here is crazy and extremely fun. Head over to the gaslamp quarter and you’ll find an endless stream of gay bars and restaurants. From sprawling dancefloors to hole-in-the-wall dives, there is a sense of free-ness in the air, you’ll find same-sex couples kissing and holding hands all throughout the city.
The oldest gay district in Berlin is in West Berlin, Schoneberg. This is a special area where the trendy guys-heile, welt hafen coexist in a very small location with crowded cruising clubs. This is the place to be to know the biggest scene in town. Don’t forget about Kreuzberg, home to the largest Turkish community outside of Turkey. This is also the place where young and alternative, punk-inspired scene is rapidly growing. Not to mention that this is also the area where the first gay Turkish party took place (gayhane)!
Prenzlauer Berg is considered to be the more relaxed, less compact gay scene but worth visiting. This place holds a genuine local atmosphere and is a must-visit for those who want to add more of a cultural twist to their vacation. The schoppenstube would be a good start for any traveler in this area before the East Berlin night takes you away elsewhere.
Travel Safety Tips
Berlin is considered a very safe place to visit. You can walk around while being yourself, as Berling has a large LGBTQ population. The people are friendly and polite and the city is beautiful and historic. Whatever it is that you may end up doing in Berlin, it sure will be a fun and memorable experience. While visiting, it's always smart to follow common sense travel tips. Always lock up valuables and passports, remember streets and points of interest so you don't get lost, and finally, dress comfortably. Overall, Berlin is on our list of must-visit destinations so be sure not to miss out on this amazing city.
Check out Kylie Condon's travel journal exploring the lesbian culture in Berlin. Lez Explore: Berlin
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