“’Ich bin schwul, und das ist auch gut so!” First spoken by Berlin’s then-mayor in 2001, this sentence (“I’m gay, and that’s just fine!”) neatly encapsulates the city’s gay-friendly philosophy. Berlin’s nightlife and EDM scene are famous across Europe, and the city also caters spectacularly well to its gay residents and visitors in the form of gay-friendly clubs and bars, as well as an all-around welcoming atmosphere.
Daytime in Berlin is equally fascinating, as it’s a diverse, cosmopolitan city that’s very much in touch with traditional German culture as well as other cultures. There is plenty of historical sightseeing to do as well, making Berlin a great all-round tourist city.
If, when the night falls, you are ready to mingle with the LGBTQ crowd in one of Berlin’s not-to-miss gay bars – here is your comprehensive guide to finding where the party’s at!
The CLUB
The CLUB is a small, intimate venue that offers something a little different in the scene. It offers the usual happy hours and drinks you’d expect of any bar, but it also plays host to a large number of events that aren’t quite typical of the club and bar circuit.
The CLUB frequently hosts drag evenings, while also sometimes dipping into visual art: it’s been known to have art exhibitions and films on show. The CLUB’s personable atmosphere and eclectic events make it a winner, but be sure to check ahead so you know what to expect on the evening in question.
Biebricher Straße 14
Berlin
Germany
12053
+49 30 4195 3855
Pinocchio
Conveniently located in the popular gay district of Schoneberg, Pinocchio is a bar for music lovers. As well as carefully chosen recorded music to go with your evening and drinks, Pinocchio frequently offers live music and is open from 2pm, making it a great afternoon or early evening spot.
Fuggerstraße 3
Berlin
Germany
10777
+49 30 2362 0333
Sanatorium 23
For something a little slicker and more upscale, consider Sanatorium 23. With its contemporary, stylish atmosphere and top DJs, it’s a fun and fashionable place to spend an evening. As well as a well-populated dancefloor and excellent drinks menu, Sanatorium 23 has plenty of comfortable seating for those who fancy a more chilled out evening. Enormous windows and a gorgeous view are the cherry on the cake.
Frankfurter Alle 23
Berlin
Germany
10247
+49 30 4202 1193
The Coven
Boasting an enviable location, the Coven successfully combines an easygoing, inviting atmosphere with a glamorous streak. Its drinks menu is excellent and its clientele cool, putting it off to a great start. What’s more, the Coven is backed up by friendly, professional staff and world-class bartending, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an interesting-yet-chilled evening.
Kleine Präsidentenstraße 3
Berlin
Germany
10178
+49 151 1498 2524
Silver Future
A pillar of Berlin’s LGBT+ community, Silver Future promises a great night any day of the week. As well as a fantastic, welcoming atmosphere and warm, friendly staff, Silver Future serves food, neatly sidestepping the problem of finding a nearby place to eat. As well as good party nights, Silver Future frequently hosts LGBT+ cultural exhibitions and other events.
Weserstraße 206
Berlin
Germany
12047
+49 30 7563 4987
Where to stay
Hotel Transit Loft – Ideal for people who enjoy an exciting, all-hours kind of holiday, this hotel, located in a stylishly refurbished factory dating back to the 1800s, offers a 24-hour bar and late breakfast. The hotel’s location puts it within easy distance of any number of landmarks and public transport options, and it’s pet-friendly too (call ahead to inquire about bringing pets along).
Novum Hotel Lichtburg am Kurfurstendamm – This hotel boasts simple yet beautiful rooms and a peaceful location, making it perfect for a more relaxed pace. It’s also within very easy distance of Kurfurstendamm’s famous shops, so you couldn’t ask for a much better location if you’re one for shopping.
Grimm’s Hotel am Potsdamer Platz – with a tasteful décor and a wonderful shop-adjacent location, Grimm’s Hotel am Potsdamer Platz is a great option. Most of the rooms offer stunning views, and visitors have easy access to many of the city’s historic sites as well as the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness facilities.
How to Get from Berlin Airport to Berlin
There are actually two airports that go by the informal moniker of “Berlin airport”: Berlin-Tegel airport (TXL) and Berlin-Schonefeld airport (SXF). Both have easy access to the city centre.
Whichever airport you’re flying to, you can’t go far wrong by booking a private transfer with Shuttle Direct. This guarantees you a driver who will meet you at the airport, take you to a private car and drive you straight to your hotel. You’ll have space for travelling companions and bags as well, and all in all it’s a great way to dodge the usual holiday stress of frantically catching trains and reading maps before you can even sit down.
Tegel airport is a 20-minute drive from the city centre. Your Shuttle Direct driver will take you along Saatwinkler Damm (possibly a different route if you’re staying outside the centre of the city) straight to your hotel’s front door. Schonefeld airport, meanwhile, is on the other side of the city and a little further out: your driver will take you along the A113, and they’ll have you in the city centre in around half an hour.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is one of the most highly regarded airport transfer firms there is. Our transfers run from almost every major airport, which, along with our premium quality service, has ensured that we are the first choice for a huge number of seasoned travellers worldwide, whether for business or for pleasure.
