Berlin, the capital of Germany, is a vibrant city rich in history, culture, and modern attractions. Known for its dynamic art scene, iconic landmarks, and diverse neighborhoods, Berlin offers something for every traveler.
Top Attractions
Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)
An iconic symbol of Berlin and Germany, the Brandenburg Gate is a neoclassical monument that has witnessed numerous historical events.
Berlin Wall and East Side Gallery
Visit the remnants of the Berlin Wall, which once divided the city. The East Side Gallery is a section of the wall now serving as an open-air gallery with murals by artists from around the world.
Museum Island (Museumsinsel)
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this island in the Spree River houses five world-renowned museums, including the Pergamon Museum and the Bode Museum.
Reichstag Building
The seat of the German Parliament, this historic building features a stunning glass dome offering panoramic views of the city. Admission is free, but advance registration is required.
Checkpoint Charlie
The most famous crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, now a museum detailing the history of the Berlin Wall and the escape attempts from East to West Berlin.
Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)
An impressive baroque-style cathedral located on Museum Island. Visitors can climb to the top for spectacular views of the city.
Holocaust Memorial (Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe)
A poignant memorial consisting of 2,711 concrete slabs arranged in a grid pattern, commemorating the Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
Alexanderplatz and TV Tower (Fernsehturm)
A bustling square known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The TV Tower offers a revolving restaurant and observation deck with a 360-degree view of Berlin.
Public Transportation: Berlin has an efficient public transport system, including buses, trams, U-Bahn (underground), and S-Bahn (suburban trains). Purchase a Berlin WelcomeCard for unlimited travel and discounts at various attractions.
Weather: Berlin has a temperate seasonal climate. Summers are warm, with temperatures averaging around 24°C (75°F), while winters can be cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing.
Language: German is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
Currency: The Euro (€).
Tips for Travelers
Book Attractions in Advance: Popular attractions like the Reichstag and the TV Tower require advance bookings, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Explore by Bike: Berlin is a bike-friendly city with many dedicated lanes. Renting a bike is a great way to explore the city.
Sample Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying traditional dishes like Currywurst, Döner Kebab, and Berliner Pfannkuchen (Berlin doughnuts).
Respect the History: When visiting sites like the Holocaust Memorial, maintain a respectful demeanor.
Stay Aware of Pickpockets: As in any major city, keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
Berlin is a city that seamlessly blends its poignant history with a vibrant, modern culture. Whether you're an art enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking to soak in the unique atmosphere, Berlin promises an unforgettable experience.
Berlin is renowned for its vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ community. Here's a guide to exploring LGBTQ+ Berlin, covering neighborhoods, bars, clubs, events, cultural highlights, and useful resources.
Neighborhoods
Schöneberg: Historically the heart of Berlin's LGBTQ+ scene. Key spots include:
Nollendorfplatz: Centered around this U-Bahn station, you'll find many LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and shops.
Motzstraße: Known for its gay-friendly bars and cafes.
Kreuzberg: Eclectic and diverse, offering alternative LGBTQ+ venues.
SO36: A legendary club with LGBTQ+ events.
SilverFuture: A popular queer bar with a welcoming atmosphere.
Friedrichshain: Home to many LGBTQ+ venues and a young, hip crowd.
Südblock: A popular bar and event space with a diverse program.
Roses Bar: Known for its unique decor and vibrant crowd.
Prenzlauer Berg: More laid-back with various LGBTQ+ friendly spots.
Greifbar: A cozy bar with a mixed crowd.
Burg Schnabel: A club known for inclusive parties.
Bars and Clubs
Berghain/Panorama Bar: Famous for its inclusive and open-minded door policy, it’s one of the most famous clubs in the world.
KitKatClub: Known for its wild parties and fetish nights, welcoming all orientations.
SchwuZ: A historic club with themed nights, including drag shows and dance parties.
Heile Welt: A cozy bar with a welcoming atmosphere and great cocktails.
Tom's Bar: One of the oldest gay bars in Berlin, known for its friendly vibe.
Events
Berlin Pride (Christopher Street Day): One of the largest LGBTQ+ events in Berlin, usually held in July.
Folsom Europe: A street fair focused on the leather and fetish community, held in September.
Lesbian and Gay City Festival: Held in Schöneberg, this is one of the largest street festivals celebrating LGBTQ+ culture.
Queer Film Festival: Showcasing LGBTQ+ films from around the world.
Easter Berlin: Europe's biggest leather and fetish event, attracting visitors globally.
Cultural Highlights
Schwules Museum: One of the world’s largest LGBTQ+ museums, documenting queer history and culture.
Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism: A poignant memorial in Tiergarten
Gay Museum Archives: Extensive archives on LGBTQ+ history.
Tips for Visitors
Respect Privacy: While Berlin is very LGBTQ+ friendly, always ask for consent before taking photos in clubs or at events.
Stay Informed: Check local guides and magazines for the latest events and parties.
Public Transport: Berlin's U-Bahn and S-Bahn are safe and convenient for getting around the city, even late at night.
Berlin's LGBTQ+ scene is diverse, inclusive, and ever-evolving, making it a must-visit destination for queer travelers. Enjoy exploring this vibrant city!
We visited Berlin in August 2024. We stayed in the city centre and found the city very easy to walk around. Getting from airport to the city is really easy with trains running most of the time. We were able to get a train to the airport at 3.30am on our return day but check as this was at the weekend.
The city is of course full of history. We took part in a walk tour of the city when we arrived and while this maybe for some we found it went on for to long and the guide could have kept his stories shorter. It is as easy to take the bus tours of the city. There are many different companies so our advice would be to shop around and get the best price for how long you are there. You can also walk around the city or take a tram.
There are some great places to eat in Berlin including some great Vietnam cuisine plus all of the poplar fast food chains. Berlin McDonalds do have a breakfast menu but it is quite limited but one good option is a scrambled egg wrap with lettuce and tomato.
We stayed at EasyHotel. The rooms were small and in our room the air con did not work very well but the bed was comfortable and it was very central and the staff were very friendly and full of knowledge