Discover Berlin's Vibrant Gay Scene: Bars & Clubs
Berlin is renowned for its open and inclusive atmosphere, and its gay scene is no exception. From cozy bars to legendary clubs, there's something for everyone. Let's dive into some of the best spots Berlin has to offer.
Gay Bars: A Taste of Berlin's Nightlife
ArtHotel Connection
Looking for a gay-friendly hotel with a touch of class?
ArtHotel is an excellent choice. We love its homely feel and, of course, the late breakfast (available until 4pm!). The rooms are designed in a kitschy art-nouveau style, and the creaking wooden stairway adds to its old-world charm. It's like stepping into Priscilla, Queen of the Desert!
Prinzknecht
Located just around the corner from the Axel Hotel at Fuggerstrasse 33, Prinzknecht is a stylish and classy lounge bar.
Expect a mixed and friendly crowd, both male and female, with zero judgment. Open daily until 2am (3am on weekends).
Heile Welt
Don't miss the Pisco Sours at Heile Welt! The most striking thing about this bar is its unique wall decoration, literally made out of Chewbacca fluff!
You'll see what we mean when you visit. Find it at Motzstrasse 19, open daily until 1am (3am on weekends).
Hafen
Located just a few doors down from Heile Welt at Motzstrasse 19, Hafen is a small, unassuming bar that's always busy, even on weekdays.
The crowd is mixed, mainly locals, and super chilled. Check out their themed nights like Monday quiz nights and occasional karaoke evenings. Open daily until around 4am.
Roses (Kreuzberg)
A super quirky and kitsch gay bar in Kreuzberg, Roses welcomes you with loud pink glitter decor that transforms into a unique collection of figurines and pictures of the Virgin Mary.
The crowd is a mix of male and female from the entire LGBTQ spectrum, mainly locals and some curious tourists. Located at Oranienstrasse, near Kottbusser Tor metro station, and open daily until around 6am.
SilverFuture (Neukölln)
This flamboyant queer gem boasts fun, loud, and super campy kitsch decor with countless pictures plastered across the walls.
The later it gets, the female-to-male ratio increases considerably. Located at Weserstrasse, near Hermannplatz metro station, and open daily except Sundays until 2am (3am on weekends).
Flax (Prenzlauer Berg)
Flax is a popular spot for younger crowds.
It's one of the most popular gay bars in the Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood, so if you're looking for twinks, this is the place to be. Their busiest nights are themed karaoke nights on the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month.
Bar Zum (Friedrichshain)
Located in a former fire station, Bar Zum is a cozy spot with armchairs and sofas, like hanging out in your friend's apartment.
Thursday evenings are their 90s party, allowing you to show off your Ace of Base and Spice Girls moves. Find it at Revaler Strasse 99, near Warschauer Strasse metro station. Open daily until around 4am (6am on weekends).
Gay Clubs: Unleash Your Inner Party Animal
Berlin's club scene is legendary, with smoky underground venues in former industrial warehouses pumping out electro house music.
Don't forget the obligatory darkrooms!
Berghain/Panorama Bar
The mama of all gay clubs in Berlin, Berghain is located in a huge former power plant in Friedrichshain. Inside, you'll find everyone high on something, in black, or wearing nothing at all!
The Berghain's infamous reputation is due to the severe and secretive entry policy of its door staff.
Tips for getting in:
- Come on Sunday late morning when queues are shorter.
- Wear dark, grungy colors and come solo or in twos, never in a large group.
- Don't smile when the door staff are scanning you, and don't act drunk.
Berghain is only open at weekends, starting on Friday midnight and going on throughout the weekend until midday on Monday.
SchwuZ
SchwuZ has become an institution for the gay scene of Berlin.
It's one of the oldest gay clubs in Germany, starting as an alternative underground club for the LGBTQ community. Today, it's one of the hippest clubs in the city, particularly on weekends when they have 3 dance rooms.
Buttons
Taking place on the third Friday of each month, Buttons attracts a diverse queer crowd.
Located at Markgrafendamm 24c, very close to the Berlin Ostkreuz metro. It is a place of pure hedonism and love of liberty.
KitKatClub
Known for its sexually charged atmosphere and alternative parties, KitKatClub is one of the most famous among Berlin's gay scene.
The club hosts a variety of events, including techno and house music parties, fetish parties, and swingers' parties. Their dress code is famously liberal, with many party-goers opting for provocative or fetish-inspired outfits. Don't miss the monthly party for only gay men on Fridays called Revolver.
Sisyphos
An absolute adult playground with unique surprises around every corner, Sisyphos is perfect for a low-pressure summer day party.
It may not be as overtly gay as other choices, but you'll feel welcome and free to be yourself here.
So, pack your bags, embrace the自由 (freedom), and get ready to experience Berlin's incredible gay scene!