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Gay Berlin

In the 1920s there weren’t many places where LGBTQ+ folk could expect to live openly and proudly without fear of oppression, but the Berlin of the Weimar Republic was one such place.

The bar’s entrance on Urbanstrasse is relatively discreet – look for the rainbow flag painted above its door and ring the buzzer if you dare.

A mainstay on the Berlin sauna scene, Kreuzberg’s Der Boiler is renowned for its lively steam room and maze-like cruising area for men. The organization this app provides has taken a huge weight off my shoulders.

Berlin has earned its stripes as one of the great gay capitals of the world, with a huge LGBTQ+ community, one-of-a-kind queer bars and an attitude to life that encourages inhabitants to be whoever they please.

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The best of LGBTQ+ Berlin

A local legend, Monster Ronson’s Ichiban Karaoke has undergone a facelift in recent years, but the on-stage stripper pole is very much still intact. Südblock also serves food, ranging from breakfast to midnight snacks.

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This site and app let me do all the planning for our 15 day trip in a little over 6 hours! Clean, cool, contemporary interiors make this the ideal spot to hunt down some steamy action.

A former beer-slinger from Möbel-Olfe opened this bar for Kreuzberg’s increasingly large gay population in 2010.

Located on the ground floor of the iconic Berghain nightclub, LAB.ORATORY is a must-visit for fetishists and fans of rubber, leather, and sportswear. Here’s our picks of the best. 

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This guide was recently updated by Berlin-based writer Nathan Ma. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out.

From the historic streets of Schöneberg to the edgy vibes of Kreuzberg, the city offers a diverse array of gay bars that cater to every taste and preference. Pop into one of the rotating exhibitions on gay, lesbian and trans history, peruse the abundant books and magazines stored upstairs, and then chill out over a quiet coffee or beer.

Opened in 2004 on the border between the Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain districts, Berghain has long been known for its techno and minimal techno music scene.

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gay bars in berlin

With raging parties and a labyrinthine dark room, there’s a reason Ficken 3000 has become a legend among locals looking for a drink, dance and a flamboyant good time. The crowd has swelled in recent years, with students, artists and hipsters now in the know, but the infamous Thursday nights are still a blast.

Hotfoot it to one of Berlin’s most notorious cruising bars for a heady taste of the city’s queer scene.

This relatively cosy spot can get quite packed, but that’s all part of the fun. Each bar has its own unique charm, making it easy to explore and discover new favorites. Though the city’s radically queer character was dampened as the 20th century wore on, the late 90s and early 2000s saw a revitalization of a legendary nightlife scene that is only getting bigger.

This scene-leading space has a reputation for wild-themed nights and a permissive attitude towards NSFW fun. Think again, my friend.

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Whilst Berlin is home to a plethora of gay nightlife venues, including chilled upmarket lounges, the city is best known for its edgier clubbing experiences. Arrive early for the new talent showcase (always a treat) and stay for the seasoned performers later.

Tucked away in a busy post-industrial complex in Friedrichshain, Zum Schmutzigen Hobby is both bar and club in one.

In Berlin, you'll find everything from lively cocktail bars like BLOND, where the drinks are as vibrant as the atmosphere, to eclectic venues like SilverFuture, known for its drag shows and casual vibe. Think again, my friend.

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There are plenty of private booths for shyer songbirds, but the real magic happens in the main room. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

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