Berlin best gay bars
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The population of Schöneberg is largely LGBTQ+ so it makes sense that the district would also serve as the unofficial capital of queer culture in Berlin.
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.
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.
Over time, this has lent itself to a ton of fantastic club nights, bars and saunas, and new venues are popping up all the time.
Berlin is a city that is always moving forward, often at a lightning pace. 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.
Whether you're looking for a lively night out with friends or a cozy spot to unwind, Berlin's gay bars provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable experiences. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.
Been there, done that? 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.
Südblock also serves food, ranging from breakfast to midnight snacks.
Been there, done that? 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.
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The streets of Schöneberg are lined with exclusive restaurants, high-end shops, and upscale cafes, making it a delightful place to spend a lazy afternoon. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
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Each bar has its own unique charm, making it easy to explore and discover new favorites.Cabins, saunas and chill-out areas combine to provide a rather opulent experience, and the clientele is always a good mix. Today, as one of the few gay bars left in Mitte, Betty F*** remains a favourite for gays, hipsters and fashionistas looking for a kickstart to the evening.
As well as being one of Berlin’s most prized museums, the Schwules has a quiet café for those looking for something more downtempo.
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. Just look for the "mentioned by" tags on each place like these:
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It’s an odd location for a gay bar, wedged among Turkish snack bars in a down-at-heel 1960s housing development, but this unpretentious space has been packed since it opened, mainly with gay and lesbian beer lovers, thanks to the excellent range of brews on offer.
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Exactly what I needed to plan a trip. This relatively cosy spot can get quite packed, but that’s all part of the fun.
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. The Kottywood party is a popular go-to for gays and lesbians looking to cap a Friday night grinding to Latin, retro and pop music.
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.
Stop by for a beer and stick around for the crowd that streams in as the night descends. 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.