A host of unique ideas and locations rattle the rafters of lofts, cellars and factory halls. In addition to various cinemas and clubs, "Connection Club", "Haus B" and "Klub International" are famous addresses for gay clubbing in Berlin.
The city's gay and lesbian scene is concentrated to various degrees in three different locations. Firstly, in Schöneberg to the north, with its classic scene; secondly, in Kreuzberg which offers a more alternative mixture of culture and nightlife; and lastly, in Prenzlauer Berg (Berlin's version of Soho) with its rather trendy flair.
For visitors to Berlin, Schöneberg makes a good first stop. Its scene includes everything from gay-friendly pharmacies and fitness clubs to fetish shops and even a gay French fries stand on Wittenbergplatz Square. The gay scene has been in existence around Winterfeldtplatz Square for 100 years and has always drawn a colorful crowd. Every evening when the bars open their doors, Schöneberg's lively Motzstrasse is popular gays looking for a fun night out.
The Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg zones are regarded as the city's "in" districts and have gone on to become points of attraction for all visitors to Berlin. They have seen an incredibly fast development, including the gay and lesbian scene, and this is not yet over by far. In spite of all these radical changes, the cozy East German charm can still be felt, for example, in "Schoppenstube" bar. But new locations such as "Greifbar" and "Treibhaus Sauna" have helped to conclusively ring in reunification.
In contrast, the scene in Kreuzberg still has an alternative feel to it. In bars such as "Roses", "Möbel Olfe" or "Bierhimmel" and some of the other spots around Oranienstrasse, the down-to earth charm of former bohemian times can still be felt. Some of the party series organized by SO36 are among the most unusual that Berlin's nightlife offers.
The "Queer-Gebäude", situated at Mehringdamm 61, is home to exhibition rooms, archives and a warehouse belonging to the "Schwules Museum" (Gay Museum). The "Schwules Museum", which is still the only one of its kind in the entire world, presents a permanent exhibition about gay history between 1800 and 1970 with a focus on Berlin and includes special exhibitions.
For a detailed listing of community hotspots in Berlin and Eastern Germany, adresses, websites etc please click here: Community Hotspots or learn more about Berlin's vibrant gay nightlife on out-in-berlin.
