In no other city in the world will you find a larger number of gay and lesbian attractions -- not even in London or San Francisco. If that's surprising to you, you've never heard of Berlin's hedonistic parties and vibrant gay life. It's such a liberal and open minded city, that many of the sunbathers you'll see in the city's huge central park are nude, and many of them are gay. So it's also not surprising that the city elected a gay mayor in 2001 and that there's a gay museum in town. The Schwules (Gay) Museum chronicles the history of homosexuals through permanent and changing exhibitions, and presents a variety of topics relating to the every day life of gays and lesbians.

Gay life in Berlin is therefore not limited to a ghetto of exclusive gay venues, but is instead just another part of the city, extending to several areas within it. Schöneberg, Friedrichshain, and Prenzlauer Berg may be where you'll find the most gay bars and restaurants, but other areas such as Kreuzberg and Mitte also have a number of gay-friendly offers. There is so much for gay and lesbian locals and visitors to experience, that one of the city's major gay guides has over 200 pages of suggestions. We can't possibly tell you about all of them, but we have all the very best places to recommend to you. For all others, pick up a free copy of the monthly gay magazines available at many of the venues below.


Hafen
As one of the best established gay bars in town, you'll find a large crowd during the week, and an even larger crowd on weekends when the place turns into a techno club. Dress well and fashionably to blend in.

Prinzknecht
This large bar in Schöneberg gets packed with a mixed crowd even during the week (and especially on Wednesdays when it offers drink specials). It's especially popular with macho men who also enjoy the good music. During the warmer months there's pleasant outdoor seating.

ROSES - Oranienstraße 187
For those looking for a bar that's slightly more hardcore, squeeze your way through Roses which is decorated with... roses. The red lights, leopard skin sofas, and fur lining the walls gives it a kitsch and naughty ambience, where you can sip on a variety of cocktails as you look for your prey.

Freizeitheim
This lounge/small bar-club attracts a mixed crowd, including a large number of lesbians during its weekly lesbian nights. It's a rather retro-kitsch place where inexpensive cocktails are served by a friendly staff.

Berghain
Berlin's top club naturally attracts both gay and straight. Join them on the sweaty dancefloor or at the rooftop bar.

Connection
If you only make it to a couple of gay hotspots in Berlin, this should be one of them. It's one of the most popular, with a large bar and three dancefloors where the techno music will always be pounding in your ears. There are drink specials throughout the week, as well as a shop where you can get your magazines, toys, and videos.

GMF
The world's biggest DJs (and that includes Germany's own Paul Van Dyk) often spin at this stylish club. The crowd is there to party (and dressed for that) so expect a friendly ambience and some of the best nights in town.

SchwuZ
This gay Berlin institution is still going strong after three decades. It has witnessed many of the city's historic gay moments (the Gay Museum upstairs illustrates many of them), and still hosts a number of parties, including a weekly one for lesbian . Sit at the cocktail lounge, stand by one of the three bars, or get on one of the two dancefloors as you hear pop, house, and sometimes rock and indie music.

SO36
A slightly more alternative and mixed crowd invades this club during its popular theme parties. To find out which one is coming up next, consult its website.

Fate Club
This club hosts many theme parties, including a monthly "sex dance." The website provides all the information with the upcoming events.

Vagabund
This has been a gay hotspot for over three decades. It gets especially crowded after 3AM.

Bonobo
This is the most recent gay bar-lounge-restaurant and it's centrally located. It's worth checking out.

Geburtstagsklub
This club hosts various parties, and one of them is gay. Check the website to find out when.


LESBIANS
CAFE SEIDENFADEN - Diercksenstraße 47
This popular lessbian hangout serves delicious cakes and non-alcoholic cocktails. In fact, you won't find any alcohol here, as it first started as part of a female rehabilitation center. It often hosts a variety of events and exhibition, and during the summer months its terrace is the place to be.

Ackerkeller
This alternative gay and lesbian club hosts special parties and has a laid-back café/pub open six days a week.


GAY-FRIENDLY HOTELS:
Tom's Gay Hotel
Hotel Sachsenhof
Q! Hotel
Ackselhaus
Arcotel Velvet
Art'otel
Brandenburger Hof
Bleibtreu Berlin
Grand Hotel Esplanade
Hotel-Pension Dittberner
KuDamm 101
Lux 11
The Mandala