- Score: 👨🤝👨👨🤝👨👨🤝👨👨🤝👨 (4/5)
- Our Thoughts: Loud, Political, Techno-Fuelled Perfection ✈️
Why Berlin Pride Should Be Top of Your Travel List
The bass hits you first. We're standing 100 metres from our hotel door on Wallstraße, and the opening trucks of Berlin Pride are already shaking the pavement. It's 11:47am on a Saturday in July, and the city is about to spend the next eight hours being unapologetically, brilliantly, defiantly queer 🌈🌈.
Here's what nobody tells you about Berlin Pride: you don't watch it. You're in it. Beer in hand, dancing between trucks, stepping out when you're knackered, rejoining when the perfect house track pulls you back. This year's theme, "Never be silent again," brought around 80 trucks with 100 different groups marching for diversity, human rights, and protection of minorities. And unlike other Pride events we've covered, including São Paulo, Berlin's parade feels less like a procession and more like a moving protest party that refuses to shut up.
We've been coming to Berlin for over a decade. We have lost count of the exact number of trips, but it's somewhere north of 20. Every season, every reason: Christmas markets, club openings, long weekends, and yes, Pride. And after 10+ years, we're still not bored. That tells you everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
- Our Story: A Decade of Berlin Obsession
- Berlin Pride Experience: Why It's Different
- Gay Nightlife & Social Scene
- Beyond the Bars: Berlin's Queer Culture
- Where to Stay: Our Radisson Love Story
- LGBTQ+ Safety & Practical Reality
- Day Trips & Adventures
- Food, Drink & People-Watching
- FAQ
- Quick Travel Guide
- Final Thoughts
Our Story: We're OBSESSED with Berlin!
We're not first-timers in Berlin. We're that annoying couple who knows which U-Bahn line connects to which late-night club, where to grab the best Currywurst at 4am, and exactly how long it takes to Lime scooter from Radisson Park Plaza to Berghain's door (17 minutes, for the record).
We checked into our go-to spot: Radisson Blu Park Plaza on Wallstraße. It's not the fanciest hotel in Berlin, but it ticks every box that matters to us. Great U-Bahn access. Close enough to Tiergarten for hangover recovery lounging. Perfectly positioned for Lime scooter runs to Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain. And thanks to our Radisson Rewards VIP status, we scored a room upgrade and free breakfast on arrival small wins that add up over a long weekend.
Berlin Pride 2025 Couple
Berlin Pride: Why It's Europe's Best Parade
Walking IN the Parade
Most Pride parades have barriers. Berlin doesn't care. You can literally walk alongside the trucks, weave between floats, join a group for 20 minutes, grab a Späti beer, leave the parade entirely, and rejoin three streets later. It's chaotic, democratic, and exactly what Pride should feel like: accessible to everyone, not just the people on the floats.
We spent most of the afternoon bouncing between trucks. Some were pumping hard techno (our love language). Others had drag queens throwing glitter and shouting political slogans. A few had protest signs bigger than the trucks themselves.
The political edge was sharp this year, with anti-fascist messaging front and centre. Signs reading "Queer against the right," "Love is resistance," and "No space for hate" weren't just decorative. They felt urgent. Berlin's queer community isn't performing activism they're living it.
The Techno Factor
If you're into house and techno, Berlin Pride is your spiritual home. Multiple trucks featured DJs spinning absolute bangers, and the sound systems rivalled some of the clubs we've been to. At one point, we found ourselves sandwiched between two trucks one playing deep house, one pumping hard techno and the crossover was genuinely brilliant.
The vibe was sweaty, loud, colourful, and unapologetically horny. Exactly what Pride should be.
💡 TIP: Bring a portable phone charger. You'll be filming, photographing, and texting mates to find you in the crowd. Battery drains fast.
After-Parade Parties
Once the parade wrapped (around 7pm), the party moved to Schöneberg and Kreuzberg. Bars overflowed onto the streets. We hit up several spots in the Schöneberg gay district (more on those below) before eventually Lime-ing to a proper club around midnight. The energy in Berlin never drops!
Gay Nightlife & Social Scene: Clubs, Bars & the Venues We'll Miss
Berlin's gay scene is legendary. But as with everywhere gentrification is eating it alive. Over our 10+ years visiting, we've watched venues close, spaces shrink, and neighbourhoods shift. It's happening slowly, but it's happening.
Berghain & Panorama Bar
Let's start with the obvious. Berghain traces its roots to the influential gay club Ostgut, which closed in 2003, leading to Berghain's opening in 2004 in a former power plant. It's technically not a gay club anymore it's morphed into something more polysexual and globally iconic but its queer DNA is undeniable.
Getting in is famously unpredictable. We've been rejected at times and waved through in trainers at others. The door policy is theatre, intimidation, and crowd control all rolled into one. But when you do get in, the sound system alone always justifies the effort. The huge main floor pumps hard techno, while upstairs Panorama Bar offers a slightly more civilised house music vibe.
Queue outside Berghain Berlin with crowds lining up for entry to the iconic techno nightclub
There isn’t an official entry code, but there is an unspoken vibe: keep it low-key, calm, and like you’re not trying too hard. People online love to swear that you “must wear black” to get into Berghain, but that’s more Instagram myth than reality. Sure, black fits the overall mood, but plenty of people wearing colour get in. What really matters is looking like you belong there. If your outfit matches the club’s atmosphere and you’re not trying to make a scene, you’re already halfway through the door.
Tom’s Bar → Boyberry Berlin
Tom’s Bar was a full-on Schöneberg legend, one of those places we assumed would still be standing long after us. It opened in April 1982 and became a staple of Berlin’s gay nightlife. Free entry, filthy floors, heavy cruising, and a crowd that didn’t care who you were as long as you were fun. When it finally closed in early 2024, it felt like another reminder of how many long-standing queer bars and institutions in Berlin are disappearing. It had that smoky, slightly chaotic charm you only understand if you’ve ever stumbled out at 6am wondering where your shirt went.
It’s now Boyberry Berlin, taken over by the team behind the Barcelona and Madrid spots. The vibe is still cruisy, just cleaner and a bit more polished. Brighter interiors, open windows, and a younger and more social crowd.
Other Scene Staples
Connection Club: Mixed crowd, multiple floors, different music zones. It used to be a great pick if you wanted variety without committing to one vibe all night. Sadly, it’s another bar that’s now closed, adding to the growing list of long-standing Berlin spots that have disappeared in the last few years.
Ficken 3000: Satirical name, serious fun. Small, sweaty, unpretentious. Thursday nights are particularly popular.
SchwuZ: Berlin's oldest queer clubs. More mainstream, less cruisy, but solid DJs and a reliably good time. This is another legend that has announced it's closing its doors.
Heile Welt: Tiny bar in Kreuzberg with a cult following. Not exclusively gay, but queer-friendly and full of regulars who've been coming for years.
While these two legends are a little further out from Schöneberg, where we normally stay, but the U‑Bahn makes it super easy to get there.
Roses: We’ve spent some unforgettable nights at Roses in Kreuzberg, a queer bar that is iconic with pink fluffy plush walls, glittering Madonna figures, and mirror balls. Every visit feels like stepping into a little disco dream that’s totally its own world, and it’s one of those spots we always make sure to stop by.
SO36: We’ve been to SO36 so many times and it always delivers. Punk, techno, and queer nights make the energy feel electric. They also run really fun roller disco nights, which we can highly recommend!
⚠️ REALITY CHECK: Several venues we've loved over the years are gone. Some parties moved, others disappeared entirely. Berlin's nightlife is constantly shifting. What's hot now might be history next year. Go while you can!
Beyond the Bars: Berlin's Queer Culture & Hidden Gems
Schöneberg: The Queer Heartbeat of Berlin
Schöneberg is more than just a gay neighbourhood. It is the birthplace of Berlin’s modern LGBTQ+ movement and you can feel that history everywhere. The area around Nollendorfplatz has been a hub for queer life since the 1920s. Back then, it was one of the few places where same-sex communities could gather, socialise, and form their own subculture. That legacy is still visible today through rainbow flags, memorial plaques, and a warm, lived-in sense of community.
David & David is our favourite spot in Schöneberg for a quick coffee, lunch, and shameless people-watching. The staff are friendly, the coffee's good, and you'll see everyone from leather daddies to elegant older queens passing by.
Eisenherz An independent bookshop with a fantastic queer literature section. Perfect for browsing rare finds, or just soaking up the creative atmosphere.
AIDS/HIV Memorial: A quiet and moving tribute near Nollendorfplatz honouring those affected by HIV and AIDS. It’s an important stop to reflect on the struggles and resilience of Berlin’s LGBTQ+ community.
Tiergarten: Hangover Recovery HQ
After Pride, we spent Sunday afternoon sprawled on the grass in Tiergarten, Berlin’s huge central park. It is massive, full of wide lawns and shady trees, and you can always find a quiet spot even when the city feels busy.
The park is full of paths to wander, peaceful lakes, where you can sit and watch the reflections on the water. Scattered through the park are statues and sculptures. In summer, the lawns are alive with picnics, barbecues, and sunbathers, but it never feels crowded.
Joe and Alex relaxing in Berlin’s Tiergarten
After dancing for 16 hours straight, Tiergarten was exactly what we needed.
Where to Stay:
Radisson Blu Park Plaza on Wallstraße
⚠️ IMPORTANT UPDATE: This Hotel Is Now Closed. We're sad to say but the Park Plaza Wallstreet Hotel Berlin Mitte permanently closed in August 2025 due to a change in ownership.
We've stayed at Radisson Blu Park Plaza at least five times Berlin Pride 2025 guide now. It's become our default Berlin base, and here's why:
Location
Wallstraße is perfectly positioned between Mitte and Kreuzberg. You're on a U-Bahn line that connects directly to Schöneberg, Friedrichshain, and most of the venues we care about. Five-minute walk to Museum Island. Ten-minute scooter ride to Kreuzberg bars. Close enough to Tiergarten for easy hangover recovery, and during Pride, we literally stepped out the door and heard the opening trucks.
The Vibe
It's a business hotel during the week, but weekends skew more leisure. Staff are efficient and friendly without being overbearing. Rooms are clean, modern, quiet. Nothing fancy, but everything you need.
Price range: £100-150/night depending on season and availability.
Hotel Berlin, Berlin
Hotel Berlin, Berlin sits on Lützowplatz in the Tiergarten area of Mitte, right in the heart of the city. You’re just a short walk from U Nollendorfplatz (U2 / U3), giving you quick access across Berlin. It’s also incredibly convenient for Schöneberg, with its gay bars, clubs, cafés, and shops all within easy reach.
As a member of the Radisson loyalty program, you can enjoy perks like room upgrades and breakfast treatment, making your stay even more seamless and comfortable.
The Radisson Rewards
Both of these hotels are part of the Radisson Rewards loyalty scheme which can help upi dave money money. Radisson Rewards is free, and hitting VIP status isn't that difficult if you travel semi-regularly. We got a room upgrade on arrival and free breakfast every morning easily £30+ per day in value.
LGBTQ+ Safety & Practical Reality in Berlin
Is Berlin Gay-Friendly?
Short answer: yes. Longer answer: yes, but with complexity.
Germany has strong LGBTQ+ protections. Same-sex marriage is legal. Discrimination is illegal. Berlin, specifically, has been a queer cultural capital since the Weimar era.
But. And there's always a but. The political climate is shifting. The far-right has been pushing back against Pride events, with some politicians restricting rainbow flags and making statements that queer life doesn't belong in Germany. This year's Pride theme "Never be silent again" wasn't chosen randomly.
In Schöneberg, Kreuzberg, and Friedrichshain, you'll feel completely comfortable holding hands, kissing, being yourself. In outer suburbs or certain neighbourhoods, maybe not. Use the same common sense you'd use anywhere: read the room, trust your gut.
Our Personal Experience
In 10+ years, we've never felt unsafe in Berlin as a gay couple. We've held hands on the U-Bahn. Kissed in parks. Been aggressively, obviously queer in public. Zero incidents.
That said, we're two white, cisgender men. If you're trans, non-binary, a person of colour, or otherwise more visibly marginalised, your experience may differ. Berlin is better than most cities, but it's not perfect.
Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Travellers
Stick to known queer-friendly areas at night: Schöneberg, Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, Neukölln.
U-Bahn vs taxis: We use Lime scooters constantly because they're fast, cheap, and fun. If you're not comfortable with that, U-Bahn runs 24 hours on weekends and feels safe. Taxis and Ubers are abundant but can be expensive.
Trust Berlin's queer community: If something feels off, locals will step in. We've seen it happen.
Download the Raddar and Grindr apps: Not just for hookups they're useful for finding pop-up parties and seeing which venues are busy on any given night.
Day Trips & Adventures Beyond the Clubs
Potsdam & Sanssouci Palace
40 minutes from Berlin, Potsdam is a different world royal palaces, formal gardens, cobblestone streets. Sanssouci Palace is the main attraction, but honestly, we preferred wandering the gardens with a Späti beer and some snacks.
Spreewald
If you want nature without flying somewhere else, Spreewald is a network of waterways and forests about an hour south. Rent a kayak, paddle through channels, eat pickles (it's a thing), and pretend you're not still hearing techno in your head from three nights ago.
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial
Heavy, necessary, and profoundly affecting. Berlin doesn't shy away from its history. This site, about an hour north, is a sobering reminder of what happens when fascism wins. Given the current rise in far-right rhetoric, it feels more relevant than ever.
Food, Drink & People-Watching in Berlin
We're not covering sit-down restaurants in this post that's a separate guide. But cafés and casual spots? Absolutely.
David & David
Already mentioned, but worth repeating. Best people-watching in Schöneberg. Great coffee, solid brunch, outdoor seating. Go on Sunday morning and watch the parade aftermath unfold.
KaDeWe Food Hall
KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westens) is one of Europe's largest department stores. The top floor has a gourmet food hall that's genuinely worth the visit. Our tradition: hit up the cheese counter, order a ridiculous selection, grab a bottle of wine, and sit at one of the high tables overlooking Ku'damm.
KaDeWe Berlin: The Ultimate Cheeseboard Experience
It's bougie, it's expensive, it's absolutely worth doing once per trip.
Späti Culture
Berlin's Spätis (late-night corner shops) are institutions. Open late, stocked with cheap beer and snacks, and staffed by people who've seen it all. We've had some of our best Berlin conversations standing outside a Späti at 3am, drinking €1.50 Pilsner with strangers who became friends.
Currywurst
It's a sausage with curry ketchup. It shouldn't be this good. It is. Most places do it well. Essential post-club fuel.
FAQ: Berlin Pride & Gay Berlin
Is Berlin Pride the best Pride in Europe?
We think so. It's loud, political, unapologetically queer, and you can walk IN the parade with a beer.
When is Berlin Pride 2025?
The 47th Berlin Pride took place on July 26, 2025. Future dates are typically the last Saturday in July, but check the official CSD Berlin website closer to the time.
Do I need to speak German?
Nope. Berlin is extremely English-friendly, especially in queer spaces and central areas. That said, learning a few phrases ("Danke," "Bitte," "Ein Bier, bitte") goes a long way.
Can I take photos in clubs?
No. Cameras are taped over at most venues. Berghain will literally kick you out. Respect the no-photo policy it protects everyone's privacy and keeps the vibe uninhibited.
Is Berlin expensive?
Compared to London, it's cheap. Compared to Eastern Europe, it's moderate. A beer costs €3-5. Club entry is €10-20. Dinner for two is £40-60. It's affordable if you're not staying in five-star hotels and eating Michelin meals every night.
How's the weather in July?
Usually warm (20-28°C), but unpredictable. We've had blazing sunshine and random thunderstorms. Pack layers, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket just in case.
Quick Travel Guide to Berlin
Money & Costs
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Average daily budget: €80-120 (accommodation, food, transport, drinks)
- ATMs: Everywhere. Cards widely accepted.
- Tipping: Round up in cafés, 10% in restaurants if service was good
Getting Around
- U-Bahn/S-Bahn: Efficient, runs 24 hours on weekends
- Lime scooters: Our go-to for late-night club hopping (17 minutes from Radisson to Berghain!)
- Walking: Berlin is massive but surprisingly walkable if you pace yourself
- Taxis/Uber: Available, but unnecessary most of the time
When to Visit
- Pride: Last Saturday in July
- Best weather: May-September
- Christmas markets: December (magical and camp)
- Clubbing season: Year-round, but summer brings open-air parties
What to Pack
- Comfortable shoes (you'll walk miles)
- Club outfits (mandatory for Berghain attempts)
- Portable charger
- Reusable water bottle
- Light jacket for unpredictable weather
Language & Culture
- English proficiency: High, especially in tourist/queer areas
- Berlin attitude: Direct, efficient, no-nonsense. Don't expect fake smiles, but do expect honesty and competence
Must-Try Experiences (Top 5)
- Walk IN the Pride parade with a beer
- Lose yourself in Berghain (if you get in)
- Späti beer at 3am with strangers
- KaDeWe cheese board overlooking Ku'damm
- Sunrise on Panorama Bar's terrace
Final Thoughts: Why Berlin Keeps Pulling Us Back
We've been to a lot of cities. Loved a lot of places. But Berlin is the only one we've returned to 15+ times and still aren't bored.
It's not the prettiest city. It's gritty, graffitied, occasionally chaotic. But it's real in a way most major cities aren't. The queer community here isn't performing for tourists they're living their lives, making art, throwing parties, protesting fascism, and refusing to be silent.
Berlin Pride encapsulates everything we love about this city: loud, political, inclusive, messy, and unapologetically itself. The 2025 theme, "Never be silent again," felt urgent and necessary a reminder that Pride isn't just a party. It's resistance.
If you're looking for the best Pride in Europe, come to Berlin. If you're into techno and house music, come to Berlin. If you want a city that lets you be exactly who you are without apology, come to Berlin.
We'll be back in September. And probably December. And definitely next Pride.
Travel with us, always with love and a little luxe 🌈✈️
More from our LGBTQ+ travel blog:
- São Paulo Pride 2024: South America's Biggest Celebration
- Manchester Pride 2025: Honest Review
- Pride 2026 Europe Calendar: WorldPride Amsterdam
Explore more Pride guides and gay-friendly destination tips on our blog.
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