
LGBTQIA+ Travel Guides:
Destination Berlin
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Berlin is a city and state within Germany and is the country and state capital. The city is the largest in Germany in terms of area and population. In 2022, it was home to 3.7 million people and occupies 892 square kilometres or 344 square miles. Almost half of the Berlin population is under 40, and people from 190 different nationalities from around the world have made the city their home. The city has and continues to play an important role in Germany’s history and is considered one of the cultural capitals of Europe.
With three world heritage sites, grand palaces, impressive parks, iconic monuments, galleries, operas and sporting venues, Berlin is a popular destination for festival goers and those seeking art and culture. The city’s history and the influence of its immigrant population, through its food, music and society, make Berlin a diverse city with a lot to offer visitors.
Berlin has many nicknames, including Kopf der Nation (head of the nation), the Grey City and Dickes B from popular culture. The Grey City nickname is not explicitly related to the weather; instead, it has more to do with the number of concrete buildings found throughout the city’s landscape. The Dickes B nickname is more contemporary and used by younger generations as the term originates from a popular song by the group Seed.
Berlin’s role throughout history can be found throughout the city, whether through the Jewish Museum Berlin (Jüdisches Museum Berlin), the largest Jewish Museum which features permanent exhibits to remember and honour all those people who lost their lives under the Nazi persecution or the site of where the Berlin wall was torn down. An important point in history that saw the subsequent unification of the federal republic (West Germany) and the democratic republic under communist rule (East Germany). The city has many stories to tell through its buildings and landmarks, making it an adventure for those visiting this historic city.
Some interesting facts you might not know:BY AIR
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport – Willy Brandt (///bracing.panting.engages BER (IATA) | EDDB (ICAO)) is an international airport and the only airport serving Berlin. The third busiest airport in Germany (behind Frankfurt and Munich), Berlin Brandenburg, is located in Schönefeld, which is southeast and 18 kilometres or 11 miles from the city centre. The airport is a hub for Eurowings and Ryanair airlines, offering internal and regular flights to other major European cities. The most popular and busiest routes from the airport are Zurich (Switzerland), Paris (France), London (UK) and Vienna (Austria). The most popular method of getting to the airport is via the Airport Express (FEX), which runs several times an hour and takes just over 30 minutes to Berlin Central (Hauptbahnhof) station. Once at Berlin Central, you can access the rest of the city by connecting to the Berlin S-Bahn (lines S3, S5, S7 and S9) and U-Bahn (U5). Several bus routes and services operated by Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe are available to various parts of the city. The fastest routes are the three express buses (X7, X71, BER2), which take visitors from the terminal and connect them to Berlin’s U-Bahn (Metro). The bus X7 transfers visitors from the airport to Rudow (U7), X71 to Alt-Mariendorf (U6) and BER2 to Potsdam Central Station. Private hire vehicles (metered) are available at the arrival terminals (Terminals 1 and 2 in the north and south taxi ranks in front of T1 on Level E0). Journeys to the inner city from the airport typically take approximately 45 minutes and will cost anything from around 45 Euros, which will depend on your destination.
- Warnemünde-Rostock Cruise Centre (///beaming.into.pizzas) is the passenger section of the larger Rostock Port. Rostock is the largest German port on the Baltic Sea and the closest to Berlin. The cruise centre is a popular port of call, with over 200 cruise ships making scheduled stops, including cruise liners such as P&O, Fred Olsen, NCL and Royal Caribbean. The cruise port is about 240 kilometres or 150 miles southeast of Berlin, and it takes approximately three hours by car and about two and a half to three hours by train. Trains are the most popular method, frequently running from three of Berlin’s central stations (Hauptbahnhof, Südkreuz and Gesundbrunnen) to Warnemünde station. There are frequent trains on the InterCity (IC) routes operated by Deutsche Bahn (https://www.bahn.com/), and the Warnemünde station is about a 5-minute walk to the cruise centre. Trains are popular, so it is advisable to book ahead to avoid disappointment by purchasing on the day.
- Nine lines and 175 stations connect central Berlin to the surrounding areas. The lines run a total of 155.4 kilometres or 96 miles of track.
- Berlin Hauptbahnhof or Berlin Central Station (///actual.tempting.cable) is the principal station located in the Mitte district in the centre of the city and is operated by Deutsche Bahn (https://www.bahnhof.de/en/berlin-hauptbahnhof). The plans for the station were drawn up after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 under transport plans to unify East and West Berlin by city planners; construction commenced in 1995 and was completed in 2005. The new station comprises three sections, six tracks on the upper section (intercity, mainland and S-Bahn) and three island platforms. The lower level, or tief as it is also known, has eight tracks served by four island platforms (mainline trains) and one dedicated island platform for the Berlin U-Bahn (Metro). Today, the station daily receives over 350,000 passengers and 1,800 trains. The station has frequent intercity trains to other parts of the country, including Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich. The station is also an international hub with trains to various European locations, including Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Netherlands and Poland). Visitors can access further destinations by connecting to other German cities and accessing more destinations within Europe, including France, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Belgium and the United Kingdom.
- Berlin Ostbahnhof or Berlin East Railway Station (///final.frowns.boot) is the second major station within Berlin also operated by Deutsche Bahn (https://www.bahnhof.de/en/berlin-ostbahnhof). The station is located within the Friedrichshain area in the city’s centre and serves the surrounding areas. The station comprises five platforms, four islands and one side and it is the main terminal for the lines, Stadtbahn, Prussian Eastern Railway, and Lower Silesian-Markish. Though the station saw a decline in the number of trains and destinations since the Berlin Hauptbahnhof officially opened, the station still sees frequent mainline trains to other German cities, including Koln, Frankfurt, Hannover and direct trains to international locations, including Poland, Switzerland, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.
- The main bus terminal in Berlin is known as Central Bus Station or Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof Berlin – ZOB (///employer.investor.narrow) in the western part of the city in the area Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf near the International Congress Centre and Berlin Radio Tower. The station is Berlin’s hub for national and international bus transportation and is operated by Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) and 35 additional bus and coach companies. The bus service is one of the city’s oldest public transportation systems, comprising 152 lines, over 6,500 stations and 1,550 vehicles. The buses operate all over the city and surrounding areas, as well as in other cities in Germany and international destinations, including Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, and Poland. There are many ways to get to the station, the most effortless being by train. The S-Bahn lines S41, S42 and S46 run frequent trains to the Messe Nord/ICC stop. The U2 line on the Berlin U-Bahn runs from Kaiserdamm to the central Stadtmitte station in around 10 minutes. For more information and to view the various routes available, visit BVG (https://www.bvg.de/en)
Airport Information
- The Berlin Untergrundbahn, or U-Bahn, consists of nine lines, 175 stations, and a significant part of the city’s transport infrastructure. The lines run in all directions (north and south, east and west), and many stations enable visitors to connect and change lines to access different parts of the network. The lines are colour-coded from green to grey and are referenced as U1 to U10. The U-Bahn is open 24 hours on weekdays and from 4 am to 1 am on weekends. The Berlin U-Bahn is operated by Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) and is part of the greater transport infrastructure, which means tickets purchased on the U-Bahn can be used on the buses, S-Bahn (Railway) and trams. Berlin’s fare structure is separated into three zones. Zone A relates to the city centre and S-Bahn ring, Zone B ends at the city limits, and Zone C covers the surrounding areas, including Berlin Brandenburg Airport. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines located at U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations as well as online via the BVG Ticket App, which is available for download on both Apple IOS and Android (https://www.bvg.de/en/subscriptions-and-tickets/all-apps/ticket-app). In addition to single journey and 24-hour tickets, several tourist tickets are available, providing access to the public transport network and discounts to major attractions.
- The Berlin Schnellbahn or Stadtschnellbahn, abbreviated to S-Bahn, is operated by S-Bahn Berlin, a subsidiary of the national Deutsche Bahn. The S-Bahn comprises 16 lines and 168 stations and connects the city and surrounding areas. The inner section of the network forms a ring that runs in an orbital around the city. The S-Bahn and U-Bahn connect and complement each other, making getting around the city quick and easy. For more information, visit the S-Bahn website (https://sbahn.berlin/en/)
- The Berlin Straßenbahn, or Tramway, is one of the oldest tram works in the world, comprising 22 lines and over 800 stops. The tram network is typically located in the eastern part of the city and is 190 kilometres or 120 miles in terms of the total length of the routes, and 13 standard and 9 Metro tram lines form the network. The Metro tram lines run 24 hours a day, whereas the standard lines typically operate limited hours from 5 am to 1 am. Berlin Trams are typically a distinct yellow with a white roof, and Metro trams can be identified with an M displayed at the front of the tram, whereas standard trams will show the line number. Metro trams are typically more frequent, around every 10 minutes, whereas buses and regular trams will run every 20-30 minutes, depending on the route and time of day. A single journey can cost over 3 euros, and a range of ticket options are available. For more information, visit the BVG website (https://www.bvg.de/en/connections/network-maps-and-routes/tram)
- Berlin has an extensive network of rivers, lakes, and canals to help people move around the city and have a ferry transportation system. The ferry network comprises seven routes, six within the city’s boundaries and one serving Potsdam. Ferries typically run every 60 minutes; the journey can run from 2 to 25 minutes. The ferries form part of the BVG network, which means tickets purchased for buses, trains, and trams can also be used on ferries. The ferries typically operate from 6 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday and 10 am to 4 pm during weekends. For more information, visit the BVG website (https://www.bvg.de/en/connections/network-maps-and-routes/ferry)
- The bus network in Berlin comprises over 1,500 buses, 6,589 bus stations and 201 lines, which includes 49-night services. The bus network covers an area of 1,798 kilometres or 1,117 miles and is the oldest public transport system in the city. All of the buses are operated by Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) and are part of the greater transport infrastructure, which means tickets purchased on the U-Bahn can be used on the buses, S-Bahn (Railway) and trams. Unlike other modes of transport, some tickets will be available to purchase on the bus via the driver and through the BVG app. Buses are typically yellow, and single and double-decker buses can be found throughout the network. The bus network is operational from 6:30 am to 12:30 am, and from 12:30 am until 4:30 am, the Nachtbus or Night bus service becomes active. The typical fare can cost anything from 2 euros, and multiple ticket options are available. For more information, visit the BVG website (https://www.bvg.de/en/connections/network-maps-and-routes/bus)
- The official taxis within Berin are cream-coloured with a yellow taxi sign on the vehicle’s roof. All the taxis are metered and will have a Berlin number plate, a single letter, the letter B, followed by the city seal, and a black bear below a golden crown. Official taxis should also display a concession number on the rear window, which should not exceed 8,000, which is the maximum number of licenses the city issues. You can hail a taxi if the light on the roof is lit up or via an app, such as Free Now. The start fare is over 4 euros, and the per kilometre is typically below 3 euros. For more information, visit the Free Now website (https://www2.free-now.com/de-en/ride-berlin/).
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- The Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin (///trusts.outdone.envelope) is located in the central Mitte district in the city. The five-star luxury hotel has 307 rooms and 78 suites, from the standard executive rooms to the grand royal suite. The hotel sits on the site of the original Hotel Adlon, and much of it was rebuilt inspired by the original design of the famous landmark hotel. The grand hotel, with its stunning interior, unique style and character, has long been a favourite for celebrities and Royalty alike. All the air-conditioned rooms have tea and coffee-making facilities and safe and free Wi-Fi. The Adlon’s amenities and facilities exceed all the needs of its visitors, whether it is dining in any of the three restaurants, which includes the Michelin-starred Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer or relaxing in any of the two bars located within the hotel’s famous lobby. The hotel has a spa, heated pool, whirlpool, 24-hour fitness centre, a hair salon and a shopping arcade, all in a location next to the famous Brandenburg Gate. The standard room prices start from around 150 euros to 400 euros during high season, and many room options are available. For more information regarding the hotel, please visit the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin’s website (https://www.kempinski.com/en/hotel-adlon/)
- The Holiday Inn Berlin City Centre East Prenzlauer Berg (///mount.legwork.finely) is located in the northern part of the city in the trendy Prenzlauer Berg area, one of the most popular neighbourhoods known for its cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. The four-star hotel offers 123 rooms, with standard, premium, twin and king room types available. The air-conditioned rooms come with free Wi-Fi, a television with satellite channels, and a buffet breakfast option is available. The hotel offers free WIFI in all areas, a well-equipped gym, a lobby bistro with a light meal menu, a 24-hour bar, and onsite lockers and vending machines. The Holiday Inn is accessible from the city centre via the M2 tram or 156 bus route (Erich-Weinert-Str). Services frequently run from the city centre (Alexanderplatz) and take approximately 15 minutes. The standard room prices start from 100 euros, and many options are available. For more information regarding the hotel, please visit the Holiday Inn Berlin City Centre’s website (https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/gb/en/berlin/berpa/hoteldetail)
- The MEININGER Hotel Berlin Tiergarten (///gift.winded.fattest) is located in Moabit within the central Berlin district of Mitte. The hotel is next to Schultheiss-quartier, a modern shopping mall with a supermarket, food court and retail stores, including pharmacies, clothing and coffee shops. This unique hotel is set in the former Schultheiss brewery and has over 238 air-conditioned rooms offering free WIFI, in-room televisions, ensuite bathrooms and complementary toiletries. Several room options are available, including single occupancy, double rooms, family rooms and dormitories (up to 6 people). The hotel offers a range of facilities and amenities, including a guest kitchen and lounge, a game zone, coworking spaces, vending machines, a bar, and a continental breakfast option at an additional cost. The Meininger is next to Tiergarten Park, and getting around the city is easy as the hotel is located between the U Turmstr and Turmstr./Lübecker tram/bus stations running frequent trams (M10 line), buses (101, 123, 187, M27 and N40) and the U-Bahn metro station (Tiergarden) is a short walk. The standard room prices start from 100 euros, and many options are available. For more information regarding the hotel, please visit the MEININGER Hotel Berlin Tiergarten’s website (https://www.meininger-hotels.com/en/hotels/berlin/hotel-berlin-tiergarten/)

- The Reichstag (///gosh.revival.droplet) is the main legislative building for the German federal parliament known as the Bundestag. The impressive building is located in the Tiergarten district on the river Spree and has long been an important sight within the Berlin landscape. Though the Reichstag was completed in 1894, it suffered much damage during World War II. It was completely modernised and restored in the 1960s. Tours of the building to explore its history are available throughout the year; however, prior booking is required. Alternatively, it is possible to make a reservation at the Kafer Dachgarte restaurant on the Reichstag rooftop. For more information and to make a booking to visit the Reichstag, visit the Bundestag website (https://www.bundestag.de/en/visittheBundestag/dome/registration-245686)
- The Brandenburg Gate (///that.lands.winning) is an iconic and one of the most instantly recognisable monuments in the western part of Berlin in the Mitte district. The impressive monument was built in the 18th century on the site of the former city gate, marking the beginning of old Berlin from the surrounding Brandenburg an der Havel. The Quadriga statue sits on top of six columns. It depicts a two-wheeled chariot with the goddess of victory, Victoria, at the reins pulled by four horses. The sculpture was created to symbolise peace when entering the city and is an impressive entrance to the Unter den Linden, a tree-lined boulevard leading to the Berlin Palace and Berlin Cathedral. The monument is free to visit; however, it is a popular destination and often draws large crowds throughout the day. Early morning or late afternoon is usually the best time to visit this Berlin landmark.
- Museum Island (///soothing.imposes.describe) is a museum complex set on 8.6 hectares or 21 acres on Spree Island in the Mitte district of Berlin. The UNESCO World Heritage site is home to five main internationally recognised museums, the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode-Museum, Altes Museum, and the Pergamonmuseum and is one of the most visited attractions in Berlin. The complex is also home to the Lustgarten Park, a visitor centre, an exhibition building and the Berliner Dom, an important church. The museums house an extensive collection of impressive artefacts; one of the prominent sculptures is the famous bust of the Egyptian Queen Nefertiti. The museums operate different operating hours; however, the museums are typically closed on Mondays, and the majority are open from 10 am until 6 pm, Monday to Sunday. Adult tickets cost 19 euros, and anyone under 18 can enter the museums free of charge. For more information about Museum Island, please visit the official website (https://www.smb.museum/en/museums-institutions/museumsinsel-berlin/home/)
- Gendarmenmarkt (///courtyard.records.promote) is a famous square in Berlin and home to some of the city’s striking architecture, including the Berlin Concert Hall (Konzerthaus), the French and German cathedrals and is the location of the annual Christmas market, with its quaint wooden stalls, and popular ice rink. The historical market square is within the Berlin Friedrichstadt district and is between Museum Island and Brandenburg Gate. Standing in the centre of the square is the statue of the poet Friedrich Schiller, considered one of the most significant lyricists of the German language. The beautiful and picturesque square takes visitors back to 17th Century Berlin, and today, it is enjoyed by visitors and residents alike.
- The Berlin Wall Memorial (///shoebox.fondest.treating) is located in the city centre and borders the districts of Mitte and Wedding. The memorial commemorates the end of the division between East and West Berlin. The Berlin Wall comprised two heavily guarded walls, measuring 155 kilometres or 96 miles, that encircled Berlin. The wall separated the communist German Democratic Republic (East) from the democratic Federal Republic of Germany (West). It was erected in 1961 until its fall in 1989. On November 9, 1989, half a million people gathered to protest the wall in East Berlin. To calm the protestors, the communist government loosened the restrictions, making travel easier for East Germans. The news sparked huge numbers flocking to the wall to apply for a visa to enter the West, and the government had no choice but to open the barrier. The memorial is in remembrance of all those people who lost their lives over the years due to the wall and as a stark reminder of a once turbulent history. To learn more about the Berlin Wall, visit the official website (https://www.stiftung-berliner-mauer.de/en/berlin-wall-memorial)
In 1896, saw the world’s first worldwide gay magazine, Der Eigene and in 1919, saw the founding of the Institut für Sexualwissenschaft or Institute for Sex Research in Berlin by Dr Magnus Hirschfeld and Arthur Kronfeld, an institute that was known for its pioneering research into sexual orientation and gender identities. The war had a devastating effect on the gay and lesbian community, with many losing their lives. Post-war Germany has grown to become a country that is both inclusive and welcoming to community members, which is reflected in their laws and through society’s attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ individuals.
LGBTQIA+ businesses, such as bars, clubs and restaurants, can be found throughout the city; however, there are many neighbourhoods where larger groups of LGBTQIA+ individuals can often be found. The Nollendorfplatz in the Schöneberg district in southwestern Berlin is known for its nightlife, bars, cafes, restaurants and retail shops. The famous Café Sundström and the SchwuZ nightclub can be found within the Kreuzberg area, and in the city centre’s Mitte district are many well-known bars and hotspots, including Weinbergpark. The Christopher Street Day, or CSD parade, is the city’s official pride celebration and takes place towards the end of July and there are other LGBTQIA+ events taking place throughout the year, including the Lesbian and Gay Festival, Christmas Avenue, LGBT Park Festival and Queer Art and Culture Days.
Berlin is an impressive and vibrant European city, with its striking architecture, the often carefree attitude of its residents and the history on every corner. The city and country have had a turbulent history; however, modern-day Berlin has grown to become one of the most liberal, tolerant and welcoming cities in Europe. Though a large city, many neighbourhoods are distinctively unique, and you are often left in awe of the beauty, history and hospitality of all that live there. If Berlin had a soul, it would be gritty and determined. It has been through a lot over the years but has so much love to give and remains optimistic. If you are looking for an inclusive city with a long history and packed full of things to do, make Berlin your next city break destination.