Gay Berlin, Germany 

Berlin or Bust!

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As both the capital and largest city in Germany, Berlin is also the most populated city in the European Union, which means that it is a bustling center for European politics, culture, and art.  It also means that world travelers such as yourself will have little trouble making the most of your time here.

As the capital of the historic Kingdom of Prussia, the center of the German Empire, and then as a city divided between East and West Germany, Berlin has seen its fair share of history, empire, and division.  And this history is present in the architecture and various features of the city itself.  Home to 170 museums and countless cultural events and galleries, Berlin provides great resources for both the student of European history and the curious traveler. 

While checking out the city, a sighting of the Bradenburg Gate, the symbolic landmark of Berlin and Germany itself, is a must.  This historic gate, originally part of series of gates through which one entered Berlin, has played a role in many of the tumultuous political scenes of Germany’s past and today is considered a national treasure.  From the gate you can stroll along Unter den Linden, a lovely tree lined boulevard that leads from the Bradenburg Gate to the former site of the royal residence.  Along the way you will pass many important sites in Berlin including: Humboldt University, a statue of Frederick the Great, the National War Memorial, the German Historical Museum (the oldest building along Unter den Linden), and the Berlin State Opera House.

Consider this stroll only a warm-up!  There still remain hundreds of museums and galleries to attend to and a variety of performing arts opportunities to take advantage of.  Museum options include the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Technology, the Jewish Museum, architectural, modern, classic, and contemporary art museums, and the Shwule Museum, a museum of gay cultural history and events in the gay world.  Also, plan for an afternoon at the Beate Uhse Erotic Museum, the world’s largest erotic museum.  When you’ve had your fill of museums, turn your attention towards the renowned performing art options available in Berlin.  From the Berlin State Opera to the Philharmonic Orchestra or the National Ballet, Berlin provides top-notch music and arts performances.

Berlin abounds with gay hot spots. Among the top choices is included Shoneberg, a city completely decorated with rainbow flags and home to one of the very first gay bars, Eldorado, which dates back to the 1920s.  Also a favorite is Kreuzberg, which became known as an area for counter-culture and dissidence before the Berlin wall went down.  Today it maintains its open and avant-garde feel and you will find plenty of gay and gay-friendly venues there.  Finally Prenzlauer Berg has been dubbed the “most exotic” of Berlin’s 12 districts with fun theme-night bars and trendy cafes.  { For directories and listings of gay clubs, services, cafes, and events|For the latest on the gay scene} in Berlin pick up one of several free magazines or check them out online: Siegessäule (The Victory Column), Out in Berlin, or Sergej.

What about food?!  Prepare your taste buds not only for some delicious, traditional German cooking, but also for the full variety of European cuisine.  Take advantage of outdoor and café seating to keep an eye on the bustling city streets or, if your looking for good but affordable and fast food, try out one of the many imbiss, or snack bars, that are found everywhere.  And make sure to taste some German sausage during your stay here!

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