Berlin is one of those cities that feels both massive and intimate at the same time. For visitors it offers a rare blend of history, activism, celebration, and unapologetic nightlife. I spent a few days during their Pride celebrations (Christopher Street Day, as they call it) moving between parades, memorials, rooftop thrills, flea markets, and queer clubs – and I was struck by how seamlessly remembrance and joy coexist here. If you’re an LGBTQ Canadian who wants to plan a European trip that honours history while having a great time, this is a practical playbook based on what I experienced.
Why Berlin is great for LGBTQ travel
Berlin has long been a hub for queer culture, from the cabarets of the 1920s to the strong activism after the war. Today its reputation is earned through vibrant Pride celebrations, a dense network of queer-friendly neighbourhoods, and important memorials that ensure LGBTQ history is not forgotten. Berlin offers both public celebration and quiet reflection in the same walk.
When travelling from Canada during the summer you can get to Berlin on a direct flight from Toronto with Air Transat (twice weekly from late spring to early fall). I flew to Toronto from Vancouver with Porter and stayed in the Plaza Premium Lounge at YYZ during my layover, including the ALLWAYS Concierge service which really made me feel like a VIP at that airport.
Where to stay: a queer-friendly hotel
Choosing where to stay makes a big difference to your visit and I stayed at a hotel that’s part of an inclusive collection known for welcoming LGBTQ guests. The Radisson RED Berlin Kudamm is part of the Pink Berlin collection and it has a nice lobby bar, a surprisingly soothing backyard with hammocks, and a solid breakfast buffet that got me ready for long days of walking.
Food and neighborhoods: eat like a Berliner
Food is a cultural entry point so I joined a Fork and Walk food tour which guided me through queer-friendly cafes and bars. Two things stood out: schnitzel is everywhere and done well, and currywurst is more than a snack – it’s basically a ritual. The sausage drenched in curry ketchup is a must-try for any foodie visiting Berlin.
Neighbourhoods that I visited and would recommend checking out:
- Schöneberg for historic queer scenes & landmarks.
- Mitte for central sightseeing and museums.
- Kreuzberg for markets, street art and alternative nightlife.
CSD: Pride, parade, protest & party
In Berlin, Pride is called Christopher Street Day or CSD. Unlike a typical parade, CSD unfolds across the city with a long procession of trucks. I was lucky enough to be on the very front truck in the procession – an experience that is equal parts exhilarating and meaningful. As we rolled past buildings with historical weight, Pride flags turned the architecture into living testimony of change.
Key takeaways for attending CSD:
- Expect big crowds and big energy. Arrive early if you want a good viewing spot, although there are some quieter spots along the route.
- A big festival stages near an iconic landmark hosts performances and speeches that blend celebration with activism.
- Bring cash for food stalls and market vendors – some places take cards now, but some still prefer cash.
Sites of remembrance: history is visible here
Berlin does not separate its queer history from public memory. One of the most powerful stops is the Memorial to Homosexuals persecuted under Nazism. The structure is a concrete cube with a video installation inside – a simple yet profound way to honour victims and provoke reflection.
Nearby, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe is another important site to visit. The field of concrete blocks creates a disorienting, moving experience that invites contemplation. Both memorials are close to major Pride activity, which underscores how the city balances celebration with sober remembrance.
Nightlife that suits every mood
Berlin nightlife is legendary and broad in scope. I went to a club that is Germany’s oldest and largest queer nightclub. Compared to what Berlin can offer, SchwuZ is comparatively tame, but it captured an essential truth: queer nightlife in Berlin ranges from approachable and friendly to wildly immersive.
Some quick nightlife tips:
- Look up door policies online. Some venues are explicit about safe spaces and accessibility.
- Plan to be flexible with closing times. Clubs often go late and run into the next morning.
- Respect the culture of the clubs. Many places have photography rules to protect patrons.
Sightseeing with personality: guided tours
A great way to see Berlin is to book a tour that brings personality into history. I took a bus tour led by a local drag queen named Gloria Viagra whose commentary balanced history, queer context, and humor. She pointed out a plaque commemorating the use of the pink triangle and helped place queer history into the broader tapestry of the city.
Guided tours you might like for LGBTQ travel:
- Walking tours focused on queer history. Some regular tour options get gay around Pride.
- Themed tours that cover memorials, landmarks, and modern queer neighbourhoods.
- Food and culture tours that highlight queer-owned businesses and hangouts.
Art, the Wall & rooftop swing thrills
Berlin is a city of contrasts. The East Side Gallery preserves a long stretch of the Berlin Wall covered in paintings, now considered one of the largest open air galleries in the world. It’s a striking visual reminder of the city’s divided past and present openness.
For a very different, but still unique experience, I tried a rooftop swing 120 meters above the ground. Standing on the 39th floor of the High Swing Berlin lets you soar out over the city. If you’re afraid of heights, steer clear, but if you crave a rush and a stunning view, it’s pretty unforgettable.
The Berlin Wall Memorial & Mauerpark
The Berlin Wall Memorial is an essential stop for anyone interested in deeper historical exploration. It includes preserved sections of the border strip as an open-air exhibition. There is also a visitors center with photos and context, and an observation deck for a bird’s-eye perspective of the former divide.
Close by is Mauerpark. On Sundays it becomes a hive of activity with a sprawling flea market, live music, karaoke in an amphitheater, drummers, street performers, and a lot of people enjoying the sunshine. It’s the kind of spontaneous, joyous scene that makes Berlin addictive to return to.
Safety, connectivity & practical tech tips
When I travel, I use NordVPN on both my laptop and phone for two big reasons: first, it keeps my connection secure when I hop on public Wi-Fi in cafes or airports; and second, it lets me access services and shows I use back home by routing my connection through a familiar location. Staying connected and safe online matters for a number of reasons, including navigation, booking, and staying in touch. You can get a NordVPN discount by using code JOSHRIMER when you checkout – that’ll get you and exclusive deal plus 4 extra months!
Here’s a basic tech checklist:
- Use a reliable VPN for public Wi-Fi security and to prevent location-based streaming issues.
- Keep a portable battery for long days – the last thing you want is your phone to die on you.
- Get an eSim so you can stay connected without roaming fees. I use Saily with this discount link.
Final thoughts & inspiration for your trip
Berlin offers a model of how queer culture can be woven into a city’s fabric, not separated from it. For LGBTQ travellers it’s a place that teaches through memorials, celebrates through Pride, and delights through everyday quirks like currywurst and flea market karaoke. Whether you come for a weekend of Pride or a longer exploration of history and nightlife, Berlin rewards curiosity.
If you are planning a trip, consider timing around CSD for the energy and community. But also leave room for quiet moments at memorials and spontaneous afternoons in parks. That balance is what made my trip feel complete.
This article was sponsored by NordVPN. The trip was done in collaboration with Air Transat and Visit Berlin.
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