Berlin doesn’t do things by halves—especially when it comes to Pride. Known locally as CSD Berlin (Christopher Street Day), this is a celebration that spills out of the bars, pours through the streets, and stretches long into the summer night. It’s sweaty, political, joyful, and loud, with enough glitter and techno beats to shake the Brandenburg Gate.
There are two events in my personal Pride calendar that cannot be missed: Brighton Pride and Berlin Pride, and I will go again this year.
If you’re thinking of heading to Berlin for Pride, first of all: do it. Secondly, come prepared.
1) Be prepared to walk until your shoes lose the will to live
The parade itself isn’t fenced in. Anyone can join in. Yes, you. No wristbands, no barriers. It’s a community parade in the truest sense—and it’s also long. Very long. Like, 6–7 hours long. If you plan to dance the whole way (and you absolutely should), you’ll need comfy shoes and stamina. Water helps. So does a cheeky beer from the Späti.
But the parade is just the beginning. Berlin’s queer scene is legendary for a reason, and Pride weekend turns the volume up to eleven.
2) Let’s talk bars
Heile Welt in Schöneberg is a local—and my personal—favourite, always buzzing, especially on Pride Saturday when the area known as Nollendorfkiez becomes the unofficial beating heart of the celebrations. Their outdoor seating fills up fast, so if you’re not parading, consider claiming your spot early. You’ll thank yourself later.
On the other side of the city is Tipsy Bear Bar, an East Berlin gem in Prenzlauer Berg with a more alternative vibe. Think drag shows, karaoke, and a mixed, mischievous crowd. It’s inclusive, a little chaotic, and feels like home—if your home came with disco balls and Berliner Luft.
I'd really encourage you to show some love to these folks, as they were recently the target of a homophobic attack where their pride flags got torn down. SCHWULISSIMO covered the story. We fought hard to have our safe spaces everywhere in Europe. We can't let a bunch of homophobes have that power.
3) Clubbing? Clubbing!
Berghain is the mythic beast—more for the techno heads and leather crowd—but there’s also SchwuZ, Sisyphos, Connection Club and About Blank, each with its own flavour. SchwuZ is a dancefloor for everyone, with themed nights that range from throwback pop to queer punk. And if you want a Berlin moment that involves dancing by the river as the sun rises, Sisyphos is your place.
The main party House of Pride will be at Ritter Butzke in Kreuzberg, which is pretty close to the parade's end point, the Brandenburg Gate, and Nollendorfkiez, the gay village.
4) Parks and green spaces
Looking for something more low-key to decompress with your friends? Park am Gleisdreieck (locals just say Gleispark) is stunning in the summer and not far away from Nollendorfkiez and the parade route. It's the perfect spot for picnic blankets, chilled wine, music from Bluetooth speakers, and queer groups dotted across the grass. It’s one of those spaces that quietly reminds you why Berlin’s so special.
Another gem close to Gleispark is Viktoriapark, which has arguably the most stunning views of Berlin if you dare to climb the hill. I remember being out there loads of times to show friends who came to visit me the stunning views and the calm of the park in the middle of Berlin. If you're done with the hustle and bustle of Pride, this is perfect. It's a bit out of the way, but still close enough if you change your mind.
5) English and card payments
You know that line from Lady Gaga's song 'Scheiße'? The one where she says, 'I don't speak German, but I can if you like'? Well, she wrote that in Berlin, and it's a pretty good way to sum up the level of English spoken in the city. Berlin is easy to navigate, and English is spoken almost everywhere.
But don’t rely on card payments—many places still prefer cash, especially in smaller bars and Spätis (late-night corner shops). Withdraw some euros at the nearest Deutsche Bank or Sparkasse and keep them handy. It’ll save you time, and possibly a few awkward moments at the bar. Please avoid Euronet ATMs or those random no-name ones build into walls next to Dönerläden (kebab shops) as they charge horrendous fees.
Berlin Pride is more than a party. It’s protest and play rolled into one, with a city that’s proud to be queer, creative, and constantly evolving. Whether you’re here for the parade, the afterparties, or just to feel the pulse of Berlin’s LGBTQ+ scene, one thing’s for sure—you’ll want to come back.
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