Berlin is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. The city is a mecca, and not only for gay people. Berlin also boasted an openly gay mayor, Klaus Wowereit, from until Prices here are reasonable compared to other European capitals, but catching up. Still, people from other EU countries and beyond are flocking in, creating an ever-more-cosmopolitan ambiance. English is firmly established as the second language of many people, especially in the west, so English-only tourists will have little trouble communicating.
That said, the locals do appreciate it when people try to speak a few words in German. Restored over a two-year period, starting in , this iconic structure, located west of the city centre, served as the entrance to the city palace of the Prussian monarchs. The square immediately behind, Pariser Platz, is home to embassies and the luxurious Hotel Adlon Kempinski , which offers a two-star Michelin restaurant, a luxury spa and an outdoor terrace overlooking the gate.
Sunday brunch is a sublime culinary experience. Look no further than KaDeWe for your shopping pleasure. In addition to the usual retail departments, the upper floors offer a wide variety of gourmet foods and tempting buffet selections to tuck into.
The surrounding area features an array of exquisite shops, wonderful restaurants and quaint parkettes. Flea markets are also very popular and can be found throughout the city. It is also the location of the big summer street events: the lesbian and gay Stadtfest and the Christopher Street Day Pride celebrations in July. As in other German cities, the straight folks blend right in. Around and between the two stations, the Prenzlauer Berg district is full of interesting sights.
East German gay society emerged from an alternative art and political milieu, which came of age under the old regime behind the wall. The district retains, a generation later, a distinct appearance and atmosphere from that of the former West Berlin. There are gay sex shops, saunas, restaurants and bars here, but gay sensibilities and perspectives owe less to American and Western European models than to their own historical roots. Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain districts also have an alternative feel and are growing in popularity with gay people looking for lower housing prices and a more multicultural mix.
