Germany is a very progressive country in terms of LGBTQ+ rights with the first gay rights protest to decriminalise homosexuality taking place here in 1867 and the term homosexual first introduced by German writer Karl Maria Kertbeny in 1869. Today, the country is also home to Europe’s largest LGBTQ+ population. 

As you may expect then, Germany offers a very safe and welcoming environment for gay travellers. This is particularly true in the larger towns and cities, many of which are home to a lively LGBTQ+ community, plenty of gay-friendly amenities and a number of popular annual Pride events which welcome locals and visitors alike. 

Below, we consider the best gay-friendly places to visit when you are travelling to Germany.

  1. Schöneberg, Berlin

Schöneberg holds the distinguished title of being the world’s first gay village, a proud testament to Berlin’s long-standing support and celebration of LGBTQ+ culture. This vibrant neighbourhood became a haven for the gay community in the 1920s and again after the Second World War. Today, it is full of gay-friendly shops, bars, clubs, restaurants and cafes alongside peaceful green, outdoor space and quieter residential areas too. The annual Lesbian and Gay City Festival is also held here and it is one of the largest of its kind in Europe, drawing visitors from around the globe.

Schöneberg has links to a number of famous faces too. US President John F. Kennedy gave his well-known Cold War anti-communist speech “Ich bin ein Berliner” at the Schöneberg town hall on 26 June 1963 and glamourous film star Marlene Dietrich and fashion photographer Helmut Newton were both born here.

  1. Cologne

Cologne in Western Germany is not only known for its stunning Gothic architecture, famous twin-spired Cathedral and impressive museums and art galleries, but also for being an incredibly open-minded and sexually liberal city. Indeed it has been voted the most sexually liberal city in the world, according to a study by Erobella. The city is famous for its lively gay scene, particularly in the Old Town where there are Pride flags aplenty. Indeed, Cologne Pride is a particular highlight of the year, bringing together a diverse mix of people to celebrate love and equality in one of the biggest events of its kind in the country.

  1. Kreuzberg, Berlin

Another gem within Berlin, trendy Kreuzberg, is renowned for its edgy and eclectic vibe. This fascinating neighbourhood is a melting pot of cultures and offers a wide array of LGBTQ+-friendly cafes, bars, and clubs alongside must-visit museums and art galleries. Its progressive spirit and vibrant street art make it a must-visit for those seeking the alternative side of Germany’s bustling capital and the area is home to some of the best Turkish restaurants in Berlin. 

  1. Munich’s Glockenbachviertel

Munich may be famous for its beer festival, Oktoberfest, but its Glockenbachviertel district is well worth a visit too and was a favourite of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury during his time in the city. The area is home to a longstanding and vibrant gay community and packed with trendy eateries and boutique shops plus an impressive number of bars and clubs for the nightlife enthusiasts. The annual Munich Pride celebrations – aka Christopher Street Day – are not to be missed either.

  1. Frankfurt’s Bermudadreieck

Frankfurt’s Bermudadreieck (Bermuda Triangle) is the heart of the city’s gay scene, located in the vibrant Alte Gasse area. It’s a lively neighbourhood with a plethora of bars and clubs to enjoy that cater specifically to LGBTQ+ patrons, making it an ideal place for socialising and entertainment in a welcoming environment. During the day, enjoy all that Frankfurt has to offer – take in the well-known ‘Mainhatten’ skyline on a relaxing river cruise, explore the world-famous museums, theatres and art galleries and sample a Frankfurter in the city where it was created. 

  1. Hamburg’s St. Georg

St. Georg, handily located near the central train station in Hamburg, is the lively epicentre of the city’s gay community. Even the traffic lights are welcoming here, depicting same-sex couples in place of the traditional solo pedestrian. The neighbourhood is also home to the famous Lange Reihe street, where a variety of gay bars, cafes, and shops line the way and Hamburg Pride, also known as Christopher Street Day Hamburg, brings this area to life each July with parades and festivities. Culture vultures will appreciate nearby art museums MKG Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, Kunsthalle Hamburg, and Deichtorhallen or the Deutsches Schauspielhaus and Ohnsorg theatres. 

  1. Düsseldorf’s Unterbilk

Düsseldorf may be lesser known for its LGBTQ+ scene, but Unterbilk is quickly becoming a hotspot with trendy shops, bars and restaurants and a growing gay community. Check out the impressive Rheinturm Tower, with its revolving restaurant and observation deck offering remarkable views over the Rhine Valley, or the waterfront bars and eateries at MedienHafen. The city’s Pride celebration, known as Düsseldorf Pride, showcases its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant community spirit.

  1. Leipzig’s Connewitz

Leipzig is perhaps most well-known for its musical and artistic pedigree, playing host to the likes of Wagner, Bach, Mendelssohn and Mahler and the creative commune at the Spinnerei Art Centre. However, it is also a dynamic and inclusive city, with the Connewitz district in particular known for its alternative and progressive vibe and offering a warm welcome to the LGBTQ+ community. The area is home to a number of gay-friendly events too, such as its popular Christopher Street Day which has been running for over 30 years.

  1. Stuttgart’s Hans-Im-Glück-Brunnen

The area around the “Hans im Glück” fountain in Stuttgart has developed into a bustling gay district, with numerous restaurants, cafes, bars and saunas catering to the LGBTQ+ crowd. Stuttgart Pride, known locally as CSD Stuttgart, is a major event in the city’s social calendar, promoting diversity and inclusion. The Althoff Hotel, Hotel Unger and Zur Weinsteige are all close to the action and very gay-friendly.

  1. Nollendorfplatz, Berlin

Returning to Berlin, Nollendorfplatz is another iconic spot when it comes to the city’s gay heritage and culture. Situated within Schöneberg, the area is surrounded by a number of gay bars and clubs and was famously the inspiration behind Christopher Isherwood’s 1939 semi-autobiographical novel Goodbye to Berlin – on which the musical Cabaret is based – making Nollendorfplatz a significant landmark in Berlin’s LGBTQ+ scene. Today, the area’s rich history and vibrant nightlife continue to attract visitors from around the world.

 

Germany’s embrace of LGBTQ+ rights and its diverse, inclusive communities make it a fantastic destination for gay travellers. From the historic streets of Schöneberg to the liberal vibes of Cologne and beyond, Germany offers a plethora of experiences that celebrate diversity, love, and acceptance.