One LGBT neighborhood<\/strong><\/p>\n Sch\u00f6neberg<\/a>. When it comes to gay villages, Sch\u00f6neberg\u2014the first \u201cgayborhood\u201d in the world\u2014is legendary. Despite being a global hotspot for queer culture, the neighborhood feels just like any other tranquil European residential neighborhood. It just has LGBT institutions sprinkled among the apothekes, bars, and restaurants.<\/p>\n While Sch\u00f6neberg reigns supreme, Berlin also has several neighborhoods that represent a new generation of gay village. Integrated, artsy, and trendy districts such as Friedrichshain, Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg, and Neuk\u00f6lln all are making names for themselves among members of the LGBT community.<\/p>\n Two LGBT fun facts<\/strong><\/p>\n You know that moment of the night when a club\u2019s house lights come on, the vibe is killed, and the party abruptly ends? That doesn\u2019t happen in Berlin because there is no mandated closing time for bars and clubs. It is also worth noting that the public transit system runs around the clock (not that it matters, since you\u2019ll be heading back to your hotel with the morning commute).<\/p>\n Berlin elected an openly gay mayor, Klaus Wowereit, in 2001. During the election, Mayor Wowrereit beat his opponents to the punch by outing himself with the now famous quote \u201cIch bin schwul, und das ist auch gut so,\u201d which (wonderfully) translates into, \u201cI am gay and that is just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n Three LGBT-friendly activities<\/strong><\/p>\n Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism. Tucked among the trees in the east end of the verdant Tiergarten Park is a stark concrete structure memorializing gay men and women murdered by the Nazi party. The structure is powerful in its simplicity and symbolism; featureless, grey walls disrupted only by a small viewing window that provides a peek inside at a short film of two men or two women kissing.<\/p>\n Christopher Street Day Berlin<\/a>. The reason Christopher Street Day (CSD) makes the list is because it is one of the largest pride festivals in Europe. We also appreciate that CSD clearly recognizes the foundation of pride, and that\u2014along with a LOT of partying\u2014the event remains a strong political movement. Each year, the theme, motto, and political demands of the CSD Parade are determined in open public meetings called Pride Forums.<\/p>\n Prinz Eisenherz Buchladen<\/a>. This LGBT institution is considered Europe’s oldest surviving gay bookstore. Established in 1978 and ultimately moved to the Motzsra\u00dfe\u2014the \u201ccatwalk\u201d of Sch\u00f6neberg\u2014the bookstore stocks an impressive selection of gay and lesbian fiction, along with more academic works.<\/p>\n Viewfinder Tip: If you are going to use Berlin\u2019s extensive public transportation system to explore the city, consider buying a more cost effective day pass.<\/p>\n Four LGBT-friendly hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n Hotel am Steinplatz, Autograph Collection<\/a>\u00a0(Expedia Viewfinder Pick<\/a>). Hotel Am Steinplatz is one of Marriott’s exclusive Autograph Collection hotels\u2014a portfolio of unique, upscale boutique properties around the world. The painstakingly renovated hotel is situated in a quiet little enclave steps away from the city\u2019s main shopping and dining corridor. This is where you stay if you want a beautifully curated, luxury experience that never feels too fussy or removed from the pulse of the city.<\/p>\n Axel Hotel Berlin<\/a>.\u00a0This \u201cstraight-friendly\u201d hotel caters specifically to gay travelers, with a bent toward gay men. Chic rooms, familiar service, and a right-in-the-heart-of-Sch\u00f6neberg location make the Axel a great choice. That the hotel has a globally recognized gay institution, Hamburger Mary’s, on the ground floor is just a bonus.<\/p>\n Circus Hostel<\/a>. If \u201cupscale hostel\u201d seems like a oxymoron, then you are in for a surprise. In the bustling, trendy part of the central Mitte neighborhood, Circus Hostel is a respite for backpackers and independent travelers (and independent-minded travelers). If you are more into hotels than hostels, the brand has\u00a0another property<\/a> nearby for you, as well.<\/p>\n Andel’s Hotel Berlin<\/a>. Since there is so much to see in the Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain neighborhoods of East Berlin, you may just want to stay in the area. This stylish, modern hotel has well-appointed rooms and a raved-about breakfast buffet. It also is located very close to a major transportation hub (Alexanderplatz).<\/p>\n Five LGBT-friendly bars and restaurants<\/strong><\/p>\n Mamma Monti<\/a>.\u00a0When you’re shopping the home design boutiques along Kantstra\u00dfe or the designer clothing store on Kurf\u00fcrstendamm, pop over to this adorable and romantic little restaurant for some delectable homemade Italian food. Weather permitting, snag a table outside, make sure to order the fresh buffalo mozzarella and blistered tomato salad, enjoy a glass of the juicy house red, and watch Berliners do their things.<\/p>\n Berlin Village Market @ Neue Heimat<\/a>. When the woman who owns a burrito shop in the gritty-cum-trendy Friedrichshain neighborhood told us about this street food Mecca, we were intrigued. Every Sunday the converted railway station turns into a culinary extravaganza with street food vendors from all over the city. But the space is lot more than a spot to get your grub on once a week; it also is a venue for live concerts, art shows, and a craft market.<\/p>\n Sissi<\/a>. It\u2019s not hard to stumble across Austrian food in Berlin, but thoughtfully prepared Austrian food in an adorable, living room-like environment is a rarer find. That\u2019s why we love Sissi. Make sure to secure reservations in advance, because dishes such as cheesy sp\u00e4tzel with young onions and apple strudle with bourbon vanilla ice cream make this one of Sch\u00f6neberg\u2019s most popular restaurants.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/images\/default-source\/user-matt-villano\/berlin-lgbt-content-[size_1230x470].jpg\")
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