LGBT BERLIN :: Homosexuality in Berlin was a crime in as early as 1935 but was finally removed from legislation in 1991. Over 50,000 gay men were prosecuted during this time.

Today, however, Berlin not only stands as the capital of Germany but as one of the most liberated and open cities on this side of the ocean.

The most recent program Berlin has implemented in support of sexual and gender diversity is the Pink Pillow Berlin Collection. Setting new standards for hotel hospitality this initiative brings together hotels that believe all guests should be welcomed exactly how they are. By staying at one of the collection’s hotels – such as the Mandala Hotel – you may rest assured knowing each hotel:

• treats all guests with same courtesy, dignity and respect
• contributes actively to the LGBT community
• creates work environments of respect and tolerance
• is able to offer their guests information about the LGBT scene
• participates in visitBerlin’s semi-annual LGBT information days

The most common gay neighborhoods are in the districts of Schöneberg and Kreuzberg (both in the western part of Berlin) as well as in Prenzlauer Berg (eastern Berlin). In September, a must on any gay person’s Berlin itinerary is the largest gay fetish event in Europe, Folsom Europe. The international leather & fetish weekend features a street fair on Saturday afternoon and loads of parties from Friday till Sunday.

But more than events and organized queer life, there is a prevailing sense of the ability for everyone in Berlin to be who they are without fear. This can be seen by the example of Klaus Wowereit. Elected for three terms in a row, Wowereit has been the openly gay Mayor of Berlin since 2001. He sums up Berlin’s accepting attitude with his famous quote, “Berlin is poor but sexy.”

In other words, be whatever you are – it’s sexy no matter what.

Danka shun, in German, means ‘Thank you very much’, and I couldn’t think of better words to consider as I leave the fascinating city of Berlin. Nine times the size of Paris, it’s hard to make a dent!

Unexpected discoveries appear at every turn, along with friendly smiles, and history markers line the streets; a sense of freedom and happiness fill the city. Berlin is a very green city: almost one fifth of the city is covered in trees.

Berlin stands strong as a cosmopolitan yet relaxed hub – it’s culture and way of life impressed me the most. In Berlin, people don’t work to live, they enjoy life daily. Things slow down, most stores are closed by early evening hours and Sundays are still the day of rest. Wine and bread are present at every meal and people break for coffee and kuchen (cake) every afternoon; the delight of this anti-big city mentality will quickly capture you.

I was impressed by the way Berlin not only preserves their history and also takes pride in doing so. Berlin is a city that was destroyed by the Second World War and once reined over by the Führer – these facts carry with them some unfond memories. They’ve taken this dark time from Germany’s past and commemorated them by creating beautiful pieces of art. Monuments, gardens, and plaques can be found spread across the land. Double cobble stone markers throughout the city streets represent where The Berlin Wall once stood separating East and West; stepping stones are purposely designed to make you take notice and remember people who died.

As the top visitor’s attraction – and once formerly used to represent the separation of the city – the Brandenburg Gate has now come to symbolize German unity. Take a boat tour along the River Spree and you’ll see crosses lined in a row representing people who tried to cross over. To be able to touch the buildings kept in original form after the war (with bullet holes still freckling them) and  too see ash buildings never rebuilt representing the past is to stand in the middle of something unique and meaningful that really sticks with you even once you’ve gone.

Berlin is a city that represents a life we’d all like to live: where the pain of the past is replaced with peace, tranquility and love for today and tomorrow.

More on Berlin Here.

The Fall of The Wall: November 9^th, 2014-

Thousands gathered on the incredibly historic night of November 9^th 1989, and watched as The Berlin Wall fell. This year Berlin celebrates the 25 Anniversary of the fall of the Wall on November 9^th and several events and projects will help commemorate this event. One of the most incredible installations will be The Lichtgrenze.

The Lichtgrenze is a light installation running along the former path of the wall throughout Berlin’s city center. It will trace the division of East and West for over 12 km with 8,000 illuminated balloons. Each balloon belongs to a ‘balloon patron’ and represents their personal message and story. On the night of November 9^th, 2014, the balloons will be released into the sky, a celebration of Freedom not to be missed.

“Twenty-five years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the once divided city presents itself today as a liberal and open-minded metropolis, a place to be. This tremendous development would not have been possible without the people’s courage and imagination. With our events for the anniversary of the fall of the Wall, we recall the historical occurrence of the European liberation movement of 1989 that radically changed the course of world history. We place ourselves in solidarity with those who have raised their voices for freedom, democracy, and human rights back then as well as now. And we take a look at the contemporary world in which Berlin, after twenty-five years, has become a place of creativity, openness to the future, and internationality.”

– Governing Mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit.

More on The Fall of The Wall here.

– Sabrina Pirillo is editor of S.Travel.

–  S.Travel Approved*

* S.Travel is our coveted publishing stamp of approval on LGBT travel destinations, accommodations, bars, restaurants, adventures and experiences. Look to S.Travel for the very best LGBT travel the world has to offer. Join us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest in LGBT travel ideas, tips and fun, and sign up to receive our free  S.Travel Newsletter.

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LGBT TRAVEL :: Berlin. There’s never been a shortage of things to see and do in the renowned city of Berlin, which has a thriving gay scene. With the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall coming November 9, 2014, there’s never been a more exciting time to visit this beloved international hotspot. Special events and exhibits to commemorate the peaceful reunification of a divided city in 1989-1990. The weekend of November 9th is expected to be an especially impactful experience for visitors. A special light installation will be set up along the former course of the Wall as a symbol of hope for an entire world without walls. Made of thousands of lit, helium-filled balloons, a border made of light will run for 12k across the city centre that entire weekend.

LGBT Berlin is a must-visit at any time, too. You can do everything from walking through the Tiergarten, to taking a boat tour along the River Spree and of course, visiting all the monumental landmarks.

Here are S.Travel’s Top 10 Berlin Experiences (for our favourite restaurant and accommodations, click here):

• Potsdamer Platz once was the street dividing East and West Berlin and now is the major artery for such landmarks as the famous Brandenburg Gate and Holocaust Memorial.

• Take a walk through the dome at the Reichstag.

• Take a sightseeing tour with Berlin experts, Culture Trip and have them take you to visit The Berlin Wall and Check Point Charlie. While you’re there make sure to grab yourself Berlin’s favourite food, the Currywurst! (Over 7 million servings are served in Berlin alone each year.)

• The Asisi Panorama of The Divided City of Berlin. Yadegar Asisi’s theme for this panorama is the Berlin Wall on a fictitious November day in the 1980’s. The surface area is 900 square meters and 15 meters in height. It’s truly an experience for anyone who wonders what it was like to live in the divided city that Berlin once was.

•  Museum Island includes five world-renowned museums in an extraordinary layout.

• The East Side Gallery: A 1.3 km long section of the original 160km stretch of the Berlin Wall where over 100 artists from all over the world painted images, a colorful memorial to freedom.

• Sitting on one of the most popular streets in Berlin, Alexanderplatz, the 368 meter-high Fernsehturm (‘Television Tower’) is the fourth highest freestanding structure in Europe.

• The Berlin Cathedral– The largest church in the city.

• The Kurfurstendamm: The Kadewe for short is the largest department store in continental Europe. With over 60,000 square meters of selling space and more than 380,000 articles available you’ll find everything from high-end fashions to gourmet foods.

• Club Scene
  • Office building by day and party anthems by night, GFM Club is the place to party on a Sunday night.
  • Once housed as a power plant, Berghain is known worldwide and it’s where good techno music meets the best DJ’s.

P.S You’ll notice that many gay bars and clubs don’t indicate closing hours. That’s mainly due to the fact that Berlin no longer has closing hours. You’re welcome!

• S.Travel TIP: The Berlin WelcomeCard is your travel card to free public transportation, offers over 200 discounts to partner venues, and comes complete with a city map and guide. You can customize your card based on the duration of your stay. Awesome!

–  S.Travel Approved*

* S.Travel is our coveted publishing stamp of approval on LGBT travel destinations, accommodations, bars, restaurants, adventures and experiences. Look to S.Travel for the very best LGBT travel the world has to offer. Join us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest in LGBT travel ideas, tips and fun, and sign up to receive our free  S.Travel Newsletter.

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LGBT TRAVEL :: The Mandala Hotel. Welcome to The Mandala Hotel, Berlin’s only independent privately managed 5-star superior hotel, offering the most spacious rooms in Berlin.

Established in 1999, The Mandala was meant to be a care facility for older people but today offers visitors 158 luxurious studios and suites ranging from the charming City Studio to the extravagant Top Of The Town Penthouse. All spaces include walk-in closets, free Wi-Fi, kitchenettes and spacious bathrooms. The smell of fresh flowers fills the halls each day and we thoroughly enjoyed morning coffee on our garden-facing balcony. The Mandala is the perfect place to find serenity when you’re right smack in the center of Berlin’s hustle and bustle.

Your stay also includes daily buffet style breakfast (with miles of options to suit anyone’s taste buds) at the award-winning FACIL restaurant, located in the inner courtyard of the hotel.

The Mandala Hotel is located on Potsdamer Platz which sits on the junction between former East and West Berlin (The Berlin Wall used to run right through Potzdamer Platz) and is the ideal hotel for home base while you explore this incredible city.

Just steps from the famous Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust Memorial and Tiergarten (not to mention one of the best shopping spots in Berlin is right around the corner), the hotel is surrounded by restaurants and bars for when you need to rest your feet (and your wallet).

The Mandala Hotel is also only a two-minute walk to underground station Potzdamer Platz, the easiest metro system we’ve ever been on is also the fastest way to get around Berlin. For a more leisurely experience you can also rent a bicycle from the front desk.

The Mandala Hotel should also be noted for it’s above par service; staff are delighted to help you with your stay including currency exchange (for up to $200 EURO’s), a personal shopper and booking your theatre tickets.

LGBT-friendly, The Mandala Hotel offers freedom for guests to be themselves, whoever they are.

More on The Mandala Hotel here.

–  S.Travel Approved*

* S.Travel is our coveted publishing stamp of approval on LGBT travel destinations, accommodations, bars, restaurants, adventures and experiences. Look to S.Travel for the very best LGBT travel the world has to offer. Join us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest in LGBT travel ideas, tips and fun, and sign up to receive our free  S.Travel Newsletter.

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LGBT TRAVEL :: La Soupe Populaire. 

Featuring minimalist table settings, warm lighting and 1930’s designed porcelain dishes, guests can choose to dine in the Studio House or at the Chef’s Table in the kitchen, an intimate gathering space for friends to watch food creation at its finest.

La Soupe Populaire is also the latest restaurant run by the starred chef Tim Raue. Awarded two Michelin stars for his food’s quality and originality, this is his third restaurant in Berlin. Raue’s menu is part of an overall concept and his creations are inspired by the art being exhibited with four appetizers, four main courses and two desserts and a selection of ten reds and ten white wines to compliment each item on the menu:

S.Travel’s recommendations:

– Fried herring with mustard seed and lamb’s lettuce.

-konigsberger klopse (also known as lamb meatballs) with mashed potatoes and beet root.

-And finally our personal favourite to end a fantastic meal: the restaurant’s infamous Bee Sting Cake

A unique setting where the art is complimented by the food and the atmosphere is warm and inviting, La Soupe Populaire is the perfect place for any diner who’s ready for a different experience.

More on La Soupe Populaire here.

–  S.Travel Approved*

* S.Travel is our coveted publishing stamp of approval on LGBT travel destinations, accommodations, bars, restaurants, adventures and experiences. Look to S.Travel for the very best LGBT travel the world has to offer. Join us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest in LGBT travel ideas, tips and fun, and sign up to receive our free  S.Travel Newsletter.

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Featuring the green tiled fireplace, The Mani offers warm tones and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you decide to head there for after dinner drinks or sit down for some starters served in the center of the table-like tapas style (which is the way S.Travel recommends doing; you can see the vast array of sumptuous food offered). With an extensive wine list – offerings from all over the globe – you’ll see why Mani Restaurant is the perfect place to settle in for a long cozy night out with old friends.

Some of S.Travel’s recommendations at Mani (to share) include:

-Beetroot with goat cheese and granola

-Lamb Sausage with fennel choucroute

-Foie Gras Burger with black truffle (a definite must!)

-Roasted Char

-And for dessert (this is the part where you stop sharing): the Chocolate Mousse from Jivara and the Yoghurt Dumplings with nougat, lavender and pomegranate.

Bête ‘Avon!

More on Mani Restaurant.

–  S.Travel Approved*

* S.Travel is our coveted publishing stamp of approval on LGBT travel destinations, accommodations, bars, restaurants, adventures and experiences. Look to S.Travel for the very best LGBT travel the world has to offer. Join us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest in LGBT travel ideas, tips and fun, and sign up to receive our free  S.Travel Newsletter.

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