Forget the usual Monday blues, today we’re celebrating. Berlin Pride Week has officially begun, with the famous Christopher Street Day parade taking place this Saturday. To mark this special occasion, we’ve asked some of our BECYCLE team members to share their favourite LGBTQI+ friendly businesses in the city, that support and uplift the community. Happy Pride!

AKA Berlin

When it first opened its doors, AKA Berlin in Neukölln was a multi-disciplinary arts space supporting a diversity of experimental artists. Today it’s developed into a tattoo studio, piercing atelier and art gallery in one, with top artists committed to a philosophy of inclusivity and of body art that challenges cultural norms.

KALTBLUT Magazine

Consistently pushing boundaries in all areas of culture since its founding in 2004, Kaltblut Magazine is a proper Berlin institution. Published quarterly in English, with themes made to uplift the distinctive perspectives of its showcased artists, each issue stands for bold, unconventional and limitless creativity.

HOME: Brewing and Kitchen
For those craving some sweetness, pop into HOME: Brewing and Kitchen. This specialty coffee shop in Neukölln has everything you’d need for a special café visit: delicious brunch and treats paired with amazing coffee, plus a fully-queer team made up of some of the loveliest baristas you’ll find in the city.

Bar Saint Jean

The sultry LGBT-friendly bar in a Mitte basement takes its name from the small village in eastern France where owner Johann was born. With fresh cocktails, a chic interior, intimate vibes, and Johann’s warm hospitality, it’s no wonder this spot tops everyone’s list of hottest gay bars in Berlin.

Prinz Eisenherz Bookstore
One of only a handful of queer bookshops left in the world, Prinz Eisenherz Bookstore in Schöneberg is one of Berlin’s oldest gay cultural institutions and, to many, the definitive queer bookshop of Berlin. A wide collection of gay literature and exceptionally friendly owners have kept this treasure a favourite for 40 years and counting.

The Ballery

Also to be found in Berlin’s LGBTQI+ hub Schöneberg is The Ballery, the non-profit multipurpose art space which hosts art exhibitions, performances and talks from a broad diversity of artists and artistic approaches. Check out their special Pride Exhibition held the 23rd and 24th as part of their July Summer of Love series. Further details here.

CSD Weekend: LGBTQI+ Friendly Spaces in Berlin