Pride in Berlin

If you’re visiting over the Pride CSD Festival in July, there are some events that are a “must-do”.

The Christopher Street Day (CSD) Parade is a celebration of queer life in Berlin today and is famous for its party atmosphere. It takes place on the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, New York. On 22nd July the Christopher Street Day Parade starts in an unconfirmed location and usually ends at the Brandenburg Gate.

Gay Night at the Zoo, the lesbian and gay swing dance party at Berlin Zoo. An open-air laid-back event with live musicians and swing dancing. With the beer and cocktails flowing and grilled wurst and vegetarian food options available. As the night wears on, the typical electro-pop dance party takes over.

Just two days before Berlin’s Pride Weekend and the CSD Parade, a unique sightseeing and party tour starts on the Spree River. With several participating ships across the waters top DJs and entertainers take control and get participants in the mood for the Pride season. On their way, the boats pass many Berlin landmarks.

A Pride study trip to Berlin would not be complete without a visit to the legendary Reichstag, a symbol for tolerance and openness in the German capital. Make sure your visit includes the Schwules Museum and the Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism.

From there, If your feet are too sore from your revelling, take the City Sightseeing Hop on Hop off bus tour, sit back and be driven with a live guide past all the great sights of the city. Want to see something up close? Simply jump off, have a wander and jump back on to continue with your tour. These tours are also exceptional at night, when the city’s landmarks are lit up. An often overlooked time but so special to see the sights in a new perspective.