Berlin Unzipped: 10 Untamed Reasons We Fell in Love (and Maybe Got Naked)

Berlin wasn’t supposed to blow our minds—or anything else, for that matter. It was a spontaneous detour. A side-quest. A “since we’re in the neighborhood” kind of stop after our cruise out of Amsterdam. But let me tell you something: from schnitzel to steamy saunas, Berlin didn’t just exceed expectations—it seduced them, stripped them down, and handed us a three-liter beer.

Marcos and I took the train into Berlin with just a few days to explore, and we left changed. Enlightened. Slightly hungover. And incredibly moisturized (more on that later).

Here’s the truth: Berlin is wild, weird, unapologetically queer, and wrapped in a hard shell of history that wants you to crack it open. And oh, we cracked it.

So buckle up—or, honestly, loosen that belt—and enjoy our Top 10 Must-Do’s in Berlin, the Out and Untamed way.

1. Axel Hotel Berlin – Our Queer HQ

Let’s start with home base: Axel Hotel Berlin. Sleek, sexy, and centrally located in Schöneberg (aka the gayborhood of your dreams), this place was walking distance to nightlife, history, and a whole lot of action. The rooms? Chic and flirty. The rooftop hot tub? Scandalous. The walls? Let’s just say they heard... everything.

Untamed Tip: Book a balcony room if you're feeling exhibitionist-adjacent. The views—and voyeurs—are worth it.

2. Tiergarten Park – Berlin’s Clothing Optional Paradise

This isn’t your average city park. Welcome to Tiergarten, Berlin’s beloved green oasis where locals go to sunbathe—nude. And yes, we joined in. There’s something liberating about laying out full-bernie under ancient trees while sipping a cold beer. Everyone’s equal when they’re wearing nothing but confidence.

Untamed Tip: Pack a towel, SPF 50, and an open mind. This park is “people-watching” on steroids.

3. The Berlin Wall – Art, History, and One Iconic Kiss

You can't come to Berlin and skip the Berlin Wall, especially the East Side Gallery. This stretch is now covered in murals that celebrate freedom, unity, and yes—two Soviet leaders in a full-on mouth kiss. Berlin doesn’t do subtle. And we love her for it.

Untamed Tip: Visit early in the morning for unobstructed photos and fewer photobombers.

4. Die Boiler – Sauna, Steam, and Suds

Let’s be real—after a long day of sightseeing, sometimes you just want to... soak. Die Boiler is Berlin’s legendary gay men’s spa, and honey, it delivers. Steam rooms, hot tubs, showers with mood lighting... it’s a spa, social lounge, and maybe a bit more, depending on your choices.

Untamed Tip: Bring flip-flops and confidence. And if you’re shy? Don’t worry—no one else is.

5. Bike Tour Through History – Pedal, Pose, and Learn

We signed up for a guided bike tour of Berlin, and it was hands-down the best way to see the city. We rode past Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and even the parking lot that now sits above Hitler’s former bunker. (Irony? Check.) Our guide? Hilarious. Informative. Possibly moonlighting as a drag queen.

Untamed Tip: Berlin is flat—this is an easy ride, even after a few too many bratwursts.

6. Brandenburg Gate – Strike a Pose with Berlin’s Diva

One of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks, the Brandenburg Gate is equal parts majestic and meme-worthy. It’s been the backdrop for kings, protests, parades, and possibly your next Grindr profile pic.

Untamed Tip: Go at sunset when the light is golden and the tourist crowds are slightly thinner.

7. Memorial to the Holocaust – A Sobering Experience

This massive field of concrete slabs isn’t just a photo op—it’s a powerful reminder of Berlin’s brutal past. The memorial is haunting, humbling, and impossible to ignore. You’ll feel it in your bones.

Untamed Tip: Keep it respectful. No jumping, posing, or filming TikToks. Some places deserve solemnity.

8. Gayborhood Crawl – Schöneberg Nights

Schöneberg isn’t just where we stayed—it’s where we thrived. Bars like Tom’s, Heile Welt, and Prinzknecht served up steins of beer, flirty locals, and the kind of dance floors that stick to your shoes (in a good way). The vibe? Come as you are, leave as you want to be.

Untamed Tip: Start your night with cocktails at Heile Welt, then let the night take you... wherever it wants.

9. Three-Liter Beers – Yes, Really

We saw a man walk by with a three-liter beer stein, and naturally, we chased him. Found the pub. Ordered the beer. Took three hours to finish it. Worth every drop. Berlin knows how to pour.

Untamed Tip: Pace yourself. You still have to find your way home without GPS. Or dignity.

10. “Make Germany Great Again” – Echoes from the Past

Here’s where things get real. On our tour, we kept hearing that when Hitler rose to power, his slogan was: “Make Germany Great Again.” The chill that ran down my spine? Arctic. Berlin’s history isn’t just in museums—it’s alive in its streets, its people, its resilience.

Untamed Tip: Travel isn’t just for fun—it’s for learning. Berlin teaches. Pay attention.

11. The Ampelmännchen – Berlin’s Little Green Daddy

You will notice the crosswalk signals in Berlin—and you will fall in love. Meet the Ampelmännchen, East Germany’s iconic little stoplight figure with his jaunty hat and power stance. He’s not just a traffic light—he’s a vibe. And yes, there’s an entire souvenir empire dedicated to him. Naturally, we bought the T-shirt.

Untamed Tip: Follow his lead. When he says walk, you strut. When he says stop, you pose. Berliners take jaywalking seriously—unless you’re feeling really untamed (and want angry German grandmas to scold you).

Final Word: Berlin’s Magic is in the Mix

Berlin is a city of contrasts: heavy history and lighthearted liberation. Stiff beers and steamy saunas. Stoic exteriors and warm, wicked interiors. It challenges you, charms you, and maybe gets you just a little naked. And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Berlin didn’t just meet expectations—it handcuffed them, took them on a historical joyride, and let them sweat it out at Die Boiler.

Ready to untame your next adventure? Add Berlin to your list. Trust us—you’ll never be the same.