People have always come to Berlin looking for something – a space to create, to escape or to start over. For generations, the city has a way of pulling people in and making room for them, no matter who they are or where they’ve come from. Last week, we partnered with VanMoof to host a Joyride around the city, to celebrate the launch of the S6 series. Hosted by DJ Fuckoff, the map featured locations from members of her community and ended with the Joyride Stop, a party to close the night. 

While at the event, we spoke to some of the Dazed Club attendees about what brings them joy in Berlin. Below, they breakdown the things that keep them in the German capital.

AMIR 

“What brings me joy in Berlin are the bodies of water surrounding the city. The routes that I've been doing while running and biking have given me the time to explore new areas around the city. My most cherished spots are Tegeler & FlughafenSee, Insel der Jugend, Panke Kanal, Nordhafen and the Spree in the East. Along the way, these spots also gave me new friends, and they have made these places a part of my own core memory.”

ANNARA 

“What brings me the most joy here is the city’s raw energy feeling – the feeling of freedom that flows through a queer dance floor at sunrise, the music vibrating through bodies, and the ritualistic moment of sharing that space with strangers. There’s a pulse to Berlin that makes you feel alive, like you’re part of something constantly evolving and unapologetically expressive.”

BIANCA 

“Something that brings me joy in Berlin is the feeling of belonging. I moved here just a month ago, and from the very beginning, I’ve felt a strong sense of being in the right place. That feeling has given me confidence that moving here was the right decision. I come from Romania, where people often focus on themselves rather than the community. In contrast, Berlin’s sense of togetherness makes me feel welcomed and part of something bigger.”

DR. OK

“What brings me joy in Berlin is biking home on a sunny summer morning after a sweaty rave where I danced my ass off and hung out with my friends. The music is still ringing in my ears, and my heart is full as I replay the night and slowly reintegrate into reality.”

JUNA 

“[I find joy on the] queer dance floors where people feel safe enough to lose themselves – and find each other. As a queer DJ, being part of building that kind of space is everything to me.”

LARA 

“What brings me joy in Berlin is the creative freedom I experience here. Being able to express myself, do what I love, and collaborate with other inspiring creatives fills me with joy and purpose. The city's openness and the constant buzz of ideas make it a place where I feel alive and can build my brand, Laramz.”

STÉPHANE 

“I love going to shows alone, to discover new artists or to return to old favourites. I treat myself to a good dinner first, then arrive fashionably at the venue, letting the crowd flow around me as I push my way through it. I might chat if I feel social, but often I just nod along to the music with the person next to me and leave the way I came: quietly, and satisfied.”

VASILY 

“What brings me joy in Berlin is those early mornings when the city still feels half-asleep – soft light, empty streets, and the sound of wheels rolling on wet asphalt. It reminds me of the freedom I felt biking through Japan or along the California coast, but here it has a different rhythm, more raw, more human. I also love discovering the quiet corners of Berlin – a good coffee at Bonanza, a ride along Tempelhofer Feld at sunset, or an unexpected conversation at a gallery opening. There’s this creative pulse here that feels honest and unpolished, and I find a lot of joy in being part of that energy while building something new.”