Brussels will not be solely the capital of Belgium but in addition the guts of Europe. Because the political capital of the EU, it embodies progressive values and is understood—simply as Belgium is—for its open-mindedness. Brussels is the range capital par excellence, with 183 nationalities, and its inhabitants possess a free-spirited angle born of such range. It is also extremely stunning, with Gothic and Artwork Nouveau structure standing in stark distinction to the glossy glass-and-steel places of work of EU establishments.
Its sights vary from the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage website surrounded by ornate guildhalls that glow gold at night time, to the futuristic Atomium, a museum formed like a unit cell. Brussels boasts avant-garde artwork galleries and museums but in addition hosts among the greatest homosexual events on the earth. Whether or not you are visiting for La Demence or traversing Europe, it’s best to take your time exploring this cosmopolitan metropolis as a result of it is steeped in character.
Desk of Contents
1. Normal Ideas
2. Transportation & Airport Switch
3. Homosexual Motels in Brussels
4. Sightseeing & Actions in Brussels
5. Eating places & Cafes in Brussels
6. Brussels Homosexual Bars and Golf equipment
7. Brussels Homosexual Saunas & Cruising Bars
8. Homosexual Occasions in Brussels
9. Day Journeys from Brussels
Normal Ideas
Brussels experiences all 4 seasons, with an opportunity of rain year-round. One of the best time to go to is in the course of the shoulder seasons, between March and Could or September and October. Throughout these months, room charges are decrease, and the climate is gentle, with lows within the 40s and highs within the mid-50s. Think about visiting in July for the Ommegang festivities, a Renaissance-style pageant that recreates Emperor Charles V’s entrance to the town. A December go to is equally magical, with vacation decorations and a large Christmas tree in the principle sq..
When selecting the place to remain, observe that Brussels is likely one of the most progressive and LGBTQ+-friendly cities in Europe. We advocate discovering lodging close to the Brussels Homosexual Village (Saint-Jacques neighborhood), positioned within the metropolis heart near the Grand Place and all main sights. The realm is dwelling to many homosexual scorching spots each day and night time, particularly round Rue du Marché au Charbon and Rue des Pierres. These streets supply an thrilling number of bars the place you may drink, dance, and immerse your self within the energetic and heat character of the town.
Transportation & Airport Switch
Brussels Airport (BRU), positioned in Zaventem about eight miles northeast of the town heart, was the twenty fourth busiest airport in Europe in 2019. It serves because the hub for Brussels Airways and TUI fly Belgium. The airport makes use of a one-terminal idea with a number of ranges: the railway station is on degree -1, buses and taxis arrive at degree 0, arrivals are on degree 2, and departures are on degree 3. Ranges 2 and three hook up with the airport’s two piers: Pier A, primarily for Schengen flights, and Pier B, for non-Schengen flights.
Touring from the airport to the town heart is handy, with choices like trains, taxis, and buses. Trains run each 10 minutes between 5 a.m. and midnight, taking 18 minutes to succeed in Brussels Central Station for €12.70 (about $15). Taxis, a extra comfy choice, price round €45 (about $55) for a 20-minute journey; be certain that to make use of official blue taxis with yellow logos. Rideshare providers like Uber and Poppy are additionally out there and will price barely lower than a taxi. For buses, ranges 0 hosts Traces 12 and 21. Line 12 operates on weekdays till 8 p.m., stopping solely at primary stations, whereas Line 21 runs evenings and weekends, serving extra stops and ending at Hertog/Ducale station.
Homosexual Motels in Brussels
Luxurious
Radisson Assortment Grand Place Brussels – Nice worth for a luxurious keep in a perfect location close to the Grand Place and only a 15-minute stroll to the principle homosexual bars. This up to date lodge options spacious rooms with views of the streets beneath, a cocktail bar, a 24-hour health club, and two eating places providing Oriental and Mediterranean delicacies.
Mid-Vary
NH Assortment Brussels Grand Sablon – Positioned on one in every of Brussels’ most stunning squares, close to the Central Railway Station and steps from the Grand Place and the Royal Museum of Nice Arts. With 196 premium rooms and suites, the lodge options up to date decor, free Wi-Fi, 24/7 room service, and a minibar. Visitors may get pleasure from an award-winning restaurant, health club, and assembly areas.
Thon Resort Bristol Stephanie – A 4-star lodge on Avenue Louise, Brussels’ most trendy procuring road. Rooms are air-conditioned and trendy, with flat-screen TVs and personal loos. The lodge provides a restaurant and bar serving conventional and modern French delicacies, day by day breakfast, a health club, and a sauna.
Classic Resort – This boutique lodge options 38 distinctive and stylish rooms, together with the Airstream room inside a totally renovated Airstream journey trailer. All rooms supply free Wi-Fi and personal loos. The lodge additionally has a rooftop terrace, an on-site bar, and a lounge.
Funds
Le Berger Resort – As soon as a clandestine assembly spot, this vintage-themed lodge has 66 stylish rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and an opulent ambiance. Visitors can get pleasure from day by day breakfast, an on-site restaurant and bar, and a terrace.
Flats – misterb&b
We’ve partnered with misterb&b to assist curate probably the most LGBT+ pleasant homestays. misterb&b will not be a lodge or chain, however somewhat a reserving platform for rooms, flats and houses and it means that you can ebook from homosexual and gay-friendly hosts world wide. They’ve hosts in additional than 200 international locations and territories with greater than 1 million complete listings. Understanding the homosexual scene is far more simply accomplished with the assistance of a neighborhood and home-sharing is likely one of the greatest methods to satisfy somebody dwelling within the metropolis who is aware of how issues work, the place and when are the very best nights to exit, and what locations to eat at and which to keep away from. misterb&b is our best choice in case your precedence is exploring the native homosexual scene.
Particular Provide! Join with misterb&b and you’ll obtain a free $10 credit score to make use of in your first reserving!
Sightseeing & Actions in Brussels
Mini Europe – Do not have time to see all of Europe in a single go? Nicely, this miniature park, positioned on the foot of the Atomium in Bruparck, options reproductions of 350 buildings and monuments from 80 European cities, scaled to 1/25. Take a two-hour stroll via 1000’s of lifelike collectible figurines and live-action animations crafted in unbelievable element. Ebook tour →
Atomium – An icon of Belgium, the Atomium is one in every of Brussels’ hottest sights. Constructed for the 1958 World’s Honest, this construction represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion instances. Find out about its historical past, get pleasure from panoramic 360-degree views, and dine on the Atomium restaurant, 95 meters above the bottom. Ebook tour →
Grand Place – A UNESCO World Heritage Web site, the Grand Place is Brussels’ central sq. surrounded by opulent guildhalls, the ornate City Corridor, and the King’s Home (Maison du Roi). It showcases intricate Gothic and Baroque structure and a beautiful place for a Belgium beer. At night time, the illuminated buildings glow gold. Ebook tour →
Royal Palace of Brussels – Though not the residence of Belgium’s monarchs, the Royal Palace is their official office. The magnificent neoclassical constructing is open to the general public in the course of the summer time months to discover its opulent halls, together with the somewhat odd Mirror Room adorned with a ceiling of scarab beetle wings.
Manneken Pis – Nobody ever believes it. However one of the iconic landmarks of Brussels is that this cheeky, small bronze statue of a boy peeing. Positioned close to the Grand Place, it typically sports activities seasonal costumes and embodies the town’s irreverent spirit. Generally the statue is accompanied by two sidekick counterparts in Jeanneke Pis, a lady, and Zinneke Pis, a canine. Ebook tour →
European Quarter – Brussels is the house base of the EU, and this space, centered across the Berlaymont constructing, hosts the European Fee, European Parliament, and Council of the EU. Wander Parc Leopold’s leafy paths or admire the Artwork Nouveau structure at Hôtel van Eetvelde. The realm options fashionable plazas, museums like Parlamentarium, and various eateries providing Belgian and worldwide delicacies. Take a guided tour to disclose EU historical past and perception into their decision-making processes. Ebook tour →
Cinquantenaire Parc – A historic park in Brussels, constructed to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Belgian independence. The park is dominated by the Triumphal Arch and surrounded by neoclassical arcades housing museums such because the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces, Autoworld, and the Cinquantenaire Museum. Stroll via lawns, fountains, shady alleys. Ebook tour →
Mont des Arts – This cultural complicated in central Brussels, was constructed to offer a scenic hyperlink between higher and decrease city. The terraces characteristic geometric gardens, seasonal flower beds, fountains, and supply sweeping views of Grand Place. Surrounding landmarks embody the Royal Library, Bozar artwork heart, and Magritte Museum. Stroll via artwork installations, get pleasure from outside live shows, and calm down at cafés. Ebook tour →
Chocolate Tasting Tour – Fulfill your candy tooth on this two-hour strolling tour. Be taught concerning the artwork of chocolate-making from Brussels’ grasp chocolatiers whereas exploring the town heart and sampling chocolate from its most well-known outlets. Ebook tour →
Beer Tasting Tour – Guided by a beer skilled, this four-hour pub crawl takes you thru historic landmarks and a few of Brussels’ oldest cafes. Pattern brews like Geuze, fruity Chimay, and robust Trappist beers whereas studying about Brussels’ wealthy brewing historical past. Ebook tour →
Homosexual Excursions in Brussels
GAILY TOUR in BRUSSELS – Homosexual & Lesbian Tour – Select from choices just like the Traditional Tour, Homosexual Tour & Marché au Charbon’s Secrets and techniques, or Brussels by Night time Homosexual Tour. Led by homosexual/lesbian guides, these strolling excursions supply insights into the town’s well-known landmarks with a concentrate on LGBTQ+ historical past and tradition. Ebook tour →
Eating places & Cafes in Brussels
Le Dillens – A comfy French-style cafe providing fashionable dishes for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner. Take pleasure in a glass of wine or a drink on the bar with free Wi-Fi, outside seating, and scrumptious meals in a quaint environment.
Mamma Roma Flagey – A Roman-style pizzeria with a easy and pleasant vibe, that includes a show case of pizza by the slice. Select from a wide range of toppings for a reasonable, fast chew.
Fritland – No go to to Brussels is full with out a cease at this fast-food spot serving contemporary, crispy frites (fries) with a wide range of sauces. Open late and takeout solely, it’s good for a post-night-out snack.
Fontainas – A classy cafe and restaurant with a big road terrace supreme for people-watching. Common amongst stylish LGBTQ+ crowds, artists, and bohemians, it provides pastries, sandwiches, vegan-friendly dishes, and an intensive cocktail menu.
Plattesteeen – A French-style brasserie with a energetic terrace within the Saint-Jacques district, near homosexual road artwork. Inside, it resembles a basic French pub, serving scrumptious Dutch-inspired meals like carbonade flamande (beef stew).
Yuca Latina -A gay-owned Latin American restaurant close to the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula. Take pleasure in generously portioned Brazilian dishes like Picanha (reduce beef), assorted croquettes, and yuca. Occasions like dwell music and karaoke add to the expertise.
Brussels Homosexual Bars and Golf equipment
Le Bélgica – A Brussels homosexual establishment identified for its disco balls, low cost drinks, and energetic outside scene. Good for pre-club drinks or informal socializing.
Bearzone Le Baroque – Positioned close to the Grand Place, this bar embodies the “bear spirit” with a pleasant environment. Take pleasure in blissful hour, visitor DJs, and inclusive vibes.
La Reserve – Brussels’ oldest homosexual bar, with a pub-like environment and a very good choice of Belgian beers. The comfortable spot attracts a mature crowd, and weekends carry energetic music and dancing.
Station BXL – A retro-themed homosexual bar and cafe with free Wi-Fi, positioned in Brussels’ homosexual district. Mature males and bears collect right here to benefit from the outside patio, beer, and cocktails.
L’Homo Erectus Bar – This spicy homosexual bar within the Brussels’ homosexual district close to Grand Place has a pink quirky décor with saucy – but artsy – photos on the partitions setting the temper. It serves inventive cocktails, Belgian beers and hosts common drag reveals and theme nights.
Jungle Bar – A completely gorgeous experience-based homosexual bar, which describes itself as ‘the jungle within the centre of Brussels’. The Indian-inspired decor spans three flooring, creating an immersive “jungle” expertise and function testomony to the multiculturism of Brussels. Occasions embody DJs, drag reveals, and karaoke nights. They maintain occasions each week from DJs to tug reveals to karaoke nights.
Le Dolores – A comfy bar with a summer time and winter terrace in Brussels’ homosexual district. Choose up native homosexual magazines like Bruce or Tribu whereas having fun with the relaxed vibe.
Amalgame – A brief stroll from the Grand Place, this homosexual karaoke bar additionally provides drinks, dancing, and the favored Flash after-party on Sunday nights.
Castro Cafe – A comfy homosexual café bar tucked in Brussels’ homosexual district close to Grand Place. With a sunny terrace, pleasant bilingual workers (the proprietor is Irish), native Belgian beers, cocktails and snacks, it provides a relaxed, inclusive environment to start the night time.
Chez Maman – This place has turn out to be the benchmark Brussels cabaret cafe. Each weekend, Maman and her daughters carry out on this now-mythical stage. At Chez Maman, the stage is definitely the principle room’s counter. This slab of marble has a magic that a whole lot of individuals come to expertise each week.
La Demence – La Demence is undoubtedly one of many longest-running homosexual circuit events on the earth. Over thirty years robust, it takes place 12 instances a yr, normally on Friday evenings or on the eve of public holidays, and attracts 1000’s of individuals from throughout Europe and past.
Cave – This dynamic homosexual nightclub is nestled in Brussels’ homosexual district close to the Grand Place. Count on to get scorching and sweaty in a membership that’s all concerning the dancefloor and the horny males on it dancing to techno.
Brussels Homosexual Saunas & Cruising Bars
Macho Sauna – Positioned within the heart of the homosexual district, that is the most well-liked homosexual sauna in Brussels. It’s a multi-level facility with lockers, a steam room, a dry sauna, a darkish room, cabins, an out of doors patio, and a bar. Drawing in a mixture of enticing males, it’s busiest on Sundays and in the course of the ‘After La Demence’ nights.
Stamm Bar – Open seven nights every week, that is Brussels’ premier fetish and cruise membership, the place bears and their admirers come out to play. The venue has an industrial vibe with cruise areas and a darkish room. Cease by for the bare celebration on Sundays.
Homosexual Occasions in Brussels
Belgian Pleasure – Hosted by the Belgian Pleasure Affiliation, this annual occasion has prospered since 1996. It takes place in Could and attracts a whole lot of 1000’s of holiday makers to rejoice at Pleasure Village and Rainbow Village. Right here, you’ll get pleasure from acts, music, culinary specialties, and the stand market, the place you may be taught from many LGBTQ+ organizations.
Pink Screens Movie Competition – Brussels’ queer movie pageant, organized by the non-profit organizations Genres d’à Côté and Cinéma Nova, is an annual occasion in November. It lasts ten days and contains a whole lot of fictions, documentaries, and experimental movies, each lengthy and brief.
Day Journeys from Brussels
Bruges – Simply 55 miles (88 km) northwest of Brussels, you’ll uncover the town of Bruges, which owes its title to the assorted bridges discovered inside it. Taking the practice is the quickest option to get there, though the bus is just half-hour longer. Bruges was declared a World Heritage Metropolis in 2000 and is also referred to as the Venice of the North. It boasts a formidable medieval architectural heritage, which you’ll get pleasure from as you stroll via the town. Ebook tour →
Ghent – Solely 30 miles northwest of Brussels, hopping on the practice makes for a fast 27-minute journey. What as soon as was a outstanding city-state within the Center Ages is now a port metropolis on the assembly of the Leie and Scheldt Rivers. It’s identified for its pedestrian heart, the medieval Twelfth-century Gravensteen Citadel, and the Graslei—a row of guildhalls beside the Leie River harbor. The Ghent Museum of Nice Arts additionally provides an LGBTQ+ themed high quality artwork tour—the primary in Belgium. Given by museum guides who’re a part of the neighborhood, it makes use of works from the gathering to inform tales from LGBTQ+ historical past and mythology Ebook tour →
Antwerp – The journey from Brussels to Antwerp is roughly 40 minutes by practice and slightly below an hour by automobile. This medieval metropolis serves as a port on Belgium’s River Scheldt and was one in every of Europe’s most vital cities within the mid-1500s, in addition to the house of famed Baroque painter Peter Paul Rubens. Right now, Antwerp is understood for its vibrant vogue and leisure scene, in addition to a riverside fortress and a formidable cathedral. Ebook tour →
Featured picture by Joaquin Aranoa from Pixabay
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