Your guide to the best Brussels gay bars, LGBT venues and events
Belgium
Brussels, as the de facto capital of the EU (European Union), is a cosmopolitan city with a matching LGBTQ+ crowd.
The city is home to a burgeoning LGBTQ+ community, and a large percentage of its residents were born outside of Belgium. You might be tempted to make this vacation a permanent one! Brussels’ liveliest club nights happen in the city center around Rue du Marché au Charbon (Kolenmarkt) – Belgian street signs, being written in French and Flemish to serve the country's bilingual communities, swing two ways! Here, you'll catch weekly and monthly gay dance parties, such as La Demence and Flash, that draws DJs and revelers from across the EU's Schengen Area and further afield. Dance-loving delegates will want to attend this clubbing summit!
Brussels’ commitment to the LGBTQ+ community also shines brightly in the Saint-Jacques neighborhood, a cozy quarter in the city's gay scene. Here, popular bars and queer cafes are not just places to drink; they are sanctuaries where diversity is celebrated, stories are shared, and friendships are forged. During Brussels Pride, this area transforms into a colorful festival of love that spills into the streets with parades, music, and dancing.
During daylight, explore Brussels’ many museums. The Museum of Natural Sciences has a notable fossil collection. Around the Royal District, you'll find several branches of the Royal Museums of Fine Art. The Oldmasters Museum showcases Flemish masterpieces by Rubens, Bruegel, and Bosch (whose works might evoke last night's proclivities!), and the Magritte Museum has surreally-good artwork. The Fashion and Lace Museum’s collection of lace textiles and costumes, dating from the 18th century to the present, will inspire you to hit the city centre’s high streets to buy your own dainty or dandy garb. Modernist architecture aficionados will dig the amazing Atomium building. It was originally constructed for the 1958 Brussels World’s Fair, provides a futuristic contrast to the city's historical core. This giant steel atom structure offers panoramic views and serves as a reminder of the city’s forward-thinking mindset. It’s a fitting symbol for Brussels: a city always looking ahead yet deeply rooted in its rich, eclectic past.
Zipline down the Atomium—a former Belgian Special Services hunk will be on duty to help!—and admire the magnificent guild houses surrounding the Grote Markt (Grand Place). Brussels’ town square has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since Eurodance was a thing in the 1990s. The Grote Markt’s showy 17th-century architecture is impressive regardless of trends.
Next step into the Grand Place, a masterpiece of medieval architecture, and you'll quickly understand why this square is often crowned as one of Europe's most beautiful. The cobblestone streets, gilded buildings, and the dazzling Town Hall will transport you back in time. But it’s not just a place to gaze at; it's a vibrant hub of life, especially during events like the bi-annual Flower Carpet, when it transforms into a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns.
But let’s not forget the city’s green lungs. The Bois de la Cambre, at the edge of the Sonian Forest, offers a verdant escape from the urban buzz. It's a perfect spot for a lazy afternoon picnic or a leisurely bike ride under the canopy of ancient trees. The park often feels like a countryside retreat, complete with wandering paths and serene lakes, inviting visitors to unwind and connect with nature.
Brussels appeals to every fancy out there, making the city an ideal playground for travelers who love the eclectic. Whether you come for experiencing the unique charm of Brussels, the Atomium, allure of Belgian chocolate, surrealism, or want to try out some of the fabulous gay events in town, we have a feeling you may want to come back here again!
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