GAY BRUSSELS
Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers
What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in BRUSSELS?
Find it out with the World Mappers !
LGBT BRUSSELS
Brussels is a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. The heart of the gay scene is in the Saint-Jacques district, near the Grand Place, where you will find many gay-friendly bars and clubs. Brussels also hosts major events such as Belgian Pride and the Rainbow House, an LGBTQ+ cultural center that organizes events all year round. The city, known for its cultural mix and welcoming atmosphere, is an ideal destination for those looking for an open and inclusive environment.
WHAT TO SEE in BRUSSELS?
10 THINGS TO SEE in BRUSSELS
Grand Place
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this square is the historic heart of Brussels surrounded by Baroque and Gothic buildings, including the Town Hall and the King's House. It offers a breathtaking spectacle, especially at night.
Atomium
It is a unique structure that was built for the 1958 World Fair and represents an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times. You can visit the internal spheres that house exhibitions and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
Royal Palace of Brussels
It is the official residence of the Belgian royal family and is only open to the public during the summer, but you can still admire the building from the outside all year round.
Mont des Arts
It is an artificial hill that offers a panoramic view of the city and is home to some of the most important cultural institutions in the city, including the Royal Library of Belgium and the Palace of Fine Arts (BOZAR).
Manneken Pis
The statue of the little boy peeing is one of the most recognizable symbols of Brussels. Often dressed in different outfits, the Manneken Pis is the subject of many local legends.
European Quarter
The European Quarter is home to the main institutions of the European Union, such as the European Parliament and the European Commission. You can visit the European Parliament and learn more about how the EU works.
Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula
This beautiful Gothic cathedral is the main Catholic place of worship in Brussels. Inside you can admire stained glass windows and a monumental organ.
Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium
This museum complex houses a large collection of art from the 15th century to the present day, including masterpieces by Pieter Bruegel, Rubens and Magritte.
Parc du Cinquantenaire (Jubelpark)
A large public park with triumphal arches, museums and gardens, perfect for a relaxing stroll. It is also home to the Automobile Museum and the Royal Museum of the Army and Military History.
Stock Exchange Palace
The Stock Exchange Palace in Brussels, built in 1873, is a neoclassical monument with Baroque and Renaissance influences. A symbol of the city, it now hosts cultural events and exhibitions.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Complete Brussels - Google Maps
Extra - Parlamentarium & Parc du Cinquantenaire (by Feet, Bus or Taxi) - Google Maps
Extra - Atomium (by Bus, Uber or Taxi) - Google Maps
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)
5 BEST EXCURSIONS from BRUSSELS
We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator - Musement - Get Your Guide
Bruges & Ghent
Luxembourg
Amsterdam
Antwerp & Leuven
Mons, Charleroi & Namur
Click'n'Go - Click on Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs
to find them on the Map or visit their Website
WHERE TO SLEEP in BRUSSELS?
10 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in BRUSSELS
Warwick Brussels - Grand Place **** ® Tested by World Mappers
Map'Hotel • WARWICK BRUSSELS
Located just steps away from the Grand Place, the Warwick Brussels immediately struck us with its elegance and central location. The hotel, with its refined atmosphere, offers a perfect mix of comfort and luxury. The spacious and well-appointed rooms are equipped with all the amenities needed for a relaxing stay, and the view of the city is simply magical. One of the most memorable moments was discovering the Secret Rooftop Bar, a hidden gem of the hotel: from there you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over the rooftops of Brussels, perfect for sipping a cocktail at sunset. The abundant and delicious breakfast, served in an elegant room, completed an unforgettable experience.
WHERE TO EAT in BRUSSELS?
10 BEST RESTAURANTS in BRUSSELS Quality / Price
€€€€ - Comme Chez Soi
€€€ - Noordzee Mer du Nord
€€€ - La Fleur en Papier Doré
€€€ - La Vigne
€€€ - La Roue d'Or
€€ - Chez Léon
€€ - Fin de Siècle
€€ - BARBQ
€ - Bia Mara
The BEST FRIES in BRUSSELS
1. Maison Antoine - Place Jourdan 16, 1040 Etterbeek
2. Frit’Flagey - Place Flagey 1, 1050 Ixelles
3. Frituur Bareel - Avenue du Parc 5, 1060 Saint-Gilles
4. Friterie Saint-Josse - Place Saint-Josse 1, 1210 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode
5. Friture de la Chapelle - Place de la Chapelle 15, 1000 Bruxelles
GAY NIGHTLIFE in BRUSSELS
BEST GAY PLACES, BARS & CLUBS in BRUSSELS
La Demence (Gay Club) ® Tested by World Mappers
Le Belgica (Gay Bar) Le Baroque (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers Chez Maman (Gay Bar)
Le Dolores (Gay Bar) Station BXL (Gay Bar)
TRAVEL TIPS about BRUSSELS by World Mappers
Experience Local Cuisine! Don't miss the Speculoos and Waffles! Brussels is famous for its beer. VisitDelirium Café or other local breweries for a wide selection of craft beers.
Don't miss the Marolles neighborhood: it's one of the most authentic neighborhoods in the city, famous for the flea market on the Place du Jeu de Balle, historic buildings and a lively atmosphere.
If possible, try to visit Brussels during one of the events that take place there, such as the Tapis de Fleurs: a giant flower carpet on the Gran Place that takes place every two years in August.
Don't forget to visit Choco-Story Brussels: it's a museum entirely dedicated to the history of chocolate, with production demonstrations and, of course, tastings. Ideal for learning everything about Belgian chocolate, famous all over the world.
You can't miss the Sablon district! It is a lively and very popular area, especially among furniture and object lovers. Here you will find the most renowned antique shops in Brussels, as well as numerous modern and contemporary art galleries.
Also visit the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur: a majestic church located in the Koekelberg district. Inaugurated in 1970, it is one of the largest churches in the world and an example of neo-Byzantine architecture. The basilica is famous for its imposing dome, which offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city, and for its richly decorated interior.
If you are a comic book fan, you can't miss the Brussels Comic Strip Museum: it celebrates the art of comics with exhibitions of iconic works, famous illustrators and comic strip stories. The historic building houses permanent and temporary collections, offering a unique immersion in the history and culture of comics.
Interesting is the visit of the Zinneke Pis: the canine version of the Manneken Pis! It is a nice bronze statue located in the center of Brussels, which depicts a dog urinating on a pole. Created in 1998, it is considered the "brother" of the more famous Manneken Pis. This statue represents the rebellious spirit and self-irony of the city, adding a fun touch to the streets of Brussels and becoming an unmissable photographic attraction for visitors.
Have fun looking for the statue of Jeanneke Pis (the female version) too. It depicts a little girl urinating, located in an alley near the famous Rue des Bouchers. Erected in 1987, it is considered the female counterpart of the famous Manneken Pis. Less known but equally fascinating, Jeanneke Pis represents the irreverent humor of the city and attracts the curiosity of tourists looking for hidden corners of Brussels.
One of the city's special streets? Undoubtedly the Rue des Bouchers famous for its restaurants and bistros. Located in the heart of the historic center, it is renowned for its wide selection of traditional Belgian dishes, such as the famous "moules-frites" (mussels and chips).
After a day of sightseeing, one of the best things to do in Brussels is to drink a Belgian beer, ranked among the best in the world, in one of the best breweries in the Belgian capital. With hundreds of pubs, bars and cafés serving delicious world-class craft beers that support the Belgian beer culture, declared an intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO, Brussels is a paradise for lovers of this liquid gold. The city is home to a variety of breweries such as Delirium Café: this tourist brewery appears in the Guinness Book as the place with the most varieties of beer in the world, almost 3,000. There is also La Porte Noire and Cantillon Brewery.
A few meters from the Atomium is the fun Mini Europe park, where you can enjoy a Europe in miniature, which is another of the best things to do in Brussels for the little ones and for adults too.
Simone's favorite neighborhood is undoubtedly Sainte Catherine, a lively and charming area located close to the city center. It is known for its fish market, where you can enjoy fresh seafood, and for its culinary offerings, with numerous restaurants and bistros. The main square, Place Sainte-Catherine, is a lively meeting point and hosts cultural and social events. The area is also known for its picturesque architecture and the presence of theaters and galleries, making it a cultural and lively center of the city.
Don't miss the Porte de Hal, one of the few remaining medieval gates in Brussels, dating back to the 14th century. Originally part of the city's defensive walls, it is now an important historical monument and museum. The site offers an interesting overview of the medieval history of Brussels and features exhibitions that illustrate life in the city during the Middle Ages. The Gothic structure is also a vantage point from which you can enjoy a picturesque view of the city.
Fancy visiting a deconsecrated church turned nightclub? Head to Spirito Brussels, in the Ixelles neighborhood!
Not to be missed is Fotini Tikkou’s mural of two young gay men kissing, located at the Rainbow House, Rue de la Chaufferette (Lollepotstraat). This portrait celebrates LGBTQ+ love and visibility, offering a message of inclusion and pride. The mural is an example of how public art can contribute to the visibility and recognition of LGBTQ+ rights, making the art and message accessible to the entire community and visitors to the city.
Take a picture with the Brussels Smurf Statue, in front of the Galerie Horta, a tribute to the famous comic book characters created by Belgian artist Peyo. Located near the City2 shopping centre, the statue depicts a Smurf sitting on a giant mushroom, with other small details that recall the Smurf universe. This sculpture, loved by young and old, celebrates one of the most beloved symbols of Belgian comics, paying homage to the rich cultural heritage of Brussels. Perfect for a souvenir photo, the statue is a must for comic book fans.
You can't miss a Gauffre if you go to Brussels. Brussels Gaufres, or Belgian waffles, are one of the city's most beloved culinary symbols. Walking through the streets of the center, the sweet aroma of freshly baked waffles invites you to stop at one of the many stalls or local patisseries. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, gaufres can be enjoyed plain or with a variety of toppings such as cream, fruit, chocolate or ice cream. Each bite is an irresistible pleasure, perfect for a sweet treat while exploring Brussels.
"SECRET BRUSSELS"
Unusual and Particular Places to See in Brussels
Outside the classic places to visit of the city, there is a "Secret Brussels" that has simply bewitched us. Here are the 5 Things and Places to See in Secret Brussels:
The Musical Instruments Museum - in addition to its large collection of musical instruments, this museum offers incredible panoramic views of the city from its rooftop restaurant.
Train World - it is a museum dedicated to the history of Belgian railways, with a collection of historic and interactive trains.
Comic Strip Route - this is a series of murals that decorate the walls of buildings in Brussels, celebrating Belgian comic book characters such as Tintin, the Smurfs and many more.
Le Botanique - it's a cultural center and concert hall set in an old botanical garden, with striking architecture and lovely gardens.un centro culturale e sala da concerti ospitato in un antico giardino botanico, con un'architettura suggestiva e giardini incantevoli.
Passerelle Tondo - this is a circular pedestrian bridge located in the Schuman district of Brussels. Designed to improve pedestrian traffic in the area, the walkway provides an elevated passageway that allows people to safely cross the busy area of the European institutions.
INSTAGRAMMABLE BRUSSELS
Instagrammable Places to See in Brussels
Don't miss the best instagrammable places in Brussels, here are our favorites:
GAY TOURS in BRUSSELS
Do you want to discover the city and enjoy one of Best Gay Tours in Brussels? We recommend the following local operator(s):
MyGayTour.com - Tour Operator offering tours and excursions dedicated to the LGBT+ community Worldwide. Special Tours and Gay & Lesbian Friendly Guides ready to make you discover the beauties of this destination.
5% Discount Code for MyGayTour Following The World Mappers "WORLD5"
Info & Booking: info@MyGayTour.com - Check all Prices here: www.MyGayTour.com
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