With such a diverse population (about one-third is from abroad), you can expect a vibrant cosmopolitan gay scene in Brussels. It’s centered around the Grand Place, with Rue du Marché au Charbon home to a number of gay bars.
Belgium is very open to homosexuality, with gay marriage made legal in 2003 and gay adoption in 2005. If you're in the capital in January, check out the Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, while Gay Pride takes place in May.
Gay Bars
La Boule Rouge
Happy hours and fun nights await you at this bar hosting karaoke nights and drag shows. Other theme nights include stand-up comedy.
Facebook Page: LaBouleRougeBe
La Reserve
The city’s oldest gay bar opened in 1978 and is still going strong, with theme nights throughout the year ranging from Eurovision screenings to Oktoberfest parties.
Facebook Page: lareservebrussels
Le Baroque
Bears and friends get together at this small bar throughout the week, but especially on weekends when a DJ mixes pop and dance hits.
Website: www.barlebaroque.be
Le Belgica
Before clubbing on weekends, pretty much all of Brussels' gay guys pass by this bar. It has a retro interior, with DJs providing the soundtrack.
Website: www.lebelgica.be
Le Detour
Opening in the evening, this is a good spot for pre-dinner drinks. The central location by the Grand Place also makes it a favorite for late-night fun, often with drinks at special prices.
Facebook Page: LeDetourbxl
Dance Clubs
"La Demence"
Dance the night away at this major gay party taking place once a month at Fuse, the city's most popular club. There are two dancefloors and four bars, where you can mingle with muscled guys from all over Europe.
Website: www.lademence.com
CRUISING CLUBS
Stammbar
In business since 2013, this is where locals and tourists go to live their fantasies in Brussels. DJs provide the sounds of the industrial-style space, which is divided into a dark room and cruising areas.
Website: stammbar.be
SAUNAS
La Griffe
In business for four decades, this sauna offers a jacuzzi, hammam, and videos spread over three floors.
Website: www.saunalagriffe.eu
Sauna 3000
This large sauna includes a sex shop and a triplex cinema. It often hosts special parties.
Facebook Page: Sauna 3000
Macho Sauna
Known for attracting guys of all ages, this large sauna offers massages, a terrace for sunbathing, a gym, a hammam, a bar, and a swimming pool.
Website: www.machosauna.be
Oasis Sauna
It offers discounts to under 30s and hosts special parties for bears, so you know you’ll find a variety of guys here. It’s a small sauna offering private cabins, video room, jacuzzi, and a bar.
Website: www.oasis-sauna.be
Gay Hotels
Hotel Cafe Pacific
Found close to gay bars and the Grand Place, this small boutique hotel is a good value, considering the location. All of the modern rooms feature a unique theme and color.
Les Ecrins
Offering budget single rooms, double rooms and apartments, this is a self-catering hotel with a friendly staff. It’s a good choice if you’re planning a longer stay in the city.
Bedford Hotel
Officially rated three stars, this hotel offers far superior service for its category. It’s in a good location, just a short walk from the gay nightlife, and has comfortable rooms and a small gym.
The Dominican
This design hotel attracts gay couples with its warmly-decorated rooms, sauna and fitness center. It’s in a former Dominican abbey, and some of the rooms face the old courtyard.
Brussels Accommodation
Look for the hotel or apartment that best matches your budget, type of trip or personality. You may guarantee your reservation but do NOT pay anything at the time of booking. Payments are only made at the property, and there are no booking fees. Most hotels and apartments allow cancellations with no penalty if done up to 24 or 48 hours in advance. You'll see that information at the time of booking and again in the confirmation email:
Search for Brussels hotels or Brussels apartments
