Gay Brussels Brussels City Guide

Curation by Yasmina Rodríguez, words by Jeff Katcherian

Birthplace of the French fry and the Belgium Waffle, the tiny city of Brussels packs a big punch as the fiercely progressive capital of Europe, inspiring the world with vibrant modern culture, classy cuisine and commendable technocracy. A welcoming hub for creatives and expat communities, Brussels is perhaps the most provincial cosmopolitan city you will ever visit. And while Brussels may seem to lack London’s edge and Barcelona’s warmth, look around and you’ll soon be endeared by its approachable atmosphere and forward-thinking attitudes. As the second nation worldwide to legalize gay marriage, gay travellers can feel truly accepted citywide. To congregate for fun times, head to the extensive Gay Village in Saint Jacques for a ridiculous amount of gay bars and some of Europe’s biggest dance parties. If you have an LGBT+ query, the Rainbow House is your go-to; a bar, information centre and event organizer rolled into one. Looking for a Brussels gay guide? Read on for a rundown of the best Brussels points of interest.

The best hotels in Brussels

Let’s start this gay Brussels travel guide with a roundup of the best hotels in Brussels. The top hotels in Brussels mainly reside in the city centre while some are located in the commune of Ixelles. Literally a few steps away from the glorious Grand Place is Hotel Amigo. The hotel is known for hosting prominent guests and dignitaries but perfect for those who want to splurge a bit in subtle yet well-designed, almost playfully-decorated rooms with views of the Hôtel de Ville.

Just on the other side of the Grand Place is the Hotel des Galeries which comprises of only 23 rooms and resides within the Galeries Royale St. Hubert, a 19^{th –}Century glass-arched arcade lined with boutique shops, cafes, chocolatiers, and even a small movie theatre. Designers Fleur Delsalles and Camille Flammarion have created an essentially Belgian-designed space that is both minimal and cosy, intricately mixing ceramic works with contemporary furniture pieces and earth-toned parquet flooring. Do not miss the croquettes at their downstairs restaurant Les Comptoir des Galeries!

Just down the street off Rue Leopold is The Dominican, a sleek and modern hotel housed where a 15^th-Century Dominican Abbey once stood. For those gents who want to stay close to the bustling restaurants and bars in the centre while also finding quiet and repose, The Dominican boasts a comfortable, lively lounge with minimally designed rooms, some of which face a beautiful courtyard. The picture of the man on their website is indeed a testament to the hotel’s monastic exterior and tastefully modish interior.

If you are looking for a more traditional, large hotel experience with spectacular views of the city, stay at The Hotel. Formerly a Hilton, The Hotel had undergone major renovations leaving it more polished and upscale. Nestled between the high-end shops of Avenue Louise, the city centre, and the up-and-coming commune of St. Gilles, the hotel is a well-located base to explore all of Brussels.

They say, however, that you truly know a city once you start leaving its centre – in that case, Maison Flagey is the place to stay. For those men who are fond of beautiful details and want a more intimate experience, Maison Flagey is the ideal place to stay for embracing Brussels’ art nouveau style it is most famous for. With just five rooms, each room is unique, adorned with art nouveau features that extend from its stained glass to the bathroom tilings. The staircase alone will transport you into a different world.