enfrnlesde

Global search :

Gay Programme

A gay capital of Europe

With its legendary Belgian Pride – the Belgian homosexual, bisexual and transsexual festival (BRUXELLES) and its monthly “La Démence” one-nighters which are famous across Europe, and its position at the head of the gay movement’s avant-garde…Brussels is also the gay capital of Europe! This shows in the complete integration of its lesbian and gay communities with the rest of the population… and even a statue in honour of gay liberation in the city’s gay district!

Day 1: Saturday

St James, gay history and community

Our programme starts in the historic St Jacques (St James) district, the gay heart of the city, whose narrow mediaeval streets are perfect for a stroll as part of a guided tour or a do-it-yourself tour using one of the D*TOURS: SYNCHRONIZED AUDIO WALKS (BRUXELLES). Pop in the headphones and switch on the MP3 player and listen to descriptions and interviews illustrating each part of the route. For a more traditional approach, join one of the guided tours organised by ITINERAIRES SUR LES SENTIERS DE L'HISTOIRE (IXELLES) !

• Boutiques, terraces and cafés
Let’s begin our walk in the Rue du Marché au Charbon, whose eccentric boutiques, cafés and restaurants attract many gay shoppers! Then an essential pitstop at the terrace of LE PLATTESTEEN (BRUXELLES), which is THE place to see and be seen for the city’s gay men. Late in the evening, the focus moves just up the street to the “Le Belgica” bar! Our walk is also brightened up by several giant strip cartoon murals along the way (Mural Paintings "Comic Strips"), some of which are in highly unlikely places! They were originally painted by local artists on buildings that had been damaged in the Second World War to cheer them up a bit before they could be repaired.

MANNEKEN-PIS (BRUXELLES) within spraying distance!

He’s made of bronze and only 50 cm tall but he’s world-famous. According to one of the legends, he peed on the burning fuse of a bomb in the fourteenth century and put it out, preventing it from destroying the city. This is just one of the many myths surrounding the city’s mascot, whose extensive wardrobe of 760 costumes is stored at the MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF BRUSSELS - HOUSE OF THE KING (BRUXELLES). He must be the world’s smallest urban hero! We’ll stay in the historic city centre for lunch at the “Miam Miam” (“Yum Yum”) restaurant, whose excellent Far-Eastern cuisine is matched by its decor!

The latest fashions in the Rue Dansaert

The winning trio for our afternoon programme is fashion, design and the Rue Dansaert (LES ETONNANTS PARCOURS DE LA MODE (BRUXELLES)). Jewellery, ready-to-wear designer clothes and home furnishings: this street is at the cutting edge of all of them! The nearby “H20” restaurant is an excellent venue for dinner with friends or your beloved featuring the best of traditional Brussels cuisine.

Brussels by night

Gay party animals love Brussels at night! To see what’s on and to make your choice, have a look at the 4-star clubbing programme listed in Brussels Escapades. First stop is “Boy’s Boudoir” a long-established gay haunt, then it’s off to “Fuse”! If you’re lucky, your visit will coincide with the legendary monthly one-nighter “La Démence”.

Day 2: Sunday

Surface gently

No doubt you had a long night, so to help you recover; your morning programme is based on sweat and relaxation…

• Morning Sauna
Located at the heart of the gay district, “Le Macho” is one of Brussels’ oldest gay saunas. Its recently renovated swimming-pool, Turkish bath, sauna and jacuzzis are sure to revive your spirits!

Grand’Place farewell tour

Each brick and cobble-stone of the fabulous GRAND-PLACE (BRUXELLES) oozes history. Along one side is the monumental ELTO(15719,V)$% and opposite it is the King’s House where the MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF BRUSSELS - HOUSE OF THE KING (BRUXELLES) is based…And don’t forget all the other splendid buildings, each built by one of the mediaeval city guilds, in honour of their trade or craft! Sit down on one of the many terraces for a drink and relax by looking at the buildings and the never-ending flow of people they attract!

Accommodation

The BED & BRUSSELS agency offers “gay-friendly” as a search category among its bed-and-breakfast accommodation., which includes “Farinelli”, a uniquely decorated place five minutes’ walk from the Grand’Place. Use the code "Farinelli" to book via info@BnB-Brussels.be

Located in the city centre and only 20 minutes from the airport by train, the HOTEL CAFÉ PACIFIC (BRUXELLES) and the Royal Windsor Hotel Grand Place (BRUXELLES) are also very “gay-friendly”.