Gay Local Tips in Antwerp

Insider tips Antwerp: Belgium's queer capital!

Belgium: welcome to one of the most gay-friendly countries ever! It legalized same-sex marriage in 2003, and since 2006, gay couples can also adopt. Our host Kurt lives in Antwerp, and he shows you the best places to explore, eat out and grab a Belgian beer. Follow his advice and stay like a gay local next time you're in Antwerp!

What's life like in Antwerp for the LGBT community?

Antwerp is very gay-friendly, maybe the most gay-friendly city in Belgium. Gay people can live their life in happiness and walk safely in most parts of the city. There are a lot of gay spots like clubs, bars, restaurants and shops. Antwerp has previously hosted gay-friendly events such as the Eurogames, the World Outgames and the IGLTA Conference. Antwerp ranks high on the list of gay-friendly cities, thanks to its extensive gay community!

What gay events take place in Antwerp each year?

Every summer in August we celebrate Antwerp Gay Pride. Expect lots of colour during Pride, with parties, sport events, exhibitions and cultural activities. People from all over the world come to this big gay party.

At the end of February, the Leather and Fetish Pride Belgium takes place here, too. Other events (not exclusively gay) in or nearby Antwerp are: Tomorrowland Festival, the Antwerp Christmas Market, and Summer of Antwerp Festival.

We only have 48 hours in Antwerp. What can’t we miss?

The Antwerp Station is one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Try a walk on Meir, a nice, big shopping street. A visit to the Fashion Museum, followed by a bit of shopping in the surrounding fashion district with stores by designers such as Dries Van Noten, Stephan Schneider, Ann Demeulemeester and A.F. Vandevorst.

The impressive Cathedral of Our Lady cannot be left out. Drinking a Belgian beer at the Grote Markt, with a view on the impressive town hall. Also visit the MAS Museum, the largest museum in Antwerp, with a very nice panoramic view on the roof (for free).

Try a walk or dinner in the trendy Zuid district. Take a walk in the impressive pedestrian tunnel underneath the river Scheldt for a breathtaking view of Antwerp’s skyline from the left bank.

Antwerp Station © Flickr/Toshio

Favorite gay place to grab a bite to eat?

On Marnixplaats, a square in the city centre, close to my apartment, you’ll find several nice restaurants for every taste! I recommend Fiskebar, the fish restaurant.

And a place for brunch on weekends?

I recommend City Coffee; it's gay-friendly and open on Sundays.

Best gay place and day for a cheap beer or happy hour?

Vitrin. It's gay-friendly but not exclusively gay, also on Marnixplaats.

We’re ready to party! What are the best gay clubs?

Dance café Hessenhuis, the monthly Studio 54 party, Café de Love... There are plenty of options in Antwerp for a wild night out! And, of course, there are discos, clubs and pop-up parties that do not specifically target LGBT people but that are equally legendary!

What are the best alternative gay bars and clubs where you live?

Twilight, a bar with a large sunny terrace in front of the theater.

Can you share a secret or little-known place to visit in Antwerp?

I have two secrets I want to share. The first one is a tea room called Claude. It's very gay-friendly, has a very kitschy interior and delicious cakes! The second one is Normo, for the best coffee in town. But please keep the secret safe! ;)

Any beaches, parks or best other places to chill-out?

No beaches here, but we have the public city park, Antwerp Zoo and Park Spoor Noord, which is a green park on a former railway site. Its has lots of fountains and picnic zones.

Finally, where can we get the best view of Antwerp?

Two places: on the roof of the MAS Museum for a panoramic view (free!), or at the left bank for a breathtaking view on Antwerp’s skyline. You’ll fall immediately in love with this city! ●

Fancy taking in the sights of Antwerp? Check out our City Guide and read some more Local Tips from our other hosts in this amazing city!

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