Myriad of neighbourhoods, each with its own unique atmosphere, the city is divided into two main parts: in the lower town, the Saint-Jacques area, centred round Rue du Marché au Charbon, is the heart of gay life in Brussels. Then, there's the Dansaert area, the Grand Place, the Sablon and the Marolles.
The upper town is home to the luxurious Avenue Louise as well as the Châtelain district, an absolute must for seekers of the dolce vita in Brussels. This guide lists the best "gay" hotspots in the capital as well as the essential tourist sites. With its many bars, restaurants, nightspots, shops, museums and events, Brussels is a welcoming place that invites you to party until dawn. True to the reputation of the capital, Brussels' gay scene is discrete, varied and warm, as illustrated by portraits of the city's inhabitants included in this Gay Friendly Brussels guide.
