Antwerp has been in the top of popular gay destinations for years. This is because Antwerp is a compact city offering a wide range of different activities. There are great shopping opportunities at De Meir and the Keyserlei, many cafés, bistros and restaurants and excellent museums such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum aan de Stroom and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts. In addition, Antwerp has a good gays scene with different (cruise) clubs, bars and of course the Red and Blue.
Hotel Rubens Grote Markt is located in the heart of Antwerp, Belgium, near the Grote Markt square. The hotel is gay-friendly and welcomes LGBTQ+ travelers. You stay within walking distance of popular attractions, such as the Cathedral of Our Lady and
If you want safe and gay-friendly travel, Antwerp, Belgium should be on top of your bucket list. Aside from Sweden, United Kingdom, Finland, Portugal, Spain, and Norway, Antwerp of Belgium is another gay-friendly city. Recent surveys found that most Belgians support adoption rights and same-sex marriage. Also, the government is open to leaders regardless of sexual preferences. The former Flemish Minister of Education Pascal Smet is openly gay. Also, the previous Prime Minister of the country, Elio Di Rupo, is gay. But traveling to Antwerp without careful planning can be a nightmare. If you have plans to go to the city in the future, here are some details that may help you have a successful and stress-free escapade:
If you are in Belgium, expect multiple holidays. Aside from New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, and Labor Day, it has a Belgian National Holiday. Known as Belgian Independence Day, this holiday is celebrated every 21st of July. But the grand festivities are in Brussels. If you miss the Belgian Independence Day, the country has Armistice day on the 11th of November. It is the time of commemorating the end of World War 1. Several places like Antwerp organize commemorative events that the locals and tourists can enjoy for free.
Antwerp is best explored when not rainy. But imagine if you go there during the rainy season. Your dream vacation can be a disaster. The best time to travel to Antwerp is from May to September, and you can still witness the late spring in the city. Tourists also recommend visiting Antwerp during Summer that usually starts in July and ends in August. October is also a good time as the weather is warm and comfortable. But remember that the weather can sometimes be unpredictable. So, always be prepared for the worst.
Unlike other largest cities in Europe, the shops and museums in Antwerp have limited opening and closing hours. Some are open from 10 am and close at 6 pm. That is why it will be challenging to see the city’s best museums and top attractions with shopping. If you are good at time management, you will find it fun. But it depends on the museums and commercial establishments. Sometimes, they extend it.
The nearest airport to the city is Antwerp (A.N.R.). For only 8 minutes, you can arrive to Antwerp. But the most recommended airport is the Amsterdam Schipol (A.M.S.). But the travel time would take almost an hour. Still, it is a good choice.
Since Antwerp has a vast tram and bus lines network, you can take either of the two to go to your gay-friendly hotel. But which is better? Well, it depends on your preferences. If the tram gets you to your hotel quickly, give it a try. If you can save some cash with a bus, you can also consider it.
How about getting from the Antwerpen Centraal Railway Station to your hotel? Well, there are three common ways, such as the train, bus, and car. Since we are still on a pandemic, it is better to avoid the crowd. You can rent a car or taxi instead for your comfort. Sometimes, taxis or rental cars can be reserved ahead online. In case you forget, taxis are accessible around the Antwerpen Central Railway Station. So, you don’t have to worry.
Antwerp has a large population and attracts thousands of tourists from nearby countries. That means numerous vehicles have to be parked. Luckily, there are free and paid parking spaces for everyone. If you are on a budget, the city currently has 9 P+Rs, where you can park your vehicle for free. In case you cannot find a parking space, why don’t you try a paid lot? For instance, in the city center, you can park either at a paid public park or the street. How much does the service cost? Most car parks provide a vast range of packages. So, there is nothing to be afraid of. If you have enough time, you can look for a cost-effective package.
Yes, it is easy. Like other cities in Belgium, Antwerp has a bus and tram lines network that can take you to your destination. If you do not have the energy and patience to wait for long commuter queues, public transport is a wise alternative.
Many travelers wait outside the Antwerpen Centraal Railway Station for a taxi. Do not do the same thing. You can use the Antwerp taxi app instead. Its interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate. Plus, there is no lengthy form to fill out. It is convenient, especially if you are in a hurry. If you don’t prefer the app, contact the Antwerp-Taxi at +32 3 238 38 38 to make a reservation.
Recognized as the Dutch-speaking northern area of Belgium and the capital of Flanders, Antwerp is a prominent center for Belgian artistry and craftwork. For those who are a fan of arts, visit the Museum Mayer van den Bergh. It has a collection of over 3,000 items, including the paintings of Quentin Massys, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Lucas Cranach, Rubens, van Ostade, Bouts, van der Weyden, and more. Antwerp is also close to the hearts of people who love nature. The Antwerp Zoo is one of the go-to choices for nature lovers out there. Established in 1843, the Antwerp Zoo has over 6,000 animals like okapi, mountain gorilla, and white rhino.
For many locals and even foreigners, the Grote Markt is the main attraction in the city. If you haven’t been gone to the Grote Markt, you will be mesmerized by its town hall and guild houses. There is also an ornate Brabo Fountain in the middle of the old town. But where to sleep around the Grote Markt? You probably have done some research online. There are many gay-friendly hotels to choose from, right? But include Hotel Rubens, Hotel ‘t Sandt, and Hilton Antwerp Old Town in your list. From flat-screen T.V., strong internet connection, parking space, comfy bed, kitchen, to affordable pricing, all of these accommodations have them all.
Antwerp has a rich history. It is no surprise that there are incredible museums in the city. Top choices for locals are the Museum Plantin-Moretus, Rubenshuis, Museum aan de Stroom (MAS), Vleeshuis, and ModeMuseum.
Besides museums, Antwerp is also filled with bars and restaurants. As a traveler, you prefer a bar that has been in the business for years. De Muze is excellent. The food is delicious. Plus, there are live performances from talented singers. If you crave pies and cakes, the Cargo Zomerbar is something you cannot afford to miss.
