Antwerp

Antwerp is Belgium’s creative port city. Fashion, diamonds, architecture – and a scene that is spread across the Old Town and loves to party.

The scene

For dancing, head to Hessenhuis Café with its big dance floor, DJs and drag. On the historic Grote Markt, Bonaparte offers karaoke, drag and bingo until late into the night, and in the centre Café DeLux tempts with drag shows and floral décor.

When to go?

  • August – Antwerp Pride: Parade and parties around the city.
  • All year round: Antwerp makes a great addition to Brussels – quickly reached by train.

Our favourites

  • For dancing: Hessenhuis Café.
  • For a long night: Bonaparte on the Grote Markt.
  • For coffee and drag: Café DeLux.

Tours & activities in Antwerp

See all tours and activities in Antwerp on GetYourGuide

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Practical tips

  • The Old Town is easy to explore on foot.
  • The central station is a sight in its own right.
  • Many bars are closed on Mondays.

Editorially researched, as of October 2026.

Map

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Places in Antwerp

Nightlife

Karaoke & Drag BarBonaparteParty bar · Antwerp Grote MarktOn the Grote Markt since 1960, and run by DJ and TV presenter Dimitri Vantomme since 1997: Bonaparte is Antwerp's party bar…BarCafé DeLuxCafé-bar · Antwerp Old TownFloral decor, terraces at the front and back and a spot to sit from the morning: Café DeLux on the Melkmarkt is…PubCafé Den DraakQueer café · Antwerp ZurenborgThe café on the ground floor of Het Roze Huis on Draakplaats, opposite the rainbow bridge. A neighbourhood café with a queer…ClubClub RandomGay club with cruising · Antwerp SchipperskwartierGay club in the northern Schipperskwartier with DJ dance floor, upstairs cruising area and video lounge. A fixture for the Darklands and…BarHessenhuis CaféBar with dance floor · Antwerp SchipperskwartierA scene meeting point since 1993, with vaulted ceiling, long bar and DJs at weekends until 4 am: Café Hessenhuis is Antwerp's…Fetish & Leather BarThe BootsCruise club · Antwerp SchipperskwartierLarge men-only cruise club in the Schipperskwartier for fetish, leather and SM fans, with darkroom, labyrinth and cabins. One of the main…

Wellness

SaunaSauna ‘t HerenhuisGay sauna · Antwerp BerchemGay sauna in a converted 19th-century townhouse in Berchem, south of Antwerp city centre. In operation since 1999.

Stay

GuesthouseB&B Yellow SubmarineAntwerp Old TownYellow Submarine is a small boutique B&B on Falconplein between the Grote Markt and the port. Que Pasa and Hessenhuis Café are…HotelHilton Antwerp Old TownAntwerp GroenplaatsThe Hilton is in a historic building on Groenplaats overlooking the cathedral. The Grote Markt, shopping streets and scene bars are within…HotelHoliday Inn Express Antwerp City – NorthAntwerp EilandjeHoliday Inn Express is on the Willemdok overlooking the marina. Hessenhuis Café is just a short walk away.HotelHotel JulienAntwerp Old TownJulien is a small boutique hotel with 21 rooms around green courtyards, a few minutes from the cathedral. Its spa and roof…HotelHotel MateloteAntwerp Old TownMatelote is a small hotel in a 16th-century building, just a few steps from the Grote Markt. The scene's bars and clubs…

Community

Community CenterHet Roze Huis – çavaria AntwerpenQueer centre · Antwerp ZurenborgAntwerp's Rainbow House on Draakplaats in Zurenborg is a meeting point and umbrella for the city's LGBTQ+ associations. Café Den Draak is…

Events in Antwerp

FAQ: Antwerp

Which gay bars and clubs are there in Antwerp?

The Atlas currently lists 6 bars and clubs in Antwerp, including Café Den Draak, Club Random, The Boots and Hessenhuis Café. Each listing has the address, opening hours and our take on the place.

Is there a gay sauna in Antwerp?

Yes, for example Sauna ‘t Herenhuis.

Which gay-friendly hotels are there in Antwerp?

Recommended options include Hotel Julien, B&B Yellow Submarine, Hilton Antwerp Old Town and Holiday Inn Express Antwerp City – North.