photo pixabay/TBCologne
Germany
Cologne is one of Germany’s gay capitals, where cathedral spires share the skyline with rainbow flags. The Old Town buzzes with bars and clubs that rarely close before sunrise, while Carnival season makes drag practically compulsory. Cologne Pride is one of Europe’s biggest.
30 km from Düsseldorf
Cologne guide
Antwerp
Belgium
Antwerp may be Belgium’s fashion capital, but it also struts confidently as a gay destination. The Red Light District doubles as the city’s gay village, with bars, clubs, and saunas clustered together. Add a lively Pride, a stylish crowd, and enough beer to sink a ship, Antwerp is small, chic, and never dull.
160 km from Düsseldorf
Antwerp guide
Brussels
Belgium
Brussels may be the EU’s buttoned-up capital by day, but after dark it swaps politics for parties. Around Rue du Marché au Charbon, gay bars spill onto cobbled streets, from cozy cafés to cruisey basements. Add Belgian beer, drag flair, and a Pride that punches above its weight—Brussels surprises.
170 km from Düsseldorf
Brussels guide
Rotterdam
Netherlands
Rotterdam was completely destroyed during World War II. So there are hardly any historic buildings left. So the city is very different from Amsterdam. It has many modern buildings and bridges. The gay scene is quite small.
180 km from Düsseldorf
Rotterdam guide
Amsterdam
Netherlands
Amsterdam is a beautiful historic city. The historic canals and canal houses are a must visit. Amsterdam has many world famous museums, the Red Light district and much more. The gay night-life is quite extensive for a small city as it is.
180 km from Düsseldorf
Amsterdam guide
Hamburg
Germany
Hamburg brings a salty edge to Germany’s gay map, with St. Georg as the lively queer quarter and the Reeperbahn offering nightlife that’s anything but shy. From leather bars to drag shows, the city thrives on variety. Pride, or Christopher Street Day, packs the harbour with rainbows, proving Hamburg loves a spectacle.
340 km from Düsseldorf
Hamburg guide