Gay Guide to Barcelona: hotels, bars, nightclubs and partying in the Gaixample

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Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively nightlife. With a robust LGBTI community, the city offers a wide variety of places and activities to enjoy. This guide will take you through the best gay-friendly spots that Barcelona has to offer, including hotels, bars, nightclubs, saunas, festivals, or cruising areas.

Information and Places of Interest

Barcelona is a city that blends the modern with the historical. From the awe-inspiring Sagrada Familia to the bustling Eixample district, known as “Gaixample”, there’s much to explore. Don’t miss Parc de la Ciutadella, a popular place to unwind, and the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA), often hosting LGBTI exhibitions. Moreover, Barcelona is close to Sitges, known for being welcoming to the community.

What is the gay neighborhood of Barcelona?

The gay neighborhood of Barcelona is known as Gaixample. It is roughly comprised of the blocks within the perimeter formed by Aribau, Aragó, Villarroel, and Sepúlveda streets. In this area, there are bars, restaurants, shops, hotels, and other types of gay entertainment. However, Barcelona’s vibe goes beyond that. There are bars and parties in other neighborhoods such as Gràcia, Poblenou, Raval, and Poble-Sec.

Gay Hotels in Barcelona

If you’re looking for accommodation in Barcelona, here are four gay-friendly hotels:

Axel Hotel Barcelona

Specifically designed for the LGBTI community, yet hetero-friendly. With a spectacular rooftop bar, Axel is also a hub of LGBTI life in the city.
Address: Aribau 33, 08011 Barcelona. Website.

TWO Hotel Barcelona by Axel

Another Axel chain hotel, known for its cozy atmosphere and rooftop pool.
Address: Calabria 90-92, 08015 Barcelona. Website.

Hotel Cram

A modern and elegant hotel in the heart of Gaixample.
Address: Carrer d’Aribau, 54, 08011 Barcelona. Website.

Hotel Soho Barcelona

A centrally located boutique hotel.
Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 543-545, 08011 Barcelona. Website.

Gay Bars and Nightclubs in Barcelona

Barcelona boasts a vibrant gay nightlife. If you want to delve into the city’s bar offerings, here’s a post about the best bars in town.

Punto BCN

A popular bar in Gaixample, a classic spot for the first drink of the night.
Address: Carrer de Muntaner, 63, 08011 Barcelona. Website.

Arena Classic

A nightclub famous for its fun music and casual atmosphere.
Address: Carrer de Balmes, 32, 08007 Barcelona. Website.

Museum Bar

An elegant bar with excellent cocktails where you’ll hear the biggest hits of the moment.
Address: Carrer de Sepúlveda, 178 bis, 08011 Barcelona. Website.

BoysBar BCN

A cocktail bar with house and electronic music.
Address: Carrer de la Diputació, 174, 08011 Barcelona. Website.

Night Barcelona

A hookup bar with an extensive cruising area.
Address: Carrer de la Diputació, 161, 08011 Barcelona. Website.

El Cangrejo

Located in El Raval, known for its drag queen shows and unforgettable atmosphere.
Address: Carrer Montserrat, 9. Website.

Gay Saunas in Barcelona

For relaxation and fun, Barcelona has several gay saunas. For more information, you can check this post about the best gay saunas in Barcelona.

Sauna Casanova

One of the most popular places among Barcelona’s gay community.
Address: Carrer Casanova, 57. Website.

Sauna Condal

Known for its friendly atmosphere. All are welcome, regardless of age or body type.
Address: Carrer d’Espolsa-sacs, 1. Website.

Sauna Bruc

Popular among older men, offering a relaxed and cozy environment.
Address: Carrer de Bruc, 87. Website.

Cruising Areas in Barcelona

For those interested in cruising, Barcelona offers several options, such as Montjuïc Park. Additionally, there are bars like Berlin Dark, known for its dark room, or Boyberry, with private rooms and dark areas. For more information, check this post about the best cruising bars and venues in Barcelona.

Parties and Festivals

Barcelona doesn’t just have bars and nightclubs. It hosts famous parties like Churros con Chocolate, Bananas, or POPAir. The city also offers a growing Pride event in July, known as the Pride of the Mediterranean, and the Circuit Festival in August, with the famous Water Party at Isla Fantasía.

Gay Beaches

As mentioned, Sitges is near Barcelona. However, the city has Mar Bella, a beach with a nudist area, complete with all services, including a bar.

Where to go shopping

Barcelona is one of the cities that offers you the most options for shopping. If you are looking for LGTBIQ+ shops, you will find them in Gaixample. There, you can find everything from fetish clothing to historic bookstores. If you want to shop more conventionally, head to the Passeig de Gràcia and Portal de l’Àngel axis. For cooler shops, go to the Born or Raval neighborhoods.

Situation of the LGTBIQ+ community in Spain

Spain is one of the leading countries in rights and protection for the LGTBIQ+ community. In 2005, it became the third country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, granting these couples the same rights as heterosexual ones, including adoption. In addition, Spain has laws that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in work, education, and other areas. Transgender people also have the right to legally change their gender without the need for surgery and are protected by the so-called Trans Law. At the regional level, several autonomous communities have implemented specific laws to protect and promote the rights of the LGTBIQ+ community.

Conclusion

In summary, Barcelona is a gay-friendly destination par excellence. With its rich history, vibrant nightlife, and wide range of accommodations and leisure options, it’s a perfect place for the LGBTI community. From cozy hotels to lively bars and relaxing saunas, Barcelona has it all.

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