A gay-friendly guide to Barcelona
By Will Stroude
From Gaudí to the Liceu, Barcelona has long been a hub for liberal thinking, culture and art. The city has played host to artistic evolution, inspirational architecture – and is famed for its cosmopolitan nightlife.
We know what you’re thinking: with so much to see and do, where do I start? Don’t fret, we’ve got this!
Hotels
Want to find a hotel with the wow factor? Don’t be swayed by aesthetics alone: make sure your base is also conveniently located.
As an Eixample hotel with a gay-friendly reputation, Casanova Hotel has long been popular among LGBT crowds. Located 12 minutes’ walk from the famous La Rambla boulevard, this hotel is a stunning 18th century building. And did we mention there is a luminous green lobby?
The latest addition to the hotel is a remarkable rooftop Sky Bar. Packed full of party-goers at weekends, guests can usually be seen sipping cocktails and dancing to the hottest DJ’s.
Take a trip up here at night for spectacular panoramic views of the city. All partied out? Downstairs you will find the Despacio Spa Centre: a relaxing space that offers massage treatments, a plunge pool and whirlpool tub. If you are looking to book flights and hotels, you’ll find plenty of package holidays to Spain with Expedia.
Take a tour
You have dropped off your bags and are raring to get out and see the sights. Where do you start? Because Barcelona’s major landmarks are spread across the city, a tour is one cost-effective and fun way to take everything in.
Hop-On-Hop-Off tour buses are scattered throughout the capital and follow three different routes, allowing tourists to explore La Sagrada Familia, the Gothic Quarter and Park Güell. Want to see it all? Buy a day pass for a reasonable 30 Euros!
If you are really looking to travel in style, check out Rainbow Barcelona for private gay and lesbian tours. As well as offering bespoke packages covering modernist architecture and the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, among other sights, Rainbow Barcelona also offers half-day trips to Sitges, one of Spain’s most celebrated gay coastal towns. Keep an eye out for the Rainbow Night Tour, too.
Viva España
The Catalan capital has a vibrant nightlife and boasts some of the most modern bars and restaurants in Europe. Many of these can be found in the Eixample district. If you are looking for top-notch food that won’t cost an arm and a leg, pay a visit to Uma.
Tucked away in a cosy side street, you’ll find fusion dining at its finest. The extravagant menu includes delicately grilled octopus, flounder and sumptuous lamb tagine. Delicioso! The Mexican-Spanish tapas at Bésame Mucho and the Mediterranean dishes at Con Gracia are also extremely popular with food lovers, but remember to book ahead to avoid missing out.
If your tummy’s full and you’re looking for fun, there is only one place to party: G-Cafe. Located in the heart of the Eixample district, G-Cafe is one of the city’s hippest gay clubs. Featuring stylish décor, cabaret shows and house beats that resonate until the early hours, the party rarely stops.
Other popular venues include amBar, Cangrejo, and Le Marlene, the latter of which is particularly popular with lesbian revellers. For those looking for more in-your-face-fun, take a trip to Nightberry. You have been warned, though: the German-themed parties aren’t for the faint-hearted.
Where will you be heading in Barcelona? Do you have a personal favourite? Let us know…
Content provided by Expedia