Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital and largest city of Catalonia, as well as being the second-most populous municipality of Spain alongside its nearby seaside resort town of Sitges which is about 35 kilometres southwest of the city.

Barcelona | Sitges

See also the google maps list – Barcelona

Hotels in Barcelona

Axel Hotel Barcelona

Carrer d’Aribau, 33, L’Eixample, 08011
axelhotels.com
Booking.com
Gay hotel that is well located. Can be pricey but usually worth it. The bar on the roof is fun even if you aren’t staying. The pool is small but hot boys in speedos make up for it.

Axel Two Barcelona

C. de Calàbria, 90, 92, L’Eixample, 08015 Barcelona
axelhotels.com
Booking.com
Same as the Axel but bigger pool.

Gay Bars in Barcelona

Barcelona has a great gay nightlife scene, especially during the summer. Many of these places are packed on weekends and some offer great options during the week. Don’t forget that nightlife in Barcelona and Spain in general starts extremely late, so don’t be surprised if you arrive at 10 p.m. to a bar and still don’t see a crowd. Normally just wait another hour and the place will fill up.
The Sky Bar at the Axel gets an honourable mention in case you are not staying at that hotel. This is the outdoor terrace at the top of the Axel Hotel. During the daytime it is sunbathing and playing in the pool and at nighttime, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the warm summer atmosphere of Barcelona while sipping on good cocktails. Though it’s part of the Axel, it’s open to the public during the warmer months starting in April, and is a great place to start your night out even if you are not staying there.

Punto BCN

carr. de Muntaner, 65, L’Eixample, 08007
facebook
Fun busy bar.

Envy

Carrer del Comte d’Urgell, 90, Local 3, Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
envylounge.es
Friendly and nice location.

Boys Bar

C/ de la Diputació, 174, L’Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
boysbarbcn.com

Bacon (Bear Bar)

Carrer de Casanova, 64, Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
baconbearbar.com
Friendly bar and it has a 241 happy hour on beer slightly earlier than the others around 10 but check the website.

Elvira Cafe BCN

C. del Consell de Cent 275
elviracafebcn.com
Queer inclusive bar in the Eixample quarter. Very unique interior with a touch of goth, psychedelia and magic.

Gingin Gay Bar

C. d’Aribau 40, Barcelona
gingingaybar.com
Relatively new gay bar in Eixample, located just across the road from the famous gay Axel Hotel. The bar is already popular place with people of all ages, thanks to strong drinks served by friendly staff known as Ginboys.

Restaurants in Barcelona

La Hacienda

C/ de València, 153, L’Eixample, 08011
cantinamexicanalahacienda.es
Nice Mexican and there is outside seating.

Alba Granados

C. d’Enric Granados, 34, L’Eixample, 08008
albagranados.cat
Catalan Tapas and paella

La Flauta

Carrer d’Aribau, 23, L’Eixample, 08011
laflautagroup.com
Small plates and tapas. Nice outdoor seating

Culture, Sightseeing & Activities in Barcelona

Sagrada Familia

Carrer de Mallorca, 401, L’Eixample, 08013 Barcelona
sagradafamilia.org
Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, a breathtaking basilica with soaring towers and intricate facades.

Park Güell

Carrer d’Olot, 5, Gràcia, 08024 Barcelona
parkguell.barcelona
A whimsical park designed by Antoni Gaudí, featuring mosaic-covered structures and panoramic city views.

Palau Nacional and the Magic Fountain

Palau Nacional, 08038 Barcelona
museunacional.cat
Houses a comprehensive collection of Catalan art, from Romanesque to modern, and offers stunning views of the city.

La Rambla

La Rambla, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona
barcelonaturisme.com
A bustling, tree-lined pedestrian boulevard filled with street performers, flower stalls, and iconic landmarks.

Gay Beaches in Barcelona

Barcelona offers several beaches popular with the LGBTQIA+ community, each with its own distinct atmosphere:

Platja de la Mar Bella: Situated at the far eastern end of Barcelona’s coastline, this expansive beach is a major draw for gay visitors, both local and international. Easily accessible via the Poblenou metro stop (line 4), Mar Bella comes alive during the warmer months. The area is well-equipped with beachside amenities, including bars and restaurants, with El Chiringuito BeGay being a notable favorite. A designated nudist section, playfully known as “the sausage pit,” adds to the beach’s inclusive vibe.
Sant Miquel: As one of Barcelona’s original beaches, Sant Miquel features a clothing-optional area that attracts a gay clientele. Located at the base of the iconic W Hotel, it provides stunning views of the Barcelona coastline. Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere while relaxing with a drink from a nearby “chiringuito” (beach bar). However, its central location means it can become quite crowded during the summer, and the water quality may not be as pristine as beaches further up the coast.

About Barcelona

Barcelona’s vast array of attractions ensures that a complete experience is nearly impossible in a single visit. To truly appreciate the city’s essence, a stay of three to four nights is highly recommended. For lodging, options abound in diverse neighborhoods like Raval, Barceloneta, and Gracia, each offering a distinct ambiance. Those seeking the heart of the LGBTQIA+ scene will find Eixample, affectionately known as “Gaixample,” ideally situated. Raval provides a more alternative queer experience, while Poble-Sec, near Plaza España, offers the hidden gem of Carrer Blai, a vibrant street perfect for enjoying “pinchos” and drinks among locals.

Accommodation options range from budget-friendly gay hostels to “hostals,” which are small, family-run hotels offering private rooms and essential amenities at affordable rates. It’s important to differentiate hostals from youth hostels; in Spain, they are essentially 1- to 3-star hotels.

While Barcelona thrives during the summer, the season can be overwhelming due to humidity and tourist crowds. Post-pandemic, locals have expressed frustration with tourism management, leading to potential friction. To avoid long lines, packed beaches, and any local tension, consider visiting in April/May or September/October, when the weather is still agreeable and tourist numbers are lower.

However, if you plan to attend summer festivals, such as Circuit, secure accommodations and attraction tickets well in advance. Staying outside the city center, with its efficient metro, is a viable option. Barcelona’s beaches become less crowded as you move up the coast, with the gay beach, Mar Bella, requiring a bit of a journey from the center, which helps to mitigate crowds.

Transportation & Airport Transfer

Barcelona’s efficient public transportation system makes navigating the city a breeze. Options include the metro, regional trains (Rodalies), and buses. The Rodalies train is particularly useful for longer journeys or excursions beyond the city center. Taxis are also readily available and reasonably priced, with most rides within the central area costing between €10 and €15. Multi-day public transport passes can be purchased for added convenience.

Barcelona El Prat Airport is located approximately 12 kilometers (8 miles) from the city center, and the journey takes about 35 minutes via public transport. The most cost-effective option is the Rodalies R2 train line, with a one-way ticket costing €4. This train connects to central stations like Passeig de Gràcia, which is conveniently located near Eixample and offers metro connections for further travel within the city. A taxi from the airport to the city center typically costs between €25 and €30. For a more personalized experience, private airport transfers can be booked in advance, with prices starting at €39.

Sitges

The Sitges section got a bit bigger so I split it out onto it’s own page. So go check it out here.

About Cramberts

From our home base in Amsterdam, we frequently explore some of Europe’s most vibrant cities, and we’ve compiled detailed guides to share our insider knowledge. Whether you’re seeking the canals and culture of Amsterdam itself, the sunny beaches of Gran Canaria, the historic charm of Lisbon and Porto, the bustling energy of Barcelona and Madrid, the refined elegance of Paris and Munich, the unique character of Sitges, or the diverse landscapes of the Randstad region, you’ll find comprehensive information and recommendations on the site.