Gay Barcelona: guide to the best bars, clubs, beaches, hotels and more

Barcelona is one of the most open and diverse cities we've ever been to. Not only is it tolerant towards gay travelers, they practically roll out the red carpet for us! With a booming gay village, loads of excellent hangouts, and fantastic festivals, Barcelona is a pumping city begging to be consumed.

We've begun to consider the city as a second home – its frivolous nightlife scene, the large LGBTQ community, and stunning weather make it impossible to stay away for too long. Here is our detailed guide to Barcelona for gay travelers following our many visits to this fabulous Spanish coastal paradise.

Experience Barcelona's fabulous gay nightlife!

With so many fantastic gay bars and clubs knowing where to go in Barcelona can be a bit overwhelming. Luckily you can join a Gaily night-time tour with a local to show you all the best spots to drink and party!

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How gay friendly is Barcelona?

In short – very gay-friendly!

In our opinion, we think Barcelona is one of the most gay friendly cities in Europe as well as one of the best gay vacation destinations in the world. Historically, it is the birthplace of the LGBTQ Pride movement of Spain, where activists in the 1970s took to the streets to demand their rights. This ignited a pink wave throughout the rest of the nation and began to increase visibility for the Spanish LGBTQ community. Today, Barcelona continues to be a pioneer across the world for gay rights – a textbook example for other places to follow on its treatment towards queer travelers and citizens. This is one of many reasons why we rate it as one of our top gay destinations in Europe.

With an exquisite gay scene, filled with clubs, bars, eateries, hotels, and bathhouses, the city is a thriving mecca for LGBTQ culture. On every corner, there is some nod to queer identity. Whether this is a statue honoring one of the country's most beloved queer writers or a rainbow flag flying outside a bakery, Barcelona is a city that appreciates its gay community.

The gay area of Barcelona

Wandering out of our hotel, jet-lagged and cranky from our flight, our plan was to grab some food from a nearby deli and get some sleep. But, oh, the Gaixample! It was practically calling us – and how could we refuse?

The Gaixample (pronounced “gai-sham-ple”) is the nickname given to Barcelona's gay neighborhood, located in the “Eixample” area. The majority of the gay bars and clubs of Barcelona are located right here. This is where you'll see lots of gay couples walking the streets holding hands, rainbow flags proudly flying in the wind – it's almost like stepping into the middle of a Pride parade! Yet, it still manages to hold onto a unique charm that feels so divinely Spanish.

Getting around Barcelona

Gay hotels in Barcelona

When it comes to picking a gay friendly hotel in Barcelona, the rule of real estate comes into play. It's all about location location location! We recommend basing yourself in or around the Gaixample gay area of Barcelona. Hotels in this area are more than accustomed to dealing with LGBTQ travelers, so there'll be no issue about having a double bed.

01

Axel Hotel

You'll never feel more cosmopolitan than you did staying at the Axel Hotel. From its super chic and modern design to the stunningly gorgeous staff members, the Axel Hotel ticks all the boxes. It's right in the center of the Gaixample, hence, in the middle of all the action. Its luxurious rooms will leave you feeling spoiled and pampered.

To feel even more spoiled and pampered make sure you book some time in the luxurious wellness center. Wellness Club 33 by Axel offers relaxing massages as well as a variety of treatments such as aromatherapy or facials. You can even take a pilates class in the gym, or work out with a personal trainer.

02

TWO Hotel Barcelona by Axel

These pink accents are the perfect addition to the rooftop pool, with a connected bar. There's nothing more romantic than having a sunset cocktail while gazing out over the skyline of Barcelona – or just staring into your lover's eyes! There's also a steam bath and massage room for some extra relaxation.

The rooms at TWO Hotel are both edgy and elegant, with different but always interesting views. There are some wonderful little extras provided as well, like a universal phone charger in case you forget yours.

03

Cram Hotel

There are a variety of room options available. From the affordable standard room to the incredible suites with a private balcony and huge bathtub in the bedroom. Regardless of the size, each room comes stacked with its own mini-bar (score!) and a flat-screen TV.

Hotel Cram has a beautiful rooftop pool with views over the city as well as a terrace bar where you can enjoy a buffet breakfast or sunset drinkies. The Michelin-starred Restaurante Angle Barcelona offers modern dishes using fresh produce. There are also plenty of other dining options close by.

04

The Hipstel Paseo De Gracia

In a nutshell

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• Very hip and stylish hostel
• Located in the middle of the gay scene
• Free walking tours provided
• Bikes available for rent

Not surprisingly, the Hipstel Paseo De Gracia is a very hip and stylish hostel. It's bright and spacious, with elements of Victorian charm alongside modern furnishings. Not to mention those pretty little balconies.

It's located in the heart of Eixample, with all the best gay bars and clubs just on your doorstep. It's also only 100 meters away from the Passeig de Gracia and Casa Batllo. In fact, the whole neighborhood is bursting with life, so you certainly won't get bored!

There are options for solo travelers or big groups, so you can choose between cozy private rooms or dorms with bunks for up to 10 people. If you're not sleeping or out partying in the city you can meet new people, chill out in the lounge and watch TV or even play board games. Buffet breakfast and dinners are provided at a small extra cost, or you can save money by cooking for yourself in the shared kitchen.

The staff are super-friendly and love to chat with all of their guests, offering plenty of tips for what to do while you're in Barcelona. There's an outdoor terrace to enjoy, and we really loved the dining area where breakfast is served, with its pretty mosaic floors. On top of everything else, you can join a free walking tour of the city or rent bikes from the hostel to explore!

Gay cafes in Barcelona

Gay spaces are often saturated with heavy drinking or nightlife. So, it's refreshing for a city to create queer-friendly spaces that offer a quiet and safe refuge. Cafes are a great place to bring along a book, pop in some headphones, and just zone out. Or, a chilled place to meet up with that Grindr date… Here are some of our favorite gay cafes in Barcelona:

Priscilla Café

Feel like the Queen of the Desert enjoying a relaxing moment with good music! Priscilla is a cafe bar that's good for coffee and great for cocktails. We found it to be a real breath of fresh air. It's cozy, super friendly and you'll quickly make new friends here. Also, look out for their special straws, which had us giggling for hours… Priscilla is open daily from 6pm to 3am and is located at Muntaner 73.

Belladona

One of the best places to get great cocktails for just €3! As such, Belladona is always busy with both locals and foreigners. You can also order tapas here if you want a bite to eat. Belladona is open daily from around 5pm to 3am and is located at Carrer de la Diputació, 222.

El Patio Central Terrace Bar

Delicious tapas and some yummy gin cocktails to rival the GinGin Bar just around the corner. El Patio is open daily from around 6 pm to 2/3 am and is located at Carrer del Consell de Cent, 273.

Gay bars in Barcelona

When it comes to nightlife, no one does it better than the gays. In Barcelona, its Latin flair and hunky local lads only amplify its fabulousness! And if it couldn't get more amazing. The barmen are very generous with drink portions here, so a single G+T feels more like a double serving. For more, check out our comprehensive guide to the best gay bars of Barcelona.

The gay scene of Barcelona is one of the best in the world but it can be overwhelming for first-timers. Having a local gay guide showing you the best gay hangouts and being part of a big gay group will definitely help you ease into Barcelona's gay nightlife.

Here are some of our favorite gay bars in Barcelona, all located in the Gaixample area. Note that the awesome People Lounge gay bar has closed down for good.

Moeem

Without a doubt, our favorite gay bar in Barcelona. From its local crowd to its sassy barmen, Moeem leaves you with an insatiable joy. The free canapes on Thursday evenings are a real treat. As if that wasn't enough, they're often followed by an exotic dancer show. Also, check out their Sunday bingo nights, which are hilarious! Moeem is open daily until around 2/3am and is located at Carrer Muntaner, 11.

La Chapelle

It's a tight narrow space but gets super popular. We love it mainly because of its very quirky decoration. At first glance, you might think you've stumbled into some religious cult meetup group! But you'll quickly realize the tongue-in-cheek irony behind it. La Chapelle has a great mixed crowd of all ages, both locals and travelers. It's open daily until around 2/3am and is located at Carrer de Muntaner, 67.

El Cangrejo

A weekend-only bar, famous for its old school 1980s and Latino disco nights. We love it because it's a very mixed crowd, so you'll meet local guys as well as other gay travelers. El Cangrejo is only open on Friday and Saturday evenings until around 3am. It is located at Villaroel 86.

GinGin

Located just across the road from the main Axel hotel, GinGin is where you'll want to head for some of the best gin cocktails, with over 20 different types on offer. It's a fun place to start the night, especially if you're heading to Believe later to watch the drag shows. The gorgeous drag queens that perform at Believe usually hang out here before heading over to do their show. GinGin is open daily until around 3 am and is located at Abribau 40, directly opposite the main Axel Hotel.

Gay clubs in Barcelona

The Spanish are notorious for doing things late. This explains why most clubs don't get busy until after around 1/2am. Our advice is to go for drinks at one of the bars beforehand, which is a great way of getting a feel of what's the hottest place to go that evening.

Joining a gay tour is also a great way to explore the nightlife of Barcelona and discover the best clubs Barcelona has to offer.

These are some of our favorite gay clubs in Barcelona:

Grupo Arena

One of the most famous gay clubs in Barcelona. This is where you should come if you like a mix of pop and techno. They have themed nights, some of the best drag performers, and a darkroom for when you're feeling a bit frisky! If you head to the Punto gay bar beforehand, you can pick up discount tickets for entry to Arena. Arena Madre is open 365 days a year until around 6am and is located at Balmes Street, 32. Not to be confused with its lesbian sister club, Arena Classic, which is located at Diputacion, 233.

Believe Club

Do you believe in life after love? You sure will after a visit to this bar… They have some of the best drag shows every evening, with performances taking place just after midnight going on until around 2:30am. That's 2 hours of non-stop glamour and humor! After the shows, the bar becomes a large dancing area, open until around 6am daily. Believe is located at Balmes 56.

Safari Disco Club

One of the most popular gay parties in Barcelona, particularly for youngish gays (and their fans). It has a large dancing area with a sociable outdoor space for smokers. Whilst we felt a bit on the older side here, we loved the pop/Latino music. Safari is located at Carrer de Tarragona, 141. Check out the events section on their Facebook page for details of the next party.

The Black Room

This is where the topless muscle boys come to party on a Sunday night! The Black Room's got everything from hard techno to spine-tingling electro beats. It can definitely feel a bit intimidating at first, stepping through the door with growling patrons and masked dancers, but, fear not, everyone's friendly at the Black Room! It only happens once a week on Sunday evenings, going on till the early hours of Monday morning. Black Room is located at Club City Hall, Rambla de Catalunya, 4. Note the club also has a fun gay night on Friday evenings called “Dirty House”.

Matinee

What do you get when you throw a bunch of topless muscle boys, epic dance beats, and strobe lighting? The Matinee-Pervet party of course! This is one of the biggest male-only club nights in Barcelona; a pulsing, energetic and tantalizing experience that demands to be devoured! Prevert parties only take place on Saturday and Sunday evenings until the early hours of the next morning. They're held at the Input High Fidelity Club, Avenida de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13.

Gay beaches in Barcelona

It's no secret that we love a good beach. And when you make it a gay beach, then we're practically banging down the doors of the plane to get there! With its stunning coastal views of the Mediterranean and super chilled locals who don't care what you do or who you love, Barcelona is a contender for having some of the best gay beaches in the world. Here are a few to check out, but for a more complete guide, check out our guide to the best gay beaches of Barcelona.

Mar Bella

A beach? Check! A gay beach? Check Check! A gay nudey beach! Triple check! Mar Bella is one of our favorite gay beaches in the world. Close by is the Chiringuito Begay bar where you can get a refreshing cocktail in between dips in the sea. Whether you're feeling bold to go fully nude, or you simply want to hang around in a relaxed environment to rock your new speedos, Mar Bella beach is a must! Just be warned, it gets very busy and crowded in the summer months, particularly during the August Circuit Festival.

San Sébastian

The original gay beach in Barcelona is located right in front of W Hotel in Barceloneta. Unlike Mar Bella, it's closer to the city center so is very popular with gay locals, especially on weekends.

Gay cruising clubs in Barcelona

Some like to dance. Some like to unwind in their hotel. Others like to mingle with hot boys – and that's fine too! When we say that Barcelona caters to everyone, we mean it! The cruising clubs more than prove that. Whether you're Vanilla or into more exotic stuff, you can easily find your groove in one of these cruising clubs:

Open Mind

Open Mind is the name of the club and open-minded you should be! From its nude parties to its sarong nights, this place is not for the faint of heart. Open Mind is only open Thursday to Sunday from 11pm until the early hours of the next morning. It is located at Aragón 130.

Berlin Dark

With themed nights like Underwear Party on Tuesdays, Club Bastards SM session on Wednesdays, and the Nude Party on Thursdays, there's always a hive of activity happening in Berlin Dark. Have a special lookout for their monthly athletes and exotic-themed nights. Berlin Dark is open daily (except Mondays) from 10:30pm until 2:30am and is located at Passatge Prunera, 18.

Boyberry

Located just next door to the Two Axel Hotel, Boyberry is a great place to go for a quick afternoon shag. You read that right. It's where you can have all your fantasies of doing it in a public place, whilst still evading the risk of being arrested! It's open daily from 3pm to midnight and is located at Carrera de Calabria 96 near the Rocafort Metro.

Black Hole Club

Industrial themed club (used to be called “Trash”) with cages, wrestling areas, private cabins, cinema lounges, showers, and more. Check out some of the themed nights like the Bears Party, Zapas & Sportwear Party, Masters & Slaves Party, and Piss Party. Black Hole is open daily (except Mondays) from 10pm to around 3am and is located at Carrera de Sepúlveda 81.

Night Barcelona

One of the most famous male-only cruising clubs in the Gaixample gay area with a dark room and private cabins. The bar has regular photography exhibitions and happy hours from 6-9pm. Night Barcelona is open daily from 6pm to 3am and is located at Diputació, 161.

Gay saunas in Barcelona

There are quite a few of them! We've set out the main ones below, but be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to the best gay saunas in Barcelona for the complete list.

• Casanova: by far the most popular gay sauna in Barcelona, open 24/7. The best time to come is 2-6am on weekends when the clubbing boys arrive for some action. Casanova is located at Carrer de Casanova 57 and entry is €18.
• Sauna Condal: the best gay sauna in Barcelona for bears and their fans. It attracts an older crowd compared to the others. Condal is located at Carrer d'Espolsa-sacs, 1, and is open 24/7. The entry fee is €18.

Gay restaurants in Barcelona

Candlelit dinners to sparkling wine, a hot meal whilst staring out to the bustling streets of Barcelona is true heaven. These are some of our favorite LGBTQ restaurants where we could relish in PDA with no fear. For more, check out our detailed guide to the best gay restaurants in Barcelona.

D'Divine

Serving looks, and your food! D'Divine is a kitschy, campy, and incredible dining experience. With drag performers ready to entertain you throughout your meal, all of your physical senses will be put to the test. From the delicious dishes to the devastatingly beautiful faces of the queens, D'Divine is an experience like no other! Hilarious drag shows take place on Friday and Saturday nights. The rest of the staff are very friendly and there's also live music on Thursday nights. The decor is fabulous too, with lots of pinks and purples.

El Bierzo a Tope

El Bierzo a Tope is a family-owned and run restaurant in the heart of the Eixample area. Its open and wide floor, matched with a bright yellow panel at the end of the room creates a summery vibe that's totally infectious. There's also a nice terrace where you can enjoy your meal, although it does get busy so you'll definitely need to make a reservation. The service is next to none, with staff treating you like personal friends. Not to mention the food – the menu is both comprehensive and works for all taste preferences. Plus, it's on the cheaper side, so ideal for travelers looking to eat well but save a few Euros.

La Estrella

With its glass wine cabinets, houseplants, and simplistic design, La Estrella gives out a nice homely effect. That's kind of the point the owners were going for. It's a family-owned business that's been open since 1924. Having passed through the hands of four generations, La Estrella is still at the top of its game. The menu is small, but with innovative dishes. There isn't a written dessert menu because everything is handmade and dictated by what's in season. La Estrella is located outside of the main tourist area in Barceloneta, so it's lovely to sit and watch the boats from the outdoor terrace.

Casa Jaime

For amazing tapas and a fun atmosphere, Casa Jaime is popular with locals. We particularly love its evolving menu, delicious drinks, and chatty staff, who always have the lowdown on what's happening around the city. They serve excellent traditional Catalan tapas like Jamon, calamari, chorizo, gambas, and croquetas, as well as home-style meals. There's a delicious and affordable set menu for lunchtime, although dinner is also wonderful, especially sitting outside on a warm evening. They often have live music performances as well!

Gay events in Barcelona

There's nothing we love more than a party. And if that party is honoring our community, then we love it even more – we're a modest bunch really! Here are some of the best annual gay events in Barcelona:

International Memorial AIDS Festival (May)

In our eyes, one of the most important things a city can do is honor those who died during the AIDS epidemic. With memorial services taking place, Barcelona does a wonderful job of making sure those fallen angels of the community will never be forgotten. Plus, it does great work in spreading awareness about modern-day treatment and dismantling the stigma that continues to plague those living with the illness.

Pride Barcelona (July)

Of course, the mother of all LGBTQ events in Barcelona – Pride! Barcelona has an extra reason to wave its rainbow flags with it being the birthplace of Spain's LGBTQ rights movement. Stars from all over the world fly in to perform for crowds of hundreds and thousands. The atmosphere in the city brings all of the routines of life to a standstill. And deservedly so! Most importantly, it's truly awe-inspiring to see the queer Spanish community get together and celebrate what makes them special. Read more about it in our article about what it's like attending Barcelona Pride.

Circuit Festival (August)

What's better than a beach party? A gay beach party of course! From dancing on the sand to discovering exceptional new artists through live performances, the Circuit Festival welcomes all. This festival is one of the biggest international LGBTQ events in the world, spanning 11 days. Highlights include the pool party and the big closing party.

Barcelona International Gay Film Festival (October)

Lights, camera, action! Barcelona's Film Festival features the best movies and short films by LGBTQ artists. It's an amazing way to meet other queer movie buffs, see your story reflected on the big screen, and attend panel discussions on issues that plague the gay community.

Snow Queer Weekend (formerly ‘Snow Gay Weekend') – March

UPDATE FEB 2024: The Snow Queer Weekend / Snow Gay Weekend appears to have stopped running indefinitely. There is no event in 2024. Watch this space for details of any future events if any are announced!

When you think of Pride festivals, you imagine a glowing summer sun beating down on a cosmopolitan city. You imagine tank tops and shorts. Cold drinks. The last thing you think of is snow! Well, the Snow Queer Weekend wants to turn that on its head. transport is organized from Barcelona so book a place on the Snow Queer Weekend experience and go skiing through the ice-capped mountains, with rainbow flags in tow. Just imagine…sliding down the side of a white hill beside a drag queen!

Things to do in Barcelona

In between gorging on delicious Spanish food and relaxing in your hotel, you'll be wanting to answer Barcelona's call. It's a city that's begging to be discovered! Here are some of our favorite things which we hope will inspire fellow LGBTQ travelers to Barcelona:

Save money on sightseeing

If you are planning on checking out a lot of the museums and attractions in Barcelona, we recommend the iVenture card. You will save money on entrance fees and tours while seeing many of the best sights in the city!

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Marvel at the Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is a towering, majestic, albeit unfinished, basilica that stands in the center of Barcelona. Designed by the acclaimed (gay?) Catalonian architect Antoni Gaudi, this destination is one of the hottest spots for tourists. Its Gothic aesthetic is super alluring, and the rich history will be enough to stimulate any travel buff! While most people are happy to just get a snap from outside, we definitely recommend taking this tour of the otherworldly basilica interior – it's as unique as it is stunning, feeling more like you're in a rainforest than in a cold religious building.

Ascend Montjuïc Hill

A breakaway from city-dwelling can often hit the sweet spot. Montjuïc Hill is a prominent scenic fixture that overlooks the city. This is also where most of the gay pride events take place. We loved spending a day up on top and marveling at the city sights from above. You can ascend Montjuïc via cable car for the most scenic views of Barcelona. Once you're at the top, we recommend visiting Montjuïc Castle. This military fortress is now open to the public with historical exhibitions and gorgeous gardens surrounding the fortifications…perfect for a few couple-y Insta shots.

Walk down Las Ramblas

The famous tree-lined pedestrianized street of Barcelona. A walk down Las Ramblas is something that needs to be done at least once. It's a good 20 minutes walk away from Gaixample, but worth a visit, if anything because it has the unique Gothic Quarter next to it. There's always something happening down this bustling road, night and day, from street performers, small cafes, souvenir shops, scam artists, and vendors selling pets! We once bought a pet hamster called Chicho from Las Ramblas who we sneaked back into the UK in a Pringles box…Just be warned, this place is super touristic – restaurants here aren't the best and are usually well overpriced.

Explore the Gothic Quarter

If you've also loved the Carlos Ruiz Zafón novel, “Shadow in the Wind” (totally recommended btw!) then you'll know all about Barcelona's Gothic Quarter. Also known as the city's Old Town this area is filled with beautiful architecture like the Barcelona Cathedral and Roman baths. We always feel like we've been transported back to medieval times when wandering around this part of the city. One of the best ways to discover the Gothic Quarter is to just wander around here yourself. You can also join this cool walking tour to give you a more in-depth insight into this very cool area of Barcelona.

Visit Casa Batlló

Casa Batlló is another treat for the Gaudi fans, it's a modernist style building with stunning architecture. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The interior is a museum filled with beautiful Modernisme art pieces that will leave you feeling super inspired. You can even enjoy learning about it with an augmented reality video guide; talk about combining history with cutting-edge technology! This was one of our highlights of visiting Barcelona, it's such a unique attraction with so much stunning light, color, and art.

Relax in Parc Güell

For a naturalistic getaway, without having to leave the city, head to yet another of Gaudi's amazing designs – Parc Güell. Made up of sculptures, monuments, and green spaces, the park is a perfect escape for those who need a little break from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona. Within the park, you can visit the Gaudi House Museum, which was where Gaudi himself lived and worked from 1906 to 1926. You do need to pay to visit the main monumental zone of the park, but your ticket also includes a handy shuttle bus to the park from Alfons X metro station.

Explore Casa Milá

Known for its rough textured facade, the name Casa Mila translates to ‘stone quarry'. This building was, in fact, the last work of Gaudi. It's a very innovative structure, with a self-supporting stone facade, free-plan floor, underground garage, and a spectacular terrace on the roof. The Casa Mila night experience is a must-do, offering up stunning panoramic views around the city. Plus the live jazz performances and mesmerizing display of projections will immerse you in a surreal experience, while you sip on a glass of cava.

Indulge at La Boqueria

Foodies…Calling all foodies! La Boqueria (full name The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria) is a huge market with tons of exotic fruits and vegetables to be found. The main entrance is from Las Ramblas. It's one of Barcelona's most popular landmarks. We always love coming here to just wanted and awe at all the different colors, flavors, and hundreds of stalls selling everything from meat to tasty desserts. There are also stalls and bars here where you can sit down to eat tapas, empanadas, and Jamon, washing down with a few sangrias.

Shop and people-watch at Plaça de Catalunya

A popular meeting point for the dwellers of Barcelona, the Plaça de Catalunya is a constant hive of activity. Whether you love to people watch or are up for doing a spot of shopping, this square is where all the action is! Nestled between the Eixample and Old Town neighborhoods, there are some beautiful fountains to enjoy as well as lots of different statues, flowers, trees, etc. It's a lovely spot to relax and watch the world go by. Like many places in Europe, lots of pigeons congregate here. If you don't mind them, they are quite tame and will even eat birdseed from your hand if you're brave enough.

Get up close to dolphins and fish

Calling all lovers of dolphins, sharks, and fish – the Barcelona Aquarium is a place of epic wonder. Learn all about marine life and the different kind of species that exist below the surface. Make sure you get a Skip the lines ticket to avoid queuing for hours. The Barcelona Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Europe, and the world's most important marine education centre dedicated to Mediterranean undersea life. The spectacular Oceanarium lets you walk in a transparent tunnel underneath sharks, gilt heads, morays, ocean sunfish and many other aquatic species. It's so good that it leaves you yearning to be a part of their world!

Take a day trip to Costa Brava

Get out of Barcelona for a day and into the idyllic Costa Brava coastal region. About 60km east of Barcelona, the area is perfect for discovering hidden pockets of the Mediterranean coastline as a day trip from Barcelona. The drive itself is super pretty and there are lots of stunning beaches to spend the day relaxing on the sand or swimming in seclusion from the crowds. Highlights include the lighthouse at Tossa de Mar and exploring the cobbled streets of the town of Blanes. If you like to be active you can also go kayaking off the coast here, or just relax in a traditional restaurant with some delicious food and local wines.

Tips to plan your trip

We've put together some handy hints and tips to help you plan your own trip to Barcelona. Read on to find out everything the gay traveller should know before they go.

Gay map of Barcelona

We've made a map of all the places we've mentioned in this article to help you plan your own fabulous trip to Barcelona. We hope you find it useful!

For more inspiration:

• If you want to find out more about the local gay scene, check out our guide to the best gay tours in Barcelona
• Go crazy with our guide to the best gay shops in Barcelona
• Looking for more pride parties? These are the best gay pride events throughout Spain
• And even if it's not pride season these are the best gay cities in Spain for partying!
• Beach-buffs will love these wonderful gay beaches in Europe
• Some of our favourites gay beaches in Italy
• Read what we think are some of the most gay friendly cities in the world and also across Europe
• You might be surprised by these gay friendly cities in East Europe
• And don't miss our gay guide to Sitges