Gay Barcelona Guide 2025: Best Bars, Hotels and Events

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Barcelona is famous for having a vibrant gay scene and a culture favoring freedom, inclusivity and diversity. The city has been a pioneer in fighting for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community since the 1970’s. Same-sex marriages have been held in Barcelona since 2005.

The most famous gay neighborhood is called ‘Gaixample’, home to many popular bars, nightclubs, hotels, shops and restaurants. The rectangular area of Gaixample is bordered by Carrer Balmes, Gran Via, Carrer Urgell and Carrer Aragó, within the district of Eixample.

Accommodation

Axel Hotel Barcelona Opened in 2003, Axel Hotel Barcelona was the world’s first hotel chain focused on the LGBTQ+ community. Housed in a renovated 19th-century building, it offers 101 stylish rooms, a rooftop Sky Bar with a pool and hot tub, a wellness area, and Japanese-Peruvian dining at Nikkei 103 — all in the heart of Barcelona’s vibrant cultural and nightlife scene.

Cram Hotel A charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Gaixample — just a block away from Axel Hotel. Housed in a renovated modernist building, the hotel features sleek, contemporary interiors, a rooftop pool with panoramic city views, and the Michelin-starred restaurant Angle by chef Jordi Cruz.

Corner Hotel Ideally located and highly rated, the hotel combines modern comfort with elegant design. Its bright, spacious rooms and rooftop pool with panoramic views make it a welcoming retreat for LGBTQ+ travelers exploring the lively queer scene nearby.

Gay Bars

La Federica A lively LGBTQ+ bar in the Poble-Sec neighborhood, renowned for its eclectic 1960s-inspired décor and inclusive atmosphere. Founded in 2015 by Albert Vilaplana and Albert Macaya, the venue has become a beloved community hub, offering a mix of handcrafted cocktails, quality tapas, and themed events.

Candy Darling Established in 2019 by Javier Meneses and Alex Schoihet, the bar is named in honor of the iconic transgender actress and Warhol superstar, Candy Darling, reflecting its deep roots in queer culture and activism. Guests can enjoy a variety of performances, including drag shows, circus acts, and burlesque.

Museum Bar Situated in Gaixample, Museum Bar has a unique, museum-style interior decorated with statues and classical artwork. Pop music videos play on flatscreen TVs throughout the space, creating a fun, upbeat vibe. Popular with a young, stylish gay crowd, the bar comes to life after midnight and is a go-to spot for pre-club drinks.

Boys Bar BCN Known for its energetic atmosphere, the bar features go-go dancers, themed nights, and a dance floor that keeps patrons partying into the early hours. With events like Latin music Wednesdays and house music weekends, it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking a dynamic night out.

Moeem Barcelona This LGBTQ+ bar is situated just outside Gaixample, at Carrer de Muntaner 11. With a laid-back vibe and wallet-friendly cocktails, it draws a youthful, fashionable crowd. The intimate one-room space includes an L-shaped bar and a dance floor that fills up fast by 1 a.m., with DJs spinning pop, reggaetón, and dance hits throughout the week.

Bacon Bear Bacon A welcoming gay bar in Gaixample catering primarily to the bear community and their admirers. Established over two decades ago, it has become a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and a diverse crowd.

El Cangrejo A beloved LGBTQ+ bar in Barcelona, renowned for its drag shows, retro music, and inclusive atmosphere. There are two locations: El Cangrejo Raval, situated at Carrer de Montserrat 9, and El Cangrejo Eixample, located at Carrer de Villarroel 84.

La Chapelle A quirky gay bar in Gaixample, known for its eclectic decor featuring religious artifacts. Popular with a diverse crowd it offers affordable drinks, a friendly vibe, and a terrace for people-watching. Open daily from 4 PM to 3 AM, it’s a fun spot for locals and visitors alike.

Versailles A classic gay bar located in the heart of Gaixample. With its elegant art deco interiors and relaxed vibe, it attracts a mixed crowd and is a popular spot for pre-dinner drinks or evening gatherings.

Berlin Dark A fetish cruise club in the Poble-Sec neighborhood, catering exclusively to men. Known for its strict dress code and themed nights, the venue features darkrooms and play areas, offering an authentic experience for those into the hardcore fetish scene.

Punto BCN one of Barcelona’s most established gay bars, located at Carrer de Muntaner 65 in Eixample. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and strong cocktails, it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The bar features a spacious layout with pool tables and often hosts live performances on weekends.

Priscilla Café With kitsch-pop decor inspired by the movie Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, this Gaixample hotspot offers a blend of daytime café vibes and lively nighttime events, including drag shows and themed parties.

Lesbian Bars

Aire Chicas A popular lesbian-focused party held at Arena Classic in Barcelona’s Gaixample district. The event offers a fun and inclusive space for queer women and allies to dance and socialize. With a soundtrack of pop hits from the ’80s to today, it attracts a mixed crowd and is a staple of Barcelona’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene.

La Rosa A historic lesbian bar located at Carrer de Brusi 39 in Barcelona’s Sant Gervasi – Galvany district. An enduring institution within the city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, it has long been a cherished gathering spot for generations of queer women. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, music, and dancing, La Rosa has been a staple in Barcelona’s lesbian scene. However, as of recent reports, the venue is temporarily closed.

Carita Bonita A popular lesbian music bar located at Carrer de Balmes 69 in Barcelona’s Gaixample district. Spread across three floors, it offers areas to relax and a dance floor. Operating on Friday and Saturday nights, it’s a fashionable spot for both locals and visitors.

Beauty and Wellness

Homo Naturals A Barcelona-based brand offering 100% natural skincare products designed specifically for men. Their line includes cleansers, moisturizers, and body care, all made with organic, plant-based ingredients.

Mandala Mandala Wellness and Mandala Barcelona are serene spas in Eixample offering relaxing massages and facial treatments like Kobido and Binary Care. Both are known for their peaceful atmosphere and personalized services.

Shopping

Addicted / ES Collection Barcelona-based brands known for stylish men’s swimwear, underwear, and sportswear. Their flagship store in Eixample showcases bold, high-quality designs made locally.

Arts and Culture

Fundació Setba Setba Foundation works with culture as a vehicle for integration, devising and coordinating artistic projects that enhance and raise awareness about the social value of culture. The foundation is situated in a flat where the artist and LGBTQ + Spanish activist José Pérez Ocaña (1947 – 1983) once lived.

Nightclubs

Pervert Club A popular gay party in Barcelona, known for its wild Saturday nights at INPUT Club in Poble Espanyol. Run by the Matinée Group, it features international DJs, sexy go-go dancers, and a fetish-friendly crowd..

Metro-Disco A cornerstone of Barcelona’s gay nightlife, located in the heart of the Gaixample district. Open every night, it offers two dance floors—one for house and techno, the other for pop and Latin hits.

The Black Room A provocative Sunday night gay party held at City Hall Club in central Barcelona. Known for its dark, cruisy atmosphere, the event features house and techno DJs, go-go dancers, and live fetish performances.

Safari Disco Club The club is situated in the Sants-Montjuïc district and boasts two spacious dance floors, themed parties and a diverse music mix of pop, reggaeton, and electronic beats. With a capacity exceeding 900 people, Safari is a staple in Barcelona’s LGBTQ+ nightlife scene.

Churros con Chocolate Barcelona’s iconic queer Sunday party, held at Sala Apolo. Running from late afternoon until the early hours, it features multiple dance floors with pop, reggaeton, house, and drag performances, creating an electric atmosphere.

Believe Club Open nightly from 11:00 PM, Believe Club offers drag performances, live music, karaoke, and themed parties. It is situated in Gaixample at Carrer de Balmes, 56, and operates until 5:00 AM on weekdays and 6:00 AM on weekends.

Bookstores

Libreria Antinous A long-standing LGBTQ+ bookstore, offering a wide range of queer literature. Located in Eixample, it also hosts readings and cultural events for the community.

Media

Gayles.tv A Spanish-language online television platform and audiovisual production company based in Barcelona, dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community. Launched in 2013, it offers original content covering rights, culture, health, and entertainment, aiming to amplify queer voices and promote diversity.

Revista Shangai A leading Spanish-language LGBTQ+ magazine, founded in 1994 as Shangay Express. Initially created to promote the Shangay Tea Dance parties in Madrid, it has evolved into a prominent publication covering LGBTQ+ culture, entertainment, and rights across Spain.

Bakala.org A Spanish gay chat and dating platform launched in 2004, originally offering a free website for users to create profiles, connect, and share content. Over time, it evolved into a mobile app integrated within the Omolink network, accessible on both iOS and Android devices.

Restaurants

Casa Jaime A gay-owned, welcoming restaurant in Gaixample, celebrated for its authentic Spanish and Catalan cuisine. The menu features classic tapas such as jamón, calamari, chorizo, and croquetas, complemented by hearty mains like beef cheek in red wine and a standout crème brûlée dessert.

Restaurant D’Divine A Gaixample hotspot, blending Mediterranean cuisine with dazzling drag and cabaret performances. By day, it offers a well-priced Spanish/Catalan menu, while evenings transform into lively dinner shows featuring drag queens and live music, making it a favorite for celebrations and group outings.

Saunas

For those seeking relaxation or socialization, the city has several saunas catering to gay men. These establishments often feature amenities like steam rooms, jacuzzis, and lounges, providing spaces to unwind and connect.

Sauna Bruc A well-established gay sauna in Barcelona, particularly popular among mature men and those who appreciate them. Located at Carrer de Pau Claris 87, near Plaça de Catalunya, it offers facilities including a hydromassage pool, jacuzzi, steam and dry saunas, dark rooms, and private cabins.

Casanova A popular gay sauna located in Gaixample, known for its vibrant atmosphere and extensive facilities. Open 24/7, it features amenities such as a jacuzzi, steam room, dry sauna, private cabins, and a cruising maze. The venue tends to be busiest late at night, especially after nearby bars close.

Condal Situated in the Gothic Quarter, Condal is known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse clientele, particularly attracting bears and their admirers. Spread over four floors, it offers facilities including a 12-person jacuzzi, steam room, dry sauna, open showers, dark rooms, mazes, cruising zones, hammocks, and private cabins.

Thermas One of Barcelona’s largest and most well-known gay saunas, located in Eixample. Open 24/7, it offers extensive facilities including two indoor pools, a 12-person jacuzzi, steam room, dry sauna, dark rooms, private cabins, a bar, and massage services. The venue is known for its relaxed yet social atmosphere, attracting a diverse mix of locals and tourists.

Sex Shops

Amantis A modern, LGBTQ+-inclusive sex shop located in Gràcia. Designed to be welcoming and educational, it offers a wide range of erotic products and hosts workshops aimed at promoting open conversations about sexuality.

Zeus A compact yet popular gay sex shop situated in the Raval neighborhood. The store offers a selection of adult toys, fetish gear, lubricants, and DVDs.

Travel and Tours

AmbienTravel A Barcelona-based travel agency specializing in gay-friendly cruises since 2009. They organize two to three cruises annually, offering diverse itineraries on some of the world’s best ships, complete with exclusive excursions and private onboard parties like Carnival and White Party.

Beaches

Sant Sebastià Located in Barceloneta, Sant Sebastià is one of the city’s most iconic and historic beaches. While not exclusively gay, it is known for its diverse and welcoming atmosphere, attracting a mixed crowd, including LGBTQ+ locals and visitors.

Mar Bella Barcelona’s most popular gay and clothing-optional beach, located in the Sant Martí district. It offers a relaxed atmosphere that attracts a diverse LGBTQ+ crowd, especially during summer weekends and events like the Circuit Festival. The beach features a designated nudist area and is home to the iconic BeGay chiringuito, a beach bar known for its cocktails, snacks, and vibrant social scene.

Sitges, often dubbed the “St. Tropez of Spain,” is a charming coastal town just 40 minutes from Barcelona, renowned for its buzzing LGBTQ+ scene and welcoming atmosphere. With over 25 beaches, including the popular gay beach Platja de la Bassa Rodona and the clothing-optional Platja de l’Home Mort, it’s a sun-soaked haven for gay travelers.

Health

Reproduction of Keith Haring’s Mural

BCN Checkpoint A community-based sexual health center in Eixample, dedicated to serving gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. Established in 2006 by Projecte dels NOMS-Hispanosida, it offers free, confidential services including rapid HIV testing with results in 20 minutes, STI screenings, PrEP access, vaccinations, and psychological support, particularly for those dealing with chemsex-related issues.

Gais Positius A Barcelona-based association founded in 1994, dedicated to supporting gay and bisexual men living with HIV. As Spain’s first mutual support organization managed entirely by HIV-positive gay and bisexual men, it offers services such as rapid HIV/syphilis testing, psychological counseling, legal advice, and peer support groups. The organization also provides information on PrEP, PEP, and chemsex, and conducts community health worker training programs.

Stop Sida A Barcelona-based nonprofit organization founded in 1986, dedicated to promoting sexual health and preventing HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) within the LGBTQ+ community and among sex workers. The organization offers a range of services, including free rapid HIV and syphilis testing, emotional support for individuals living with HIV, and educational programs on sexual health and rights. Stop Sida also provides specialized support for individuals engaged in chemsex, offering counseling and harm reduction strategies.

Unitat de Malalties de Transmissio Sexual – Centre d’Atenció Primària Drassanes The STI Unit at CAP Drassanes in Barcelona offers confidential, walk-in testing and treatment for HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and hepatitis C. Known for its LGBTQ+ inclusive care, the center also provides rapid results, access to PrEP, and support for sexual health. Located in El Raval, it operates Monday to Friday.

Associations

ACATHI ACATHI (Associació Catalana per a la Integració d’Homosexuals, Bisexuals i Transsexuals Immigrants) is a Barcelona-based non-profit organization founded in 2003 to support LGBTQ+ migrants and refugees. It offers legal assistance, psychosocial support, and guidance on education and employment to help individuals integrate into society.

Cambra LGTBIQ+ A non-profit association based in Barcelona that brings together LGBTQ+-friendly businesses and professionals across Catalonia. Founded in 2003, it aims to promote economic growth, visibility, and inclusion within the LGBTQ+ community. The organization is best known for organizing Pride Barcelona and promoting the Gaixample commercial district.

Casal Lambda A pioneering non-profit LGBTQ+ organization in Barcelona, established in 1976 by activist Armand de Fluvià. It offers a welcoming space for community support, cultural activities, and education, and is renowned for organizing Spain’s first LGBTQ+ film festival, the FIRE!! Mostra Internacional de Cinema. The center also houses one of Spain’s most comprehensive archives on LGBTQ+ history and sexuality.

Colors Sitges Link A non-profit LGTBIQ+ association based in Sitges, founded in 2011 to support the LGBTQ+ community through health services, cultural events, and advocacy initiatives. The organization is known for hosting the annual Sitges Queer Fest, a celebration of queer creativity featuring performances, workshops, and exhibitions.

GAYLESPOL Spain’s first association of LGBTQ+ police officers, founded in 2006 to promote visibility, diversity, and inclusion within law enforcement. Based in Barcelona, it brings together professionals from various security forces and collaborates with European networks like the European LGBT Police Association (EGPA).

Grup d’Amics Gais A nonprofit organization that advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and provides community support. Founded in 1998, GAG offers services such as legal advice, emotional support, and social work assistance, and organizes cultural activities, workshops, and campaigns to combat discrimination and promote inclusion.

Generem An association focused on supporting transgender and gender-diverse individuals. It offers resources, advocacy, and community programs aimed at promoting gender diversity and inclusion.

Panteres Grogues A non-profit LGBTQ+ sports and cultural club founded in 1994. It offers a wide range of activities, including sports like volleyball, swimming, and rugby, as well as cultural events and wellness programs.

Events and Festivals

Pride Barcelona Pride Barcelona 2025 runs from June 28 to July 20, with the main parade on July 19, starting at Jardines de las Tres Chimeneas and ending at Plaça d’Espanya. The festival features concerts, drag shows, and cultural events, celebrating LGBTQ+ rights and visibility across the city.

Circuit Festival Barcelona The world’s largest international gay festival, will take place from August 9 to 17. Organized by Matinée Group, this 16th edition features nine days of events across various venues in the city, including clubs, outdoor spaces, and the Illa Fantasia water park. Highlights include the Water Park Day on August 12, renowned for its all-day and night festivities . Attendees can enjoy over a dozen themed parties, performances by international DJs, and social events that celebrate LGBTQ+ culture.

Panteresports Barcelona’s premier LGBTQ+ multisport tournament, organized by the non-profit sports club Panteres Grogues. The event features a diverse lineup of sports including swimming, volleyball, basketball, football, and more, alongside social events like a welcome party and cultural activities.

FIRE!! Barcelona LGTBIQ+ Film Festival Spain’s pioneering LGBTQ+ cinema event, organized by Casal Lambda since 1995. The festival showcases a curated selection of international feature films, documentaries, and short films that explore diverse sexualities and gender identities.

Sitges Bears Week Attracting over 10,000 bears, cubs, chasers, and admirers, the September event features themed parties, beach gatherings, and a Bear Village on the seafront. The Bear Village, hosts nightly DJ sets, live performances, and a VIP zone for an enhanced experience. The festivities extend along “Bear Alley” (Calle Joan Tarrida), lined with popular bars like Bears Bar, El Horno, and Parrots Pub.