Barcelona might well be the European capital of LGBT tourism. Few cities can appeal to so many interests of the LGBT tourist.
Looking for great museums? Barcelona is home to one of the best collections of Picasso. Architecture lover? Gaudí, and his inspired vision, is waiting for you. Looking for an international party? Barcelona is home to two summertime circuit parties: one for gay men and one for lesbian women. Foodie? Authentic Spanish tapas are everywhere.
Nightlife? Barcelona reinvented it. I was at the sexiest party ever — beating by far anything in Miami or New York City. Nightlife in Barcelona starts at midnight and continues into the early morning hours. Taking a disco nap is key. There are many gay bars and nightclubs. Metro Disco is popular with tourists and locals (www.metrodiscobcn.com). Another popular club is Arena (www.arenadisco.com). There are multiple Arenas in Barcelona, each with different music.
Not to miss
The most famous building in Barcelona is the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia. The cathedral has taken 600 years to build and it is still not done! It is a modern wonder of light, architecture and awe. One of Guadí’s most famous works, the exterior tells a dramatic story of the birth and passion of Christ.
For an orientation to the city, look for the blue tourist buses. They are the official tour buses of Barcelona. A one-day pass will do (www.barcelonabusturistic.cat).
Barcelona comes alive in summertime. The gay beach is located at Platja de Sant Miquel. It is right along the Port Vell, and the beach is an easy walk from any downtown hotel. A popular beach with the locals is Platja Mar Bella. Good finds for restaurants near the gay beach are Tapa Tapa, El Merendero De La Mari (www.merenderodelamari.com) and La Barceloneta (www.restaurantbarceloneta.com).
The city has put itself on the map through LGBT events. Barcelona will be jumping during these festivals:
Girlie Circuit Festival, Aug. 12-17 (www.girliecircut.net) Circuit Festival, Aug. 6-17 (www.circuitfestival.net) FIRE-Barcelona International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (www.cinemalambda.com)
Stay at Axel Hotel
In 2003, the Axel Hotel in Barcelona changed the world. It was the first “hetero-friendly” hotel in the world. It is geared entirely for the LGBT traveler but it is not exclusively gay. The rooms are generously sized (especially for Europe) and are modern, comfortable and offer free Wi-Fi. It is a central location to major tourist attractions and gay nightlife. The hotel is within walking distance to most gay bars and nightclubs and the sauna.
Axel Wellness Club 33 is located in the hotel. The Jet Lag massage is a perfect welcome to the hotel after a long international flight. The hotel’s Pop Bar is where locals and visitors start their night. Nights start at midnight mind you, and then the clubs get busy around 2 a.m. In summer, Axel’s Sky Bar offers commanding views of Barcelona. Another perk of staying at this hotel is that you can avoid the lines of hot men hoping to get upstairs to the Sky Bar.
For more information, visit www.gaybarcelona.net or www.visitbarcelonagay.com.
Jeff Guaracino is the author of “Gay and Lesbian Tourism: The Essential Guide for Marketing.”