The sheer size of Barcelona’s gay scene is often overlooked by those seeking an LGBTQ+ getaway, but with a diverse collection of gay clubs, a history of radical activism, and a booming LGBTQ+ population, there are few places more suited to a fabulously queer city break.
With its iconic Gayxample district, lively beaches, and festive events like Pride Barcelona and Circuit Festival , it offers a cosmopolitan, festive, and warm atmosphere. A true paradise for travelers in search of freedom, diversity, and unforgettable encounters. However, the English-influenced spelling Gayxample is also widely used, especially in tourist and international contexts.
The Eixample district, also known as Gayxample, is the heart of Barcelona’s gay scene. Located in the center of the city, this neighborhood is home to numerous gay bars, clubs, and restaurants.
The district is known to host most of Barcelona's gay bars, gay cruising spots, saunas, and clubs, so it's also where gay visitors of Barcelona stay during their vacations. The best time to visit is the summer months, when the gays congregate from all over the world to wear as little as possible and get as close to each other as possible. The neighbourhood is filled with gay locals who embrace the festivities and meet gays from all over the world during the international celebrations.
The sheer size of Barcelona’s gay scene is often overlooked by those seeking an LGBTQ+ getaway, but with a diverse collection of gay clubs, a history of radical activism, and a booming LGBTQ+ population, there are few places more suited to a fabulously queer city break.
For gay travellers Barcelona has been one of the favourite destinations in Europe for the last decades. The city has this perfect combination of a warm Mediterranean climate, beaches within and close to the city, mountains in the hinterland and the culture, nightlife, sights and infrastructure of an European metropolis. Barcelona is also a good place to enjoy the modern design that had bloomed after the end of the Franco dictatorship in Spain.
Explore Barcelona's top gay neighborhoods—Eixample and El Raval—with this LGBTQ+ guide to bars, nightlife, events, and local favorites.
Q: We plan to rent an apartment. We are in our 50's and open-minded, but I have heard Eixample referred to as Gay-xiample. Are there certain parts of Eixample that are exclusively gay areas and where we might feel out of place?