GAY AND LESBIAN HANG-OUTS
1. Antinous Librería-Café
C/Casanova 72 • Closed Sun
Antinous is a popular gay meeting place in Barcelona’s ‘Gaixample’ district. The café incorporates a spacious shop, stocking gifts, books and videos, and has a small bar area with exhibitions. Pick up a copy of Gay Barcelona, a free magazine available at most gay venues, which gives the lowdown on the local scene.
Vibrant magazines at Antinous
2. Átame
C/Consell de Cent 257
Átame takes its name from Almodóvar’s film of the same title (Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!) and has the same crazy, camp atmosphere. Open daily from 6pm for chill-out drinks, it gets packed at night, with a young crowd. Occasional drag queen shows.
3. Sauna Casanova
C/Casanova 57 • Adm
This spotless gay sauna (for men only), has Turkish baths and Jacuzzis, as well as a handy bar and internet service. There are also private cabins, some with TV and DVDs.
4. Sala Diana
C/Diputació 233 • Closed Sun–Wed
This is the most popular lesbian club in Barcelona, although men are also welcome. It opens from 11pm to 3am and as it’s not a big space, it’s usually crowded. Music here focuses on favourites from the 70s, 80s, 90s and pop hits. On Thursdays there are burlesque dancers.
5. Metro
C/Sepúlveda 185 • Adm
The very popular, predominantly men-only Metro has two dance floors, one playing house, while the other has a more pop-orientated music policy and a pool table. The club really starts to liven up around 2am.
Metro club logo
6. El Cangrejo
C/Montserrat 9 • Open Fri & Sat
A historical venue, El Cangrejo (“The Crab”) is a popular and very lively kitsch gay bar in the Raval quarter. Small and smoky, it is renowned for its Spanish 80s nights and its drag shows (from 11:30pm at weekends). Dance sessions last until 3am.
The popular kitsch gay bar El Cangrejo
7. Arena Madre
C/Balmes 32 • Open 12:30–5am daily • Adm
A popular gay disco with a vibrant atmosphere and live performances ranging from cheeky stripteases to drag shows. The dance floor gets packed with a fun-loving crowd enjoying electronic and house music. There is also a dark room.
8. Sky Bar
C/Aribau 33 • 93 323 93 93 • www.axelhotels.com
The rooftop terrace of the luxury Axel Hotel in the heart of the so-called “Gaixample” is a glamorous spot for vodka cocktails and poolside lounging, day and night. There are DJs and themed nights in summer. Reserve day beds in advance.
9. Punto BCN
C/Muntaner 63
This relaxed, friendly bar has stayed in vogue for many years despite a fickle gay scene. It gets impossibly busy around midnight at weekends and the music is loud, but it’s a good place to get fired up for a night out and get the latest on what’s happening around town.
10. Beaches
In summer, gay men gather for some sun, fun and plenty of posing in front of the Club de Natació Barcelona on Barceloneta beach, near Plaça del Mar; the Mar Bella beach is also a popular hang-out.
Crowds at popular Mar Bella beach
TOP 10 GAY HOTSPOTS IN SITGES
1. XXL
C/Joan Tarrida 7
Popular with the in-crowd, with a good drinks selection and techno music.
A crowded Sitges bar
2. Parrots
Pl Industria 2
A Sitges classic, this bar has drag queen waiters and a lovely outdoor terrace.
3. El Horno
C/Joan Tarrida 6
Long-established gay bar, popular for drinks in the early evening.
4. Platja de l’Home Mort
The cliff path runs south to this intimate and gay-friendly cove. It has a fantastic beach bar, which is open in the summer.
5. Organic
C/Bonaire 12 • Adm
Organic is a gay-scene hotspot, popular with the fashion-industry crowd.
6. Beaches
The beach in front of Hotel Calípolis is a gay magnet, as is the clothing-optional Balmins beach right across Meliá Sitges Hotel.
7. Night-time Cruising
The pier just past Hotel Calípolis is one of the busiest cruising spots. Prime time is between 3am and dawn.
8. Carousel
C/Joan Tarrida 14
A terrace bar with delicious cocktails and occasional shows.
9. Privilege
C/de Bonaire 24
One of the best gay music bars in town, with a different theme every night.
10. El Hotel Romàntic
C/St Isidre 33 • 93 894 83 75
A simple, gay-friendly hotel with a pretty garden.
