Some of our favorite LGBTIQIA+ Travel in Barcelona
Candy Darling
For decades, Barcelona has attracted people from across the globe with its sun-kissed beaches, vibrant streets, and an unwavering spirit of openness and diversity. Barcelona has risen as a beacon for the LGBTIQ+ community, creating a sanctuary where freedom and self-expression flourish, and offering a stage for pivotal moments in queer history. It's a city where cultures blend seamlessly, and its welcoming atmosphere extends to everyone, regardless of who they love or how they identify.
Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé's anthem "Barcelona'' captures the essence of the city with its powerful lyrics and soaring melodies, celebrating the "jewel in the sun" that Barcelona truly is. Mercury sings of a love that brings him back to this vibrant city, a sentiment that resonates deeply within the LGBTIQ+ community's quest for places that embrace them wholly. Barcelona, with its rich history, artistic marvels, and architectural wonders, mirrors the diversity and resilience of the queer community.
This Catalan capital is not just about its breathtaking Gaudí masterpieces or the Gothic Quarter's winding alleys; it's also a melting pot of ideas, cuisines, and peoples. Its beaches are not just spots for sunbathing but are gatherings of diversity. Barcelona's outgoing locals, known for their open hearts and minds, contribute to a social web that's as colorful and intricate as any of its famed mosaics.
Photograph: Nick Wehrli
Nowadays, LGBTIQ+ locals and visitors can experience the excitement of this rich history by enjoying a wealth of queer spaces, art installations, performances, and more. Here's what you need to know about being LGBTIQ+ in Barcelona.
Our Fav LGBTIQ+ Bars in Barcelona
Even though the whole of Barcelona is pretty gay itself, one area stands out from amongst the rest. In the center of Barcelona is the neighborhood of Eixample, often referred to as “Gaixample”, which has become the nucleus of gay life in Barcelona. The Gaixample district is located within the boundaries of Carrer d’Aragó, Carrer de Balmes, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, and Carrer del Comte d’Urgell.
Eixample boasts an abundance of cafés, bars, stores, hotels, and many more establishments especially catered towards an LGBTIQ+ market. Many of the bars in this area, especially those on Carrer del Consell de Cent, feature terraces where you can sip a tinto de verano while discussing the previous night's shenanigans. Highlights of this area include Candy Darling (Gran Via de Les Corts Catalans, 586) to have a drink, eat one of their delicious sandwiches, and watch one of the many shows and performances that can be seen here. Candy Darling has also been one of the homes of IAMICONIQA, where we’ve hosted our famous Talent Show + Artist Showcase. Candy Darling stands out with its display of LGBTQIA+ art, from captivating murals and photographs to dazzling neon installations. This expansive and inviting bar is a must-visit gem for anyone exploring Barcelona.
Candy Darling
Eixample is not the only area of Barcelona where you can find great queer establishments. A little further south in the Raval neighborhood is Madam Jasmine (Rambla del Raval 22) also known as The Genderfuck House. Madam Jasmine is a fun bar where everybody’s welcome. Its bizarre decorations and delicious vermouth will have you wondering why you hadn’t quit that job in finance and visited Barcelona sooner.
Madame Jasmine
Nearby in beautiful and hilly Poble-Sec we can find gems such as Lo De Carmen (Av. del Paral·lel, 104) which dazzles as a fabulously funky and queer hotspot, celebrating diversity without bowing to any stereotypical ideas of what a gay bar should be. It’s a place where everyone can find something to adore. A couple blocks down the street is La Federica (Carrer de Salvà, 3). La Federica is infused with a vibrant, eclectic atmosphere, showcased through its one-of-a-kind vintage furniture and their distinctive collection of colorful patterned shirts. More than just a bar, La Federica offers delicious culinary treats alongside a thoughtful selection of craft beers, wines, and gin and tonics. Known for its glamour and laid-back revelry, it hosts themed parties twice a month, making it a standout in the lively scene of Blai Street, where a multitude of bars and eateries line the street.
La Federica
Excellent LGBTIQ+ spaces beyond the clubs
Barcelona is brimming with unique spots where the LGBTIQ+ community can connect and enjoy cultural experiences outside of the typical nightlife scene. Odd Kiosk (Carrer Valencia, 222) is more than just a kiosk; it’s a cultural epicenter for the queer community. This inviting space showcases a collection of indie magazines and books, highlighting the work of approximately 40 LGBTIQ+ artists. It’s an ideal place to soak up some local art while enjoying top-notch Nomad Coffee.
Odd Kiosk
A little off the usual tourist track, you’ll find Librería Cómplice (Carrer de Cervantes, 4). This storied bookstore and publishing house champions queer literature, offering a broad selection of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender titles. Having served the community for 17 years, it also provides invaluable resources like guides and maps to LGBTIQ+ tourists. Cómplice is a treasure trove for anyone interested in delving deeper into the narratives and history that shape the local LGBTIQ+ community.
In the heart of Barcelona's Gracia district lies the lesbian-owned Beryti Bistro, a Lebanese eatery that's quickly becoming a favorite among the city's food lovers. This cozy bistro offers a genuine taste of Lebanon with dishes inspired by the owners’ grandmothers' recipes. The atmosphere is particularly warm and welcoming during the festive season when the space is open for private gatherings. Here, each meal is an invitation to share and enjoy, from the aromatic fried cauliflower with tarator sauce to the refreshing rose water and date syrup drinks.
Beryti Bistro
Those looking for LGBTQIA+ friendly tattoo studios are spoilt for choice, with Ashtattz and The Cube Tattoo Lab standing out as top picks. Ashtattz, an avant-garde tattoo artist inspired by Baroquisme, operates in Barcelona and can be contacted directly through his Instagram for stunning, intricate designs that push artistic boundaries. Meanwhile, The Cube Tattoo Lab, located in the bustling neighborhood of Raval, holds the distinction of being the city’s first LGBTQIA+ tattoo, piercing, and microblading studio. It offers a safe, cozy, and wholly inclusive environment, with a multilingual, multidisciplinary team skilled in geometries, traditional tattoos, neo-traditional tattoos, illustrations, and black work.
Ashtattz
Antinous Library (Carrer de Casanova, 72) is a welcoming space perfect for picking up the latest in queer literature, or learning about upcoming local events. It's a hub for connections, making it a great starting point for newcomers to the city wanting to engage with Barcelona’s lively LGBTIQ+ community.
Mar Bella Beach is the quintessential destination for those who enjoy the beach life. As Barcelona's most popular gay beach, it's a fantastic place to sunbathe, socialize, or simply enjoy the liberating option of a clothing-optional area. Nearby, the BeGay chiringuito provides a comfortable spot to cool off with a drink, adding to the beach's allure as a hotspot for both locals and tourists.
Mar Bella Beach
Barcelona’s Best LGBTIQ+ events
In the heart of Barcelona, nestled within the vibrant ambiance of Razzmatazz, is our very own IAMICONIQA. This event is a beacon of self-expression and queer artistry. IAMICONIQA transforms the iconic venue into a sanctuary where the community can revel in a number of curated performances and creativity. The event is more than just a night out; it's a movement, celebrating queer culture with performances by renowned artists like Violet Chachki and Amanda Lepore. IAMICONIQA offers a space where everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves.
IAMICONIQA
Adding to the city's rich offer of LGBTIQ+ events, Outhaus & Sweetie Darling emerges as a highlight of Barcelona's social calendar. Hosted at Sala Apolo, this event encapsulates the essence of the queer revolution with a lineup of over 20 artists, including both local and international performers and DJs. It's more than just a party; it's a cultural phenomenon where self-expression and passion take center stage, encouraging everyone to dance and celebrate diversity in an electrifying environment.
Outhause & Sweetie Darling Barcelona
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We know there might still be hidden gems we've yet to discover. Whether it's a cozy cafe, an energetic event, or an artistic space, we invite you to share your favorite spots with us. Your suggestions will help us keep this guide vibrant and inclusive, just like Barcelona itself. So, let us know who we missed, and we'll make sure to check them out and add them to our list!
Boozy Drag Queen Bingo
Step into the spotlight at Candy Darling Bar's hit event, Boozy Drag Queen Bingo, reigning over Barcelona since April 2023! Hosted by the dynamic duo of America's Sweetheart drag queen Tye and the UK's finest, Lady Red Velvet, every 3rd Tuesday of the month becomes a spectacle of laughter, glamour, and unforgettable moments. Join us in the heart of Barcelona's Eixample district for an evening of tantalizing drinks, fabulous prizes, and the magic of drag queens. Don't miss out on the party—come play Bingo with the best at Candy Darling Bar!
