gay barcelona hotels

Top 3 Barcelona gay highlights

1. Letting your hair down in Europe's most gay-friendly city
2. Chilling out on Barcelona's fabulous beaches
3. Day trips to beautiful Sitges

As a destination for gay travelers Barcelona is unrivalled. The combination of a tolerant atmosphere, easy going locals and massive gay scene is what keeps gay visitors coming back.
The Barcelona gay scene is centered in the Eixample district north of Plaza Universitat, a short walk from the Ramblas. This district, known locally as the gay Eixample, offers a range of gay hairdressers, fashion stores, travel agencies and course loads of bars and restaurants.

Culture and nightlife
There's a big gay cultural life in Barcelona. The city is playing host to this year's Euro Games celebration which brings in thousands of gay visitors to the city, confirming Barcelona's status as Europe's premier gay destination. Twice a year the city hosts a gay film festival screening the best works from around the world.
Nightlife in Barcelona's gay bars and clubs is as exciting as it is diverse. Leather and bear bars can be found cheek by jowl with trendy discos for the younger gays and alternative venues. Look out for flyers in bars promoting the frequent one-off parties that take place.

Gay Beaches
The gay community has established a niche at Barceloneta beach (close to new hotel skyscraper on the western side) and at Nova Mar Bella (behind the park). Here you'll find cafes flying the rainbow flag and pumping out dance music of chillout tunes. On sunny days the problem is finding a place on the sand to lay out your towel. These beaches are clothing-optional. Excursions to the gay-friendly resort town Sitges, just 40km south, are also easy thanks to the frequent commuter trains from Plaza Catalunya.

Gay hotels in Barcelona
Because Barcelona is such a tolerant city gay visitors will feel comfortable in all the city's tourist district. The transport system is good and taxis inexpensive so getting to and from the Eixample is easy.
That said, most gay visitors do stay in of the Example's hotels which are typically of high standard. If you wish to stay in a gay hotel in Barcelona, the world famous Axel hotel in the heart of Barcelona's gay Eixample offers luxury comfort in a welcoming atmosphere. This huge hotel has a pool in the top floor. It is a must for the discerning gay traveler. Single travelers also enjoy staying here as the huge hotel has a social bar where you can meet other travelers from around the world. Along with the standard 'do not disturb' sign, rooms in the Axel hotel have another sign: please disturb me!.
Other areas to consider are the beachfront especially the Hotel Arts skyscraper which is near the gay beaches and boasts stunning city views.