The 13 best gay bars in Barcelona

When Albert Villaplana and Albert Macaya (the Alberts, as they’re endearingly called) decided to make La Federica their own, they knew they would have to make their mark on the emblematic Barcelona hotspot. That they did, with pastel, ’70s-themed furniture, brightly hued shirts and fanciful themed parties. If their goal was to build a queer haven in the middle of Poble-sec, the Alberts are well on their way. 

What does this gay bar have in common with Belgian comics, you might ask? Both are influenced by the legacy of Tintin, an affable redhead who was one of the most popular cartoon characters of the 20th century. At this Gayxample staple, Gingin is the bar’s carrot-topped mascot, and gin and tonics flow freely. Take your pick from a formidable list of drinks and enjoy the vibrant, youthful environment. It’s open all week long, so there’s no reason not to become familiar with Gingin and his ‘Ginboys’.

Punto BCN is a Gaixample staple and the first gay bar in town. It’s fiercely unstylish but friendly and down to earth. It’s also one of the few places where you’ll find anybody early on. Tables on the mezzanine give a good view of the crowd, so you can take your pick before the object of your affections heads off into the night.

This Danish gay bar in the historic Plaça del Pedró might seem out of place next to the square’s ancient fountain and a 17th-century monument to Santa Eulàlia, but what it lacks in legacy it makes up for in energy. Come for the fruity cocktails and stay for the authentic Danish delicacies and live music.

Bit by bit, C/Carretas has grown into a local bubble with a personality all its own. This street and its charming variety of personalities are complemented by Casa de la Pradera, a friendly and relaxed gay bar with an ever-revolving cast of characters. Along with good beer and a free tapa with every drink, the place adds a hearty dose of freshness and queer enthusiasm to an already vibrant neighbourhood. 

Named for the iconic American actress and transsexual from Andy Warhol’s Factory, this bar offers a variety of different experiences. Hungry? Much on a toasty ‘bikini darling’. Want to have a more chill night? Relax on a plush sofa and enjoy a drag show, circus act or burlesque performance. In the mood to dance? Head to the Wild Room for the queer disco of your dreams. No matter what you do, you’re guaranteed a night of otherworldly fun with folks who are just as interesting as the art on the walls. 

This club is on its third reinvention, and it just keeps getting better. First it was Museum Girls, a lesbian bar that later became the ’80s- and ’90s-themed Museum Retro. Since 2013, though, it’s remained Boys Bar, the second iteration of a bar that used to stand on C/Muntaner. The usual crowd frequents parties like Matinée and Bitch, so you know you’ll never be alone on the dance floor.

The Olímpic Bar is a delirious whirlwind of bohemians, hipsters, Raval revellers, drunken university students and broke lovebirds. On top of all that (if you can imagine), it’s one of the premier spots on the Barcelona LGBTQI+ scene. This well-known bar has been lovingly and creatively reimagined, resulting in a delightful paradox: it’s a place with an old soul and a young spirit. 

True fans will get the reference embedded in this café’s name, but for the uninitiated, we’ll help you out. ‘The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert’ is the full title of the 1994 Australian dramedy about three drag queens and their road-trip adventures. Priscilla Cafe pays homage to the film with a relaxed environment and unfussy menu, making it the perfect place to kick back like a queen in the heart of the Eixample.

This hotspot is open just two nights a week, epitomizing the trope of quality over quantity. The trendy space is filled with over-the-top faux baroque touches like gilded frames and classical statues that stand in cohesive contrast to the vibrant video screens lining the walls. With strong drinks galore and recent pop music videos reflecting off the walls, a night at Museum might require some recovery... Maybe that’s why it’s open only on Friday and Saturday nights.

This bar boasts cheap drinks, cosy quarters and a lot of religious paraphernalia. La Chapelle is narrow and intimate, making it a great place to meet new people or catch up with friends, all in one of the most unique settings in the city. Where else can you drink while saints give you knowing smiles from their spots lining the walls? Head to the heart of the Eixample for a (very reasonably priced) drink and you might realise that going to church is fun after all. 

Plata Bar has it all: fun cocktails, an ideal location and huge windows for people-watching. Although the modern design and colourful lighting might make it seem like a place for the trendiest of the trendy, this bar is surprisingly low-key. Its aim is not to be the hottest spot in the city, but rather a fun and authentic place for anyone and everyone. Bring your friends and watch the night melt away as the music gets wilder with each hour, or enjoy a simple drink al fresco. Whatever your vibe, Plata Bar is the way to go. 

This terrace high above Barcelona might just be the place to be during the city’s sweltering summer months. Lounge on chaises, take a dip in the stunning infinity pool and enjoy an exclusive, international atmosphere on the ‘hetero-friendly’ rooftop of the Axel Hotel. The menu offers modern nibbles and – if you're really feeling classy – fondue for two. Be sure to check out the hotel’s calendar for a rotating list of events, like drag shows, pool parties and concerts.