A Pre-Cruise Guide to Barcelona for Gay Travelers

Barcelona is a major hub for commerce, art, gastronomy and obviously, tourism, so there’s no shortage of hotels to suit everyone’s needs. For a short stay in Barcelona, stick with a more centrally-located neighborhood like Eixample, affectionately known as Gaixample for its high density of gay and lesbian bars, clubs and shops.

Eixample is easy to spot on a map because of its grid-like formation, and you can find most of the gay hotspots around L’Esquerra d’Eixample, the left part of Eixample separated by Carrer de Balmes.

Upon arrival, get settled and relax a bit after your long flight. If you stay at partner hotels like the 5-star ME Barcelona or the more budget-friendly Hotel Pulitzer Barcelona, you’ll get to settle in sooner with early check-in.

After you’ve had a moment to recharge, you’ve got a full day to explore the city’s most famous sites. There’s plenty of sightseeing to explore, so realistically, expect to see just a couple places. Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, and Casa Batlló are nearby favorites, and the forever under construction La Sagrada Familia is not to be missed.

Looking for something more scenic? Then, swing by Parc Güell where you may recognize its wavy mosaic bench as you overlook all of Barcelona. For those who haven’t fully recharged from traveling, consider an easy way to see it all from a distance by riding one of the hop on/hop off tours.

If sightseeing is not your thing, then perhaps a trip to the beach is your idea of starting your vacation. Catch a cab or take the yellow metro line to Poblenou, where a short walk leads you to the very gay-friendly beach. Show off your cute swimsuit or dare to bare it all as part of this beach is famous for being clothing optional.

Before dinner, head back to your hotel to freshen up and put on a cute look. Then, walk over to El Nacional, a former parking garage turned multi-restaurant concept. It’s made up of four restaurants and four bars, each with a different focus. It’s bound to please everyone at your party.

After dinner, head back to your hotel for a disco nap before heading out to go bar-hopping. Keep in mind that Spaniards start their night out late, so there’s no need to rush! Make your way to the rooftop of the Axel Hotel, where you’ll meet other travelers, expats and even some locals while taking in nighttime views of the city. A drink or two will do before you bounce around to other popular spots like La Chapelle and Boys Bar BCN.

On your second day in Barcelona, enjoy breakfast at your hotel, or start your day in Barri Gòtic (the Gothic Quarter) where there’s no shortage of adorable cafes. A simple croissant and café con leche will perk you up for a day of wandering the small historic streets.

While you’re around the area, you won’t want to miss the Palau de la Música Catalana. This incredible masterpiece by Luis Domenech i Montaner, one of Antoní Gaudí’s teachers, is among the most famous examples of Catalan Modernism across the city.

Work your way up Passeig de Graçia if you’re in the market for some designer goods. This street is like the Madison Avenue of Barcelona, and you can score major "discounts" with a combination of lower European prices, the exchange rate and a VAT refund. For more expensive purchases, make sure to request and fill out the tax-free forms. You’ll need this to get your VAT refund before leaving the EU.

No trip to Spain is complete without having some tapas, but unlike Madrid, most places don’t serve tapas for free with your beer or wine. Here, tapas is a full-blown meal best shared with others. La Flauta is a popular spot nearby in Eixample.

If you’re in the mood to party, you’ve got plenty of options. This is Barcelona, after all. Arena Madre or Yass! At Safari Disco Club are a couple popular parties, but your best bet is to chat with some locals to really find the best ones.

Hopefully, you didn’t party too hard last night. After months of waiting, today is the day you embark on your cruise! If you’re staying at one of our partner hotels like Monument Hotel or H10 Catalunya Plaza, there’s no need to feel guilty about sleeping in thanks to your late check-out perk.

By the time you’re rallied and checked out, it’s time to head straight to the port. For those cruising on Virgin Voyages, our Virtuoso partnership lets you check in early, which will give you a head start on exploring the ship. Bon voyage!

Okay, so you’re not ready to head home after your cruise? Then, consider taking a train from Barcelo Sants station to Sitges, a small beach town known to be a hotspot among the LGBTQ+ community year-round.

Sitges is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some beach time. The laid-back town is also famous for its Carnival celebration earlier in the year and Bear Week later in the summer.

Stay at the relatively new Sabàtic Sitges Hotel, an Autograph Collection property. It's a slightly longer walk from all the action, but the hotel is impeccable, peaceful and well-appointed. You won’t want to miss their breakfast spread either. The adults-only pool will ensure your vacation continues to remain kid free.