Barcelona Gay and Lesbian Travel

Barcelona is often hailed as the queen of Spain’s gay scene—drag queen, that is. You will surely find divas serving drinks at some Barcelona restaurants, like Eterna (tel. 93-424-2526) or Zoologic (93-453-5249, www.zoologicrestaurant.com). Eixample, where most of the nightclubs, bars, and hotels are found, is the center of Barcelona gay life, and Sitges, the site of Barcelona’s largest gay event, Carnaval, is a mere hour away.

Zeltas, C. Casanova, 75 (tel: 93 450 84 69 www.zeltas.net) Like a story lifted from a sultry romance novel about an all-male harem with impeccable taste, Zeltas pleases the eyes in more ways than one. An all black interior draped in white, flowing fabric sets the tone, while chic white couches and a bar seemingly dedicated to those looking to dance shirtless sets the mood. Musky cologne floats through the air, and beefy male dancers in tight black spankies make the air somehow thicker. Male dancers nightly. Beer €5. Cocktails €7.50. Open daily 11pm-6am.
La Chapelle C. Muntaner, 67 (tel: 93 453 30 76) A wall of devotional figurines and paintings with mostly nude men in front allows La Chapelle to show a gayer side of the sacrament. Solemn red lighting mixed with modern bubble lights cut through the veil of testosterone—apparently debaucherous religious imagery is bait for bears. Get a little closer to God while getting a lot closer with some grizzly guys. Beer €2.50. Mixed drinks €5. Open daily 4pm-2:30am.
Atame Consell de Cent, 257 (tel: 93 434 92 73 www.facebook.com/bar.atame) Dietrich Gay Teatro Cafe’s life partner, Atame’s sleek minimalist interior pulses with’80s hits and a mostly male crowd that loves to sing along (and encourage you to sing with them). The dance floor in back is packed when drag shows aren’t in session, while the front of the bar provides a lush hunting ground with diverse prey for those on the prowl. Happy hour mixed drinks €4. Drag shows and other events nightly. Call for more info. Mixed drinks €5. Open daily 7pm-3am. Happy hour 6pm-11am.
Aire C. Valencia, 236 (tel: 93 454 63 94 www.arenadisco.com) If you’re looking for a queer-centric party spot that isn’t overwhelmingly male (i.e. the rest of l’Eixample), check out Aire for all of the non-guy company the neighborhood seemed to be lacking. This huge club is packed nearly as soon as its doors open and continues to party with a mix of pop hits, R and B, and electronica well into the night. Don’t worry about feeling left out—no matter your gender or orientation, unless you show up at one of their Women-only strip shows (6-10pm one Su each month)—the owner says the club is, “for girls..and friends.” Women-only strip show 6-10pm 1st Su of every month. Cover €5-10; includes 1 drink. Open Th-Su 11:30pm-3am.
Plata Bar C. Consell de Cent, 233 (tel: 93 452 46 36 www.facebook.com/platabar) Four flatscreens play a simulcast of Lady Gaga videos in an interior chic enough that sculptural water bottles can parade convincingly as art. Colored lights spice up the chic interior with rainbow flags in the window to match. Order a mojito (€9.50) from one of the ripped bartenders, and settle into this classy gay bar before heading over to shake your tail elsewhere. Beer €3.50. Cocktails €9.50. Open daily 7pm-3am.
Dietrich Gay Teatro C. Consell de Cent, 225 (tel: 93 451 77 07 www.facebook.com/dietrichcafe) Rainbow flags, a cheery staff, and an unquestionably classy portrait of an old, saggy, fishnet-clad Marlene Dietrich wait to greet you as you walk in the door. Despite the cheery atmosphere, a serious dance floor lies waiting in back, complete with a Bacardi-cooler-turned-sculpture along the bar. Some nights are hit or miss—a packed house during their special events is countered by an echoing shell on nights off. If the bar seems too empty for your tastes, hop next door to the club’s other portion, Atame, for a guaranteed full house. Drag shows, acrobatics, and dancing on some nights. Check with restaurant for event schedule. Beer €3.50. Mixed drinks €4.50-7.50. Open Th-Sa 10:30pm-2:30am.
Bar Centrik C. Aribau, 30 One of the newest additions to gay-friendly nightlife in l’Eixample, Bar Centrik caters to a mix of sexualities about as convoluted as its interior decoration—prepare to be engulfed by lush purple walls clad with’60s logos sitting under the bar’s straw hut overhang. Super friendly regulars will have you sharing your secrets in no time (as well as listening to some of their own), and just one of their delicious but potent cocktails will have you confessing more than you may have wanted. Beer €4. Cocktails €6-8. Open daily 11pm-3am.
Kitchen by Axel C. Aribau, 33 tel: 93 323 93 93 www.axelhotels.com Previously Underground by Axel, this space within the heterofriendly Axel Hotel has shed its edge and undergone a disappointing domestification. Serving delicious food during the day to a mainly gay clientele, the bar hosts a reserved but friendly gathering of hotel clients and would-be hotel clients later in the night. Brown paisley walls and white upright seating make this bar decidedly restaurant-esque even during the latest hours. Intimate drag nights with no cover may even make the €11 cocktails worth the price, but probably not. Drag shows on certain nights. Check with restaurant. Cocktails €11. Champagne and liquors by bottle. Bar open daily 10:30pm-midnight. Kitchen open M-F 7am-11pm, Sa-Su and holidays 8am-midnight.