Barcelona’s queer history dates back to the 10th century, and overtime has grown into Spain’s biggest LGBTQIA+ wonderland. The city’s first pride celebration was held in 1977 though Las Ramblas (Barcelona’s busiest and most famous street), and ever since queer culture has heavily shaped the Barcelona we know today.
If you’re planning your trip to Spain, make note of these nightclubs, social spaces, and exhibitions so you can make the most of Barcelona’s LGBTQIA+ culture.
Eixample and Barri Gòtic
Eixampleand Barri Gòticreside close to one another and remain two of Barcelona’s most important and historically cultural neighbourhoods. Eixample is a classic Spanish district, home to the city’s LGBTQIA+ core and commonly referred to as ‘Gayxample’ because of its queer influence. The district is an urban nexus of Spanish culture, history, food, nightlife, shopping, and community.
A number of Barcelona’s hottest queer spaces are conveniently within a short walking distance from one another, making for an unforgettable bar-hopping experience. Developed majorly through the 19th century, the district’s architecture is heavily Gaudi inspired. An evening walk through Eixample gives you a historical slice of Spain.
Located in the south of Eixample, is the Barcelona LGBTQIA+ Centre, which runs a selection of community action projects and provides a huge centre of support in the city’s queer district. Exhibitions on queer history, photography, and performance are often on display, and we heavily recommend you check their roster before your visit!
Punto BCN
One of the city’s first ever queer bars still in business is the iconic and historical Punto BCN. This cocktail bar and essential space played a vital role in the creation of Barcelona’s LGBTQIA+ centre in Eixample.
Today, Punto BCN is always buzzing, with its historical significance bringing a large crowd every night of the week. Enjoy their world-class drinks, queer cabaret, and check their website for upcoming events and parties…
La Chapelle
Located right next door is another queer venue – La Chapelle.This intimate queer bar is accompanied by a large terrace which becomes a hotspot during summer evenings. Also known for their unique and speciality cocktails, make sure to enjoy a taste…
Today, La Chapelle is recognised by locals as one of the most popular queer venues to meet new people in the community, making it specifically great for solo travellers who might be looking for love.
Carita Bonita
Also located in Eixample, is the city’s famous queer women’s venue: Carita Bonita, which is only a short walk from La Chapelle and Punto BCN. In the centre of Eixample, this bar has become the heart of the queer women’s community in Barcelona, (amongst other venues).
Hosting LGBTQIA+ music events, pool parties, pride marches and DJ sets, just to name a few – Carita Bonita is an organisation forthe community. By regularly working with fellow LGBTQIA+ organisations, such as queer flamenco groups, Carita Bonita brings a more extensive taste of Barcelona and creates the perfect environment to enjoy Spanish culture in a safe queer space. The bar is also heavily involved in the neighbourhood community association, and fights against queerphobia and discrimination in Spain.
Barri Gòtic
Walk eastbound through Eixample’s bustling streets until you reach the open cobble-streets, 19th century buildings, and historical landmarks. Here, you’ve reached Barcelona’s Barri Gòtic(Gothic Quarter) – a labyrinth-style set of streets with a myriad of historical cathedrals, public squares, and social spaces. The quarter’s claim to fame, (alongside its buzzing social scene) is the medieval Roman wall, named the oldest part of Barcelona.
Pipa Club
Today, the quarter is home to many niche and distinctive social spaces – perfect for meeting like-minded tourists and locals. For example, Pipa Clubis a speakeasy-style ‘secret’ bar, which attracts extensive crowds through its creative cocktails and live music events. The city’s up-and-coming musical talent perform here, and Pipa Club provides a space for local musicians to share their creations.
Classified as a ‘hidden gem’ for its secretive exterior, you should make sure to check out this bar during your exploration of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter.
House of (S)Punk
It would be impossible to discuss LGBTQIA+ Barcelona without mentioning the city’s hardworking and fabulous queer collectives. House of (S)Punkis a Spanish queer collective and record company who describe themselves as being ‘born out of necessity’ by DJ and producer La Fraicheur in 2021. Today, the house is a platform for queer DJs to show their talents, as well as a safe space for Barcelona’s LGBTQIA+ community.
The House are actively working to reclaim Barcelona’s techno scene, focusing on creating spaces rather than profit. They host various celebrations which centre dancing, performance, fashion, and community – make sure to check their timetable before your visit to see what’s on! Today, House of (S)Punk are considered one of the most important queer collectives in Barcelona, with globally recognised events and music.
MARICAS
Another queer collective constantly making moves to better the city’s LGBTQIA+ scene, is MARICAS: a party collective aiming to bring raves closer to their queer roots. MARICAS has become international, fighting against queerphobic discrimination while focusing on the importance of community in its parties. Founded in 2018 by 3 queer womxn, the collective was birthed from a mutual passion for music, art, and queer culture.
Today, MARICAS is spearheading Barcelona’s queer partying revolution by hosting regular events throughout the year. Expect a buzzing dance floor, high-energy techno grooves, and the overall love of community.
Snap Bitch!
A collective we couldn’t leave out is Snap Bitch!, a QTIPOC+ focused ballroom collective helping to pioneer Spain’s partying renaissance. Here, spaces are consciously created for the safety of queer individuals of colour, and music is heavily inspired by South American and African rhythms, birthing a new wave of Spanish sound.
Snap Bitch! create queer balls, vogue workshops, and have collaborated with the likes of Boiler Roomto host gag-worthy studio nights. Created in response to the lack of spaces for Barcelona’s QTIPOC+ community, this collective works with similar organisations that are working towards the same goal. For example, Snap Bitch! has hosted nights at the legendary Voodoo Club– a Spanish Afro-diasporic club collective throwing wild celebrations which centre Afro-Caribbean musical genres for Barcelona’s queer community.
Barcelona is considered one of the safest and most accommodating destinations for the LGBTQIA+ community, and present day Spain is becoming a lot more openly queer, in part thanks to the collectives and venues mentioned above. Eixample, or ‘Gaixample’, stands out as the city’s historical LGBTQIA+ nucleus, but don’t forget to venture out as the city’s queer energy and scene are limitless. Explore the city during its LGBTQIA+ nightlife renaissance, and have an amazing trip!
