Catalonia’s Capital has it all: Daring architecture, sun-kissed beaches, killer shopping, and nightlife that is certifiably bananas (hitting the club at 2am is considered early). Of course, there’s plenty of eye candy, but come for the culture first, yeah? Grindr globetrotter, Robbie Sinclair, has a hand-picked list of how to make the most of your Barcelona getaway while creating plenty of opportunities to meet the locals… and then some:
Eat
This cute surf shack style eatery serves Asian inspired dishes with a regularly changing menu and a fab €12 lunch special.
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Be carefulyou could be anybody’s after one of their cocktails, so line your stomach with their eclectic worldwide-inspired menu. Near the nightlife but not on the normal gayborhood checklist, it’s great for a date night and is popular with locals of all ages.
Friendly and relaxing with good quality food. Perfect for a post shopping recharge, pre-night out dinner, or their house Vermouth that can top up your alcohol levels from the night before on a lazy Sunday. The towering nachos are great to share.Book ahead for the weekend.
Break up your day of sightseeing here for some gorgeous Vietnamese cuisine. In the heart of the Gothic quarter, the interior is camp and the staff is cute.
Drink
One of my fave pre-club hangouts. This bar always seems to be packed and it’s nothing fancy, but it’s a solid choice to start a night on the town. There’s always someone looking at you if you need a confidence boost. Just sayin.
Over the road are the friendly faces at Botanic with cheap drinks and a great patio out back. Whenever I go here I end up on a wild night out with a bunch of strangers. Not a bad thing.
If you’re in search of the creative crowd, go here. Bingo on the first Sunday of the month is absolutely hilarious, and they hold themed parties every weekend.
If high heels and wigs are your thing, this is a must. It’s like the best house party without the clearing up. Bearded drag queens high kick and death drop their way through a care-free crowd.
Location varies
On the rare occasion I feel classy, I treat myself here. Their amazing cocktail list keeps me hydrated and gives me some of my five a day. And let’s face ita way to a man’s bed is through a good cocktail.
Dance
Top of my list for slut drops would be Ultrapop. The space is huge and you’ll hear everything from Rhianna to the Spice Girls. Sorry not sorry.
If I’m in a shirts off, house music mood then Pervert is my place of choice.
Av. de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13
Within stumbling distance of Eixample’s gay bars, Metro is an easy option for a late night dance and a dark room to cruise.
Also close to Eixample but with a slightly younger crowd, Arena plays a mixture of flamenco and Spanish pop with the odd R remix thrown in for good measure.
This is your place to go if you’re craving a night of complete stupidness. Definitely worth the journey over to Le Poble-sec.
The Morning After…
So, you just rolled out of bed and feel a little jaded. Get a pick-me-up at Flax & Kale. Their cleansing juices and healthy dishes will bring you back to life after a night of (responsible) sinning.
The super sandwich is a must, and the cakes are to die for. Get there early or walk further to sister outlet Cup and Cake on Carrer d’Enric Granados for shorter lines.
And yes, the guys. They’re gorgeous, but so are Barcelona’s endless golden sandy beaches. If you want some serious eye candy you have two gay areas to choose from: Closest to the city next to the W hotel is San Sebastian where a relaxed atmosphere awaits. If muscle gazing is more your thing, head north along the coast to Mar Bella. In the summer, the beach bars holds lively parties well into the night.
