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| Gay Neighbourhoods |
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The Eixample, just north of the old town, is the queer heart of Barcelona and has been given the affectionate nickname of the Gaixample. While many clubs, restaurants and hotels are scattered across the Gaixample (the roughly triangular area between Plaįa d' Espanya, Arc de Triumf and Plaįa de Francesc Maciā), most are clustered in the three or four blocks north of the stretch between Urgell and Universitat Metro stations. Some of the gay accommodation and saunas are located south of Plaįa de Catalunya in the Barri Gotic. |
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| Events |
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| Best Known For |
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Late night partying |
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Tapas |
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Wild and crazy architecture |
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| Three Must Dos |
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Explore Barcelona's most famous building, the church Sagrada Familia, a short walk from the Gaixample.. |
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Do as the locals do and enjoy a paseo by strolling along Las Ramblas, the 24 hour heart of the city. |
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Take in some of the city's vibrant club scene by checking out gay favourite spots like Salvation. |
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| More Local Info |
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| Tips |
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The Barcelona Card gives you discounts and free offers at museums, cultural venues, theatres, nightclubs and some restaurants. Most important it include free access to the full public transit system including the train to and from the airport. It's a steal. |
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Locals generally eat their meals (particuarly dinner) later than North Americans. Plan to sit down to eat around 10pm or later otherwise the only other people eating with you will be other tourists. You'll definitely want to take a disco nap. |
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Catalan is the first language of most people who live in Barcelona. While almost everyone can also speak Spanish, locals are very proud of their Catalan heritage and that is reflected in the increasing use of Catalan spellings for street and building names. We use the Catalan spelling throughout this guide. |
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How To Get There
By Plane
Most flights arrive at Barcelona El Prat International Airport (airport code BCN) located 14km south of the city.
Discount airline Ryanair flies into "Barcelona" but actually uses the airport at Girona (aiport code GRO) which is located about 80km north of the city. However, this airport conveniently close if the Costa Brava is your ultimate destination.
Like most European cities you don't need to rent a car to get in or around Barcelona. Taxis are available outside the arrivals area at all three terminals at BCN. A fare from the airport to the Eixample will be €18 to €25, depending on the time of day with evenings and weekends being more expensive. |
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The Airbus to Plaza de Catalunya, part of the EMT (Barcelona's transit system) will take you into the city where you can connect to the Metro (subway) or take a short taxi ride to the Eixample. A one way ticket is about €4.
The EMT's L10 train travels between the airport to Estacio Sants (Barcelona's main train station) and Passeig De Gracia in city centre where you pick up the Metro or take a taxi to hotels in both the Eixample and the Bari Gotic. A one way ticket is about €3 - or free if you have a Barcelona Card.
The most practical way to get into Barcelona from Girona airport is to take to take 70 minute shuttle operated for Ryanair.
By Train
Trains from France and beyond arrive at Estació de França while those from other parts of Spain and Portugal arrive at arrive Estació Sants. You can connect to the Metro at either station. |
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Gay and Lesbian Options
| While many of these hotels and B&Bs are not exclusively gay and lesbian, they attract a large queer clientele and may be gay owned and operated. Most are in or very close to the Eixample. |
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Hostal Absolut Centro - A moderate B&B in the heart of gay Barcelona. Some rooms have private bath. (Metro: Univeritat) |
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Agua Alegre - Smart, elegant B&B a short walk from the heart of the gay area. (Metro: Passeig de Grācia) |
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Hostal Albi - A small B&B full of antiques in the Bari Gotic, great for sightseeing and the beaches. (Closest Metro: Liceu - a bit of a walk) |
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Hostal L'Antic Espai - Small B&B full of antiques on one of Barcelona's grand avenues. (Metro: Passeig de Grācia) |
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One of the world's great gay hotels. Located in the heart of Barcelona, in the center of the Gayxample, the Axel is just five minutes walking from the Ramblas, the Bari Gotic, the Plaza Catalunya. A little pricey (especially during high season) but definitely worth it. (Metro: Passeig de Grācia) |
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Hostal Baires - A B&B in the Bari Gotic, close to the Ramblas and the harbour. Some rooms have private bath. (Metro: Drassanes) |
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Barcelona City Centre Hostal - Close to the heart of gay Barcelona, this simple, basic B&B is usually a good value. (Metro: Passeig de Grācia) |
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Barcelona Rooms - Colourful, small and basic, this well-located B&B lives up to its name. Some rooms with private bath. (Metro: Urgell) |
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Beauty and the Beach - A two-storey penthouse apartment opposite Barcelona's only nude beach - la Mar Bella. (Closest Metro: Barcoloneta - bus service available) |
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Barcelona's other gay hotel, all rooms have air conditioning and private bath - all at reasonable prices. Located in the heart of the Bari Gotic, it's perfect for those who enjoy having ready access to Barcelona's attractions and don't mind taking a taxi at night to the bars and clubs. (Metro: Liceu) |
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Central Town - A B&B with shared bath as well as two apartments with full kitchen and balcony or terrace. (Metro: Mercat de Sant Antoni) |
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Eos - A very centrally-located B&B with basic, clean rooms. Some rooms have private bath. (Metro: Universitat) |
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Fashion House - An elegant yet informal B&B with a lovely terrace and garden. (Metro: Urquinaona) |
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Friends - A small B&B with private bath for each of the four rooms. (Metro: Hospital Clinic) |
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Pension La Nau - Very basic and clean rooms (all with shared bath), close to many Barcelona attractions. (Metro: Arc de Triomf) |
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Hostal Que Tal - A simple, clean B&B close to the Gaixample. Some rooms with private bath.. (Metro: Tetuan) |
Gay Friendly Options
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Advance Barcelona - a 4 star hotel conveniently located to the city's gay nightlife. (Metro: Universitat) |
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Balmes - a 3 start hotel close to much of the gay action, often with excellent prices. (Metro: Diagonal) |
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Claris - an elegant 5 start hotel a few blocks east of the gay area of Barcelona. (Metro: Diagonal or Passeig de Gràcia) |
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Ideally located with many of Barcelona's bars and clubs just a couple of blocks away. The rooms are comfortable, well-designed and functional if a bit small. But the hotel definitely has that modern Barcelona vibe. (Metro: Universitat) |
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Diplomatic - a good value 4 star hotel close both daytime and nighttime attractions. (Metro: Passeig de Gràcia)
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Majestic - a 5 star hotel with great access to shopping and attractions and close to gay nightlife. (Metro: Passeig de Gràcia or Diagonal)
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Meridien - great for those looking for 5 star internation brand hotel. A bit of a hike from most nightlife. (Metro: Catalunya)
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Rafael Casanova - a good mid-range hotel with a great location. (Metro: Urgell)
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Regencia Colon - a good choice for where being close to Barcelona's attractions is more important than proximity to bars and clubs. (Metro: Jaume I)
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Rivoli Ramblas - a 4 star hotel that combines modern design and antiques. Great location for exploring the city.. (Metro: Catalunya) |
| Eating dinner in Barcelona means eating later in the evening with 10pm being a typical time to sit down for dinner. Consider dropping in bar for cocktails first if you want to start your evening earlier |
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Arc Cafe - Thai-inspired menu open until 2am on weekends. (19 Carabassa, Metro: Urgell or Catalunya) |
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La Bodegueta - a traditional restaurant particularly popular on weekends. (64 Muntaner, Metro: Urgell) |
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Castro - probably Barcelona's best known gay restuarant. Reservations are recommended. (85 Casanova, Metro: Urgell) |
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El Comodeor del Axel - you can't get any gayer this this - located in the Axel. (33 Aribau, Metro: Universitat) |
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Cosmopolita - a fun, eclectic restaurant with a mixed crowd. (6 Carrer de Muntaner, Metro: Catalunya) |
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D-Devine - drag and dinner - and very entertaining. Can be very busy at peak times so reservations recommended. (24 Balmes, Metro: Universitat) |
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Domestic - interesting, creative cooking in an informal atmosphere (145 Diputacion, Metro: Universitat) |
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Eterna - big and noisey, the drag shows are favourites with groups and birthday parties. (207 Consell de Cent, Metro: Urgell) |
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Las Fernández - a gay friendly tapas restaurant in the trendy Ramblas. (11 Carretas, Metro: Catalunya) |
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Gaya - gay friendly, great for cocktails or a meal. (122 Comte Borrell, Metro: Urgell) |
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Iurantia - Italian food in a modern setting. Reservations can be made online. (42 Casanova, Metro: Urgell) |
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Mui - stylish Mediterranean cuisine. (82 Villarroel, Metro: Urgell) |
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Tafino - casual, unpretentious dining. (193 Consell de Cent, Metro: Urgell) |
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Zoologic - a new restaurant from the drag queens who ran Miranda. (30 Casanova, Metro: Urgell) |
Men
| Bars and lounges are busier earlier in the evening, either for cocktails before dinner or drinks after. They start winding down around 2am when partying shifts to the large dance clubs. |
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Atame - a smallish bar particularly busy early on weekends (257 Consell de Cent, Metro: Urgell) |
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Axel Sky Bar - start your evening here with a cocktail. (33 Aribau, Metro: Universitat) |
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Bacon Bear Bar - friendly, smokey bar for bears and admirers. (64 Casanova, Metro: Urgell) |
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La Base - very cruisy leather bar with a weekly naked night. (201 Casanova, Metro: Hospital Clinic) |
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Bear Factory - a bar that lives up to its name. (3 Pasaje Domingo, Metro: Diagonal) |
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Berlin Dark - a slightly out of the way unpretentious yet active leather/festish bar. (6 Muntaner, Metro: Universitat) |
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Cosmo - trendy lounge with DJs on the weekend. (6 Muntaner, Metro: Universitat) |
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Dacksy - a good place for cocktails to start your evening. (247 Consell de Cent, Metro: Universitat) |
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Dietrich - once the city's top bar, now less busy but still worth a visit. (255 Consell de Cent, Metro: Universitat) |
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Martin's - a dance club that attracts a slightly older crowd. (130 Passeig de Grācia, Metro: Diagonal) |
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Metro - a popular dance club on two levels with a diverse crowd and a cruisy backroom, perhaps getting a bit tired. (185 Sepúlveda, Metro: Universitat) |
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New Chaps - a popular bar that tries to be leather-oriented but the slightly crowd may not reflect that. (365 Avinguda Diagonal, Metro: Diagonal) |
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People Lounge - a quieter, older-style bar where the emphasis is on conversation rather than music. (71 Villarroel, Metro: Urgell) |
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Punto BCN - probably Barcelona's most popular bar, particular with tourists. Gets going relatively early. (63 Muntaner, Metro: Universitat) |
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Salvation - the city's big club where you stay late and peel of your shirt. Check the website for current info. (19 San Pere, Metro: Urquinaona) |
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Strass - small, loud bar attracting a younger crowd (245 Consell de Cent, Metro: Universitat) |
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Sweet - a large but cosy cocktail-style bar (75 Casanova, Metro: Universitat) |
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Zelig - smaller lounger with DJs on the weekend. (116 Carme, Metro: Mercat de Sant Antoni) |
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Z:eltas - a big, popular bar with a clubby atmosphere. A good stop before heading to a dance club. (75 Casanova, Metro: Urgell) |
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The Arena Group (which include the Bear Factory and Punto) and the Matinee Group (which includes Salvation) have a variety special events and evenings. Check out their websites for specific details when you're in town. |
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Women
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Aire - Sala Diana - was popular with lesbians but may not be the hit it once was. Check the website to get up to date info. (236 Valčncia, Metro: Universitat) |
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Kiut - Probably Barcelona's most popular club for lesbians. (280 Consell de Cent 280, Metro: Passeig de Gràcia) |
Gay Men
| Barcelona has not only saunas (or bathhouses) where you can meet other guys for sex but also businesses where you can purchase the services of a rentboy (or sex worker). Locally this type of business is called a "casa de chicos" or "house of boys" to distinguish it from a more traditional sauna. |
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American Boys - a house of boys featuring younger men. (23 Universitat, Metro: Universitat) |
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Barcelona - clean, traditional spa atmosphere. (1 Tuset, Metro: Diagonal) |
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BoyBerry - a sex shop with hopping video and cruise areas. Cover charge. (96 Calābria, Metro: Rocafort) |
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Bruc - popular with older men looking for younger guys. (65 Bruc, Metro: Passeig de Gràcia) |
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Buenos Aires - newer and centrally located, popular with a younger crowd. (114 Urgell, Metro: Urgell) |
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Casanova - very cruisey, so it's popular and can be crowded. (57 Casanova, Metro: Urgell) |
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Condal - three floors, big jacuzzi, mixed crowd. (1 Espolsasacs, Metro: Catalunya) |
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Corinto - mixed, slightly older crowd, on the edge of the Ramblas. (62 Pelai, Metro: Universitat) |
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Galilea - smaller, spread over four floors with an older crowd. (59 Calābria, Metro: Rocafort) |
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Neron - a house of boys featuring men and transvestites. (185 Consell de Cent, Metro: Urgell) |
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Thermas - very popular but be aware there are lots of rentboys in the crowd. Check first to be sure you know what you're getting into. (46 Diputaciķn, Metro: Rocafort) |
Other Stuff For Your "To Do" List | |
Sagrada Familia |
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Sagrada Familia is probably Barcelona's most famous building. A work in progress, the church is the best known example of the Antoni Gaudi's architecture. A short walk from the Eixample, you can easily spend a couple of hours wandering around the site. Also check out the Gaudi museum in the basement. |
Clubbing |
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Barcelona doesn't sleep at night, especially during the summer. The world's top DJs continually pass through town at both gay clubs like Salvation as well as the many straight clubs. Two companies - Arena and Matinee - operate the most popular clubs so check their websites for special events. |
Las Ramblas |
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The main street of Barcelona, this wide pedestrian boulevard is ideal for the evening paseo or stroll after dinner. Enjoy the Miro mosaic in the sidewalk or mingle with the post opera crowd outside the Liceu. The street is a magnet for theives, so leave your valuables at your hotel. There are lots of restaurants and cafes here so it's a great lunch destination too. |
Picasso |
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Even though he was born in Malaga, Picasso spent the early part of his career here before moving on to Paris. The Museu Picasso showcases much of this early work (but don't expect to see any of his most famous pieces). Or follow in Picasso's foosteps on a walking tour of the key spots in his life in Barcelona. |
Beach Time |
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Barcelona has been working on recovering and rehabilitating stretches of beach close to the city centre. Platja Mar Bella is probably the first choice with gay visitors and locals alike in part because of the clothing optional area. Further south Platja San Sebastian tends to be less crowded but still quite popular. |
Boqueria |
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A spectacular food market (and the perfect way to combine people watching with a bite to eat), the Mercat de la Boqueria is a great place to pick up some goodies for a late afternoon picnic. Or check out the small bar/cafes around the market which take immense pride in the quality of their food and are well worth a visit for any foodie. From fantastic displays of mushrooms to an array of Catalana specialties, the abundance is staggering. |
Eurogames |
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In July 2008 Barcelona is going to play host to the EuroGames Barcelona 2008, the European championship for gay, lesbian and transsexual sportsmen/women and their friends. An amazing event which will involve more 30,000 people and which for a few days will transform Barcelona into the authentic European capital of sport and gay and lesbian culture. |
Modernista Barcelona |
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The building of the Eixample during the late 19th and early 20th centuries was the perfect opportunity for the Art Nouveau (or Mordernista) style of architecture to plant itself in Barcelona. The jewel in the crown is Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, But check out other Modernista buildings such as the Palau de la Musica Catalana by taking a self-guided walking tour which features the work of Gaudi as well as other local architectural heros. |
Scooter Tours |
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Bus tours not your thing, but want to see the Barcelona sights? See all of the city's famous landmarks as you cruise along Barcelonas streets on a 125cc automatic scooter. These scooter tours are available Saturday mornings (the ideal time to avoid sluggish traffic) but can also be arranged for other times - even if there are only a couple of you and you're prepared to pay a premium. |
Sitges |
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Ok, Barcelona definitely has a lot of offer the queer visitor. But one of Europe's favourite beach destination is less than an hour away at Sitges. Everything from the gay bars to the gay discos to the gay restaurants to the gay beaches to the gay cruising area to gay shopping to your gay hotel are all within a five minute walk of each other. It's the perfect gay holiday in a neat little package. |
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