After passing a marriage equality law in 2005, Spain is becoming a popular destination for gay-friendly tourism. In fact, the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association just held their 2014 convention in Madrid, cementing the country’s stance on progress and equality.
After the regime of Francisco Franco came to an end, right-wing Catholic conservatism took a backseat to an embrace of liberal values that started in Madrid and moved to Barcelona. The heart of the LGBT scene lies in the Eixample District that’s packed with clubs, restaurants and boutique shops. There are plenty of gay-operated establishments in the neighborhood, earning it the nickname “Gay-Xample.”
There are a number of LGBT hotels in the area, most famous of which is the world’s first gay hotel chain, Axel Hotels, the self-titled “hetero-friendly hotel.” Located on the edge of Eixample, the hotel features a rooftop terrace, bar and wellness center. Hotel Cram and the Casanova are also popular places to stay in the gay district, and there is also Hotel California, located in the stylish Gothic Quarter.
If you are looking to soak up some sun, Mar Bella and Nova Mar Bella are popular with the LGBT scene, as they are more secluded and not quite as chaotic as Barceloneta. Once the sun sets, Gay-Xample comes alive with a whole district of gay nightlife. Deitrich, Lust and Ambiente del Sur are popular spots, but if you want to venture out of Eixample, head over to El Cangrejo in El Raval, a famous drag club known for its raucous parties. Metro is a popular men-only club spot that specializes in disco and house music. Ladies might want to head to Aire, sister club to Arena Disco, which is an enormous club venue with a mixed crowd.
You can learn more about LGBT tourism in Barcelona here.
Read This Next
AC Hotel Cuidad de Pamplona
Hotel
Sep 19, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Apr 25, 2024Celebrate May at Memphis in May International Festival
With May around the corner, it's time to put some last-minute, can’t-miss activities on your radar. Memphis, Tennessee, “Home of the Blues,” is set to host its annual Memphis in May International Festival, featuring the first-ever RiverBeat Music Festival, World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest, a marathon along the Mississippi River and more.
Sponsored Content
Your Home Away from Home in Dallas
Open spaces, open thinking and open expression thrive at Aloft Dallas Downtown.
Hotel
Apr 25, 2024JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi Opens
JW Marriott’s second property in Kenya recently opened: JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi stands as the tallest hotel in the country at 35 stories. Located in the Westlands commercial district, JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi boasts 315 guestrooms, several dining destinations, a Spa by JW, a swimming pool, a fitness center and eight event spaces. A sky bar and lounge, as well as 51 serviced apartments, will open later this year.
Destinations / North America
Apr 24, 2024How to See the Northern Lights in Alberta, Canada, This Year
You may have heard 2024 is going to be one of the best years to see the northern lights and, if you’re interested in experiencing this phenomenon for yourself, you likely have been thinking about making the trip to Iceland or Scandinavia — notable destinations for northern lights viewing. However, you don’t have to leave North America to take in the Aurora Borealis. Alberta offers plenty of spots and ways to see the northern lights.
Sponsored Content
United Continues Its Global Expansion
United Airlines keeps soaring to new heights, recently announcing another expansion of its leading global route network. The airline added new non-stop flights between Newark (EWR) and Marrakesh (RAK), Morocco; Tokyo (NRT) and Cebu (CEB), Philippines; and Houston (IAH) and Medellin (MDE), Colombia. That’s not all: United also plans to increase flights to popular worldwide destinations including Hong Kong (HKG); Seoul (INC), South Korea; and Porto (OPO), Portugal. Following the recent agreement to increase flights between the U.S. and Chinese governments, the airline now adds four weekly flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai (PVG).
Trends
Apr 24, 2024This Internship Has You Cuddling Cows
Harvest Hosts, a membership program offering RVers access to more than 5,000 unique camping locations, recently announced the launch of its Cow Cuddling internship program for the summer. The internship offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for people to immerse themselves in the therapeutic practice of cuddling with cows while contributing to their well-being.
ShareThis