Word: Ash Pritchard

The Catalonian capital boasts magnificent architecture, great shopping and an open friendly party scene, just don’t say you’re in Spain.

Situated on the tip of northeast Spain, Barcelona is a city famed for its breathtaking boulevards and beautiful buildings. The wealth of Catalonian culture is on display with a host of museums, public spaces and art exhibitions accessible throughout the year. For the gay traveller, the city has a lively and friendly gay scene, as well as an open and accepting culture. With the gay beach mecca of Sitges just 30 minutes down the coast, Barcelona is the perfect summer trip for a gay beach lover.

GETTING THERE
Most major European carriers service Barcelona’s main airport, albeit via a stop in their home hub. Air France (via Paris), KLM (via Amsterdam) and Lufthansa (via Frankfurt) all offer flights from around HK$5000 plus tax, depending on the season and how far in advance you book.

SLEEP
Axel Hotels
Aribau 33, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
www.axelhotels.com

Somehow elegant and funky at the same time, the “hetero-friendly” Axel hotel is set in the heart of the city’s gay district. Following an extensive renovation and expansion, this 105 room gay-boutique option will reopen in the spring with refreshed accommodation and a fabulous sky bar. Expect the clientele to be as hot as the new interiors.

Casa Camper
Carrer d’Elisabets, 11, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
www.casacamper.com
A hugely popular and fittingly quirky boutique hotel, Casa Camper is located in the Raval area, a short stroll from the Plaza Cataluna, one of the cities main squares. The former 19th century gothic tenement offers a unique guest experience, with hammocks in some rooms for that afternoon nap. The former chef de cuisine at El Bulli (acclaimed as the world’s best restaurant) takes the helm at the hotel’s restaurant.

Mandarin Oriental
Passeig de Gràcia, 38-40 08007 Barcelona
www.mandarinoriental.com
Smack bang on the main shopping street, Passig de Gracia, the newly opened Mandarin Oriental is upping the ante for the international-level luxury hotels in the city. Housed in an elegant mid-20th Century building, the 98 rooms and suites offer highly stylized and spectacularly creative interiors by internationally renowned Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola.

EAT
While Spain conjours up images of large plates of tapas, paella and giant jugs of sangria, Barcelona maintains its Catalan heritage with hearty fare. By law, restaurants must offer a ‘menú del dia’, a lunch set consisting of two large courses and a drink. Order wine and often an entire bottle will arrive – perfect for a boozy holiday lunch. Local specialties include butifarra, a long country sausage. Dishes will arrive on a super-sized hunk of bread, or with a side of mongetes, (tasty beans cooked with garlic).

Taverna El Glop
Sant Lluís, 24 08012 Barcelona
www.tavernaelglop.com
For a genuine taste of Barcelona visit Taverna El Glop – wholesome and delicious grub in comfortable surroundings.

El Taller de Tapas
Rambla Catalunya, 49-51 (Eixample)
www.tallerdetapas.com
While not traditional Catalan food, you can’t visit Spain and not try some tapas. El Taller De Tapas have four branches in the city, each serving great plates at good prices.

La Llesca
Travessera de Gràcia, 86, 08006
Tel: 86-28-8669 9719
La Llesca looks and feels like it hasn’t changed since the 1950s, from the grill at the bar to the utilitarian tableware and seating. Traditional and simple dishes, coupled with “aqua con gas” (a local sparkling water) make for a perfect pre-party meal.

SEE
There are far too many museums, public parks, and sights of interest to detail in one single article. Suffice it to say there are enough tourist spots to visit to keep the culturally inclined entertained. Be aware that, as one of Europe’s most visited cities, there will be many tourists around during peak seasons.

Catalan National Museum
Situated on the Montjuïc hill at the end of Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, The Museu d’Art de Catalunya boasts the region’s premier collections of Basque, baroque, gothic, and Romanesque art. Spectacular views of the city are available from all around Monjuic hill, while a short walk uphill from the museum will bring you to the vast expanse of the Anella Olímpica park, with the huge Montjuic Communications Tower.

Gaudi Architecture and Museum
The architect Antoni Gaudi is the undisputed king of art nouveau design, and created the many of the Barcelona’s most striking landmarks. His most striking masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, has been under construction since 1882 and is not expected to be finished until 2026. His quirky and visually arresting designs dot the city, and can be appreciated at venues such as seen at the La Pedrera museum (Provenca, 261-265, 08008 Barcelona )

Las Ramblas
One of the city’s key arteries, Las Ramblas is a pedestrian-friendly street lined with souvenir shops and street performers that winds its way down from the Plaza Cataluna towards the city’s harbour. For serious shopping, look out for the side streets that branch away from this tourist trap. Down these lanes you’ll find quaint boutiques as well as international chain stores such as H&M, River Island and of course, Zara.

NIGHTLIFE
Barcelona has an extremely established gay community, with a host of bars, clubs and discos to suit every taste and need. The main gay ‘district” is the L’Eixample, and particularly the streets that run behind the metro station Universitat. One important point to note is that, much like Hong Kong its a night bird’s city- most people don’t eat dinner till around 10pm and clubs don’t even open till 3am.

You’ll find may gay venues in clusters around L’Eixample, For example there are three bars close together on the street Consell de Cent: dance bar Crazy’s, cocktail lounge Dacksy and Dietrich, which features drag acts and cabaret. The city also has a number of bear bars, leather venues and clubs with dark rooms. For more info, click to www.barcelonagay.com which has a list of various nightspots.