The Barcelona of the 21st century is a vibrant, modern city with an historical past. Lively bars and restaurants and a nightlife that does not stop. Plenty to do in the day time, with shopping and sightseeing. Plenty for the art lovers, Gaudi and Picasso for a start. A must is a visit to The Ramblas and the new Seafront, with bars and restaurants. Throw in the year-round temperate weather, and the city is a constant gay-popular playground.

Barcelona is no stranger to diversity and has long embraced an attitude of tolerance and egalitarianism, especially toward its gay residents. While gay haunts can be found in most of the city’s neighborhoods, the L’Eixample (Gayxample) district plays host to much of the LGBT scene.

Just north of L’Eixample is the Gracia district, known for its neighborhood Festa Major, which takes place annually around August 15. Although each of Barcelona’s different districts has its own celebration, the gay-flavored Festa Major de Gracia is perhaps the biggest and should not be missed. Other gay travel highlights are Barcelona’s sparkling beaches and a day trip to Sitges, a very gay seaside resort town just 30 minutes away by train. Carnival in Sitges is the area’s top gay event of the year—the town comes alive with costumes, camp, and carnal delights.