"Gaixample"

Barcelona is a tolerant and open-minded city. Throughout its history, its inhabitants have been aware of the breakthroughs and progress being made by society. In the 1970s Barcelona was already a pioneering city in the fight for the rights of the LGTBIQ+ community. From the beginning of the Gay rights movement to the current Eurogames and Pride, together with same-sex marriages that have been held here since 2005, Barcelona has encapsulated the spirit of a modern, forward-thinking European capital.

LGTBIQ+ tourism has been out of the closet for a long time in Barcelona. Tourists can enjoy a wide range of leisure and cultural attractions in an atmosphere of tolerance and freedom. Right in the heart of the Eixample is a rectangular area bordered by Carrer Balmes, the Gran Via, Carrer Urgell and Carrer Aragó. Known as the "Gaixample", it doesn't cater solely to the LGTBIQ+ community but epitomises the city's inclusive spirit (the Axel Hotel was the first hotel in the world to declare itself heterofriendly). The area offers a wide variety of gay-friendly bars, shops and restaurants. Many members of the LGTBIQ+ community have moved to this area and you can see the rainbow flag hanging from balconies and in shop and bar windows. Welcome to diversity, welcome to Barcelona!