Barcelona

Around the turn of the century Barcelona took over from London and Paris in being the leading gay city of Europe. Barcelona is for the gays what Mecca is for the Muslims. We go here on pilgrimages!...

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Around the turn of the century Barcelona took over from London and Paris in being the leading gay city of Europe. Barcelona is for the gays what Mecca is for the Muslims. We go here on pilgrimages! The Olympic Games in 1992 started a chain reaction in this capital of Catalonia by the sea. It hasn't subsided yet. Barcelona has transformed from a sleepy port and a refuge for artists, to a hyperactive and creative city, fond of entertainment. Barcelona is full of modern architecture, design, exotic scents, trendy bars and inspiring restaurants. It also has a nightlife that starts when ordinary people go to bed! Barcelona is lovely and sensual. A city full of energy and fiery temperament, a big heart, long beaches and a beneficial Mediterranean climate. Barcelona has everything and is everything! Among the many people who realised this was Picasso, Dali and architect Gaudi, who all fell for the inspiring charm of this port. Though a lot has happened since then, there is still a surreal and sublime atmosphere in Barcelona. Gaudi is most famous for the unfinished, but spectacular, cathedral Sagrada Familia. On the well-known main street, "Las Ramblas", honking taxis and adapted mopeds compete for the space with German football fans, tourist and crazy vendors. The close vicinity to the beach makes Barcelona an extraordinary city. Here you can shop, eat tasty food and visit museums during the day. When the city takes its siesta in the afternoon, you can do what so many others do, go to the beach in the middle of the city, to recharge your batteries for the night's bravado in the city's many cool nightclubs. The whole city IS gay, but mostly so in the Gayxample area. Here you find everything from saunas to dyke bars and drag shows.