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Pulsating near the “Gayxample” – a section of the lower Eixample that is dotted with gay bars and clubs – is this see-and-be-seen nightspot. It’s always jam-packed with a dance-driven crowd of scantily-clad, beautiful men cruising for a connection. The two large dance rooms vibrate to the beat of techno, and music from the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, played by local and international DJs.

A mixed crowd – from drag queens to students – congregates at this small club/bar. The music is eclectic, the decor wonderfully tacky, with kitsch erotic statues.

Barcelona’s newest gay sauna (for men only) is ultra-clean, with four floors offering Turkish baths, Jacuzzis and saunas, as well as a bar and internet service. There are also private cabins, some with video players.

Fronted by large windows overlooking the throngs on Carrer Ferran, this spacious bar draws a sociable mix of both visitors and locals.

A Japanese restaurant during the day, this club by the beach provides all kinds of music in a great setting.

Barcelona’s music scene is like a motorbike to which Sidecar is inseparably bound. They say the American 6th fleet once hired the whole venue and made merry. Music, theatre, cabaret, video and good food can all be found.

Start your evening at this busy El Born café-restaurant. Or end it here as night descends and it transforms into a bar-club with DJ-spun house and techno.

The most magical and enigmatic of all Barcelona’s venues, this open-air amphitheatre, set in thick, verdant forest, makes an incredible setting for ballet, music or theatre. Only used for shows during the summer arts Festival del Grec, the gardens are open all year to visitors. (Teatre Grec).

One of Barcelona’s oldest clubs, Topxi has a small back room where you can get down to some serious – and anonymous – action. The owner dresses up and performs a camp show of the best (and worst) Spanish songs along with two other drag queens.