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Antinous is a popular, gay meeting point just off the southern end of La Rambla. The café incorporates a spacious shop, stocking gifts, books and videos, and has a small bar area with exhibitions. Pick up a copy of Nois , a free magazine available in most gay venues, which gives the lowdown on the gay scene.

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.

This ultra-chic restaurant offers hefty portions of Mediterranean cuisine with an exotic twist. The heavy duty decor of industrial-style black chains and metal is toned down by soft lighting and relaxing music. Make a reservation, as this is one of the most popular gay restaurants in town.

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.

Two of the hottest club-bars in town share the same entrance. Medusa has trendier decor, in the style of a loft apartment, but Zeltas pulls in the crowds. A heady mix of testosterone, potent drinks and pumping house make these prime spots to mingle with some Barcelona beauties.

Anything goes at the city’s most hardcore gay club, even nudity is permitted, welcomed, in fact, if it comes adorned with S&M gear. Be warned: this place is described by the locals as morboso (morbid). Things get going around midnight and you’re unlikely to go home alone.

Metro has two dance floors, one playing house, while the other has a free-and-easy music policy and a pool table. The club only livens up around 2am. You can sometimes pick up free tickets at nearby Dietrich restaurant, another gay haunt.

This classic, lesbian hangout is a booming club with beautiful bodies and fantastic dance music. Ultra-chilled surroundings mean it’s easy to make acquaintances. The door policy is strictly female only.

For over 10 years, this relaxed, friendly bar has stayed in vogue on a fickle gay scene. It gets impossibly busy around midnight at weekends and the music is loud, but it’s a good place to get fired up for a night out and get the latest on what else is happening in town.

In summer, gay men gather for some sun, fun and plenty of posing in front of the Club de Natació Barcelona on Barceloneta beach near Plaça del Mar.