Event Dates
From: Saturday, September 20, 2025
To: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
La Mercè Festival Barcelona 2025
La Mercè is the annual festival of the city of Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain. It has been an official city holiday since 1871
La Mercè Festival Barcelona 2025
La Mercè is the annual festival of the city of Barcelona in Catalonia, Spain. It has been an official city holiday since 1871 when the local government first organized a program of special activities to observe the Roman Catholic feast day of Our Lady of Mercy, La Mare de Déu de la Mercè in Catalan.
- Are you visiting La Mercè? Stay close to all the events at the H10 Madison, with spacious rooms and a sublime rooftop pool.
The Party
- Barcelona La Mercè lasts for around five days and bids goodbye to the summer with a bang and welcomes in the cooler months of autumn.
- La Mercè is a local holiday in Barcelona observed on September 24th each year. The festival itself is a four-day event featuring more than 500 activities, shows and cultural events.
- Most of the events occur in the Plaça de Jaume in the Gothic Quarter.
Event Highlights
- The streets of Barcelona are transformed with events, parades, fire runs (Correfoc) and thousands of people. The most traditional activities of the Mercè Festival are, in fact, a compendium of popular culture from all over Catalonia. Here are the most popular:
The Correfoc
- Fire Run. Join the beasts and run during the fire along Via Laietana from 8 pm.
- Visitors dance under sparkling fireworks as a parade of Devils wreak havoc on the city streets. If you intend to dance in the fire parade, make sure you wear a hat and some glasses for protection.
Castellers
- Watch the human towers on Plaça de Sant Jaume from 11am.
- The Human Tower event is one of the festival highlights. Arrive early as it attracts thousands of visitors. The Castellers aim to build a human tower. Once the tower is complete, the group’s youngest member, typically a small child, will climb to the top of the tower and stand, raising their hand as the crowd cheers in appreciation. Human towers require a lot of planning and teamwork, and the result is quite a sight. Highly recommended.
Gigantes
- The Giant Parade on Plaça de Sant Jaume from 11am.
- Ten-foot giants with effigies of kings, queens and nobles march through Barcelona. The giants spin and dance to traditional music played by the accompanying marching bands.
Light Projection Show
- One of the most memorable events during La Mercè is the Light Projection show, as the buildings of Plaça St Jaume are light up with specially commissioned projected images. The show takes place each evening.
Gay Celebrations
- The festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors and the gay bars are full each night.
- Many of the club nights will host special parties on the 23rd of September, as the following day is a public holiday.
- The Gay district of Eixample is a 12 minute drive from the Gothic Quarter.
Where to stay?
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
Where we stay!
Hotel El Palace Barcelona
is our preferred hotel in the city.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
La Mercè Festival, Barcelona Website
Map of Barcelona
The gay district of Barcelona is located in the city’s Eixample district, known locally as “Gaixample”. Here you will find most of the gay bars, clubs and restaurants. It is quite compact and easy to navigate. There are also lots of hotels and apartments available in this area.
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 651, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
Hotel El Palace Barcelona is located in Eixample District, close to the Ramblas, the main shopping area and Barcelona’s main tourist attractions. It offers a Mayan-style luxury spa. A limousine service with a chauffeur is available on request.
Opened in 1919, this hotel features a neo-classical façade and stylish air-conditioned rooms with classic decor. Each room is spacious and comes with satellite TV, desk, minibar and a private bathroom with hairdryer, bathrobe and slippers.
Gran Vía de las Cortes Catalanas 559, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
The chic H10 Casanova Hotel is centrally located on Barcelona’s Gran Via, a 10-minute walk from Plaza Catalunya and the Rambla. There is a garden spa with whirlpool and steam room.
Featuring contemporary boutique-style décor, the H10 Casanova offers air-conditioned rooms with a satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. There is a minibar and safe, and the modern private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and amenities. Room service is also available.
Carrer de Bergara, 11, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Hotel Cataluña offers an and stylish, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. It is housed in a Modernist building 50 m from Barcelona’s Plaza Catalunya.
The hotel serves a continental buffet breakfast with show cooking and it includes a wide variety of regional products and home-made cakes. Contempo restaurant offers traditional Mediterranean cuisine with a contemporary twist.
Carrer d’Aribau 54, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Hotel Cram is set in ’s central Eixample district, a 10-minute walk from Plaza Catalunya. It features a with city views and the Two Michelin Stars Angle Barcelona restaurant. All rooms have free WiFi and large flat-screen TVs.
The air-conditioned rooms at Cram Hotel feature a private bathroom with a hairdryer. A bathrobe and slippers are available upon request. Rooms feature beds by Treca de Paris, and elegant curtains by Gastón y Daniela. Some rooms have a private balcony.
Carrer d’Aribau 33, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
The area around the Hotel is known as the Gay-xample because of its lively gay scene. The has knowledge of the local gay scene, and the hotel is hetero-friendly too.
Offering free Wi-Fi throughout, this design hotel is close to Passeig de Gràcia's exclusive boutiques. The Axel Hotel’s 500m² Spa Centre includes a hydromassage pool and saunas, and the have flat-screen satellite TVs.
Carrer de Muntaner, 70, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
The apartment features a spacious living room & dining area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The full kitchenette with a washing machine. 3 Bedrooms & a bathroom with shower. Free WIFi
Carrer de Muntaner, 40, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
This modern apartment with air conditioning has 3 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV. A full kitchen with a dishwasher. A bathrooms, furnished terrace with city views. Free WIFi
Carrer de la Diputació, 197, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Offers air conditioned apartments with a living area a flat-screen TV and sofa. Each has a kitchen, complete with a washing machine. private bathroom with a bath or a shower and balcony or terrace. Free WiFi.
Passatge de Valeri Serra, 19, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Each air conditioned apartment is equipped with a balcony, a fully equipped kitchen with washing machine, a living room with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower. Free WiFi.
C/ d'Elkano, 69, Sants-Montjuïc, 08004 Barcelona
• Cozy and LGBT-friendly cafe-bar in the Poble Sec quarter.
• Filled with antique and vintage furniture.
• Offers various international breakfast options.
• Known for its friendly and attentive staff.
Daily 8am till 4pm Friday & Saturday 9am till 4pm
C/ del Parlament, 12, L'Eixample, 08015 Barcelona
• New LGBT-friendly resto-bar in the Sant Antoni quarter.
• Offers wines, beers, tapas, and tostadas.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 09:30 – 23:00; Friday 09:30 – 01:00;
Saturday 10:00 – 01:00; Sunday 10:00 – 22:00
C. del Consell de Cent, 273, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Popular gay bar in the Eixample quarter.
• Features camp decorations, a street terrace, and tapas.
Daily 11:00/12:00 – 02:30/03:30
Carrer de Casanova 64, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Big gay bar for bears and friends.
• Popular Happy Hour on Thursdays from 19:00 till 22:00.
Daily 18:30 – 02:30/03:00; Friday, Saturday till 03:00/03:30
Carrer de Balmes, 56, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Gay bar at the edge of the Gayxample quarter.
• Features small stage, drag hosts, shows and karaoke.
• Admission: 12 €, includes 1 drink.
Daily 23:00 – 05:00; Friday, Saturday till 06:00
C/ de la Diputació, 203, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Tribute to Pop icon Madonna.
• Various Pop music video screens.
Wednesday, Thursday 18:00 – 02:30/03:00; Friday, Saturday 18:00 – 03:00/03:30
Carrer de la Diputació, 167, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Cafe-bar with the essence of Boxer.
• Small street terrace.
Wednesday-Sunday 18:00/19:00 – 01:30/03:00
- Black Box Disco - Part of the Arena Group, Black Box specializes in House, Nu Disco and Funky, Techno and Electronic Music.
- A dance club for bears and leather lovers, they also host the CRU Fetish Disco.
- Located in the gay district on Carrer de la Diputació, 233
- Website
Carrer de la Diputació, 174, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Gay music bar with a mixed, Latino-friendly clientele.
Tuesday-Thursday 21:00 – 02:30; Friday, Saturday 21:00 – 03:00
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 586, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Trendy queer bar with various niches and lounges.
Daily 19:00 – 02:30; Friday, Saturday till 03:00
C. del Consell de Cent, 257, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Music bar for gays and friends with a small dancefloor.
• Plays Pop, Charts, and Commercial music.
Friday, Saturday 22:00 – 03:00
Carrer de Villarroel 86, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Gay bar with dancefloor and international and Spanish Pop music from the last decades.
• Fun atmosphere, usually busy after 01:00.
Friday, Saturday 23:00 – 03:00
C/ del Consell de Cent, 275, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
• Queer inclusive bar with a unique interior featuring goth, psychedelia, and magic touches.
Daily 18:00 – 02:30; Friday, Saturday till 03:00
Carrer d'Aribau, 40, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Offers drinks, cocktails and more than 20 different brands of Gin.
Daily 17:00 – 02:30/03:30
Carrer de Muntaner, 73, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Small cafe-bar for bears and friends.
• Street terrace.
Daily 18:00 – 02:30/03:30
C/ d'Aribau, 46, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Elegant gay club with a bar on the ground floor and a cruising labyrinth with cabins in the basement.
• Private social club for members only.
Wednesdays to Thursdays from 8:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Friday & Saturday from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Carrer de les Carretes, 57, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona
• Alternative, queer-inclusive bar in the Raval quarter.
Thursday 19:00–02:00; Friday, Saturday 19:00–03:00; Sunday 17:30–24:00
Carrer de Muntaner, 67, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Small gay bar decorated with old religious devotional objects.
• Relaxed cafe-bar by day and popular with a mature clientele by night.
Daily 16:00 – 02:30; Friday, Saturday till 03:00
C. de Salvà 3, Barcelona 08004
• Queer bar in the Poble-sec quarter with art exhibitions and alternative drag shows.
Tuesday/Wednesday-Sunday from 19: 00
C/ del Consell de Cent, 245 bis, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
• Trendy gay café-bar in the Eixample quarter with drag shows and DJs
Daily 17: 00 – 01: 00/02: 00/ 03: 30
Carrer de Muntaner, 34, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Small LGBTQ-oriented cafe-bar in retro style.
Daily 17: 00 – 03: 00; Friday, Saturday till 03: 30
104, Avinguda del Paral·lel, Superilla Sant Antoni, Eixample, Barcelona
• Queer/drag/trans/nonbinary bar between Sant Antoni and Poble-sec quarters.
Wednesday-Sunday 19: 00– 03: 00/ 03: 30
Rambla del Raval, 22, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
• Queer-inclusive bar in the Raval quarter with a mixed clientele.
• Best after 23.00
Daily 18: 00 – 02: 30;
Friday, Saturday till 03: 00; in summer 19: 00 – 03: 00/ 03: 30
Carrer d'Aribau, 55, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• New cocktail bar at the edge of the Gayxample area.
• Unique interior with playful symbols and icons.
• Plays Pop, Commercial, Reggaeton, and Trap music.
Monday-Thursday 20: 30 – 02:30; Friday, Saturday 20: 00 – 03: 00; Sunday 20: 30 – 02: 30
Carrer de Muntaner, 11, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Gay and lesbian bar in the center of Barcelona with a mainly young and middle-aged clientele
Daily 18: 00 – 02: 30; Friday, Saturday till 03: 00
C/ de Sepúlveda, 178, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
• Trendy music video bar with a dancefloor
• Best vibes after 1:00 AM
• Attracts a lively crowd of 20s and 30s
• Lots of pretty guys
• Check out their Instagram for more
Friday, Saturday 23: 00 – 03: 00
Carrer de la Diputació, 161, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Gay bar in the Eixample district.
• Popular during summer, especially Thursday-Saturday around 23:00-01:00.
• Mixed ages.
• Features a small cruise area with a few cubicles at the back.
Daily 18:00 – 02:30; Friday, Saturday till 03:00
Carrer d’Aribau 33, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Located on the rooftop terrace of the gay hotel Axel.
• Lounge bar with a view of the Eixample quarter.
• Open to the public in the evening.
Daily 20:00/21:00 onwards
C. de Villarroel, 68, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• LGBT bar with daily drag shows (free entry).
Daily 18:00 – 02:30/03:00
Av. de Roma, 155, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
• New gay lounge bar for bears, daddies, chasers, and friends.
Daily 18:00 – 02:30/03:00
C. de Villarroel, 60, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Gay bar with Caribbean-inspired interior and decoration.
• Small dance floor with South American-influenced music.
• Clientele mainly in their 20s and 30s.
Daily 17:00 – 02:30; Friday, Saturday till 03:00
C/ de Muntaner, 34 Bis, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
• Small wine and cocktail bar decorated with references to the movie Titanic
Tuesday-Thursday 18:00–02:30/03:00; Friday, Saturday 18:00–03:30; Sunday 18:00 – 02:30/03:00
C/ del Consell de Cent, 319, L'Eixample, 08007 Barcelona
• LGBT-friendly cocktail bar close to Passeig de Gràcia.
Tuesday-Thursday 18:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday 18:00 – 03:00; Sunday 18:00 – 24:00
Passatge de Prunera, 18, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
• Fetish-friendly gay cruise club in the Poble-sec quarter.
• Moderate prices with the most popular day being the 1st Sunday of the month (18:30~ 02:30).
• Admission: 12 €, incl. 1 drink (15-18 € at special events).
Tuesday-Thursday 22:00 – 02:30/03:00; Friday, Saturday 22:00 – 03:00/03:30; Sunday 21:30 – 01:30/02:00
Carrer de Calàbria, 96, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
• Gay sex shop with cruising labyrinth over two levels.
• Young clientele with themed parties on Tuesdays.
• Admission: 6.50 – 7.50 € (5 € before 15:00), 2/4 € up to 25/30 years.
Monday-Friday 12:00 – 23:00; Saturday, Sunday 15:00 – 24:00
Carrer De La Diputació 182, 08011 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
• Gay cruise club with bar, lockers, cubicles, slings and more.
• Admission: 10-15 €, incl. 1 drink.
Monday-Friday 12:00 – 23:00; Saturday, Sunday 15:00 – 24:00
Carrer de Balmes, 65, Bajos 2 08007, Barcelona
• Gay cruising club at the edge of the Gayxample quarter.
• Very bears-friendly with themed parties.
Monday-Friday 12:00 – 23:00; Saturday, Sunday 15:00 – 24:00
C/ d'Aragó, 130, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
• Large gay cruising club across two floors with clientele aged 30+.
• Dress code includes naked, underwear, fetish.
• Admission: 22 €, incl. locker and 1 drink (entrance fee cash only). Registration required.
C/ de Lluís el Piadós, 4, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
• New location of the former Black Hole opened in June 2022.
• Features a cash desk and lockers on the ground floor, small bar and big cruising area
with slings, gloryholes, wet area etc.
• Mainly middle-aged and mature men.
• Admission: 16 €, incl. locker and 1 drink (entrance fee cash only).
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday from 17:00 – 23:00
Carrer de Calàbria, 91, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
• Small fetish-oriented gay sex club.
• Check the website for weekly program and dress codes.
• Admission: 10-15 €.
Friday, Saturday from 22:00 – 05:00; Sunday from 19:00 – 02:00
19-21, Ronda de Sant Pere, la Dreta de l'Eixample, la Salut, Barcelona
• Large Gay Club by Grupo Arena for gays and friends in the center of Barcelona. • 2 dancefloors: Pop, Charts, Commercial remixes, House.
See website for events and opening times
C. de Balmes, 52, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
• Queer Bar & Terrace for everyone in the heart of the LGTBIQ+ center of Barcelona.
Daily 8pm till 3am
Rambla de Catalunya, 4, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
• Vibrant Sunday night gay dance & cruise event with DJs, lighting effects, a dark room & a terrace.
Sunday 11pm till 5am
Carrer de Muntaner, 65, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Relaxed gay bar, perfect for a chat with friends.
Tuesday to Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 2:30/3:00 a.m.
Recommended Hotels in Barcelona
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Barcelona that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
El Palace, 5 Star
Old World Charm
- 5 Star, Mayan-Style Luxury Spa & amenities
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Classic decor, satellite TV, private bathroom
- Old World charm meets modern luxury, close to Barcelona’s main attractions and vibrant gay district.
H10 Metropolitan, 4 Star
Great chill out pool
- 4 Star, Rooftop Terrace with Chill-Out Pool
- Close to the gay district
- Flat-screen TV, air conditioning, coffee machine
- Enjoy the rooftop chill-out pool and modern amenities, steps away from Barcelona’s lively gay scene.
Catalonia Plaza, 4 Star
Great Value for money
- 4 Star, Modernist Building with Outdoor Pool
- Close to the gay district
- Air-conditioned, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV
- Combining historic charm and modern facilities, offers an outdoor pool and proximity to gay bars.
Hotel Cram, 4 Star
Stylish- Perfect Location
- 4 Star, Modernist Façade and Elegant Interior
- A short walk to the gay bars
- Advanced lighting, private bathroom, air-conditioned
- Stylish hotel with state-of-the-art facilities, perfect location for exploring Barcelona’s gay nightlife.
Video, La Mercè Barcelona
Higlights of La Mercè
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Barcelona
Barcelona is known for its diverse and vibrant LGBTQ+ community, and there are several popular gay neighbourhoods that offer exciting experiences. Here are five of the most well-known gay neighbourhoods, each with its own unique charm and attractions
Eixample | Close to the city centre
Photo: Eixample is home to some of Barcelona’s most popular gay bars
- Located to the northeast of the city centre, Eixample is one of Barcelona’s most famous gay neighbourhoods, often referred to as “Gaixample”.
- The neighbourhood is home to numerous gay-friendly hotels, gay bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops.
- One of the most popular attractions in Eixample is Antoni Gaudí’s modernist building, Casa Batlló.
- Discover the best things to see and do in Barcelona
El Raval
Raval has a bohemian atmosphere with an alternative gay scene and is home to Barcelona’s Museum of Contemporary Art.
Gràcia
Gràcia has an artsy vibe with gay establishments on Carrer de Verdi and hosts its famous Gràcia festival in August.
Barri Gòtic
The gothic quarter offers a mix of historic charm, trendy shops, and an inclusive atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Barceloneta
Stay close to the gay beach and the famous B Gay Chiringuito and enjoy delicious dining in the nearby historic Port Vell.
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