La Concha, a sexy wonderland in Barcelona
A continuous sense of being lost in a Lewis Carroll story in Park Guell, dramatic architecture, topless city-side beaches, and fried seafood pretty much sums up a holiday in Barcelona. None of this is unfamiliar territory for an experienced traveler, but finding oneself squeezed in between two post-operative transsexuals at a Moroccan bar causes one to pause.
Located in El Raval neighborhood, also known as Barrio Chino, along a picturesquely dingy street in Calle Guardia just off Las Ramblas, La Concha (a clever play on words meaning both shell and a slang term for a part of the female anatomy) has a crowd gathered at the door until closing time. Yellow-red lighting and a low ceiling introduce you to a mix of Barcelona’s Catalan and Spanish sexually ambiguous residents.
Strictly a gay bar in the past, it was purchased by a jolly Moroccan who kept the sexually free atmosphere. Pictures of the famous Spanish actress Sara Montiel decorate the paneled walls, a tribute to the first woman to daringly bare her sexuality openly on the screen in a time where low cut tops were considered risqué.
Like most places in Barcelona, La Concha is fairly reasonably priced. Expect to pay 7 Euros for a mixed drink, but the average amount of alcohol in a gin and tonic is twice what one would find elsewhere in Europe. Almost overwhelmingly friendly, tip well and a beautiful dark bandana-wearing bartender may kiss your hand as you leave.
Sitting with one of their regulars at the bar long after closing, listening to the chattering of drunken Spanish while watching new women reapplying their lipstick at 3 am, and throwing around some broken Dutch with the owner made this one of my top travel memories, but feel free to sit back and enjoy the sights with an open mind and heart.
A few accommodations in El Raval – Barrio Chino, Barcelona :
Located in the Old Town, only a few hundred meters from Las Ramblas, this cheap hotel in Barcelona is a good option for budget-conscious travelers looking for an accommodation in the city center. Not recommend for families traveling with children.
Ideally situated right on Las Ramblas – the most main avenue in Barcelona, this hotel is very close to Drassanes metro station, the beach, as well as restaurants, strolling and shopping areas. Hotel amenities include a cafeteria and a wireless Internet point.
Situated just few steps from Ramblas, this Barcelona apartment is a very elegant and comfortable attic featuring a double bedroom, a spacious living room, a large terrace with fantastic views over the city. Perfect for a family vacation in Barcelona.
The MH Apartments Güell are centrally located in Barcelona, very close to the famous Park Güell and only a few minutes walk from the main tourist attractions, such as Plaça Catalunya and Las Ramblas avenue. The perfect place to experience Barcelona’s nightlife.
Photo of Las Ramblas at night originally posted by [wendy]
2 responses to “Enjoy Barcelona’s nightlife at La Concha bar”
Report an inappropriate commentJune 2nd, 2008 at 8:22 am
Hi Aliki, Found your url on Google, thanks for such a wonderful web site and the useful information, i also liked the pictures.
a fellow webmaster.
January 10th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
hi, thanks for this piece on a favorite hang-out in Barcelona! La Concha is def. not for everyone, but a wonderfully eccentric very “El Raval” type of bar!
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