Madrid is a city that caters for all
tastes and inclinations. Whether you're gay, lesbian or bisexual, there are
activities, bars, clubs, and places of interest for everyone to enjoy and share.
Perhaps one of the best-known gay areas
in the city is Chueca. This neighbourhood, or barrio, is right in the
centre of Madrid, just off Gran Vía. You can get there easily by Metro (Line 5,
Chueca Metro station or simply walking from Gran Vía. The streets here are a literal rabbit's warren, so it's wise
to get your bearings before you go wandering around.
Hundreds of
gay-oriented businesses, including bars, coffee-houses, restaurants, design
shops, clubs, and clothiers are available for the intrepid explorer, and you can
wile away many hours in this section of the city. Chueca has found a new lease
of life in recent years, with the gay population investing money in local
business and property.
Stay at the Gay Hostel, Puerta del Sol - click here!
There is a pleasant atmosphere in
this district. Gay and straight people intermingle comfortably, and same-sex kissing
and handholding is a common site. The northern end of the neighbourhood is
mainly the area of straight college students, but the central Plaza Chueca
provides a vibrant mixture of heterosexuals and homosexuals.
Click here for a Chueca map (the numbers refer to these
Chueca hotels)
Accommodation within 1km of the central Chueca Square, in the gay area of Madrid:-
Although are no distinct lesbian areas
or clubs, lesbians do congregate and hang out in many of the bars, restaurants,
and nightclubs, mixing well with the rest of the gay community.
Madrid's Gay Pride parade (Dia del Orgullo Gay) takes place on the last weekend of June, when Chueca becomes the centre of
attraction and a truly vibrant and active area for gays and straights alike.
Madrid was designated EuroPride capital for 2007, and there was a
series of meetings to celebrate the event in the week leading up to the
traditional Gay Parade procession on the 30th June.
Please use the links below for sections on gay bars, clubs, restaurants,
saunas and accommodation.
There is actually a lot more to the
gay/lesbian community in Madrid, all of which could fill a full directory, but
the best way to see it is by getting out and about and looking around for
yourself. Just an hour wandering the streets of Chueca will show you a whole
host of things to do and see. It will keep you busy for days. So all gay
travellers are advised to enter the city with lots of energy, a desire to have
fun, and an open mind.
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