Spain is a country of fiestas, and the capital city of Madrid really knows how to throw a party. Throughout the year there are a host of festivals including El Dos de Mayo, marking the anniversary of Madrid's uprising against Napoleonic forces. For gays, the annual June/July pride celebration nearly takes over the entire city. For those who like more kink, the Madrid Sleazy Festival sizzles in late April and early May.

Getting here

Madrid's Barajas Airport is about 7 miles east of the city. Many of the airlines from North America arrive here, and national carriers worldwide have service, along with several low-cost European airlines. The airport is connected by Metro line 8 to the city, with stations at the terminal buildings. The train takes about 50 minutes to reach the Chueca station, the gay district, with two line changes, and costs 5 euros.

The overnight sleeper trains from Paris to Madrid have been replaced by TGV/AVE high speeed trains, a trip of 10 hours with a change in Barcelona. See EuroRailways for info. The Atocha station, on Metro line 1, is where most RENFE trains come in from elsewhere in Spain, along with their high-speed AVE trains from Barcelona, Seville or Valencia.

Buses arrive at Estación Sur de Autobuses where long-distance carriers ALSA (from Barcelona or Malaga) or Avanza (from Valencia or Lisbon) are the two largest. Each of these has online ticket sales, and Movelia handles that service for the many smaller lines. If departing, and buying tickets at the station, be prepared for confusion and crowds - give yourself extra time, and consult the information booth if necessary.

Getting around

Madrid is a walker’s city, so make sure to plan plenty of time for strolling. Metro Madrid is big, cheap (1.50 euros per single trip, or less with a day pass), efficient, and a great way to move from one part of the city to another. English is the second language on the signs and maps are free at the ticket booth. The Metro stations close overnight, opening at 6am, but RENFE stations like Puerta del Sol open at 5am, with commuter lines for the airport or Atocha Station intercity trains.

Neighborhoods

The majority of gay venues are situated in the maze of small streets around Plaza Chueca and onward towards Gran Via. The area around Metro Lavapies also has a cluster of clubs and restaurants of interest. Puerto del Sol is a large square at the end of the pedestrian shopping streets from Gran Via - a gathering spot for many, with Metro underground train connections to most everywhere.

What to do

Madrid is full of cultural and artistic highlights. Well-known art galleries worth a visit include the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza, and the Reina Sofia. The Museo Sorolla was the Madrid home of Joaquín Sorolla, the Valencian painter who created epic canvases of everyday Spanish life, imbued with mythic grandeur. His work can also be seen at the Prado, and in New York City at the Hispanic Society Museum.

Currency and Money

Spain’s official currency is the euro. There are ATMs scattered about the center, so you won’t have trouble getting more cash. Consult your bank before departure as some larger US banks have network agreements with locals, to save on costs of withdrawal charges.

Media 

Guía Gay Magazine, has regional editions, including one for Madrid, a small bar glossy give-away with a big and comprehensive website in Spanish. Shangay Magazine and their listings edition Shanguide is another Spanish gay media group with Madrid coverage.

Oh My God! gay magazine also has events listings for all regions of Spain, along with glossy lifestyle and travel spreads and online edition. QTravel is a Spanish-language gay travel magazine covering Spain and the world.

Madrid Destino is the city tourist website.

For map locations and website links to the gay businesses below, and more, see our listings pages.

Accommodations

Casa Chueca Hostal (San Bartolome 4), six rooms, balconies overlook street, interior courtyard, located at center of the gay district. Spanish, English, and French-speaking staff.

Chueca Pension (Gravina 4), eight clean, bright, inexpensive rooms in Chueca; laundry service, free internet, english and french spoken.

Hostal Adria Santa Ana (Nuñez de Arce 15), ten guestrooms, private bathrooms, telephones, digital safe, internet access, satellite TV. Connected to Hostal Adria and Hostal Adriano.

Hostal Hispano (Hortaleza 38), at heart of the gay zone, elevator, clean and comfortable rooms, AC, television, and ceramic-tiled bathrooms.

Hotel ME | Madrid Reina Victoria (Plaza de Santa Ana, 14), 192 luxury rooms, gym/spa, yoga, WiFi, two restaurants/bars.

Hostal Odesa (Hortaleza 38), third-floor inexpensive rooms with elevator near Gran Via; bright decor, AC, WiFi and television.

Hostal Sonsoles (Fuencarral, 18, 2nd floor), small budget rate hostal just off Gran Via, 24-hour snack machine, elevator, WiFi.

Hostal Puerta del Sol (Plaza Puerta del Sol 14), overlooks large lively square, clean, comfortable rooms, private baths, televisions, WiFi, bargain prices. Breakfast  served until noon, tea and coffee anytime. English-speaking staff, homey, relaxed ambiance.

Hostal La Zona (Valverde 7), gay but straight-friendly hostal, 19th-century Neo-Classical building; modern rooms, breakfast buffet, steps from Gran Via. Staff are gay and helpful with tips on local area. Also apartment rentals, fully equipped with washing machines, DVD players, kitchenettes and free Wi-fi.

Westin Palace Madrid (Plaza de las Cortes, 7), classic 1912 luxury, 467 rooms and suites at the center, two fine dining restaurants, bars, fitness center, WiFi.

 

Bars and nightlife
A listing of bars and clubs in Madrid can never be complete, even local gay publications can't keep up. But with a walk around the Chueca area the gay scene will quickly reveal itself. Many clubs don't open until around midnight, and metal shutters can make them look closed forever, just an hour before they're teeming with people. Check the flyers and local press in evening cafes, and strike up conversations with local guys for the latest scoop. See our map & listings tab for locations and websites for the businesses below, and more.

A Noite (Hortaleza 43), small elegant nightclub in Chueca, drag performances each night from midnight, guest participation.

Angel Sierra (Gravina 11), gay-friendly traditional Spanish terrace bar in Plaza de Chueca; drink beer and watch the parade of guys pass through the square.

Bambalinas Bar (Pelayo 74), Thursday through Saturday showtunes bar in Chueca, mixed crowd, open mic Be a Star Fridays.

Bear's Bar (Pelayo 4), friendly English-speaking cosmopolitan place for bears, chubbies, chasers, and daddies - know everyone in no time. Back room bear porn, and private frolic space; MADBEAR home bar.

Black and White Bar (Libertad 34), busy after 1am, drag shows, bingo, lively weekend dancing, go-go boys, special theme nights, mixed crowd, old and young, lots of cuties -- some for hire.

Café Acuarela (Gravina 10), 1940's decor coffeehouse and cocktail bar, afterwork and before-clubs mixed crowd, free WiFi. Look for the gold naked angel in the window.

D'Mystic (Gravina 5), gay cafe and wine bar, breakfast, music videos, high-energy young male mix.

Enfrente (Infantas 12), nightly disco music pub for bears, packed late weekend nights, opposite Hot; home to the annual Mr. Bear Spain contest each October.

Escape (Gravina, 13), popular women's lounge, small dance club, live music entertainment.

Gris (San Marcos 29), two level music club, young alternative gay/men/women, students, straight-friendly, Indie music, late happy hours.

Gula Gula (Gran Vía, 1), traditional Spanish cuisine restaurant, flamboyant drag cabaret and nude male burlesque shows "for the whole family."

Intruso (Augusto Figueroa 3), gay-friendly live music bar: jazz, rock, Afro-beat, folk, R&B, and funk.

La Bohemia (Plaza de Chueca 10), relaxed terrace bar on the plaza; watch the passing parade.

LaKama (Gravina 4), Chueca afternoon cafe, evening gay cocktail bar, mostly younger guys, sexy shirtless staff; occasional cabaret shows and go-go dancers.

Liquid (Barbieri, 7), chic gay music video bar, straight-friendly, handsome but cliquish international crowd, mostly men, busy after midnight on weekends, warm-up spot for late-night dance clubs. Old Studio 54 location.

LL Bar (Pelaya 11), cafe/show bar, daily from 5pm; nightly drag shows, sing-a-longs, male strippers on stage from midnight, cruising area.

Museo Chicote (Gran Via 12), famous cocktail bar since 1931, long-time favorite of writers and artists; steep drinks prices but great atmosphere, good music, theater performances.

Paso (Costanilla de Capuchinos 1), neighborhood bar, pulls a good crowd of locals of all ages almost every night, packed on weekends.

El Rincon Guay (Embajadores 62, Lavapies), gay/mixed locals' bar/cafe, cocktails, burgesrs, breakfast, shakes, tapas and meals; WiFi.

Rimmel Pub (Góngora 2), gay bar, friendly, mixed age, mostly male crowd, two-for-one happy hours all evening, theme parties.

Sasha's Bar (Chueca Plaza 1), laid-back gay bar with terrace tables on Chueca Plaza.

Sixta Bar (Calatrava 15. La Latina), LGBT mixed neighborhood locals' bar, theme nights.

Tábata (Vergara 12), small mixed-crowd varied music bar, near the Palace.

Tántalo (Libertad 14) - CLOSED AUG 2014 - Chueca gay bar, 5pm-2:30am lounge, theme parties, shows, music videos, coffee copas and cocktails, WiFi.

Truco (Gravina 10), gay and lesbian terrace bar on Chueca Plaza, busiest on warm sunny evenings for drinks before the late clubs get going, mostly women late evening.

Volta Cafe (Santa Teresa 9), cafe/bar, Wednesday - Saturday, art/alternative crowd, men/women, electronic music.

Why Not (San Bartolomé, 6), lively and friendly Chueca warm-up bar and lounge, busiest around midnight, mixed gay/straight, men/women.

 

Men's Cruise/Sex Bars and Clubs

Attack (Lavapiés 12), four zones sex bar, cyber-cafe, free WiFi, cruise area in rear; nightly themes parties: naked or underwear, black-out glo-stix, "milkshake," "kink," etc - the former Blue Bar/Querelle location.

Boyberry Madrid (Valverde, 3), men's cruise bar, strippers, lights out parties, sex shop, DVD video sales, cabins, internet access.

Cage (San Bartolomé 4), leather/fetish and sex bar, play room, jocks, naked nights; also "a chat, some laughs, and the daily papers."

Copper (San Vicente Ferrer 34), let go, check the clothes and join in. Nightly naked fetish, leather, rubber or military parties, five minutes walk from Chueca. Special hard-core and fisting nights, limited capacity so arrive early.

FU3L (San Marcos 16), Chueca men's party bar, dancing, videos, bears, special & theme events.

Hot Bar (Infantas 9), small, friendly, international bear bar, fun 'til dawn, videos, afternoon coffee from 1pm, wine by the glass, free WiFi, basement cruising.

Leather (Pelayo 42), no dress code leather club for men, darkroom sex, cabins, porn videos, slings, glory holes, naked nights,

MadNess (los Tres Peces, 30), Lavapiés fantasy and fetish sex club for men, 4pm-2am; sling, St Andrews cross.

Odarko (Loreto y Chicote 7), hardcore men's sex and fetish bar near Plaza Callao, strict leather/rubber/uniform dress code, dark rooms, private cabins, naked and jockstrap nights, go-go dancers, erotic performances, DJ music.

Organic (Pelayo 30), new men's cruise bar in Chueca, underwear, jockstrap, bear and leather nights.

The Paw (Calatrava 29), naked and underwear sex club, leather/fetish dress code nights, mostly older guys.

The Ring (Amparo 78), naked men's private cruise club, slings, St Andrew's cross, sports machines, wet area, glory holes, cage, dungeons, whips, mazes, bondage play.

Shower & Bar (Pelayo, 25), men's cruise and sex club, naked and underwear nights, dark room, glory holes, wet sex room, cabins and bunks, maze, lockers, showers; was Sauna Men.

Strong Center (Trujillos 7), men's dance club open nightly 11pm-6:30am; hard-core fun, large dark labyrinth, cabins, porn videos, bear nights, special parties, busiest Friday and Saturday.

 

Dance clubs

Bearbie (Plaza Vázquez de Mella 2), Friday/Saturday midnight-6am dance party for bears, cubs and friends.

Boite (Tetuan 27), Thursday through Saturday gay '70s-'80s retro disco dance club, weekend performances, lively young mixed crowd.

Delirio Dance Club (Libertad 28), small upscale disco, three bars, clean white space, go-go dancers nightly.

DLRO Live (Pelayo 59), weekend pop alternative music dance club, 2 levels, midnight to 6am, live entertainment, young and trendy guys.

Griffin's (Marqués de Valdeiglesias 6), longtime favorite dance club, older male crowd, drag cabaret shows, performers, weekend disco parties.

Kluster at Chango Club (Covarrubias 42), every Saturday night gay House party for men, bears, theme nights, black-outs, international guest DJs, performers, amazing videos.

LOL at Cool Club (Isabel La Católica 6), gay Saturday night dancing, fetish fashion shows,  WE parties, top international DJs.

PK2 Sexion at Sala Bash (Plaza del Callao 4), every Saturday twin-hall all-ages gay men's dance, Commercial House/Disco Pop, go-go dancers and performers, cruisy dark room frolics.

Revolution at Yasta Club (Valverde 10), weekend gay pop music dance parties, just off Gran Via.

See the Tripp Family website for gay and mixed crowd House parties at Ohm, Fabrik, Rick's, and other clubs with top DJs, go-go dancers.

 

Saunas

Premium Sauna (Priora, 2, at Costanilla de Los Ángeles 5), new modern central facility, dry sauna, steam, Jacuzzi, bar, cabins, dark room.

Sauna Adán (San Bernardo 38), busy place from late afternoon, known for the many South Americans showing off their manhood, offering massage, and intimate services for pay.

Sauna Center (Cuesta de Santo Domingo 1),  one of Europe's largest men's saunas, open 24 hours, busiest weekends after-discos all-ages crowds - long lines.

Sauna Cristal (Figueroa 17), small Chueca men's steam sauna, Jacuzzi, bar, massage services, WiFi.

Sauna Lavapiés (Zurita 3. Lavapiés), 24-hour/seven-day men's steam, dry sauna, Jacuzzi, dark room, cabins, bar.

Sauna Octopus (Churruca 10), watch swimmers in small pool from bar area, private cabins, Jacuzzi, dry and steam saunas, dark room, porn cinema, sling room.

Sauna Paraiso (Norte 15), large space, hot tubs, pool, sauna, steam room, bar with TV, cabins, dark room disco, fetish & S&M gear, cinema, massage services.

Sauna Principe (Travesía de las Beatas, 3), focus is on bears, mature & big guys; bar/cafe, massage, dry sauna, steam, video lounge, maze and cabins.

Sauna Puerta de Toledo (Descargas 6), small clean sauna/sauna, after-work guys looking to play, open 365 days/year; dark room, cabins, WiFi, sling, common "relax' room.

 

Food

The choice in Madrid is vast for food styles and preference. The Spanish love small plates samples -- known as tapas -- of meat, fish, and vegetables. These are often served casually day and night with beer or coffee, and at reasonable prices. But there are many more luxurious ways to eat, too.

Baco y Beto (Pelayo 24), Chueca wine and tapas bar, chef's Spanish home-style daily special meals.

Café Acuarela (Gravina 10, Chueca), all-day coffeehouse and cocktail bar, free-WiFi, golden naked angel in the window, 1940s décor.

La Casa dei Pazzi (Pelayo 19), Chueca Italian restaurant, pizza, pasta, wines.

El Estragón (Plaza de la Paja 10, Austrias), ovo-lacto-vegetarian restaurant to impress even non-vegetarians.

El Rincon Guay (Embajadores 62), Lavapiés internet cafe, cocktail bar; hamburgers, salads, tapas and meals, from breakfast onwards.

Mama Ines (Hortaleza, 22), cafe/bar, English, American or French breakfast and brunch, sandwiches, salads, full-course meals, deserts, cocktail all day and into the evening.

Mercado de San Antón (corner of Barbieri & Figueroa), three-level indoor market in Chueca, gourmet and fresh food stands, baked goods, sandwiches, quiche, fruits, cheeses, ice cream, coffees/teas - eat in or take out for hearty plaza picnic on the cheap. Upper level La Cocina de San Antón restaurant with terrace seating.

Misadedoce (Figueroa, 20), Chueca bar/cafe, coffees/teas, beer/copas; snacks include tostas, tortillas and racións.

Tepic Urban-Mex Restaurant (Pelayo 4), modern, bright design in crisp pink and white, extensive and modern Mexican menu, vegetarian options.

Tommy Mel's Classic Diner (Hortaleza 34), American-style 1950's decor and jukebox music to match; traditional & veggie burgers, dogs, fries, BLTs, BBQ chicken, pancakes, cheesecakes and pies, Ben & Jerry's shakes and sundaes - plus cocktails, wine and beer. Mixed, mostly young crowd.

Vinoteca Barbechera (Gravina 6) wine bottles line the walls, tapas to amaze, unexpected taste combinations: salmon with honey, slices of rump roast in fig sauce, hazelnut bisque.

Shopping and services

Berkana Book Shop (Hortaleza 62), long running gay-shop, bookstore for gay fiction, biography, travel guides, magazines, comics, sexuality, poetry, queer theory, religion, photo, cinema, theater, art books, cine-X and mainline DVDs; coffeeshop teas, coffee, beers, and cake.

Boyberry Madrid (Valverde, 3), men's cruise bar, strippers, lights out parties, sex shop, DVD video sales, cabins, internet access.

Different Life Book/Sex Shop (Pelayo 30), full range of play toys, gifts, gay mainline and erotic DVDs, music, comics, magazines, travel guides and books, including photo tomes -- open till 8:30pm daily.

Juan, Por Dios! (Perez Galdos 3; Juanpordios.com), hair and beauty world, appointments anytime Monday to Saturday between 10am and 9pm. A second shop at Manuela Malasana 26.

Ovlas (Augusto Figueroa 1, Chueca), sexy-wear, hottest, gayest fashion in the world; Madrid, Barcelona, and Sitges retail stores and online.

SR Leather (Pelayo 7), leather, rubber, SM gear, military, industrial clothes, toys and art, custom-made SM furniture, leather goods and clothes. Local artists' exhibits, nude and semi-nude drawings.