Madrid

The vibrant capital of Spain, known for its rich history, art, and lively nightlife – Madrid is a great city to visit to get away from the North European winter.

Hotels

Hotel Catalonia Gran Via

Gran Vía, 7-9, Centro, 28013 Madrid
cataloniahotels.com/es/hotel/catalonia-gran-via-madrid
A refined hotel in a 20th-century building, offering a spa, a heated pool, and elegant rooms.

Axel Hotel Madrid

C. de Atocha, 49, Centro, 28012
axelhotels.com/int/axel-hotel-madrid
Just like the other Axel hotels in Barcelona this is a lively hotel with stylish rooms, dining, bars, and a rooftop pool.

Bars

Thick Bar

C. de Pelayo, 21, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain
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A popular gay bar known for its lively atmosphere and friendly crowd.

Priscila Bar

C. de Pelayo, 23, Centro, 28004 Madrid, Spain
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Lively and popular gay bar in the heart of Chueca.

Bears Bar

C. de Pelayo, 4, Centro, 28004 Chueca, Madrid, Spain
Website
A cozy gay bar popular with bears and mature guys.

Chueca Gay Bar Guide

Chueca, the beating heart of Madrid’s LGBTQIA+ scene, is a vibrant and welcoming neighborhood that pulses with life, day and night. Its narrow, colorful streets are lined with a diverse array of gay bars, each offering a unique atmosphere and experience. From the cozy and intimate vibe of Bears Bar, catering to a mature crowd, to the high-energy drag shows at Black & White, there’s something for everyone. Other popular spots include the lively Thick Bar, and the music-filled El 12. For those seeking a more relaxed setting, D’Mystic offers a modern café and cocktail lounge. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away, enjoy a quiet drink, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere, Chueca’s gay bar scene has it all.

Chueca has a lot of bars that didn’t make the list, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth checking out.

Chueca’s nightlife extends far beyond the well-known spots. While some bars earn prominent mentions, the neighborhood boasts a wealth of hidden gems. For instance, those who appreciate a more rugged aesthetic might find themselves at home in Zarpa or Hot. If you’re seeking a unique and unconventional experience, Twist and Shout, Why Not, and Vuélvete Loco offer distinctive atmospheres. And for those inclined towards late-night encounters, several cruising bars cater to those desires.

It’s important to understand the Spanish rhythm of nightlife. Establishments typically come alive around midnight, following the late dinners common in Spain. Arriving around 11 p.m. strikes a good balance, allowing you to avoid both early emptiness and late-night crowds. While many bartenders are bilingual, having some basic Spanish drink orders at your disposal is always a good idea.

Be prepared for generously poured drinks. “Copas,” or mixed spirits, are significantly stronger than what you might find in other countries. It’s not unusual to receive drinks served in large, almost comical glasses. Keeping this in mind will help you pace yourself and fully embrace Madrid’s all-night energy.

Restaurants & Cafes

Vinitus Gran Via Restaurant

Gran Vía, 78, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Website
Popular restaurant offering a wide range of tapas and wines in a lively setting.

Café Europa

C. del Carmen, 2, Centro, 28013 Madrid, Spain
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A popular and relaxed cafe in the heart of Madrid that gets afternoon sun and overlooks Puerta del Sol.

Culture, Sightseeing and Activities in Madrid

Royal Palace of Madrid

Step into the opulent world of Spanish royalty at the Palacio Real, the largest functioning palace in Europe and former residence of the royal family. With over 3,000 rooms, you’ll be captivated by the lavish furnishings, intricate frescoes, and priceless artworks. Explore the palace’s history, and consider taking advantage of free evening entrances for select groups or enhancing your visit with skip-the-line tickets or a guided tour. Just outside, the serene Plaza de Oriente offers a tranquil escape, with its manicured gardens and statues of Spanish kings.

The Golden Triangle of Art

Madrid’s reputation as an art lover’s paradise is well-deserved, boasting world-class museums showcasing masterpieces by iconic artists. Dive into the “Golden Triangle of Art,” comprising the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums. Each offers a unique experience: the Prado for classic works like Bosch’s “The Garden of Earthly Delights” and Velázquez’s “Las Meninas,” the Reina Sofia for modern art, highlighted by Picasso’s “Guernica,” and the Thyssen-Bornemisza for a diverse collection spanning from the Renaissance to Pop Art. Choose your museum adventure based on your artistic preferences.

Retiro Park

Escape the city’s hustle and bustle in the sprawling Retiro Park, a 350-acre oasis originally designed as a royal retreat in the 17th century. Now a public haven, the park offers a plethora of gardens, monuments, and cultural attractions. Discover the enchanting Crystal Palace, a glass pavilion hosting art exhibitions, or enjoy a leisurely rowboat ride on the central lake, overlooked by the majestic Monument to Alfonso XII. Explore the remnants of Europe’s second oldest zoo or simply relax on a sun-drenched patch of grass amidst the park’s vibrant atmosphere.

Mercado San Miguel

Immerse yourself in Madrid’s vibrant culinary scene at Mercado San Miguel, a historic market housed in a stunning iron-and-glass structure. Located near Plaza Mayor, this market offers a sensory feast of gourmet delights. Sample freshly shucked oysters, indulge in Iberian ham, savor artisanal cheeses, and enjoy traditional tapas and pastries, all accompanied by fine wines. While the market can get bustling, it’s an integral part of the authentic Madrid food market experience.

Gran Via

Gran Via is an iconic thoroughfare that pulses with the city’s urban energy. Stretching from Plaza de Cibeles, near Retiro Park, to the dramatic Plaza España, it offers a captivating journey through Madrid’s heart. The street’s architecture, reminiscent of London’s Oxford Street, showcases a stunning blend of 20th-century revival styles, adorned with statues of Roman deities and angels. Gran Via is a shopper’s paradise, with apparel stores clustered between Plaza España and the Gran Via metro stop, featuring both high-end boutiques and familiar mid-range brands. For a continuation of your shopping spree, Calle Fuencarral, a pedestrian street extending north into Chueca, offers a diverse array of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Hotel Riu Rooftop

For breathtaking panoramic views of Madrid, ascend to the 26th-floor rooftop terrace of the Hotel Riu, a 2019 addition to the city. This public space offers a 360-degree vista, allowing you to capture stunning photos of the cityscape. Brave the glass walkway or the glass platform overlooking Plaza España for an exhilarating experience. Entrance fees vary depending on the time and day.

Plaza Mayor

Every Spanish city boasts a “Plaza Mayor,” but Madrid’s stands out for its grandeur. This historic square, framed by classic Spanish architecture, has witnessed centuries of markets, bullfights, and royal ceremonies. Today, it’s a bustling hub filled with outdoor cafes, street performers, and local shops. Be mindful of tourist traps, but don’t miss the chance to photograph the statue of King Philip III at the plaza’s center.

Puerta del Sol

The vibrant Puerta del Sol is the true heart of Madrid and Spain, marked by the “Kilometer Zero” plaque, the country’s geographical center. The square is also home to the iconic clock tower of the old post office, where New Year’s Eve crowds gather to partake in the tradition of eating twelve grapes for good luck. Other landmarks include the famous Tío Pepe neon sign and the beloved statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, Madrid’s symbol.

Teatro Real

Near the Royal Palace, you’ll find Teatro Real, Madrid’s prestigious opera house. Since its 1850 opening, this historic theater has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life and is open to public visits. The building’s unique design, resembling a coffin, was intended to symbolize its role as a “tomb for the arts,” reflecting the era’s somber mood, or perhaps simply a focus on acoustics. The adjacent Plaza de Ópera offers a selection of charming cafes and restaurants.

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a photograph of the Monumento Cervantes in the foreground with the white and brick facade of Hotel Riu Plaza España behind it taken from Plaza de España in MAdrid with clear blue skies — Monumento Cervantes – Iain Croll

Gay Events in Madrid

Madrid Pride 2025

Madrid Pride, held annually in late June or early July, is a spectacular celebration that transforms the city into Europe’s largest LGBTQIA+ gathering, attracting 1.5 to 2 million attendees. This week-long extravaganza is a highlight of the global Pride calendar, offering an unparalleled experience of joy and celebration. Chueca and Plaza España become vibrant hubs of activity, hosting nightly concerts and electrifying club nights. For those seeking even more excitement, Circuit parties, such as the popular Sandia on Friday, take place just outside the city.

The culmination of Madrid Pride is the magnificent parade, Europe’s largest, held on the first Saturday of July. The parade embarks from Atocha train station and proceeds along a route that ends at Plaza de Colón, located at the bottom of Gran Vía. From there, the festivities continue with a short walk to Chueca, where the party extends late into the night. If you plan to attend a club after the parade, securing tickets in advance is highly recommended.

Dates for 2025: June 28 – July 6, 2025.

MadBear 2025

MadBear is an annual celebration that brings together a diverse community of bears, otters, and admirers in Madrid. Held in early December, this week-long event features a vibrant calendar of parties, predominantly in Chueca, taking place in bars, nightclubs, and saunas.

Dates for 2025: December 4 – 10, 2025.

About Madrid

Madrid extends a warm and inclusive embrace to the LGBTQIA+ community, going beyond mere tolerance. Chueca stands as the city’s vibrant LGBTQIA+ hub, boasting the highest concentration of gay bars, cafes, and nightclubs, making it a prime location for visitors. However, other welcoming neighborhoods like Malasaña, Las Letras, Lavapiés, and La Latina also offer appealing options for LGBTQIA+ travelers.

For budget-conscious travelers, Madrid provides gay hostels, and it’s important to distinguish “hostals” from youth hostels. In Spain, “hostals” are small, privately run hotels offering private rooms and essential amenities, often at rates as low as €40 per night for a room with a shared bathroom.

Madrid experiences intense heat during the peak summer months of July and August, prompting even locals to seek refuge in smaller towns. Therefore, the ideal time to visit Madrid is outside of these months. The city enjoys a predominantly sunny climate, even in winter, although temperatures can still drop. While Madrid is a popular tourist destination, it generally experiences less crowding than cities like Barcelona or Málaga, ensuring a more comfortable experience.

Transportation & Airport Transfer

Madrid’s efficient public transportation system, encompassing metro, regional trains, and buses, makes getting around the city convenient. However, Madrid’s compact layout means that many points of interest are concentrated in the city center. If you choose central accommodations, walking to several, or even all, of your destinations is entirely feasible.

When using the metro, you’ll first need to purchase a “multi card” (Bono) for €2.50, which can then be loaded with various ticket types. A cost-effective option is to load ten trips onto the card for just €6. Buses also accept the multi card or card payments.

Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is situated only 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the city center, reachable in approximately 45 minutes via public transport. The most economical options include the metro or the Airport Express Bus, located just outside the arrivals area. A taxi from the airport to the city center has a fixed fare of €30. For those preferring ride-sharing services, Uber has a designated pickup zone in the airport’s parking area, located upstairs from arrivals.

About Cramberts

From our home base in Amsterdam, we frequently explore some of Europe’s most vibrant cities, and we’ve compiled detailed guides to share our insider knowledge. Whether you’re seeking the canals and culture of Amsterdam itself, the sunny beaches of Gran Canaria, the historic charm of Lisbon and Porto, the bustling energy of Barcelona and Madrid, the refined elegance of Paris and Munich, the unique character of Sitges, or the diverse landscapes of the Randstad region, you’ll find comprehensive information and recommendations on the site.