Madrid is our home city, so you can safely assume we’re rather passionate about it. Spain’s capital has everything an LGBTQ+ tourist—or expat—could possibly want. It’s perhaps the most gay-friendly city in the world, drawing in upwards of 3 million LGBTQ+ tourists annually. The city has a population of around 500,000 LGBTQ+ residents and hosts the biggest Pride festival in Europe. Honestly, sometimes when walking the streets of Madrid, it can feel like the gays outnumber the straight.

As you’d expect, Madrid’s gay nightlife scene is unrivaled anywhere else in Europe—perhaps only rivaled by Berlin or London—with Chueca offering everything one could ever want from a gayborhood. It’s not uncommon to see last night’s partiers walking home at 8 a.m. while grandma is going for her morning walk. But there’s also a lot to see and do during the daylight hours, whether that be getting lost in the halls of its massive art museums like the Prado, room hopping in the Royal Palace, exploring huge parks like Retiro, devouring ‘pinchos' in a food market or absorbing a bit of street culture with a nice ‘caña' (small beer) on a bar terrace.

Barcelona may have the beach, but Madrid is the place to go if you want to see a more versatile visage of Spain showcased at its finest.

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Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation and Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels in Madrid
4. Sightseeing and Activities in Madrid
5. Gay Tours in Madrid
6. Restaurants and Cafes
7. Madrid Gay Bars and Clubs
8. Madrid Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
9. Gay Events in Madrid
10. Day Trips from Madrid
11. Frequently Asked Questions About Madrid

General Tips

Madrid is way more than just “gay-friendly”; it’s positively welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community all over the city. But Chueca is the center of the action and where you’ll find the highest concentration of gay bars, cafes, and nightclubs. This makes it an ideal location to stay, but other popular neighborhoods for LGBTQ+ folks include Malasaña, Las Letras, Lavapiés, and La Latina.

As far as accommodations, you can find budget-friendly options at gay hostels in Madrid. Hostals are not to be confused with youth hostels. In Spain, a ‘hostal' is a small, privately owned 1- to 3-star hotel with private rooms and basic amenities. Rates are often as low as 40€ per night for a private room with a shared bathroom.

Madrid does turn into a heat pit in the middle of summer—so much so that even the Madrileños often escape in July/August. The best times to visit Madrid are any month other than then, as the weather generally tends to be on the sunny side, even in winter—although it can still get cold. Madrid is a popular tourist destination, but not to the same extent as Barcelona or Málaga, so the crowds don’t get anywhere near as uncomfortable.

Transportation & Airport Transfer

Madrid is easy to navigate, and the city offers great public transport with the metro, regional trains, and buses. But it’s important to note that, even given its size, Madrid is a very compact city. Most sites of interest are located in a small area of the city center. If you stay central, it’s possible to walk to some or even all of your destinations.

When first catching the metro, you'll need to purchase a “multi card” for €2.50 and then load it with a valid ticket type for the journey. Often, it’s best to load ten trips on your card at a time for only €6. On buses, you can also use the multi card or simply pay by card.

The airport is located just 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the city center and takes about 45 minutes via public transport. The most economical route is to take the metro or the Airport Express Bus (found just outside arrivals to the left). A taxi should cost a flat fare of €30 from the airport to the city center, and Ubers have their own special pickup zone within the airport (found upstairs from arrivals in the parking area).

Gay Hotels in Madrid

If you are traveling to Madrid during high season (May to August), on the weekends, or during major gay events, you’ll need to book these rooms in advance to ensure availability. Many of these LGBTQ+ specific properties are small and book quickly when in high demand.

Luxury

The Westin – It’s not a gay hotel by any means, but they are a member of IGLTA, and it is one of the more gay-friendly luxury properties located in the city. The décor is classical, and it’s located on the southern end of the city near Retiro Park, the main Atocha Railway station, and all the famous art museums.

H10 Villa de la Reina Boutique Hotel – Right on Madrid's most emblematic street, Gran Vía, this luxury hotel is close to the city's most iconic areas: Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Teatro Real. The boutique hotel is set in a majestic building dating back to the early 20th century and features French-inspired interior design. The rooms are just as elegant as the entire hotel, and the on-site restaurant serves delicious tapas should you not feel like venturing out one night. Additionally, all guests are greeted with a glass of cava—a definite plus.

Mid-Range

Axel Hotel Madrid – This is Madrid's most popular gay hotel and is part of the well-known Axel Hotels chain, with properties in cities across Europe and North America. It's located at Atocha Street number 49, in the famous “Barrio de las Letras,” and is surrounded by the most emblematic streets of the city, in a bohemian atmosphere that combines shopping, good gastronomy, and fun. The hotel has 88 rooms, and you will find a meeting point in the capital, with its innovative spaces designed so you can treat yourself and have fun, always loyal to Axel’s concept of style, design, comfort, and a cosmopolitan environment.

Room Mate Oscar – There are countless places to stay in Madrid, but one of the most famous gay-friendly places is the Oscar Hotel. It’s not a “gay hotel” per se, but it attracts a lot of gay clientele, and it's located in Chueca, the heart of the gay neighborhood. The decor here is chic and modern, but rooms book quickly during major gay events.

Budget

You can also find budget-friendly options at gay hostals in Madrid. Hostals are not to be confused with youth hostels. In Spain, a hostal is a small, privately owned 1- to 3-star hotel with private rooms and basic amenities. Rates are often as low as €30 per night for a private room with a shared bathroom.

Hostal Puerta del Sol – This used to be a gay-owned and operated hostal that specifically marketed to gay travelers. It has either changed management or stopped the direct marketing. In either case, Madrid is super gay-friendly, so this is still a great option and price, very centrally located in the area of Madrid called Puerta del Sol, which is just a 10-minute walk south of Chueca. This location is still close enough to the gay nightlife but is also a bit closer to many of the famous museums and popular attractions in Madrid.

Hostal La Zona Madrid – Also a formerly gay-owned hostal just beside the popular street Fuencarral, which is one of the most popular shopping areas in the city and right in Chueca. It has likely changed management and isn’t gay-specific, but you can’t beat the location in the gayborhood. Single rooms are reasonably priced and generally include breakfast until noon.

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Sightseeing and Activities in Madrid

Like many cities, there are plenty of tourist attractions in Madrid – a city of more than 3 million residents. Though in our opinion, Madrid’s best attributes are found in the local plazas and small neighborhoods in the city center.

Palacio Real -The former residence of the Spanish Royal family and the largest functioning palace in Europe, the Royal Palace of Madrid, has over 3,000 rooms adorned with lavish furnishings, frescoes, and artwork, offering a glimpse into the opulent lives of Spanish royalty. Tickets are regularly €10, but they do offer free entrance in the evenings without a guide to select groups. You can also buy enhanced tickets to skip the line or even book a guided tour. Directly in front of the palace is the beautiful Plaza de Oriente, a picturesque park lined with statues of Spanish kings and beautifully landscaped gardens, providing a serene contrast to the grandeur of the palace. Book tour →

The Golden Triangle of Art – Madrid is famous for its world-class art museums with masterpieces from artists like Picasso, Dali, and Goya. You could spend days visiting Madrid's top three museums (known as ‘The Golden Triangle of Art'): The Prado, The Reina Sofia, and The Thyssen-Bornemisza. If you enjoy art, you should pick at least one to visit depending on your tastes. The Prado has more classic pieces, with highlights including Bosch's The Garden of Earthly Delights and Velázquez's Las Meninas. In The Reina Sofía, you'll find Picasso's Guernica as the centerpiece among more modern artworks. The Thyssen-Bornemisza has a combination of old and new art, with works ranging from the Renaissance to Pop Art. Book tour →

Retiro Park – Spanning over 350 acres, this expansive park was originally created in the 17th century as a retreat for Spanish royalty. In the 19th century, it opened to the public and is now filled with gardens, monuments, and cultural attractions galore. Wander in any direction in Retiro and you'll find something new to see or do. You can explore the beautiful Crystal Palace, a glass pavilion often hosting art exhibitions, or take a leisurely rowboat ride on the park's large central lake beneath the towering Monument to Alfonso XII. You can also explore the ruins of Europe’s second oldest zoo or simply find a green patch to lay out in the sun next to some picnicking gays. Book tour →

Mercado San Miguel – Visiting food markets in Madrid is an excellent way to immerse yourself in Spanish culinary culture. Almost every neighborhood in Madrid has one, but if you have time for only one, it should be Mercado San Miguel. Located near Plaza Mayor, this historic market is housed in a stunning iron-and-glass structure dating back to 1916. Inside, you'll find an array of stalls offering a wide variety of gourmet delights, from freshly shucked oysters and Iberian ham to artisanal cheeses, traditional tapas, and exquisite pastries—along with quality wine to wash it all down. This market especially gets busy, but that’s part of the authentic Madrid food market experience. Book tour →

Gran Via – Madrid’s answer to Broadway! The emblematic street is the hub of Madrid’s urban life and stretches the length of the city’s center, all the way from Plaza de Cibeles—near Retiro Park—to the epic spectacle of Plaza España, where you’ll find a towering monument to the legendary Spanish writer Cervantes. The architecture of Gran Via’s buildings is reminiscent of London’s Oxford Street, being an impressive mix of 20th-century revival architecture topped with statues of Roman gods and angels. You can find shops all along the route, but apparel stores are concentrated between Plaza España and the Gran Via metro stop. This is where you will find higher-end fashions along with your typical mid-range big-name stores like H&M or Zara. Calle Fuencarral is another pedestrian street that stretches from Gran Via north into Chueca for 500 meters, with stores and shops of all kinds, not to mention plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars to take a load off during your busy shopping day.

Hotel Riu Rooftop – This hotel is a new addition to Madrid since 2019 and has one of the best views of Madrid you'll find. The rooftop terrace is not just limited to guests and located on the 26th floor, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the city. Dare you walk along the glass walkway or take a photograph on the glass platform overlooking Plaza España far below? The entrance is €5-€10 depending on the time and day.

Plaza Mayor – Every city in Spain has a “Plaza Mayor,” but Madrid's must be the largest. This grand square, surrounded by traditional Spanish architecture, has been the site of markets, bullfights, and royal ceremonies since the 17th century. Today, it's a lively hub where you can enjoy outdoor cafés, bars, street performers, and local shops—though be aware of the many tourist traps in the area. The statue of King Philip III stands proudly at the center of the plaza, offering a perfect photo opportunity. Book tour →

Puerta del Sol – This square is the bustling heart of the city—and of all of Spain, actually—as it is home to the “Kilometer Zero” plaque marking the central point of Spain. There’s also the iconic clock tower of the old post office, where crowds gather each New Year's Eve to eat twelve grapes for good luck, the famous Tío Pepe neon sign, and the beloved statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, the symbol of Madrid. Book tour →

Teatro Real – Madrid's premier opera house is located near the Royal Palace. This historic theater has been a centerpiece of Madrid's cultural life since it opened in 1850 and is open to the public to look inside. Interestingly, the building was designed in the shape of a coffin to symbolize its intended role as a “tomb for the arts,” reflecting the somber mood of the time—or simply for the acoustics, depending on who you ask! The square in front of the theater, Plaza de Ópera, also has many great cafés and restaurants. Book tour →

La Latina – One of Madrid's oldest and most atmospheric neighborhoods, perfect for those seeking a genuine Madrid experience. Characterized by its labyrinth of narrow, winding streets, this area is steeped in history, with landmarks like the San Francisco el Grande Basilica and the Plaza de la Cebada. La Latina is particularly famous for its vibrant culinary scene, especially along Cava Baja and Cava Alta, where tapas bars overflow with locals and visitors alike. The neighborhood's terraces, or “terrazas,” are especially popular, offering a perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely meal or drink while soaking in the lively street scenes. On Sundays, La Latina comes alive with El Rastro, Madrid’s largest and most famous flea market, where you can find everything from antiques to vintage clothing.

Casa De Campo – A park to the west of Madrid that is often overlooked in favor of Retiro. The park is huge, with walking trails stretching for miles around hills and picnic areas. There’s also a great range of attractions within its grounds, including Parque de Atracciones de Madrid amusement park, Lago (meaning lake), which is a beautiful location to have lunch at, the Madrid Zoo, and an aquarium. The best way to enter the park is either on cable cars across from Parque Oeste (also worth a visit), taking the metro to Príncipe Pío and walking across the river, or getting off the metro at Lago to emerge right by the lake. In the summertime, the gays head to the local public pool by Lago metro to sunbathe and drink sangria. Entrance to the pool costs €6, which can be purchased online, and you can buy food and drinks onsite. There's also a famous cruising area near the lake…so we hear.

Monasterio Del Corpus Christi – Looking for something truly off the beaten path in Madrid? How about buying cookies from a 17th-century convent? The “Convent of the Jerónimas” is hidden in Madrid's historic center, tucked away on a quiet street near Plaza Mayor called Calle del Codo. To buy these traditional treats from the cloistered nuns, visitors must ring a bell at a small, unmarked door. Once inside, follow the signs to a revolving hatch where you can place your order without even seeing the nuns behind it. The experience feels… otherworldly.

Gay Tours and Activities in Madrid

Two Bad Tourists Madrid Gay Nightlife Tour – The best gay nightlife tour in Madrid! Ok, we’re a little biased, but we’re hard to beat, having lived in one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the world for years now. Let us be your guides through the renowned gay neighborhood of Chueca, the beating heart of the LGBTQ+ community in Madrid. We’ll visit 3 of the best gay bars in this 2-hour, private tour. The price is €60 per person with 3 drinks included and recommendations for where to go afterward if you’re feeling adventurous. Book tour →

Two Bad Tourists LGBT+ Tapas Tour – Experience the charm of one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the world with the help of a local LGBTQ+ guide. Explore the renowned gay neighborhood of Chueca, the beating heart of the LGBTQ+ community. We’ll visit 5 tapas bars and restaurants in Chueca in this 3.5-hour, private tour. This tour is heavy on the food and drinks, with a splash of queer history. Book tour →

Drag Queen Brunch & Bingo – Join this fun and hilariously awesome drag brunch on select Saturday afternoons. The exclusive ticket gives you priority access to Madrid’s only Drag Queen Bingo Brunch. Enjoy a welcome drink, various drag performances, bingo, and of course, a delicious brunch at Lola 09, one of the coolest venues in Chueca. The show and bingo games are bilingual in both Spanish and English. Book Experience →

Cooking Spanish Tapas with Soul – This local gay guide will show you how to cook traditional Spanish tapas, but with soul. As you cook your way through a meal of Spanish classics, you'll learn and chat, nibble, and taste. Discover the history, origins, and personal connection of the food, as food is always personal. While you cook, you'll make and enjoy three different cocktails. At the end, you will make a meal of your tapas and sit down to eat family-style with your choice of beverage.

Restaurants and Cafes

Depending on the time of day, there are several restaurants in and around Chueca worth a visit.

Carmencita Bar – This is a good option for brunch if you sleep through the breakfast at your hotel (you will eventually!). It’s one of the few places in the neighborhood that actually offers brunch. Brunch is not customary in Spain; in fact, Spanish people generally eat a light breakfast, or as David says… coffee and a cigarette. Either way, you can still find what you need here. Try the “huevos rotos” – fried potatoes with a fried egg and ham served on top.

La Bicicleta – An iconic café in the trendy Malasaña area, so named due to the bicycles used as decoration around the interior. The café is another popular brunch option—but if for you, “brunch” means a cocktail, then no one will judge you for it here. The menu is full of hipster food treats—like avocado toast or toast with peanut butter, walnuts, chocolate, and banana—and inside you'll feel like a local, being surrounded by aspiring writers tapping away at their keyboards in the designated workspaces.

Mercado San Anton – Sample freshly prepared tapas from different vendors. After you get your fill, head upstairs to the rooftop terrace for a drink, some people-watching in Chueca, and nice city views.

Restaurante Vivares – A favorite for local gays on a budget. They are known for their set menus, which include a first and second course, dessert, plus bread and a drink. Options include a basic menu starting around 10€. They also offer a gourmet and vegetarian menu.

Diurno – Opens early, so you can eat dinner at 7 pm if you’re not yet accustomed to late-night Spanish dinner time. Mixed cuisine with a modern flair.

El Buo/La Bua – This restaurant, located in Chueca, has one of the best Spanish tortillas you'll find in Madrid. Try the traditional one with a glass of wine, or order something a bit more elaborate like goat cheese or mixed vegetables. These are actually two restaurants opposite each other, both with names translating as “the owl” in the masculine or feminine respectively. This is especially apt because the walls of El Buo proudly display pictures of gay icons, whereas La Buha has iconic lesbians represented—a welcome nod to diversity that stands as an interesting contrast to the tavern-like interior.

Taberna La Española – This casual restaurant in Chueca offers traditional Spanish food at reasonable prices while maintaining quality. The portion sizes are quite good, too. Be sure to try their homemade croquettes and tortilla (Spanish omelette) or their huevos rotos.

La Juana – In Spain, food and culture go hand-in-hand—La Juana meshes the two into a charmingly traditional Spanish tavern. Everything on the menu is lovingly homemade, with highlights including the “Señorito rice” (dry rice with prawns, baby squid, and mussels) and the Iberian Torreznos (bacon bites in spicy mayonnaise).

La Casa del Abuelo – A historic and beloved restaurant in Madrid, located near Puerta del Sol. Established in 1906, this family-run establishment is famous for its gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), considered the most delicious in all of Spain. The cozy, rustic atmosphere reflects its rich heritage, with a warm, welcoming vibe that makes it a perfect spot to experience authentic Spanish cuisine.

La Pescaderia – A trendy restaurant located in the heart of Madrid, known for its modern twist on traditional Spanish seafood dishes. Situated in the lively Malasaña neighborhood, this stylish eatery blends contemporary design with a laid-back atmosphere. The menu features fresh, high-quality seafood, with standout dishes like grilled octopus, ceviche, and seafood paella. The innovative cocktails and carefully curated wine list certainly help it all go down well, too.

Bugao by Hugo Ruiz – This trendy restaurant/bar, just shy of the center, is popular with locals mainly thanks to the namesake chef’s delicious seafood dishes. Its three floors are all decorated in a chic colonial style, with a bar downstairs offering an extensive cocktail list, to say the least.

Casa Pedro, Fuencarral – A little north of Madrid, this rustic restaurant is well worth straying off the beaten path for if you want an authentically Spanish farmhouse experience. Simply hop on the metro to Fuencarral, which was once a village until Madrid expanded to include it, and find yourself dining in a classic Castilian restaurant away from the tourist crowds. Try the roasted suckling pig!

Madrid Gay Bars & Clubs

You won’t be disappointed with the nightlife in Madrid. Many of these places are packed on weekends, and some even offer a great time during the week, depending on when you’re coming to visit. Keep in mind that nightlife in Madrid starts extremely late, so don’t be surprised if you arrive at 11 pm to a bar (1 am at a club) and still don’t see a crowd. Just wait another hour, and the place will get packed.

Chueca is the official gay neighborhood, but there's also its neighbor Malasaña, trendy La Latina, and Lavapiés—the unofficial hipster gay neighborhood.

El 12 – Is it a bar? Is it a club? It’s a delightful mix of both! El 12 is one of the most popular bars in Chueca, especially as a pre-club option. It offers a bit of everything, from drag shows to iconic DJs to a dark room sequestered behind the downstairs bathroom. El 12 often has a queue during the weekends but is well worth the wait. On Thursday nights, it is the place to be.

La Kama Bar/Cafe – Two venues right next to each other, both make for a great start to a night out in Chueca. The café – despite its name – is more of a bar, though it serves food during the day. Its two floors have a Caribbean theme, where hot bartenders serve giant cocktails – seriously, they're massive. As for La Kama Bar, the music is loud, and the people are energetic. It’s small, and there’s no proper dance floor, but that doesn’t stop people from dancing right next to the bar.

D’Mystic – This is a nice lounge in the heart of Chueca. You’ll find seating here – some with comfy cushions – and it’s a great place to go on a weeknight to chat with friends. This place starts to fill up on the weekends, especially after midnight, as locals begin to go out, waiting those last couple of hours before heading to the dance club. The crowd may be mixed, but the waiters are very gay.

LL Bar – The drag show here is the main attraction. It starts each night between 11:30 and midnight. This place gets a nice crowd for the show but starts to empty out afterward. It’s a fun place to start your night for an hour or so, especially if you enjoy being playfully heckled by the sassy, normally Latin American, queens. It's only a €10 cover, which includes two beers or one spirit.

Black and White – This is one of the oldest gay bars in Madrid, and it’s a classic. It’s also famous for its drag shows! Just be sure to watch out for the rent boys. You’ll find a lot of twinks here looking to charge you to take them home.

Cazador – Here be gay hipsters! It’s a small bar in Malasaña, but people tend to crowd onto the street when it’s warm out, and the atmosphere is great if you can get past the hipster attitude. It’s a good place for a couple of drinks during the week or before heading out to dance.

Fulanita de Tal – One for the girls. This is a small lesbian bar located in Chueca with a nice vibe and good dancing by night on the weekends. It doubles as a café during the day, and you can find live music shows on weeknights or earlier in the evenings on weekends.

Boite – Open layout and a decent-sized dance floor. This place draws a range of ages from mid-20s to mid-40s. The crowd is relaxed here, but the guys tend to keep their shirts on – mostly. You’ll sometimes find special events here with performances on stage by go-go dancers and drag queens.

Kluster – This is a regular Saturday night party in Madrid with house and electronic dance music. A bit of a mixed crowd with circuit-type boys, bears, and daddies. The crowd tends to be a bit older. No drag queens, virtually no girls, but a pretty friendly crowd.

Baila, Cariño – Open Saturday nights. There’s a huge dance floor in the center with multi-level bars surrounding it. Great first place to go if you're visiting and like pop music. The crowd tends to dress smartly, despite there not being a dress code, so don't be afraid to put on your best shirt.

Rik’s – This popular bar/club on the corner of Plaza de Pedro Zerolo in Chueca is designed and inspired by Casablanca, giving it a chic look, but it is far from pretentious. Rik’s is where men of all ages hang out, and the generations bond over a mutual love of cheap drinks and cheesy music, which is a good mixture of Spanish and international pop goldies and oldies. It's open Thursday to Sunday, but be warned, it isn’t particularly big inside, and there is often a large one-in-one-out queue if you arrive later than 11 p.m.

DLRO – This medium-sized gay dance club – more commonly known as Delirio – is open every night of the week and attracts a much younger crowd. They sometimes have drag shows and two separate levels playing – mostly Spanish – pop music.

WE Party – Monthly and usually held at La Riviera – a venue down by the river, which you might want to take a taxi to. Additional WE Parties take place during Madrid Gay Pride and New Year's, with parties happening every day during the week.

Chocolate con Churros / Tanga – Both are monthly gay parties on Sunday nights. They usually start early, around 8 p.m., since most people have to work on Mondays. Parties will occasionally start later if Monday is a holiday. The location changes regularly, so check online for dates and venues.

Madrid Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

Madrid is an undeniably sexual city, perhaps second only to Berlin in Europe. In short, there is an abundance of establishments in Madrid happy to cater to your nightly needs.

BoyBerry – The bar staff is cute, the drinks are cheap, and you’ll find special events throughout the week. There’s a darkroom, free Wi-Fi, and many other surprises downstairs.

Strong – a large gay dance club with a huge cruising space and darkroom in the center of Madrid, just 5 min south of Chueca. It opens late and draws a crowd most nights, especially on weekends.

Paraiso – without a doubt, the nicest and most popular gay sauna in Madrid. The Entrance is 18€ but it’s clean and worth the price. You'll find a Jacuzzi, several dark rooms, a large swimming pool and a dungeon which are the perfect match to bricks’ walls and faint lights. The place is superb, but the guys are even better with a mix of young, middle age, muscled, locals and tourists. Very close to Chueca and opens 24 hours on weekends.

Saunabeach -This sauna is a great alternative to the busier Paraiso and tends to have a kinky streak. It is divided into three sections: zona spa, zona hot and zona BDSM. Upstairs there's a big bar, Jacuzzi and saunas. Whereas, downstairs you'll find dark rooms, glory holes, a sling, jail, a video room and a lot of cabins. There's also a club style room with local DJs playing Circuit music – have fun trying to dance in a towel and flip-flops!

Octopus – this gay sauna in Madrid caters to the bear community. You'll find a dry sauna, steam room, two dark rooms, a cinema, and even an area for fetish and bondage lovers, including a dungeon. It is the perfect place if you like bears, chubby and mature men.

The Ring – Lavapies is the trendy bohemian area of Madrid just outside of the center and has its own little gay scene. This includes two sex clubs and its own sauna. The Ring is the most popular, though you might not think it from the outside, as it's through a small easily missed blue door on a side street near the metro. You have to be a member to enter, but all that is required is ID and filling in a simple form on entrance. Its moniker comes from the giant wrestling ring in its center – with a smaller ring tucked away down a side tunnel, but the wrestling is of course not mandatory . There’s also cruising mazes, cabins and slings to explore and utilize, with a small bar upstairs. Currently only open weekends with a no clothes (un)dress code.

Attack – Lavapies' other sex club is more extreme than The Ring – especially on their themed nights -, but slightly less popular. You also need to be a member to enter, which is easily accomplished at the entrance. The club is cleanly divided into four zones: At first there’s the bar to enjoy a drink between action. Further in there’s a chill-out area with slings and cage to help you “chill”. Past that a “white room” replete with showers and wet areas and delving a little deeper takes you to “The Cave”, where the more hardcore action takes place in slings, booths, and beds. Nights range in themes from simple jockstrap or naked night to their more unique masks and pendants night – where different colored luminous pendants mark what extremities you are into. Open Tuesdays through to Sundays till 3am during the week and 6am Friday and Saturdays.

Gay Events in Madrid

Madrid Pride – Every late June or early July, Madrid holds the largest gay pride event in Europe, with 1.5 to 2 million people in attendance. This is without question one of the most fun gay events of the year. The whole city transforms for a full week of celebrations, drawing in one of the largest crowds in the world. There are concerts all week in Chueca and Plaza España, with club nights every night and Circuit parties just outside the city, like our personal favorite, Sandia, on Friday. It all concludes on the first Saturday of July with a huge Madrid Pride Parade – the largest in Europe – which marches all the way from the Atocha train station to Plaza de Colón at the bottom of Gran Vía. From there, it's an easy walk up to Chueca, where the party goes on and on. If you plan on going to a club after the festivities, be sure to buy your tickets well in advance. Dates: July 1-5, 2024.

WE Party New Year’s Festival – Madrileños like to party, so it should come as no surprise that New Year's Eve is always a big event in Madrid. One of the parties to be at is WE Party's offering, usually taking place at Riviera – a venue down by the river. Dates: December 28, 2023 – January 1, 2024.

Sleazy Madrid – The name gives you an impression of what to expect; the week of events is also often referred to as Madrid Fetish Week. The alternative male fetish and electronic music festival has club nights running from Tuesday through Sunday. Pack your harnesses, leathers, and/or PVC. Dates: April 30 – May 5, 2024.

MadBear – Once a year, an army of bears, otters, and “chasers” march on Madrid in early December for a week of events, including parties – mostly in Chueca – in bars, nightclubs, and saunas. Dates: December 4 – 10, 2024.

LesGaiCineMad LGBT Film Festival – Events aren't all about parties and sex in Madrid. This event is all about queer cinema and is the most important LGBTQ+ film festival in Spanish-speaking countries. It's a ten-day festival, taking place in early to mid-March.

Day Trips from Madrid

Toledo – Toledo is an easy day trip from Madrid, just 45 minutes away. Toledo was once the capital of Spain until the 16th century when the capital was moved to Madrid. It’s a perfect representation of the many religions (Catholic, Muslim, and Jewish) that have influenced Spanish history throughout the years of power shifting between cultures. Book tour → 

Segovia – Segovia is a medieval walled town located 1 hour north of Madrid. Originally a Roman town, it’s famous for its aqueduct (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) that spans from one side of the city to the other. Segovia sits on top of a hill, and its Cinderella-style castle hangs right off the edge of the cliff. Book tour →

El Escorial – Just 45 minutes northwest of Madrid is the famous city of San Lorenzo del Escorial. The city is known for its massive monastery and palace complex built in the 1600s. To this day, it serves as the burial ground for four centuries of Spanish royalty.Book tour →

Barcelona – Believe it or not, you can actually do a day trip from Madrid to Barcelona. Thanks to the AVE, OUIGO, and Avlo, Spain's high-speed trains, you can travel between the two cities in just over two hours one way. If you don't have time for a full visit to Barcelona but don’t want to miss the highlights, check out this tour, which gives you the opportunity to make Barcelona a day trip from Madrid.

Frequently Asked Questions About Madrid

Is Madrid gay-friendly?

Yes, Madrid is incredibly gay-friendly. With its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene centered around the Chueca neighborhood, numerous Pride events, and legal protections for LGBTQ+ rights, it's widely celebrated as one of the most welcoming cities for the LGBTQ+ community worldwide.

When is the best time to visit Madrid?

The best time to visit Madrid is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) seasons when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities are enjoyable. These months avoid the extreme heat of summer and offer pleasant temperatures for sightseeing and exploring the city's cultural treasures.

When is Madrid Pride Week, and what events can I expect during that time?

Madrid Pride Week typically takes place in late June, culminating in the Pride Parade on the first Saturday of July. The week features a diverse lineup of events, including concerts, parties, art exhibitions, and cultural activities celebrating LGBTQ+ rights and diversity, attracting millions of attendees from around the world.

Are there any LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations in Madrid?

Yes, Madrid offers a variety of LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations, ranging from boutique hotels to guesthouses and hostels. Many establishments in the Chueca neighborhood specifically cater to LGBTQ+ travelers, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests to enjoy their stay in the city.

What are some must-visit LGBTQ+ landmarks or neighborhoods in the city?

Chueca is Madrid's iconic LGBTQ+ neighborhood, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse nightlife, and LGBTQ+ friendly establishments. Additionally, Plaza de Pedro Zerolo, named after a prominent LGBTQ+ activist, serves as a symbol of the city's commitment to equality and inclusion, making it a must-visit landmark for LGBTQ+ travelers.

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