Gay bars in Madrid
Spain is one of the best countries in Europe to experience nightlife, furthermore, Madrid is certainly the gay capital, with some of the best bars and night clubs in Europe. People often think that Barcelona is the gay capital of Spain but comparing the amount of population in the gay pride festival we see clearly the difference. While about 100,000 people attend the gay pride festival in Barcelona, about 1.5 million people come to Madrid’s Gay Pride (called “Madrid Orgullo”), making it the biggest gay festival in Europe. Spain was also the 3rd country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. It is also very common the public affection of same-sex couples anywhere in the city centre, not just in the gay district.
Chueca is the centre of the LGBT community and it is also full of excellent gay bars and night club to have good time. Chueca starts at Gran Via and runs north for 1km and it stretches east to west between Calle Hortaleza and Paseo de Recoletos. Drinking in local bars and cafeterias in Madrid is usually cheap. However, gay bars and clubs are notoriously expensive.
The nightlife in Madrid starts late and goes until the sun comes up. People in this city is full of energy and they even have “after parties” after 7 a.m.
Gay Madrid Nightlife Guide: the Best Gay Bars and Clubs
The Nightlife here is quite different than in the rest of Europe. Bars begin to fill up at midnight and night clubs (called “discotecas”) don’t fill up until after 2am. The entrance usually includes a free drink.
Most gay bars and clubs are in Chueca or at least within the city centre, which means you can generally walk almost anywhere. Best parties are always in that area.
Black and White – It’s one of the bars that everyone talks about in the city. There are usually many rent boys looking to charge you to take them home. Drink specials: none / Music type: pop / Calle de la Libertad, 34
BoyBerry – It is a gay cruising bar and perfect for a few drinks so they are really cheap. The most striking feature of this bar is that you’ll find special events throughout the week. Moreover, you’ll find a darkroom, free wi-fi and many other surprises downstairs.
Music type: pop / Calle Valverde, 3
Cazador – It is a small place and usually people crowd on the street. The atmosphere is quite interesting because here is where you’ll find the hipsters. It’s a good place for drinking during the week or before heading out to dance.
Music type: indie rock, alternative / Calle Pozas, 7
D’Mystic – A very nice bar in the heart of Chueca to go if you want to have a chat with friends so the music is not too loud. This place starts to fill up on weekends specially after midnight.
Music type: pop / Calle Gravina, 5
Gris – This bar is long but quite narrow and the crowd is usually very friendly for Madrid. There is a lower level but it’s often empty except on weekends. The atmosphere is usually alternative. Some of the best drink prices you’ll find in Chueca with 2 x 1 offer.
Music type: alternative, electronic / Calle de San Marcos, 29
La Kama – It’s a pretty small bar and does not have dance floor. Despite this everyone is always dancing next to the bar. The music is always loud and the people are very energic. It is one of the better places to meet new people so they are very friendly here.
Music type: pop / Calle Gravina, 4
LL Bar – The best thing in this place is the drag show. It is every night between 11:30 and midnight. Normally, it is fill up for the show since it’s the main attraction here but then starts to empty out afterwards. It’s a fun place to start your night, especially if you like being heckled by the Spanish drag queens. In addition, you will find occasional strop shows on the weekend.
Music type: pop / Calle de Pelayo, 11
If you’d like to know more about Chueca you can read our post «Chueca: the city of gay environment»https://masajistagaymadrid.com/en/chueca-gay-environment/
Bibliography: http://www.twobadtourists.com/2014/03/16/gay-nightlife-in-madrid-a-guide-to-the-best-gay-bars-and-clubs/