Gay madrid

Madrid is thought to be one of the best cities in Europe to be gay (or lesbian or bi or…), perhaps in part due to Spain’s approval of same-sex marriage and the inherent public attitude towards these partnerings.  In Chueca, Madrid’s rather large gayborhood, and in most other central neighborhoods, it’s not surprising to see couples of all sizes, shapes, colors and gender-combinations walking hand-in-hand, making out and even more (avert those eyes!).  It also could be argued that the popularity of Madrid for the gay population stems from the fun one can have here exploring ‘bares de ambiente.’  Madrileños keep late hours and tend to go out in large groups, which coupled with a propensity for enjoying in public vices, like smoking and drinking, ups the ante for potential clandestine diversion.   Though this author can’t speak for the ladies here, he must say that men here are very attractive in a variety of ways.  And for such a wide array of tastes there is an equally large selection of leisure destinations for Madrid’s LGBTQ quotient.  Its gay bar scene is just as underground as it is out-there, allowing us to wander through Chueca,  Malasaña and Gran Vía- the very center of the capital- and stumble upon some surprisingly discreet gay places and others that you’d never imagine catered to a gay crowd.

But before we begin to enumerate the treasure troves of gay and pseudo-gay alcoholic fun to be had in the city, let us give you a few suggestions about your marcha in Madrid.  Since people here go out late- gatos de verdad and the cities’s denizens alike- you’ll want to make certain you can keep up with them, which means two things.

1)    Eat dinner late- between 9pm and 11:30- so you’re not starving (and extra drunk) in the middle of the night.

2)    Establish when and where you and your friends are going to begin drinking.  I suggest getting started early (around 11 or 12) at a cafetería (like Bar Nike, mentioned below) where drinks are cheap (4- 6€ to get you feeling ‘contentillo’).  If you prefer to drink at home before going out, keep in mind you’ll have to purchase your alcohol before 10pm, in accordance with local laws.  Some alimentaciones will sell you alcohol anyway, but you have to know the protocol.  Be very nice to the attendant, give him or her a conspiratorial look and don’t act too drunk or be loud.  If you’re lucky they just might pull a bottle of beer out from underneath a bag of potatoes.

Once you’re feeling fuzzy (and less inhibited about talking to some tall, dark and handsome Don Juans) it’s time to make your way to the bar or club of your choice.  Bars with music and dancing that don’t demand an entrance fee normally open from 11 or 12 till 3:30.  Clubs that require a 10€ payment at the door (that gets you a ticket for a drink at the bar inside) open around 12am and close their doors at 6 or 6:30.  Whatever you decide, remember there will be many opportunities to try new places (even in the same night, as lots of people go out to after hours until 9am or later).