Chueca Neighborhood: The Gay Barrio – cafes, bars and clubs

If you take line five to Chueca you will happily pop up smack-dab in the center of the Plaza de Chueca – arguably the epicenter of all things gay, not only in Madrid, but in all of Spain.

Those who have been in Madrid for more than a decade will speak of the “olden days” when Chueca was a dangerous barrio full of drugs, debauchery, and male prostitution. As you will see, this is markedly different from today as it has become a neighborhood full of drugs, debauchery, male prostitution and high property values. Yes, Chueca was gentrified. The gay community actually started living here, as opposed to just partying here, ushering in the “golden days” of juice bars, laser hair removal salons, fusion restaurants, and, of course, more pubs and clubs than any other neighborhood can boast.

In the warm months this plaza is a perfect place to begin your Chueca adventure. And, no need to feel like a tourist geek. Although visitors frequent the Plaza, it’s still very much a part of local life.

The plaza, itself, although by no means small, has a cozy feel as it is closed in on all sides by five-storey buildings. Concrete benches line the periphery, making a great vantage point for people-watching, and the center is a massive terraza (outdoor café) great for stretching out the afternoon over cañas (small beers) or cafes. The prices here are slightly higher, but not excessive.

After getting your bearings, the Plaza is within walking distance of almost all nightlife in the city. Some noteworthy spots are: Truko: An extremely friendly girl bar. Worth checking out. Liquid:Good for early nights until about 2 or 3. A sexy crowd, but not a bit cold. Studio54: Packed with the under-thirty crowd. Energetic and social. Sunrise: Many have a soft spot for this bar -a sexy, yet smart and funny crowd. Pausa: Chill-out bar, often packed, but good for conversation – a café by day.

Beyond these suggestions, there is a whole universe to explore; it really is a neighborhood with something for everyone.

Enjoy.

Calle de Argumosa – The Street of Sidewalk Cafes

The Best Way to “Sunday”

So, it’s been another strenuous weekend of socializing in Spain’s topsy-turvy capital. After all the activity of the weekend subsides, there’s no better place to recuperate and relax than Calle de Argumosa. On a sunny day, it seems as though this little street has more terrazas (sidewalk cafes) than the rest of Madrid combined.

Finding a table can be a bit of a trick, but, considering there are several blocks of terrazas literally back to back, it usually doesn’t take more than one or two passes before you find a place. And, once you settle in, this being Spain, there is no pressure to be quick about your coffee, caña or tapa, so just kick back and enjoy the sun. And while you’re enjoying the sun, you can people-watch like few other places in Madrid. Lavapiès is Madrid’s impoverished, bohemian, immigrant neighborhood – it’s where everything mixes and comes out a little bit more colorful.

Another bonus is that it’s probably the easiest street to find in Madrid. Directions: exit metro Lavapiès – see, wasn’t that easy. The street not only has restaurants and cafes but art galleries as well, and, if you walk all the way to the end, in front of the fountain you’ll find a little independent bookstore, “La Libreria de Lavapiès”, which has a small but interesting English-language section.

Calle de Argumosa

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