Heading out in Madrid? Our guide to the best gay bars, clubs and saunas
Know the Neighborhoods
Madrid's gay scene is centered around the Chueca neighborhood, where you'll find a wide variety of gay bars, clubs, and saunas. However, there are also other neighborhoods that have a few gay venues, such as Malasaña and Lavapiés. Do some research before you go out to get an idea of what each neighborhood has to offer.
Hotels in Chueca
Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid Set in a refurbished 19th-century palace, Only YOU Boutique Hotel Madrid is an upscale boutique hotel that combines contemporary design with historical charm. The chic rooms come with high ceilings, hardwood floors, and modern amenities, such as smart TVs and Nespresso machines. The on-site restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine, and the stylish lounge is perfect for relaxing with a cocktail. The hotel also offers a fitness center and spa services for guests to enjoy.
Hostal La Zona is a cozy and budget-friendly option in Chueca that offers clean, comfortable rooms with private bathrooms. Some rooms come with balconies, providing views of the bustling neighborhood. The friendly staff is always ready to provide assistance, and the hostal's convenient location puts guests within walking distance of Chueca's main attractions, including shops, bars, and restaurants.
Petit Palace Chueca This contemporary hotel is situated near Gran Vía and Chueca's vibrant nightlife scene. Petit Palace Chueca offers modern rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, iPads, and flat-screen TVs. Some rooms even come with balconies overlooking the lively streets. The hotel provides a daily breakfast buffet, and bicycle rentals are available for guests who wish to explore the city. The attentive staff ensures a pleasant stay for all guests.
7 Islas Hotel is a charming hotel with a central location in the Chueca neighborhood. The stylish rooms come with hardwood floors, modern artwork, and comfortable beds. The hotel features a chic bar, perfect for enjoying a drink after a day of exploring, and an on-site restaurant serving Spanish cuisine. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel's fitness center and a peaceful interior courtyard.
The Principal Madrid is a luxurious 5-star hotel that offers elegant rooms with a blend of classic and modern design. The rooms come with plush bedding, high-end toiletries, and sophisticated furnishings. The hotel's sophisticated rooftop terrace boasts panoramic views of the city, and its on-site restaurant, Ático, is helmed by a Michelin-starred chef, providing an exquisite dining experience. The hotel also features a wellness suite with a range of spa treatments, a fitness center, and a solarium.
Axel Hotel Madrid is a popular LGBT-friendly hotel located in the heart of Chueca. The hotel features eclectic, colorful design elements throughout, and its rooms come with comfortable beds, mood lighting, and modern amenities. The hotel has a rooftop terrace with a pool and Sky Bar, offering stunning views and an excellent spot for socializing. The on-site restaurant, MAD Restaurant, serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes, and the hotel also features a well-equipped gym and spa.
NH Collection Madrid Suecia is a sophisticated 5-star hotel close to Chueca and Gran Vía. The rooms are elegantly decorated and come with modern amenities such as Nespresso machines and rain showers. The hotel has a stylish rooftop bar, Ático Casa Suecia, where guests can enjoy cocktails with panoramic views of the city. The on-site restaurant, Llave de Oro, serves delicious Spanish and international cuisine, and the hotel also offers a fitness center for guests to stay active during their stay.
Hotel Santo Domingo is a unique and charming hotel in the Chueca area, boasting a blend of modern and traditional Spanish design. The rooms are individually decorated, some featuring hand-painted murals, and come with a range of amenities for a comfortable stay. The hotel has a rooftop terrace with a seasonal pool and bar, offering beautiful views of the city. The on-site restaurant, Sandó, serves Spanish and international cuisine in an elegant setting. The hotel also has several meeting and event spaces, making it suitable for business travelers as well.
Gran Meliá Palacio de los Duques is a luxurious 5-star hotel housed in a 19th-century palace near Chueca. The hotel offers beautifully decorated rooms and suites with high ceilings, classic furnishings, and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy the hotel's lush garden, outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral. The on-site restaurant, Dos Cielos, serves gourmet Spanish cuisine by Michelin-starred chefs, and the hotel's Thai Room Wellness offers a variety of relaxing spa treatments.
Dress Code
The dress code for Madrid's gay scene is generally casual and trendy. Depending on the venue, you may want to dress up a bit more or keep it more casual. It's always a good idea to check the venue's website or social media pages to get an idea of the dress code.
Timing
Madrid's gay scene is known for its late nights - many bars and clubs don't get busy until after midnight, and some stay open until 6 or 7 in the morning. If you're not a night owl, there are some bars that are more low-key and open earlier in the evening.
Stay Safe
Like any city, Madrid has its share of risks, so it's important to stay safe while you're out. Stick to well-lit areas, don't walk alone if possible, and be aware of your surroundings. If you're drinking, be mindful of your alcohol intake and always keep an eye on your belongings.
Meet People
One of the best things about Madrid's gay scene is the opportunity to meet new people. Strike up a conversation with someone at the bar, join a group of people on the dance floor, or attend an event or party. You never know who you might meet!
Have Fun
Finally, remember that the most important thing about going out on Madrid's gay scene is to have fun! Don't be afraid to try new things, dance like no one's watching, and enjoy the vibrant and diverse community that makes Madrid's gay scene so special.
Where to go?
Madrid is a city known for its vibrant and diverse nightlife scene, including a variety of gay bars and clubs. Here's a guide to some of the top gay establishments in Madrid:
Bars
El Armario: This bar is located in the Chueca district at Calle de la Victoria, 6. It's a cozy and friendly spot, popular with locals and tourists alike, and offers a range of cocktails and beers.
La Kama: This bar is located in the Chueca district at Calle de la Libertad, 28. It's a stylish and modern bar, with a wide range of cocktails and beers, and often hosts events and parties.
The Paso: This bar is located in the Chueca district at Calle de Pelayo, 11. It's a relaxed and welcoming bar, with a friendly atmosphere and regular drag shows.
LL Bar: This bar is located in the Chueca district at Calle Pelayo, 11. It's a cozy and friendly bar, with a range of drinks and a small outdoor terrace.
Fulanita de Tal: This bar is located in the Chueca district at Calle de Regueros, 9. It's a popular spot for lesbians and their friends, with a friendly atmosphere and regular events.
Medea Café: This bar is located in the Malasaña district at Calle del Olmo, 2. It's a trendy and stylish bar, with a range of cocktails and beers, and often hosts art exhibitions and live music.
Clubs
Bearbie: This club is located in the Chueca district at Calle Pelayo, 79. It's a popular spot for bears and their admirers, with a dark room, dance floor, and outdoor terrace.
Kluster: This club is located in the Malasaña district at Calle San Vicente Ferrer, 1. It's a mixed club with a diverse crowd and three floors of music and dancing.
MalaMala: This club is located in the Chueca district at Calle de San Vicente Ferrer, 33. It's a popular spot for Latin music and dancing, with a mix of locals and tourists.
Strong Center: This club is located in the Chueca district at Calle de Trujillos, 7. It's a men-only club with a dark room, sauna, and gym, as well as a bar and dance floor.
Saunas
Sauna Paraiso: This sauna is located in the Chueca district at Calle de San Bartolomé, 4. It's a large and well-equipped sauna, with a steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, and dark room.
Sauna Octopus: This sauna is located in the Malasaña district at Calle de Churruca, 10. It's a smaller and more intimate sauna, with a steam room, sauna, and jacuzzi.
Sauna Lavapiés: This sauna is located in the Lavapiés district at Calle de Zurita, 3. It's a smaller and more intimate sauna, with a steam room, sauna, and jacuzzi.
Sauna Príncipe: This sauna is located in the Chueca district at Calle de San Bartolomé, 3. It's a men-only sauna, with a dark room, sauna, and jacuzzi, as well as a bar and massage services.
