Madrid: Gay and Lesbian

Madrid's gay scene is centred around the old quarter of Chueca (pronounced Choo-aye-ka), which is in the old quarter at the centre of Madrid and exudes stylishness and hedonism.

Most people tend to get ready for a night on the town and head to dinner at 10 or 11pm, and then hit the bars around 1am, followed by some serious clubbing around 3am in one of the fantastic gay venues. If you are big on partying it is wise to sleep all day so you are fresh and raring to go for the night-time, when the city really comes to life. It's a tightly compact and usually very busy area and is not for the shy as pretty much anything goes here. Places further away are easily accessible by the highly efficient Metro and you will find that all Spaniards tend to party late, so wherever you go you won’t be at a loss for something to keep your interest.