LGBT in Recent Years, Madrid Has Become One of the Preferred Destinations for Gay and Lesbian People from Across the World
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www.esmadrid.com MADRIDLGBT In recent years, Madrid has become one of the preferred destinations for gay and lesbian people from across the world. And it’s easy to see why: our capital isn’t just a first-rate destination for tourism and culture – it’s also a fun, friendly and tolerant city, with plenty to offer to the LGBT tourist. Right in the centre of this thriving scene is Chueca, a traditional neighbourhood now transformed into a model of modernity. Its wide choice of leisure options, gastronomy and shopping is built on a belief in diversity and tolerance which, in just a few years, has extended out to the rest of the city. 01 MADRID, OPEN TO YOU vitality of Madrid spill out onto the HERE EVERYONE streets. People from all across the globe share spaces and activities in IS WELCOME absolute freedom, out in the open, in a city that thrives on celebration. Madrid is a lively, cosmopolitan city which always welcomes you Madrid is life, with a packed calen- with open arms. It takes you in and makes you feel part of it, without dar of cultural events which never questions or distinctions. So what are you waiting for? fail to surprise and delight. Chueca has become the destination for visi- tors free from prejudices and com- plexes. Its bars, cafés, bookshops A DOORWAY TO DIVERSITY and other venues have pioneered Wherever you’re from and whatever ple in the Chueca neighbourhood the sense of modernity which can your sexual preference, in Madrid have extended out to the rest of the now also be felt in other nearby you’ll feel right at home. Many city and have been rewarded with areas. Make this your starting point countries around the world look to the great success of the Gay Pride then for discovering everything that the Spanish capital as a model for festivities, which attract thousands central Madrid has to offer. Here working towards LGBT integration. of visitors to the capital each year. you’ll find the best selection ofgay- The decades of hard work on the If you come, you’ll experience for friendly accommodation, restau- part of residents and business peo- yourself how the frenetic pace and rants, bars, clubs and shops. 02 www.esmadrid.com/en/gay-madrid On our website you’ll find the essential listings guide to make the most of your visit to Madrid. THE CHUECA NEIGHBOURHOOD In the 1990s, the efforts of the Chueca is proud of its nightlife, one LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and of the most fun in the city. Trendy Transgender) community were able art galleries, cutting-edge clothes to rescue this neglected neighbou- shops, restaurants serving up inter- rhood and transform it. Now one of national cuisine, and lively outdoor the most cosmopolitan and vibrant bars and cafés fill its streets, with parts of Madrid, it serves as an plenty to do and enjoy 24 hours a example to the whole world. Plaza day. de Chueca is the area’s nerve cen- As an alternative to the hustle and tre, around which all of its bustling bustle of Chueca, a more relaxed life revolves, by day and by night. and sophisticated atmosphere has Its outdoor cafés, the place to see been cultivated on the outdoor ca- and to be seen, make ideal mee- fés of neighbouring Plaza Vázquez ting points to get the party started. de Mella. 01. Bodegas Ángel Sierra 02. Gay Pride Parade 03. Plaza de Chueca GAY PRIDE FESTIVITIES The streets of Chueca are at the epi- centre of the celebrations for Gay Pride, and are festooned with flags and garlands during these dates. Culminating in the grand parade along the streets of Alcalá and Gran Vía, these events are an experience like no other, one which you’ll want to repeat year after year. As well as the open-air concerts taking pla- ce over several days, the outdoor cafés and general party spirit are at the heart of this annual festival, although there’s much more on offer, too, with awhole spectrum of cultural and sporting events. This is a celebration with something for everyone, welcoming all those peo- ple who like to enjoy life to the full with complete freedom. 03 ALL ANGLES COVERED SALESAS MADRID IS SO Despite their fame, Chueca and its su- first. And although on these streets rroundings offer much more than just shopping rules supreme, nothing MUCH MORE a paradise for lovers of fun and great stops you from taking time out to look nightlife. Especially in recent years, its up and appreciate the area’s treasures The success story of Chueca has expansion towards the neighbouring of modernist architecture, or to relax helped to transfer to the rest of district of Salesas has turned this who- with a cold beer. Salesas is the district the city its nonconformist, festive le area into a shopping mecca. In this of the fashion showrooms, of the shops spirit, which has come to form an neighbourhood – reminiscent someti- where those in the know go, and of the inseparable part of Madrid’s very mes of Paris, at times of New York, and trend laboratories. Every day, stylists, cosmopolitan identity. Come and always of Madrid – you can spot the fashion gurus and trendsetters walk experience it for yourself. coolhunters on the lookout for the next these streets. The top destinations for big thing in fashion. This is where all the any serious shopping trip are Argenso- latest trends in fashion and art come la, Piamonte and Barquillo streets. FUENCARRAL There’s more to Madrid than Chueca, and there’s more to Chueca than par- tying. The whole city offers a multitude of attractions, beyond the limits of any one neighbourhood. On the streets of Fuencarral and Hortaleza, the most ori- ginal and avant-garde fashion takes centre stage. And it’s not just clothes, either: there’s furniture, gifts, books, design, perfumes, plus designer, gay- friendly hotels to suit every budget. Since Fuencarral Market opened here in around 2000, this street has become the indisputable star of Madrid’s shopping scene. Its success soon caught the eye of international brand names, who little by little attracted an even more diverse public to the area. Thanks to its recent pedestrianisation, and without losing any of its very special identity, it is now possible to walk along Calle Fuencarral and much of the surrounding area just as if you were in a massive open-air shop- ping centre. 04 www.esmadrid.com/en/gay-madrid Check out our website for all the info you need to move around Madrid like a local. 01. Nighttime in Malasaña 02. Chinese New Year WHAT’S ON in Lavapiés Madrid’s events are well- known for successfully combining mass appeal with a cosmopolitan flavour. Gay Pride Festivities CENTRAL MADRID LATE JUNE The whole of Madrid comes together for the most important celebration in the gay commu- nity’s calendar – a joyous mix of fun and reaffirmation. They also coincide with the local fiestas of the Chueca neighbourhood. Gay Pride Parade ALCALÁ / GRAN VÍA FIRST SATURDAY AFTER 28TH JUNE The climax of the week-long cel- ebrations in honour of Gay Pride malasaÑA LAVAPIÉS is this colourful parade, complete Madrid is famous the world over As in all of the neighbourhoods of with extravagant floats, through for the way in which we enjoy central Madrid, here lifelong local the centre of the city. nights that carry on into the early residents live in harmony with morning, surprising every tourist more recent arrivals and with all Visible Festival with their energy and joy. This is of the thousands of visitors who VARIOUS VENUES especially true of Malasaña and flock here every day, drawn by the JUNE - JULY its many nocturnal haunts, with culture, leisure and shopping that Visual arts projects, feature- something to please everyone. the area offers. To call this place a length and short films, plus thea- Located just behind Gran Vía and ‘melting pot’ barely begins to des- tre, dance and performing arts, Fuencarral, this is one of the most cribe it. Here, locals born and bred and all with an LGBT connection, authentic and cosmopolitan parts share benches in the sun with new make up the programme for this of central Madrid. As well as a neighbours from South America, energetic festival of culture. varied selection of shops and re- Africa and Asia. Whilst still retaining creational destinations, it offers a their authentic, traditional flavour, Lesgaicinemad whole philosophy for life, with a the rich ethnic diversity of these CINEMAS complete absence of conventio- streets is a wonderful example of OCTOBER - NOVEMBER nalisms being the order of the day. integration and coexistence. Lava- LGBT-themed film season. Malasaña has become a great place piés is also a traditional centre for an Its programme includes film to see and to be seen, to revel in alternative gay and lesbian scene, screenings and talks, press modernity and to give free rein to demonstrating the diversity of the conferences and special festi- your thirst for fun and adventure. capital’s LGBT spaces. val events. 05 AND WHAT’S MORE VARIED TASTES If you’re ever looking for a place to have lunch or dinner here in Madrid, it’s very likely that you’ll find your- self in a restaurant in Chueca; no other neighbourhood offers so much choice. Traditional Spanish restau- rants sit side by side with those serv- ing international fare, signature cui- sine, and unique dining experiences to suit every palate, and all offering great value for money.