Plaza de Chueca
Chueca has long been the go-to barrio for those looking for the famous Madrid gay nightlife. The square itself has had a recent revamp and is full of unhurried terrace bars from which to view the stylish and fabulous.
Chueca continues to be dynamic and forever changing. There is a fair choice of bars, some which seem to come and go in a heartbeat, others that have stood the test of time and a discerning clientele. A firm favourite of mine is D’Mystic, a café bar perfect as a meet up local to start the night with a few cocktails or relax after an afternoon shopping on the nearby Calle Fuencarral.
Plaza de Chueca
A little later I like to move on for drinks and music in La Kama Bar. Both have a friendly, flirtatious but efficient camareros who seem to be more part of the party than there as workers. Do not be surprise to see them leap onto the bar to work the punters and dance to a favourite track as the mood takes them.
All good fun but if you are looking more for a mixed, gay friendly crowd, many other barrios offer interesting nocturnal alternatives. Chueca’s hipster neighbour, Malasaña offers friendly ambience in Jandros, the perfect spot for a more retro experience. Why not then head onto Demodé, an alternative dance club offering live djs? Pace yourself though because when this closes at around 3.30am (give or take a track or two) there is still more to keep you occupied well into the early hours.
Madrid never sleeps
Get talking to the guys and girls in any of these places and they will have plenty of suggestions as to where the party is heading and you will always find flyers and deals for the best clubs being handed out on the streets.
Lewis Cooper