Gay Madrid, Spain

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The Spanish love life, and know how to live it.  With a culture centered around family, friends, and the joys of life—food, drink, and dance—the Spanish will teach you a thing or two during your stay.  As the capital and largest city of Spain, Madrid is a city that truly never sleeps—dinner in Spain begins in the late evening and, after the traditional three courses, can continue well into midnight, at which time the bar and dance club scene gets started.

The phenomena of tapas, the name for a variety of Spanish appetizers commonly served with wine or beer, reflects well cultural attitudes towards eating and drinking in Spain.  Often a group of friends eating out will order several dishes and a carafe of wine to share.  This process—combining food and drink and sharing both with friends—makes for an evening of high taste but lower consumption than the American tourist might expect.  Tapas are also traditionally served with an afternoon or evening drink order at local bars and cafes.  They can range from small bowls of olives or nuts to a pincho de tortilla, a bit of egg and potato pie, depending on the bar and what is on hand.

Madrid is also a city for art lovers. Boasting three of the most important art museums in Europe, the Paseo del Prado is always bustling with tourists and art aficionados. For the most economical art tour, purchase a Paseo del Arte ticket (at any of the three museums) for the price of ~15 euros and gain access to all three museums, to be toured at your leisure during your time in Madrid. Now, where to begin? The Museo del Prado is home to one of the finest art collections in the world; with collections of the works of Francisco de Goya, Diego Velazquez, Peter Paul Ruebens, El Greco, Raphael, and extensive collections of medieval and renaissance Spanish work, the museum is best explored with a guide map in hand. Next on your list is the La Reina Sofia, where you will find an excellent collection of modern art including works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Joan Miro. Picasso’s Guernica, a masterpiece commemorating the bombing of the Basque village of Gernika, is on prominent display. Finally, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum offers a vast and eclectic collection of the works acquired by the historic Thyssen-Bornemisza estate; there you will find famous works by Renaissance, Baroque, Impressionist, and Post-Impressionist painters.

Some other important sites in Madrid include: the breathtaking Royal Palace—guided tours are available through the Palace and gardens; Puerta del Sol, a central point of the city and a great place to begin your explorations; the Plaza Mayor, a large market and meeting place only a few blocks from Puerta del Sol; Buen Retiro Park, an expansive park in the center of the city where you will find joggers, street performers, bohemian drum circles, a rowing pond, and many statues and gardens to admire.  

In addition, bullfighting is a popular Spanish sport and worth a look while you’re there, as the largest bullfighting ring in Spain is located in Madrid.  The bullfighting season spans from March to October with bullfights on Sundays.  Some other local cultural events include the fiesta of San Isidro, the Patron Saint of Madrid, and the Easter and Christmas festivities, which involve amazing street processions.

The gay village in Madrid is focused around La Plaza de Chueca, which is easily accessible by metro.  There you will find many businesses geared towards the gay and lesbian community—including travel agencies and lawyers—as well as an active night scene.  The Chueca barrio is also the home of the Dia del Orgullo Gay (Gay Pride Day) which includes a parade and other festivities and takes place the last weekend of June.

Also, don’t forget that Madrid is hosting Europride in 2007...mark your calendar now! (Check out our international calling cards and international travel insurance on our "Travel Accessories" page.)

Hasta la vista en Madrid!