Hola Madrid! A city to visit year round

Yoel and Yerai are a young couple of Fabul’hosts based in the vibrant city of Madrid. Spain's gay capital is a major European destination for LGBTQ tourists looking for heavy clubbing, dreamy tapas, and hot events year round. Get to know Madrid with Yoel and Yerai, and discover this city like a gay local. Explore Madrid. Experience your pride.

How gay-friendly is your city? What’s gay life like there?

It’s no secret to anyone that Madrid is very gay-friendly. Actually, it’s a super-duper gay city worth living in and visiting. If you’ve ever been to Barcelona, we would say it’s a tie in terms of gay life. Gay travelers will not be disappointed.

What are the best gay events that take place in your city each year?

There are two huge gay events that attract thousands of LGBTQ travelers every year. First, there is Madrid Orgullo - our very own Gay Pride Festival, which is arguably one of the biggest gay pride events in the world. It takes place in July, with outdoor concerts, circuit parties and the hottest guys you could think of everywhere! Definitely a must.

However, if you’re not lucky enough to experience Madrid in the summer, we’d recommend the WE New Year’s Gay Winter Festival. It's a five-day major gay party, welcoming the biggest names in the international DJ scene and attracting gay guys from all over the world. What a better way to say “adios” to the old year, and hola to the new one!

© Instagram / Madorgullo

We only have 48 hours in your city. What can’t we miss?

Grab a bite at Café Federal, and start your day off with a smile. Then, take a walk along the Gran Via and discover this crazy, crowded part of the city. Rent a bike or a segway, and pay a visit to the Palacio Real. Then have a snack at Mercado de San Miguel and explore Madrid's charming old downtown, it’s just so beautiful. Have lunch in any of the great food markets in Madrid, and sample some delicious Spanish (and international) cuisine. In the afternoon, check out the Prado Museum and appreciate its amazing collection of works.

Not too far from the Prado Museum, you will find the Retiro Park, a huge public garden where you can sunbathe, enjoy a boat ride on the lake, and feed the swans. Don’t miss the Palacio de Cristal in the middle of the park, it’s stunning! And before the sun goes down, make sure you’re sitting on a rooftop, sipping Sangria and overlooking the whole city from above.

What’s your favorite gay place to grab a bite for lunch? A nice dinner?

We’re total burger addicts and if you are too, don’t miss Goiko, as they have some of the best burgers in town. The Kevin Bacon will rock your world!

For dinner, we’re currently really into a place called Oven. It's an italian restaurant, which offers a hip atmosphere and the yummiest food. It’s a must.

© Instagram / livelove.spain

Where is a good gay place for brunch on weekends?

We would definitely have to say Café Federal again! The place is beautiful, the food is just great, and we absolutely love the gay-friendly vibes!

Best gay place and day for a cheap beer or happy hour?

Chueca, Madrid’s gayborhood, is the place to go. This central area is full of gay bars where you can have a drink (or two). If we had to pick just one, we’d probably say LaKama Café.

© Instagram / aloha_natsu0729

We’re ready to party! What are the best gay clubs?

Try LaKama Cafe’s sister, LaKama Bar, or visit any other gay bar in Chueca. There are plenty of places where you can get a caña (una cerveza, beer, por favor) or a cocktail, and they’re all super friendly! Madrid is a party city but the party starts very late, so you’ll have loads of time to visit a few bars before hitting a club.

Every month there is WE Party at La Riviera; arguably one of the best gay parties around, offering great music, visuals and animation. If you'd rather take your shirt off in a pool of hotties, then Kluster is for you. It’s one of the longest running and most popular Saturday-night dance gay parties for the macho crowd. But if you prefer clean cut boys who are into pop hits, you should head to La Boîte, a mixed club with a kitsch 70s decor that can get super fun.

Can you share a secret or little-known place to visit in your city?

If you want to experience Madrid like a gay local, grab a beer under the sun with a lot of people in Plaza de San Ildefonso - a nice tourist-free square in Malasaña. It’s the place to go on summer weekends and it's totally free!

Where can we get the best view of your city?

Madrid is famous for its terrazas (rooftops). When you’re in the city, don’t miss the views from The Penthouse or Gymage Lounge Resort. They’re both exceptional, and even better at sunset.

© Instagram / iberostarlasletrasgranvia

Thinking of visiting Madrid? Check out our Accommodations and Guide for this great gay city!  

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