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GAY AND LESBIAN MADRID |
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Much of Madrid's nightlife has a big gay input and gay men
especially will feel at home in most of the listings in our clubs/
discotecas section. However, around Plaza Chueca, graffiti-plastered
walls proclaim the existence of a zona gay , and the surrounding streets,
especially c/Pelayo, harbour at least a dozen exclusively gay bars and
clubs, as well as a café that's traditionally gay - the Café Figueroa at
c/Augusto Figueroa 17. Wandering about, be aware that Chueca is also
something of a drug centre, so taxis are best late at night. The lesbian
scene, which is rather less developed, has a current focus in Lavapiés.
The main gay organization in Madrid is Coordinadora Gay de Madrid, c/Fuencarral
37 (Mon-Fri 5-9pm, Aug from 7pm; tel 915 224 517; Métro: Chueca), which
can give information on health, leisure and gay rights. The Chueca
website www.chueca.com is full of information about everything going on
in the area.
Gay bars and discotecas
Café Acuarela , c/Gravina 10 Métro: Chueca. Very comfortable café,
stylish decor and the perfect place for a quiet drink. Popular with a
mixed crowd.
Cruising , c/Pérez Galdós 5 Métro: Chueca. This discobar is strictly for
leather boys, with a dark room and bar upstairs and a small, intimate
disco below. It has a slightly tense atmosphere and you have to order
your drinks at the door before you come in.
Liquid , c/Barquillo 8 Métro: Chueca. Smart and stylish new arrival on
the gay scene. The two bars are lined with video screens playing a
selection of modish music.
La Lupe , c/Torrecilla del Leal 12 Métro: Antón Martín. Mixed gay,
lesbian and alternative bar that has received a recent make-over. Good
music, cheap drinks and occasional cabaret.
Medea , c/Cabeza 33 Métro: Tirso de Molina. Women-only disco which has a
huge dance floor and wide-ranging selection of danceable music. Gets
going from about 1am.
New Leather Bar , c/Pelayo 42 Métro: Chueca. The name implies a leather
scene but this bar has a mixed gay crowd.
Ricks , c/de las Infantas 26 Métro: Banco de España. Mixed straight/gay
discobar which gets wild at weekends when every available space is used
for dancing. Open and light, with a friendly atmosphere - plus table
football at the back. Pricey drinks.
La Sastrería , c/Hortaleza 74 Métro: Chueca. This popular two-floored
café-bar is a great place for an afternoon coffee, tea or fruit juice as
well as an evening drink.
Shangay Tea Dance , at the Flamingo Club , c/Mesonero Romanos 13 Métro:
Callao. A compulsory Sunday night stop, featuring live shows and 70s
disco hits. ¬6 entry including first drink. Open Sun 9pm-2am.
Stars Dance Café , c/Marqués de Valdeiglesias 5 Métro: Gran Vía. Quiet
and low-key during the day and gradually livens up as the night goes on.
Popular meeting point for the gay community but clientele is mixed.
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