Madrid’s gay hub
In the very heart of Madrid you can find the colorful Chueca neighbourhood, the vibrant LGBT epicenter of Spain. With its semi-pedestrian streets and busy squares, it is one of the most charming neighbourhoods to stay in. If you choose to stay in Chueca, you’re in for a great mix of partying, cuisine and top-notch hotels. Chueca mixes originality and open and tolerant character to perfection.
Chueca, and its neighboring quarter of Malasaña, represent the alternative and leisure hub of Madrid, just north of Gran Vía Street.
Its location is one of its biggest assets, making it really easy to explore most of Madrid’s attractions on foot. At the same time, Chueca is very well connected to the rest of the city thanks to the Metro. If you decide to stay in Chueca, it is advisable to avoid the car, as Chueca’s narrow alleyways and lack of parking spaces can bring lots of headaches.
Chueca’s historic stately buildings add a lot of charm to the area. Lovely Museo del Romanticismo, just off Calle Fuencarral is one of the most beautiful buildings in central Madrid.
Staying in Chueca – What you need to know
Even though Chueca is located in the heart of Madrid, cheap accommodation in Chueca can be found, especially in pensions and guesthouses. Even most hotels have discounted fares, within reach of all budgets. The neighbourhood of Chueca is, and it couldn’t be any other way, the area where the majority of gay hotels in Madrid are located and gay-friendly hotels are the norm throughout the district.
If you are planning a visit to Madrid during the LGBT Pride celebrations (usually during the last week of June and / or first of July) and wish to stay in Chueca, the best approach is booking your accommodation well in advance. During the Chueca’s “Big Week”, hotels, hostels and B&Bs are crowded with tourists and prices can be astronomical.
Hand-picked hotels and accommodation options in Chueca
Our Top Pick in ChuecaOnly You Boutique Hotel is an exquisite luxury hotel with impeccable service. The rooms have a chic and rustic unique style. It is located on Calle del Barquillo, very close to Plaza de Chueca and the Metro station. – from €149
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Budget Hotel in Chueca
Hostal Casa Bueno is almost too good to be true. This is an budget guesthouse in Chueca (Calle Fuencarral) with prices ranging from 25 euros and with a rating of over 8/10 on the hotels reservations engine. – from €25.
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Best Midrange Hotel in Chueca
Fuencarral Rooms could not be better located, in the heart of Fuencarral street and a few meters from the leisure areas of Malasaña and Chueca. It is a simple but modern and tastefully decorated guesthouse. Their service and staff are excellent. – from €59.
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Top Chueca Apartments
Forever Apartments Madrid offer apartments for up to 6 people in the heart of Víctor Hugo, in a 19th century royal estate. They are luxurious, spacious and comfortable flats. – from €169
Food, fashion and nightlife
Being a neighbourhood that’s full of life day and night, and Madrileños taste for the outdoors, beers, tapas and gastronomy are activities that take place on the terraces of the bars and restaurants in the area. This is a quarter where the ultra chic and the alternative and cool go hand-by-hand.
Recommended: Mercado de San Antón for tapas, wine and views.
Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy the quantity of fashionable stores as well as the abundance of shoe shops of all kinds and styles ranging from the cheapest to the upmarket. Unique is the name of the game and you cannot leave Chueca without doing a boutique experience. Antiques enthusiasts will feel in their element at Almirante 23.
Nightlife in Chueca is dynamic and is the top attraction in the area, most of the venues here are aimed at an LGBT community, but there is a bit of everything for everyone in Chueca. Nightlife and partying are guaranteed for all those who wish to stay in this neighbourhood.