S Madrid A City break

pain has always been a county which not only excited me but brought out all the life within me from my very first holiday to Ibiza back in 1997. Over the years regardless if its been mainland Spain or some of the many Spanish islands I have visited over my life I have always felt at home from the very second I got off the plane. I will confess now that I am not always a fan of city break as a form of holiday as I much prefer a beach style holiday which to me screams relation so for me Madrid was going to challenge my idea of what a Spanish holiday is or should be.

I can safely say Madrid was no different when I visited it a good few years ago. Spain itself is a very diverse country with a real difference in climate from north to south east to west. You will find the northern area much cooler an greener than the southern more sunnier Costas for example and well Madrid deepening on the time of year can be cool or very hot.

Some people are surprised to learn that Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain and not Barcelona which is maybe better known. The city is located on the Manzanares River in the central region of the country. Surprisingly its metropolitan area is the third-largest in the European Union (after London and Paris) and has a population of around 6.5 million residents.

The main gay area is in the Chueca district, close to Gran Via. This hugely popular district has a the highest concentration of gay bars, clubs and shops. The overall neighbourhood is relatively compact, with most of the establishments close to Plaza Chueca or Calle Pelayo.

The nightlife starts very late in Madrid. The bars don’t get busy until after midnight and people move on to a nightclub around 4 am. Many gay bars have dark rooms in the back. More hardcore venues with dress codes for cruising and fetish fans are also common.

Getting to Madrid is pretty straight forward with many major UK and Irish cities having direct scheduled and low cost flights. From Northern Ireland you are probably better to try and use Dublin Airport to get direct flights without having to connect via London from Belfast.

Madrid offers and excellent transport system and the majority of people tend to use either bus or taxis to get around. You will notice that the city is not flat and so I would say that its a walking city but depending on your own abilities walking is 100% possible and for me it always shows a city in its true light because you will often find little hidden gems along side streets etc you would otherwise miss.

Madrid hosts many annual Gay events for its local community and international tourist and its annual Pride which is often one of Europes largest is held in July. Mad Bear is also another huge event on the scene taking place annually in December. You will also find the city hosting events like Fetish Pride, Leather, Mr Gay Spain and often many more extreme gay events compared to many other global cities. With so my recommendations Its key to plan ahead as the events can be hugely popular and often charged for. Spain is always a destination where people go large on themes so if you have the cash to splash then bring it on and buy all the outfits for the events you wish to attend. Dont worry though as you can often find gay fetish and branded clothing stores open in the city or sold at key venues during the events.

Compared to other countries I feel the gay scene is much more sexier and free so don’t be shocked by the things you may. See or experience because the vibe is nothing really shocks here I mean think Folsom and you would be on the right track.

Most gay travellers stay near the Chueca gay district, Gran Via and Sol/Cortes. These central areas offer a great base from which to explore the best sights and gay scene in Madrid. Some hotels are gay-owned and very gay-friendly.

So where would I recommend you stay and why

? The Axel Madrid has to be the number one for me because I love the brand and what the hotel represents. The Axel Madrid Set in Madrid city center, Axel Hotel Madrid - Adults Only offers accommodations only 15 minutes’ walk away from Chueca, known by its LGBT atmosphere and welcoming entertainment offer, the hotel is hetero-friendly too. Every stylish room at this hotel is air conditioned and has a TV. The rooms include a private bathroom with free toiletries, bathrobes and a hairdryer. Axel Hotel Madrid offers a restaurant where you can enjoy a modern approach to the local food. There is a roof-top terrace with its sky bar and a pool with stunning city view. A Cocktail bar can be found at this property as well. Axel Hotel Madrid is open to diversity and focused on the LGTBIQ+ community.

When it comes to night life well you have a lot to choose from but for me being a hairy Bear then Bear friendly venues are always a must visit and well Hot, Bears Bar and New Incognito where defo on my list and I feel should be on yours also.

Besides Bears the Gay scene in Madrid offers pretty much everything so other venues to check out include. Strong, LL Bar and Attack Club which as you can imagine are pretty much dance club bars which will feature many many delicious local talent and of course tourists.

Madrid is an undeniably a very sexual city and so any kind of fetish gay or not will be catered for its just knowing where to find it. Whether you’re a BDSM enthusiast, a cruising fan or simply curious, Madrid has options beyond the saunas. In particular, the gay neighbourhood of Chueca has several cruising bars opening their basements and dungeons day in and day out. Think Boy Berry, Naked, Attack and if your willing to go on the outskirts you will find some little more smaller and intimate venues mainly reserved for locals but worth checking out.

Gay sauna wise you will be spoil for choice all offering something a little more different than its competitors some large some small and some more focused on certain aspects like dark rooms and glory holes etc. Some names to check out include Sauna Cruising, Cap Madrid Sauna Hamman Naturista and Sauna Center.

Spain has some amazing Gay brands with stores in many key destinations in the country including Barcelona and Maspalomas and Madrid I am glad to say is no different. If your looking to up your look for some themes gay party nights or Pride events then you can pick up some amazing looks at brands likes ES Collection Madrid, Addicted, Omohonia and XXX Madrid.

Something not to be missed when visiting Madrid include Royal Palace explore the grand architecture of this historic palace, one of the largest royal palaces in Europe, and learn about its fascinating history, Plaza Mayor, located in the heart of old Madrid, this historic square is a vibrant hub of activity and a great place to soak in the atmosphere or a firm favourite Gran Via This iconic street is known for its vibrant atmosphere, shopping opportunities, and impressive architecture, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

As you can see Madrid really is a true Spanish delight even without the Beach I have to say I didn’t even think about it during my visit. The way of life, the food, its people are so captivating and the evening atmosphere was electric no matter which venue I was in from small cafes during the day to the more lively dance clubs into the wee early hours.

If your looking a city who embraces MEN in all its forms then Madrid is defiantly one destination too cant miss especially being so close and offering some of the best annual events in Europe for the LGBTQ traveller.

Hopefully you will venture to Spain and enjoy whatever part you travel to and that the key for me travel can be an experience regardless of the budget so make it count and enjoy your life don’t dream it live it.

Until next time Adios.