Madrid's nightlife is world famous largely thanks to the joyous ambiance created in areas such as Chueca, where small bars and clubs throw big time parties where everyone is welcome.

This area burst on the nightlife scene decades ago, when the LGTBIQA+ community breathed new life into its streets and squares, which had been forgotten for years. Nowadays, this neighbourhood is open to anyone looking to party the night away in an atmosphere of respect and complicity.

Among the classic venues in this area, be they LGTBIQA+ or otherwise, there are a few names that have now practically become part of the city's cultural heritage. Museo Chicote, named the best bar in Europe several times over, is legendary and truly historic, having welcomed the great stars of Hollywood's heyday, as well as Ernest Hemingway; now it plays host to the city's top DJs and veterans of the world of art and Madrid's popular culture.

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Another classic name on the Chueca nightlife scene is Libertad 8 (located at No. 8, Calle Libertad), the birthplace of some of the most emblematic singer-songwriters on the Madrid night scene. Teatro Barceló TClub, heir to the famous Pachá, is also legendary, in spite of the change in name, as is Sala Ocho y Medio, in the same building.

Located in the heart of Chueca, Intruso Bar is a multidisciplinary space that hosts concerts, comedy shows, and DJ sets; and at Sala Vesta, on the site of the former Bogui Jazz club, you can see concerts by established music acts as well as the most innovative DJ sets and jam sessions. If you’re looking to enjoy dinner and a show, head to Bule Bule, which offers a unique evening full of fun. 

In this area, you will also find numerous cocktail bars, including Coctelería Del Diego, one of the city's best venues. There is also Harveys, an original cocktail bar inspired by Hollywood elegance of the 1940s; and Lola 09, a modern, cosmopolitan space serving a wide range of cocktails along with food for sharing, and more elaborate dishes.

Alongside these established venues, numerous new bars, pubs and clubs are opening up to feed the desire for fun in all its forms. Avant-garde spaces such as  Vuélvete Loca and LL Showbar (Pelayo, 11), which hosts some of the wildest and most frenetic shows in the area, the perfect place to discover the latest talent in their drag queen competitions. Those looking to party into the small hours can head for DLRO (Pelayo, 59), which opens until 5 am every day. Twist & Shout Bar is a freak themed cocktail bar with a nod to the popular culture and which stands out for serving its cocktails with popcorn. Other classics of the area are Why not? and Black & White.

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For those looking for a more specific scene, there are also specialised options. Many people who identify with the bear culture congregate at venues such as Zarpa Bear (Infantas, 26), The Paso (Costanillla de los Capuchinos, 1) and Hot (Infantas, 9).

And for those looking for venues with roots in the Lesbian community, places such as Truco and Fulanita de Tal are well worth a visit.