Madridis one of the greatest party places of the world. Europride 2007 reinforced its reputation as the travel destination of choice with numerous gay hotelsand bars. Barrio Chueca is smart, fresh and succulent - the area is only of recent existence but every liberal living soul in Madrid ventures here, whether for the pubs and bars, atmosphere or service at its numerous hangouts. Che is right off the main street Gran Via. Like all Spanish cities, get your bearings and collect a map before you venture otherwise it is one massive maze of streets and alcoves.
Madrid's Gay Pride parade takes place on the last weekend of June, when Chueca becomes the centre of attraction and a truly vibrant and active area for gays and straights alike. This often clashes with Pride London, and in fact followed the city in hosting EuroPride in 2007. Madrid is relatively small compared to many of Europe's key cities, easy to get around and has many of the original architectural features of yester-year. In fact many new developments are keeping the original outer shel of buildings and re-developing the back and interiors. Part of Catholic Spain, this country and city cannot be regarded as backward. Madrid still hosts many of the country's traditions including 'Bull-fighting' yet had progressed liberally at marvellous rates. Spain is one of the only countries that allows gay 'marriage' and in recent year Madrid has developed its own gay precinct. There is much to do in Madrid from galleries to parks, shopping to alfresco dining - that's one thing, the food is exquisite.
Culture
Madrid is cosmopolitan on the inside, but is easy to mistaken it as a very traditional Spanish town. The city has kept its history, narrow streets and architectural style - yets has a very diverse flavour in sounds, tastes and people.
There are plenty of places to enjoy tapas, wine, cocktails, shop, sit, read and tour. All in a small area MAdrid welcomes you with open arms.
It is advised to make the most of this welcoming attitude and enjoy the culture that is typically Spain.
Equality
In 2005 the Spanish Parliament voted in favour to legalize gay marriage, giving final approval to a bill that would make Spain, a predominantly Catholic country, the first nation to eliminate all legal distinctions between same-sex and heterosexual unions.
Unlike other nations who have passed a similar bill this also allows gays and lesbians to be able to adopt on the same par. Canada is the only such country to date to be nearly as liberal as Spain.
While Madrid may be more conservative than Barcelona, it holds more cultural tradition and authentic Spanish attitude making it a contradiction in terms in many senses. The city is probably the most obscure destination in the world - a mix of values, opinions and liberalism that does not appear to form conflict.
Travel Information
From the airport:
BUS: The number 200, which leaves from Terminal 2 and passes by Terminal 1, before heading for the Avenida de America interchange which is the last stop. Here you will have to take the Metro.
The bus leaves Terminal 2 roughly every 10 minutes from 6:00am - 11.30pm (weekends and holidays, 7:00am - 11:30pm).
You can purchase a 10-trip "Metrobus" ticket in newspaper outlets, "estancos" or tobacconists and Metro stations. It costs about 5.80 euros which is also valid for the Metro. Otherwise, a 1-way trip will cost 1 euro - you can buy this ticket on board the bus.
METRO: The Barajas Airport Metro station is situated at Terminal T2 Trains leave every 5 minutes from 6.00am to 2.00am. Line 8 goes straight to the newly reformed Nuevos Ministerios Metro station in the centre of Madrid, with a journey time of 12 minutes.
On your return it is even possible to check-in at this Metro station for some flights between the hours of 6.30am and 10.30pm. Check with the airline first, because not all flights are available (e.g. there is no check-in for the Madrid-Barcelona shuttle flight, and many foreign airlines have no presence here yet).
You can check in your luggage up to 24 hours (20 hours for some companies) maximum and 2 hours minimum before the flight but again, please check with the relevant airline because certain goods have to be checked in at the airport itself (live animals, dangerous goods, etc.).
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