Madrid is known as one of the most gay-friendly capitals in the world, with the fabulous neighbourhood of Chueca as the epicenter of the scene. Here, the top 7 best gay bars in Madrid beloved by the locals. It would be unforgivable not to visit one or several of them.

1. Why Not

This gay bar is one of the legendary spots within Madrid’s LGBT community. Why Not is a popular first stop for many guys heading out for a night of fun and mainly during the week. You know you’re in Why Not as soon as you cross the threshold thanks to the baroque decor and the photos of Golden Age actresses hanging on the walls. They usually play pop, disco and house music to get the party started in the always-fun surroundings. They also welcome a growing straight clientele.

2. Cazador

Between the areas of Malasaña and Conde Duque is where you’ll find Cazador Bar. Retro but not kitsch, the 70s furniture, hanging tapestries and taxidermy (Cazador translates to the hunter) sets the scene for a laidback, pre-party before you move on to a more high-tempo spot. It’s a familiar gay bar that mainly attracts a hipster and bohemian crowd. Cazador is also well-known for its Sunday brunch.

3. BoyBerry

Opened in 2013, BoyBerry Madrid has rapidly become one of the most popular cruising gay bars in the Spanish capital. The venue is a modern fun space, with internet terminals, cabins, glory holes, darkrooms, a sex shop, and a video club, with regular underwear parties. BoyBerry is open 365 days a year, Mon to Thu, 12:00pm to 03:00am; Fri 12:00pm to 03:30am, Sat 15:00pm to 03:30am, Sunday from 15:00pm to 03:00am.

4. Lucky Dragon

Located in the heart of Malasaña, this alternative bar is inspired by a Chinatown alley with lanterns, neons and plenty of friendly in-house dragons on the main floor. The lower level is inspired in Beijing private clubs with silk drapes and ornamental murals reminiscent of the Mandarin Empire. There are DJ tables on both floors and karaoke in the lower one. They usually play a wide variety of salsa, Italo disco, and house music. More than a strictly gay bar is a gay-friendly bar frequented by an artsy crowd.

5. Válgame Dios

Located in the heart of Chueca, Válgame Dios is the place to be, where more famous faces per squared meter you can find. A bistro-style venue to see and to be seen with an impressive gin list for the most demanding clients. The walls are decorated with a huge collection of celebrity portraits that have already enjoyed its cocktails as well as fashion items. The menu gives traditional cuisine a modern twist with simple, fresh ingredients. Válgame Dios is ideal for a relaxed aperitivo in the terrace.

6. Marta Cariño

It is a bar and a club within an emblematic building that once was a cinema, and that has been restored to give a second life to the Luchana Theaters. Marta Cariño is modern, spacious, fun and full of beautiful guys who come at any time. You can go every day of the week, but only on weekends is it open until 2.00 a.m. Without any doubt, it is refreshing to leave the prime gay neighborhood of Chueca and find this vibrant gay bar in Chamberí neighborhood.

7. Fulanita de Tal

Fulanita de Tal is loud, proud and overwhelmingly feminine. Although known for its primarily lipstick lesbian clientele, this small Chueca bar welcomes all patrons and is now recognized as a brand of Spanish LGBT scene. Here the music favors popular Spanish and international hits picked to get the crowd pumped and dancing. As a result, people aren’t afraid to dance in the reduced amount of space available on the two floors. Besides the club scene, Fulanita has events like karaoke nights, live music, live comedy and watching important local soccer matches.

Here, the top 7 best gay bars in Madrid you shouldn’t miss when visiting the Spanish capital. Please, leave your comments below and share the article if you liked it.