Chueca, Madrid

When people talk about "Chueca". they are generally talking about one of three things that have become virtually the same; the plaza, the neighborhood, or something to do with being homosexual. Plaza de Chueca (Métro: Chueca) is now ground zero for Madrid's gay population and while 15 years ago the neighborhood was filled with prostitutes and drug dealers, the prostitutes have been replaced by 200€ per hour massage specialists and the drug dealers have been replaced by kids looking for the new hot bar.

Tired old bars and restaurants have given way to trendy restaurants, cafés that are more about who's there than the coffee and bars, nightclubs, and discos that are popular with straight and gay alike.

Many bars facing the plaza have tables on the plaza to enjoy a drink outside and enjoy summer. If you're unable to easily secure a table, cross the street and enjoy a drink while standing on the sidewalk at Taberna Ángel Sierra, c/Gravina. This bar is great for tourists because it attracts a great deal of English speakers as well as Madrileños that not only like to practice their English, they are open to Americans. This bar is famous less for its low prices for cañas (small, draft beers), but for being one of the few classic vermut bars left in the city. Spanish vermut is a sweet sherry that is served with cold soda water. It is a perfect change from beer and is very smooth.

More than just food and drink, Chueca features art galleries, and independent clothing and housewares shops. Many top designers and fashion labels are located on c/ Fuencarral, running from Métro: Gran Via to Métro: Tribunal. You'll find Spanish, American and British designers and labels, as well as many alternative labels that keep Madrid's pijos well dressed.

While Madrid isn't known for its architecture, Chueca does lay claim to the only modernista building in Madrid, the Sociedad de Autores (Society of Authors).

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