Europe's New Gay Capital in 2025?

Many People Are Saying this is the new Gay Capital of Europe…

It may be the dark of winter, but the party is always going in one of our favorite European cities: Madrid. Now’s the time to start planning if you want to hit up the city’s massive and famous pride festival in July, but really there’s no bad time to visit this amazing (and amazingly Queer-friendly) city in the heart of España. In fact, it’s where we’ll be ringing in the New Year (follow us on IG if you’re not already).

The Gay Scene: Chueca is Madrid's famed gayborhood, centered around Plaza de Chueca. The area comes alive after 11 PM (remember, Madrileños eat late!) with dozens of LGBTQ+ venues packed into just a few blocks. Don't miss the iconic DLRO Live, known for its spectacular drag shows, or Bearbie, one of Europe's most popular bear parties. For lesbian travelers, Fluide Escape is the go-to spot, hosting women-focused events throughout the week.

Must-See Attractions:

• Start your morning at the historic Plaza Mayor before walking to the Royal Palace, the largest royal place in Western Europe

• Spend an afternoon at the Prado Museum, one of the best collections of art in the entire world, focusing on the Velázquez and Goya collections

• Take a sunset stroll through Retiro Park, stopping to row boats on the lake (€6 for 45 minutes)

• Join the locals for tapas hopping along Calle Ponzano in the trendy Chamberí neighborhood

• Visit the rooftop at Círculo de Bellas Artes for the best view of the city (entry €5)

• Shop along Gran Vía, stopping at the iconic Schweppes building for photos

Where to Stay: The Axel Hotel (from €150/night) in Chueca is Madrid's premier gay, adults-only hotel, complete with a rooftop pool and bar that hosts regular parties. For a more boutique experience, Only YOU Chueca (from €180/night) offers stylish rooms in a converted 19th-century palace. Budget travelers should check out Room007 Chueca Hostel (from €70/night for private rooms), which is gay-friendly and right in the heart of the action.

Getting There: From Los Angeles, expect to pay between $500-1,000 for a round-trip flight (11 hours direct via Iberia, American Airlines, or Delta), while flights from New York typically range from $400-850 round trip (7 hours direct via Iberia, United, American Airlines, or Air Europa).

BTW we used the below service to get Euros delivered before our trip and it was super easy. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

This Week’s *~Best Deals~*

We’re always on the hunt for top-tier experiences that welcome all and won’t break the bank—here are this week’s faves ✨ 

• Our favorite Gay hotel chain just opened its newest location in a surprising spot - and its 20% off

•  Save over 50% on this adults-only Key West resort

• This Costa Rican resort has rooms with private hot springs

• This chic boutique hotel in what could be the USA’s 51st state (🙄) is having a rare sale

• Get 30% off nationwide car rentals for a limited time with this link

• If you’re traveling with kids, and you’re looking for a Disney cruise: kids sail 50% off on select Disney cruises with one caveat

• This 15-night guided tour of Japan is expensive but it’s actually a great deal

Our Monthly Giveaway for December!

Refer JUST ONEEEE friend to sign up for GoQueer using the below link and you’ll be entered into our giveaway for December: a free $100 Amazon Gift Card! 

The more people you get to sign up, the more chances you have to win — here are all the details.