Whatever happens, the palate will thrive
As any visitor to Spain's glorious capital will have noticed - Spanish food is very, very good. The entire city is packed with fantastic eateries, but Chueca now garners more of them to its small bosom than most other Madrid districts. A day, afternoon or evening cannot really go wrong if it starts around Pedro Zerolo, previously known as Plaza Vázquez de Mella, where people watching alone is enough of a reason to sit down on a street bench, but the string of bustling cafés and restaurants is perhaps even more alluring. There are no tourist traps here, just an endless line of good reasons to sit down to a meal, drink or coffee. The inevitable tapas are abundant and often experimental, and it doesn't hurt to sample a few different venues in one evening by nibbling a trajectory from small dish to small dish with accompanying drinks. Some of the best and most popular tapas joints are found in or around the recently modernised San Antón Market. This square brings together an eclectic societal mix with the best gastronomy. Members of the avant garde, chic yuppies and old school traditionalists mingle with apparent ease amongst the specialist hipster stalls, elegant open-air establishments and fruit and vegetable stands who have held their place for more than 60 years.
Chueca neighborhood in Madrid is full of bars offering their spin on drinks and tapas. A great example of a bar where the locals drink is El Tigre. Order yourself a beer or cider here, and come hungry because the drinks come with large plates of tapas that can’t be missed. Warning: there may be a wait to get into this local favorite establishment.
An affordable hotel in the city with the best facilities? Check out NH hotels on a budget in Madrid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wait until the next Gay Pride parade to visit Chueca?
Chueca has become Madrid’s preeminent gay district, but you don’t need to be here during Pride Week to experience everything Chueca has to offer. Even in the offseason, the neighborhood is alive with music and the smell of fine tapas, and the drinks flow freely.
Where is the best place to eat in Chueca?
The short answer is anywhere. Most bars and some clubs in the neighborhood offer complimentary tapas plates if you order beverages. With many establishments supporting outdoor seating, you won’t miss tasty delights around every corner in Chueca.
Where can I shop in Chueca?
The shopping is typically lower priced and more eclectic in Chueca than in other parts of Madrid. Whether you’re looking for useful items for your journey, stylish clothing, or anything in between, Chueca has an affordable store for you.