Travel

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Madrid holds a special place in my heart, always calling me back time and again with its exciting energy and welcoming atmosphere. I’ve had the privilege of visiting the city a few times and uncovered a few hidden gems and embraced its lively queer scene. Here are my suggestions for a weekend in the Spanish capital.

Where to Stay

Chueca is the gayborhood and the surrounding area is booming with trendy bars, restaurants, and shops. If you’re looking to make the most of your stay, you’ll want to make sure to find a spot nearby.

Search for LGBTQ+ rentals in Madrid on misterb&b.

Eats

Tapas tour – One of the most exciting things we did in Madrid was a tapas tour. Most places offer a free tapas plate when you order a drink. We started at Cerveceria Cervantes and basically went door to door from there having a beer or glass of wine at each stop.  

El Tigre – 7 euros bought us two glasses of red wine and a giant plate of assorted tapas. Sure it looked like a plate of scraps, but it was one of the most affordable meals of my life.

Mazúl – A trendy spot that offers modern and creative takes on traditional Mexican food. Some standouts are the handmade tortillas, Barbacoa (lamb dish), and I especially loved the Fideo Seco, which brought an impressive level of sophistication to a dish I grew up eating.

Museo del Jamón – On my previous trips to Madrid, I’d seen this chain but never stopped in. The name is so hilarious to me and I’d been dying to check it out. I finally got my chance when we stopped in for a glass of wine and some tapas.

Lamucca de Pez – This restaurant is spacious and modern with plenty of seating at communal tables. They serve up pizzas, salads, and other Mediterranean fare. It’s another popular spot, so get there early or make a reservation to avoid a wait.

Chocolateria San Gines – Everyone knows I have the biggest sweet tooth and so of course I was ecstatic about having chocolate y churros in Spain. Every time we walked by San Gines, there was a line out the door. Luckily, it’s open all night and sweets are the perfect ending to an evening of drinking. But don’t be like me and maybe share your order with someone(s).

Drinks

LL Bar – This was my favorite of the traditional gay bars. The space is rather small and you can expect to be squeezed in. But don’t worry, it’s worth it for the amazing drag shows. For a few euros, the queens will even let you sing with them.

You&Me Bar – On a quiet night, we stopped in and were welcomed with a shot of tequila rose. We had such a fun time we had to go back on our next night out and found it to be bustling with lots of dance floor action.

¿Quién La Invitó? – On a week night with no clue where to go out for drinks, we hit the streets and followed the crowd to this bar. Another small space, the dance floor was lit and the night quickly transitioned to a great drag show.

Gris – This queer friendly bar blasts plenty of Euro 90s indie hits. I can’t express enough how much I love grunge.

Cazador – Another queer friendly bar, this was one of my favorite drinking spots. It was crowded with hipster homos and played plenty of pop music.

Ficus – Craft cocktails inspired by Africa. You’ll find exotic fruits and creative takes on classic cocktails on their menu. The interior offers an intimate vibe with botanical touches and West African artwork, feeling very much like a retreat inside the city.

Sights

Puerta del Sol – Madrid reminds me so much of New York and I’d say Puerta del Sol is like Times Square. It’s a busy plaza surrounded by shops and restaurants.

Palacio Real – Spain has one of the largest palaces in Europe. It’s so majestic you definitely have to make a stop here.

Museo del Prado – I’ve visited Madrid twice before and I’m always happy to stop into this museum. It has one of the best fine art collections featuring classical works from all over Europe.

El Retiro Park – On our last day in Madrid, we went for an afternoon stroll through the park. It’s a popular hangout for locals. There’s a small lake with rowboats for rent and entertaining street performers.

Palacio de Cristal – Buen Retiro Park also is home to a large glass building that houses some art installations.

Caixa Forum – The vertical garden at Caixa Forum is one of the best Instagram spots in Madrid. Get there early to avoid waiting for other visitors to clear some space. And of course, if you have the time, be sure to check out the museum.

From savoring tapas to dancing the night away, a weekend in Madrid is definitely a good time. I always find the city so creatively inspiring and can’t wait to visit again. Have you made a trip to the Spanish capital? What are your recs?

See the Gays & Confused Travel Guides to discover more queer friendly travel tips.

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Mexico City has always held a special allure to me, I’ve dreamed of visiting ever since I was a kid, seeing it as the backdrop of so many telenovelas I watched with my family. It seemed so glamorous and exciting. Lucky for me, CDMX is the perfect weekend trip. So close at a quick 90 minute flight from Austin and affordable, a 3 night trip won’t make too much of a dent in your wallet. From its bustling streets to its rich cultural tapestry, Mexico City is an exciting mix of glam and grit. Here’s everything you need to know to have a gay old time.

Where to Stay

All the cool kids are staying in La Condesa, but during my visits I’ve also stayed in Roma Norte, Roma Sur, and Hipódromo. All offer easy access to trendy restaurants, bars, and boutiques as well as quick trips to many of the city’s iconic sites and museums.

Search for LGBTQ+ rentals in Mexico City on misterb&b.

Where to Eat

Veguisima – During one of my visits to the city, I stumbled upon this tiny spot and was pleasantly surprised. I was halfway through my tostada before I realized everything on the menu was vegan. 

Lalo – If you’ve done any research, Lalo is already on your list of restaurants. It’s super trendy and full of Americans. Their Instagram-worthy mural doesn’t hurt either. Expect a wait since most seating is at a long communal table or small bistro tables along the wall.

Azul Historico – This restaurant is all outdoor in a cool courtyard surrounded by shops. The menu features cuisine from Veracruz and is the perfect lunch spot if you’re out in the downtown area.

Huset – This trendy spot in Roma serves up creative and tasty takes on rustic Mexican fare. The dining room is a beautiful enclosed patio with gravel flooring and long wooden tables with benches that offers the illusion of being in the Mexican countryside. 

Fonda Margarita – One of my absolute favorite breakfasts is at this unassuming cafe. Many menu items can sell out, so be prepared to arrive very early to avoid a line. I highly recommend the chicharrón en salsa verde and the black beans with scrambled eggs.

Bravo Loncheria – I’ve had plenty of amazing meals in Mexico but this was by far my favorite. When my chorizo chicken sandwich arrived, I was confused about how to eat it without utensils. It was so messy with chorizo spilling out. The server pointed to a box of plastic gloves on the table. It made for an adventurous meal. I also fell in love with the restaurant’s soundtrack of classic American hits covered in Spanish.

Where to Drink

Hanky Panky Bar – Hanky Panky Bar is definitely one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had. This is a true speakeasy with a secret location. To get in, make a reservation by messaging the bar on Facebook. They’ll give you some general location information and it’s up to you to find the exact spot. #NoSpoilers but we exited the bar through a fridge.

La Nuclear – This is a boisterous dive bar that serves pulque. Pulque is a creamy alcoholic drink made from the maguey plant and comes in a few different flavors. We tried piñon and piña colada. Getting in might be a squeeze, but you should definitely stop in to try one.

Pulqueria los Insurgentes – Another spot for pulque that is always on my list when I arrive in la ciudad. This multilevel dive bar has several rooms to fit your vibe, a dance floor on the first level, more intimate seating options on the other levels, and a cozy terrace.

Cabaretito Fusion – While there are plenty of gay bars in Mexico City, this cumbia spot has a special place in my heart. I grew up dancing cumbia and seeing the joy of gay couples on the dance floor is a dream to me. There are two main rooms here, the smaller front room plays cumbia while the larger backroom plays top 40 hits. If you want to fit in, most people are drinking 40s of Indio or micheladas in a large styrofoam cup dressed with dripping chamoy. Entrance is 70 pesos and comes with one beer ticket. 

Tom’s Leather Bar – I hope it’s no secret that I love goth. Tom’s was described on many blogs as actually a gay goth bar and not your typical leather bar. You can’t even imagine how much this thrilled me. I built a whole night of bar hopping around getting to Tom’s at what I estimated would be the busiest. Little did I know, it’s just a leather bar. Like really a leather bar. About 75% of the space is dark room. Entry is 185 pesos and comes with 2 drink tickets. 

Kinky Bar – Before you call it a night, you’ll want to hit up one last dance club. Kinky Bar is definitely more like your typical gay bar and probably my favorite. There are two floors with the first being split between karaoke rooms and a dance floor with more traditional Mexican music. The second floor plays standard dance music and top 40 hits. Oh, and expect some of the most beautiful bartenders you’ve ever seen. Entry is 60 pesos but sadly comes with no drinks.  

What to See

Historical Sites – El Palacio Nacional, Templo Mayor, Zocalo, Catedral Metropolitana – These sites are all essentially on the same block. I highly recommend Templo Mayor and the palace. Get there as early as you can. During our visit, we arrived before noon and had no problem getting in but leaving was like being in a herd of cattle.

Xochimilco Gondolas – Exploring the floating gardens of Xochimilco on a colorful gondola makes for an exciting afternoon. Grab a case of cerveza and snacks for a fun afternoon cruising the canals. Be prepared to negotiate for your boat’s price. While not very expensive, I later discovered that the price our group paid per person was the price others paid for the entire boat. 

Teotihuacan –  If your schedule allows, take a nice day trip to climb some pyramids. You can take the subway to the Autobuses del Norte station and be there in about an hour. It’s pretty fun and you can see all of the pyramids plus the museum in about 3 hours. For an even more impressive experience, arrive for an early morning visit to see hot air balloons floating overhead. 

Museo Jumex – There are so many museums in Mexico City that it’s impossible to see them all in one weekend. We stopped into the Jumex collection because it’s slightly on the smaller side and was easy to squeeze into our day.

Biblioteca Vasconcelos – This library is one of the most Instagrammable places I’ve ever been. We popped in for a quick walk around and took a few photos but you might like to wander upstairs and read for a bit.

Chapultepec Castle – In the city’s Chapultepec Park, you’ll find the gorgeous Chapultepec Castle, one of North America’s only royal palaces that served as a monarch’s residence. Formerly the home of Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico, the castle became the residence of the president until 1934, eventually becoming a museum in 1939. Prepare for plenty of uphill walking and incredible views of the city.

Museo Frida Kahlo – Frida’s life and work has always been so inspiring to me and visiting la casa azul is truly an immersive experience. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, while you may be able to purchase tickets in person, they’re typically sold out.

I’m always reluctant to bid adiós to Mexico City but every trip offers even more planning ideas for my next escape. From the trendy spots to historic sights, this city has captured my heart in so many ways. Let me know what’s on your itinerary for CDMX!

See the Gays & Confused Travel Guides to discover more queer friendly travel tips.