Greater Madrid, Where Tradition Meets Innovation and Diversity
Madrid is a world reference for the LGBTI+ community, the region has worked for years to position itself as a top destination both nationally and internationally. A great deal of that status is achieved thanks to Pride Festivities which have grown significantly in recent years supported by a large tourist infrastructure to welcome visitors. This array of services, venues, leisure attractions and activities go beyond the festivities of Pride Week and compose a whole cultural and tourism landscape in continuous growth.
Madrid is a region exceptionally well communicated by different types of public transportation and counts with a wide array of hotels able to cater to all types of visitors. In addition, it has a legal and security framework that allows enjoyment in all areas.
Legacy
Madrid’s Landmarks, inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO, reveals to its visitors the ability to discover part of history and culture of humanity in a unique setting. You cannot miss the monumental cities of Alcalá de Henares, Aranjuez, San Lorenzo del Escorial, and Landscape of Light, in the surroundings of Paseo del Prado and Buen Retiro in Madrid and the natural space of the Hayedo de Montejo, a treasure natural in the Sierra del Rincón.
Culture, art, gastronomy and nature are the main ingredients of these destinations less than 100 kilometers from the center of Madrid.
The capital is also home to great national museums, such as the Prado Museum, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the Reina Sofía Art Center, among many other exhibition spaces throughout the region.
Leisure
Madrid is one of the world’s capitals of musical theater, few cities have as wide an offer as what is on Gran Vía, in addition, the Theaters of Greater Madrid offer a very wide lineup of shows and plays during each and every month of the year. Also, Teatro Real is considered the Best Opera House in the World.
The arts and culture offer is completed with numerous establishments that offer music and quality cocktails every day.
Nature and Surroundings
Madrid would not be Madrid without the Sierra de Guadarrama and without the rivers that bathe it: the Lozoya, Manzanares, Henares, Jarama, Tajuña. These create a contrast between valleys and mountains.
We invite you to visit the Villas of Madrid, a set of unique destinations due to the recognized value of their Cultural Heritage, which have managed to preserve their rural authenticity: Buitrago del Lozoya, Chinchón, Colmenar de Oreja, Manzanares del Real, Navalcarnero, Nuevo Baztán, Patones de Arriba, Rascafría, San Martín de Valdeiglesias, Torrelaguna and Villarejo de Salvanés.
Castles, walls, squares and a unique landscape full of diversity.
Gastronomy
Madrid has adapted to the times while preserving its traditions.Its most famous and quintessential gastronomic representative is the Madrid stew, which goes great with Madrid wines, but there is much more, tapas and typical sweets of the region that constitute the best of our cuisine, along with a wide range of international cuisines and numerous restaurants with Michelin Stars.
The wine route is a reality. Greater Madrid has four wine-growing areas where you can do wine tourism: Navalcarnero, Arganda, San Martín and Molar.
In fact, there are many activities that can be enjoyed around wine in the different charming towns that make up this route: visits to the wineries, thematic tours, tastings, workshops, a picnic among the vineyards, etc.
Chueca and Madrid Pride (MADO)
In recent years, the city of Madrid has celebrated the largest LGBTI+ pride in Europe and one of the most popular in the world, 5 days full of concerts, cultural festivals, social and sports activities. Every year, it brings together more than a million people in a great celebration of diversity. The epicenter of the festivities takes place on the stage of the Plaza de Pedro Zerolo, with the reading of its proclamation.
Many other events complete the program: Mr. Gay España, Family Pride, Mad Cool, LesGaiCineMad and the numerous concerts that are held on different stages throughout the city.
Chueca is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Madrid. In addition to being emblematic for the LGTBI community, its nightlife, charm and history make it very attractive. From the Plaza de Chueca and its nearby Mercado de San Antón to its emblematic streets of Barquillo, Hortaleza and Fuencarral, where there is wide range of quality shopping and leisure options.
Tips for Your Visit to Madrid
Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport is Spain’s main airport and one of the most important in Europe. Located just 12 kilometers from Madrid’s city center, it has four terminals and offers connections to over 170 national and international destinations. Its excellent transportation network provides quick access via metro (Line 8), trains (C1 and C10 at Terminal 4), buses (Airport Express Bus), and taxis.
To get around, Greater Madrid has an extensive public transportation network, including buses (EMT, intercity, and night buses), RENFE Cercanías trains, and 13 metro lines connecting 302 stations. Additionally, the tourist transport pass allows unlimited access to all transportation services in Greater Madrid for a chosen number of days.
Madrid has a continental Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Rainfall is scarce throughout the year, with mostly sunny days. Madrid is an ideal destination year-round, thanks to its wide variety of events and rich cultural heritage. Even in winter, the weather remains suitable for visitors who are sensitive to the cold, as rain is infrequent, snow is rare, and temperatures, while cool, are usually not extreme.
Shops are typically open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and restaurants usually serve lunch from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM and dinner from 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM. Some smaller stores may close for a break between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
Regarding safety, Madrid is a safe city, although it is always advisable to be cautious in crowded tourist areas. As for the dress code, Madrid is an open and diverse city, where people can dress however they like.
The emergency phone number is 112.
Upcoming events in Comunidad de Madrid
- May 10th – 15th: San Isidro Festival
- June 27th – July 6th: Madrid Pride 2025
- July 4th: Mr. Gay España 2025
- July 10th – 13th: Mad Cool Festival
- November 2025: LesGaiCineMad 2025