Chueca

Updated on October 1, 2026

North of the Gran Vía, Chueca is built around a small square named after the zarzuela composer Federico Chueca. Long a working-class and run-down area, it changed from the 1980s and 1990s onwards into Madrid's LGBT+ neighbourhood, with its bars, shops and associations. Today it is one of the liveliest parts of the city centre, by day and by night. Every year, in late June and early July, the neighbourhood becomes the heart of Madrid Pride (MADO): street parties, concerts and the opening speech on the plaza de Pedro Zerolo. The rest of the year, people come for the San Antón market, the shops on calle Fuencarral and the café terraces.

Highlights

Plaza de Chueca

A small square lined with balconied buildings, with a metro entrance and café terraces all around. It is the neighbourhood's meeting point, quiet in the morning and very busy in the evening. The nearby streets, Gravina, Pelayo and Libertad, are packed with bars and taverns.

San Antón market

At number 24 calle Augusto Figueroa, this municipal market reopened in May 2011 in a new building, replacing the old 1945 market. The first level keeps its fresh produce stalls (fish, cured meats, bakery, wine), the second gathers tapas counters and takeaway dishes, and the third has a restaurant with a rooftop terrace.

Palacio Longoria

At number 4 calle Fernando VI, this palace built from 1902 to 1904 by José Grases Riera for the banker Javier González Longoria is one of the few modernista buildings in Madrid. Its rounded corner tower and stone facade covered with plant motifs can be admired from the street. It is the headquarters of the Spanish Society of Authors and Publishers (SGAE), which had the interior remodelled in 1950.

Calle Fuencarral and calle Augusto Figueroa

Pedestrianised in its southern section, starting from the Gran Vía, calle Fuencarral is lined with fashion chains and independent shops, on the edge of Malasaña. Calle Augusto Figueroa is known for its shoe shops, several of which sell end-of-line stock at reduced prices.

Infos pratiques

Tips

The San Antón market has different hours on each floor: fresh produce stalls open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 9:30pm, the food counters every day from 12pm to midnight, and the top-floor restaurant from 1pm to 1am (hours checked in October 2026). The interior of the Palacio Longoria only opens on rare open days: admire the facade from the opposite pavement. During Pride, in late June and early July, the neighbourhood is packed and noisy until late at night; book your accommodation well in advance.