Madrid is a fascinating city and there are many things to see. Here is a list of some of Madrid's most popular sights.
Chueca is a central neighborhood in Madrid named after Federico Chueca, spanish composer of zarzuela. The area lies just to the north of the old city and is centered on the Plaza de Chueca.
Chueca has been for long time a squalid corner of town, but today is very lively zone, with many cafes along the street, boutique shops, alternative shopping, libraries and good restaurants.
Until the eighties it was a district rather than degraded despites its central position. Actually Chueca is one of the hipster neighborhoods of the city, full of trends and with a unique atmosphere. It is very popular and recognized because it is area for Madrid's gay community.
Go to Chueca means to spend a day wandering around original shops, knowing gay cultura and having a good time in exclusive cafes and restaurants. If you are really interesting in the gay culture it is possible to have Gay Tourism.
The air is very liberal, colorful and lively, in contrast to the severe architecture of the nineteenth-century buildings and pedestrian streets. The heart of the district is the square from which it takes its name, Plaza de Chueca.
At the beginning of the summer, Chueca host the During the Gay Pride march, the biggest gay festival in the world. This is a good occasion to feel the essence of the neighborhood. This year the Gay Pride Week in Madrid left about 110 million Euros, involving more than a million people and more than 300,000 tourists.
Plaza de Chueca is in the center of the neighborhood. It is surrounded by pedestrian streets, always crowded of outdoor terraces, bars and trendy shops. It is the ideal place to have fun: cheap and with every kind of choice, here you'll find a great movement and people who want to party.
Don´t forget to walk through the two main streets: Fuencarral and Hortaleza. Here you will find loads of stores, famous boutiques and the most alternative shops.
As curious information, Chueca is populated by shops specializing in erotica that sell lots of products advertised in leading magazines. You will find from books to lingerie and sex toys.
Images Credit:
Chueca en Madrid Flickr Gallery Mikelo
Chueca de Noche Flickr Gallery Jason Paris
Chueca Flickr Gallery Tonio 888
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