An LGBTQ Travel Guide To Mexico City
Mexico is in many ways a forward-thinking country when it comes to gay rights, legalising gay marriage before the United States. However, there are still many prejudices which exist in Mexican society and the use of homophobic language is far more common. Having said that, Mexico City is possibly one of the best places (alongside Guadalajara) to visit as a gay man or woman, so here’s our comprehensive LGBTQ guide to the capital.
Check out the Zona Rosa
Go to some gay bars and clubs
Speaking of which, you have to dive into Mexico City’s gay oriented nightlife. In the Zona Rosa you can find Kinky Bar (a popular spot that has ladies night every Thursday). Alternatively, head to the elaborate cabaret and burlesque shows at La Sacristía, to the legendary Botas Bar, where you can enjoy some strippers or Cabaretito, which regularly hosts lesbian nights. If you’re interested in partying, let’s just say you won’t be short on options in Mexico City.
Kinky Bar, Calle Amberes 1, Benito Juárez, Colonia Juárez, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5514 4920
La Sacristía, Calle Genova 39, entrada por Hamburgo, Juárez, Colonia Juárez, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 8526 4136
Botas Bar, Calle Niza, Juárez, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5514 4608
Cabaretito, Londres 77, Zona Rosa, Juárez, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 3732 0688
Stay in some gay-friendly, gay-owned hotels
While there are no longer any hotels in Mexico City that cater specifically to gay guests, there are still many that are welcoming and excellently located in the gay-friendly districts of the city. The most obvious one is the beautiful The Red Tree House in Condesa, a gay-owned B&B that has some spectacular rooms and a friendly atmosphere. Equally, you could stay in one of Mexico City’s most memorable hotels, the Condesa DF, which is cosmopolitan and well-located.
The Red Tree House, Calle Culiacán 6, Delegación Cuauhtémoc, Hipódromo, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5584 3829
Stop by So.do.me, a gay sauna
Hotel
Head to some sex shops
If you prefer to live out your fantasies on your own time though, we recommend going to one of the capital’s many excellent sex shops, a variety of which specialise in toys and advice for gay couples in particular. A classic of the Zona Rosa is Gold Dreams, supposedly Latin America’s oldest sex shop, although Diversex Condonería is perhaps somewhat more information driven. Finally, the well-known if not imaginatively titled Erotika Love Store is a perennial favourite.
Gold Dreams, Calle Amberes 12-B, Juárez, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5525 1466
Diversex Condonería, Calle Regina 72, Centro Histórico, Centro, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5709 8288
Erotika Love Store, Calle Amberes 19, Juárez, Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5533 9378
Check out the exhibition Lo que se ve no se pregunta
Attend Gay Pride
Latin America’s biggest Gay Pride event takes place in Mexico City, typically around late-June time, although the dates can vary year on year. One of the biggest events of the gay calendar, you can’t really afford to miss out if you find yourself in Mexico City at the right time, and the after party in all the city’s clubs and gay bars naturally promises to be huge.
Get literary at Armario Abierto
Get tested at the community centre
Restaurant