The capital and largest city in Mexico, this bustling metropolis is home to almost 9 million inhabitants. As the center of business and culture and boasting a more open-minded community, Mexico City is often seen as the gay mecca of Mexico. In fact, it was the first city in the country to legalize gay marriage in 2010. It also hosts one of the largest Pride celebrations in Latin America hosting over a million annual participants. Although bad traffic, serious air pollution and increased crime rates are prevalent, Mexico City has evolved into a chic international destination amid ancient ruins and a rich pre-Hispanic past.

Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels in Mexico City
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Mexico City
5. Mexico City Gay Tours
6. Restaurants & Cafes in Mexico City
7. Mexico City Gay Bars
8. Mexico City Gay Clubs & Parties
9. Mexico City Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
10. Gay Events in Mexico City
11. Day Trips from Mexico City

General Tips

The best time to visit Mexico City is between March and May. Although you will be met by some crowds, the weather is beautiful with daytime highs in the mid 70s and less of a chance for rain. Keep in mind that winters can be chilly and the summers can be rainy. Other considerations include Mexico City’s elevation sitting at 7,382 feet above sea level as well as the city’s notorious air pollution.

The Zona Rosa (Pink Zone) an Calle Amberes is the hub of Mexico City’s LGBT nightlife as this is where most gay bars and clubs can be found. The Roma and Condesa neighborhoods nextdoor are likened to NYC’s SoHo and have a more chill and trendy vibe with many cafes, parks and galleries. Another alternative to the Zona Rosa is República de Cuba street in the Historic City Center.

Transportation & Airport Transfer

The Mexico City International Airport (MEX), officially named Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez, is located just 3 miles east of downtown Mexico City in the Peñón de los Baños neighborhood. The airport has two passenger terminals (terminal 1 and terminal 2). Terminal 1 is the largest terminal in America and all Aeroméxico flights arrive and depart from terminal 2.

From the airport you have several options to get to your destination in downtown Mexico City including bus, shuttle, metro and taxi. We recommend taking an authorized airport taxi for the safest and most comfortable experiences. The cost is about $15 USD and it takes about 20 minutes to get downtown. Taxi tickets are sold at the modules located close to the arrival gates in the walkway area.

There are also two bus terminals that run 24 hours to Mexico City and the surrounding areas. Another option is Metrobus (Line 4) which is a public bus that runs to and from the city center. A one-way ticket from Mexico City Airport costs $1.50 and you’ll be downtown in about 30 minutes. The Metro (Line 5) will also take you to the city center and costs under $1 USD and will take around 50 minutes.

Gay Hotels in Mexico City 

There aren't currently any gay hotels in Mexico City, but there are many gay-friendly options.

W Hotel Mexico City – located off Reforma Boulevard in the stylish Polanco neighborhood, this trendy and modern hotel offers 237 sleek and fashionable guest rooms and suites, each with a mini bar and the comforts of home. Enjoy a cocktail and snacks at the Living Room Bar or Mexican contemporary gastronomy in 25DOS. Rejuvenate at the spa and fitness center or relax on the rooftop terrace.

Hotel Geneve – this 5-star hotel opened in 1907 and is one of the most legendary hotels in Mexico having been visited by Mexican Presidents and diplomats over the years. The 226 rooms are all decorated with period furniture creating a classic European style and offer modern services and amenities. Guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant, Veranda Bistro, business center, spa, phone bar (lounge) and gym and fitness center.

Condesa DF – Contemporary hotel offering 4-star accommodations in the stylish Condesa neighborhood. Housed in a 1928 building, the 40 thoughtfully-designed guest rooms and suites are calm and tranquil, some of which open onto wooden terraces. Enjoy Mexican and French cuisine at El Patio or incredible views and a cocktail at the rooftop lounge, La Terraza.

Amberes 64 – this hotel is located on Calle Amberes, which runs right through Mexico’s “pink zone” and is home to many of the district’s gay bars, making it ideal for those who want to be right up in the action. The 4-star hotel’s rooms have a classic homely feel to them, some coming with an impressive city view terrace. Guests are also welcome to make use of the hotel’s private sauna.

Hotel del Principado – 3-star hotel offering 50 comfortable rooms in the Zona Rosa neighborhood, a central location for sightseeing. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant and bar that serves all meals including a breakfast buffet.

El Patio 77 – this boutique hotel is a stylish bed and breakfast and makes for a convenient base to discover Mexico City.. It offers free Wi-Fi, massage services and bicycle rental. Rooms are tranquil, well-designed and comfortable providing all the essentials including a desk. Breakfast is available each morning and there are also numerous cafés and eateries close by.

Apartments - misterb&b

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Sightseeing & Activities in Mexico City

Plaza de la Constitución (Zócalo) – the main square in Mexico City, this was the ceremonial center for the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan before the arrival of the Spanish conquerors. Today, it is an events venue and the hub of the city surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City, the National Palace, the Historic City Hall and the Government Building. Book tour →

Templo Mayor – the main temple of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan and the focal point of the Aztec religion. It was razed during the Spanish conquest and was eventually built over as 19th-century colonial buildings were constructed. Today, you can visit the excavation site located in the historic city center. Book tour →

Palacio de Bellas Artes – the cultural center of Mexico City, the Palace of Fine Arts is a grand building that features an art nouveau exterior and art deco-style architecture. You can enjoy cultural events in the national theater, view several famous murals in the galleries and on the top floor explore the National Museum of Architecture. Book tour →

Chapultepec Park – often called the “Bosque de Chapultepec,” this is one of the largest parks in the Western Hemisphere and an ecological space in Mexico City. Here you’ll find several museums, a zoo, and its main attraction, Chapultepec Castle, which sits above the trees offering breathtaking views of the surroundings. Book tour →

Frida Kahlo Museum – aka the blue house, this is the family home of Frida Kahlo where she was born and died. Four years after her death, it was turned into a museum that contains some of her most famous works and personal objects that made up her world. Book tour →

Mexico City Gay Tours

Gay Side of History at the Heart of Town – a short but compact tour to learn the LGBT+ history around some of Mexico City´s main attractions. The tour passes the Museo de Templo Mayor, Frida Kahlo's high school, the National Museum of Art, the Fifth Post Office, and much more.

Club Tengo Hambre – This tour may not be gay, but it is deliciously good! Mexico City is humongous and has earned the moniker as ‘one of the world’s most exciting food cities’. As such, it has an overwhelming selection of places to eat – especially amongst its many street vendors. Club Tengo Hambre offers a range of food tours to help you navigate through the diverse world of Mexico City’s street cuisine. Choose between tours exploring different neighborhoods like Merced Market or Condesa, a night time food tour or even book your own private tour. And yes…there’ll be tacos!

Restaurants & Cafes in Mexico City 

Revolving Bellini Restaurant – the world’s largest revolving restaurant located on the 45th floor of the city’s World Trade Center. Enjoy a 3-course dinner featuring Mexican and international cuisine while taking in 360-degree panoramic views of the city below. It’s ideal for a romantic evening or a special occasion.

Quintonil – ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world, it’s a gastronomical project led by Alejandra Flores and Jorge Vallejo to express Mexican flavors with a personal touch. The menu incorporates seasonal items and a single plate can set you back several hundred dollars.

La Casa de Toño – this chain restaurant with over 50 locations serves up tasty Mexican plates without breaking the bank. Known for its famous pozole and other traditional Mexian dishes, it offers vegetarian-friendly options and a good spot for a quick meal breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Contramar – this seafood restaurant has a reputation for being the best seafood restaurant in all Mexico City. The main chef here is even culinary adviser to the Mexican president himself. Fresh fish and shellfish – caught each day – are on the menu, as well as delicacies such as shrimp tacos and Galician style octopus.

Cafebrería El Pendulo – not just a bookstore and restaurant, this is a cultural center with activities and live music. Located in the Condesa neighborhood since 1993, there are now 6 locations each with eclectic decor and a comfortable coffee-shop style environment. Stop in for a bite and a new read.

Mexico City Gay Bars

Drrama By 42 – located in the  Zona Rosa area, its interior is industrial with rough edges and a trendy look. It attracts a mixed crowd of patrons and is usually pretty busy as there isn’t any cover charge. Throughout the week enjoy karaoke nights, drag shows and daily specials.

Kinky Bar – in the heart of Zona Rosa, this upscale gay bar offers three different themed areas covering two floors (Mexican cantina, glass karaoke bar, smoking terrace). It’s a great place to drink and dance that draws in a young and sexy crowd of both guys and girls.

Nicho Bears & Bar – part of the BearMex group, this is where Mexico City’s osos (bears) and their admirers come out to play. With fun and lively music and a crowd of mature bears, it’s a great spot for cruising. Enjoy drink specials, themed nights and dancing.

Marrakech Salón – this no-frills bar has a kitschy, retro style. Follow the neon lights to gogo boys dancing on the bar, reasonably-priced drinks and specials as well as strippers and drag queens parading about. It’s a good time with an energetic crowd ready to party until sunrise.

El Pecado – a lively, unpretentious bar found in the historic city center. By night expect drag queens and muscular men inviting you to dance up on the stage to pop and reggaeton. There´s even an unused swing for photo opps.

 

Mexico City Gay Clubs & Parties

La Purísima – from the owners of Marrakech, this club will have you thinking you’ve died and gone to heaven with its large dance floor and quirky decor. A most politically incorrect religious motif is carried throughout the space with black walls, a giant neon cross, more neon lights and art that’s more pornographic than pure.

Baby – one of the city’s newer clubs, this one is also in the Zona Rosa and follows the concept of no-frills fun. It caters to a young millennial crowd drawn in by the cheap drinks, a pink neon glow and a unicorn on the wall. Enjoy a DJ, drag shows, themed nights and dance to pop hits mixed with reggaeton. You may even catch a dance battle worth the price of admission alone.

Leonor – secretly tucked away in the Condesa neighbourhood this club is the place to be. Thursday nights they host one of the best gay nights around – with pop/electronic music, a trendy crowd and hot bartenders in speedos.

Pervert – a gritty and alternative underground dance party that creates an inclusive space and encourages sexual encounters. Party-goers can enjoy a mix of disco, house and techno music paired with performances, nudity and art on display. Here you’ll find a mixed crowd including unshaven men, drag queens and gender-defying danceaholics.

Mexico City Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

Tom’s Leather Bar – a Mexico City institution situated outside of Zona Rosa, this cruise and leather bar has an unexpected interior that’s dark and gothic with vaulted ceilings and eclectic decor. Several screens play adult films while an exciting dark room awaits. The crowd is surprisingly mixed and everyone is welcome. It’s most popular on weekends when you can expect gogo boys on the bar, strippers and drink specials.

Baños Finisterre – a Mexico city staple, this gay bath house and sauna is frequented by locals and doubles as an afterhours spot that’s busiest in the early morning hours on Saturday and Sunday. The massages and treatments are recommended and reasonably priced and the showers, dry sauna and steam bath are a happy ending to a night out.

Sodome Bath House – gay bathhouse with a bar, sauna, steam room, maze, dark room, foam room, dance floor and weekly events. With a DJ in the lobby, chill vibes and monthly themed parties on the final Friday of each month, this spot makes for a fun, towel-optional night out.

Gay Events in Mexico City

Mexico City Gay Pride – taking place at the end of June, the annual Gay Pride celebration culminates with the parade that starts at the Ángel de la Independencia while crowds gather at the Estela de Luz. They march down Paseo de la Reforma and at the end of the route there are performances and a giant party.

Day Trips from Mexico City

Teotihuacan – about 30 miles northeast of Mexico City, a visit to these ancient Aztec pyramids is an easy day trip from Mexico City. Buses leave from Mexico City’s north bus terminal every 30-60 minutes to make the trip to one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Here visitors can explore this once flourishing pre-columbian city by hiking to the top of the Pyramid of the Moon and Pyramid of the Sun to enjoy panoramic views from their summits and admire the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. We recommend arriving earlier in the day to enjoy cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. Book tour →

Puebla – approximately 2 hours southeast of Mexico City, the bus ride costs 130 pesos and there are several bus lines that frequently make the trip departing from  Mexico City's TAPO bus station. You can also take a bus directly from the Mexico City Airport. One of the country’s oldest cities, you’ll enjoy well-conserved colonial architecture, warm hospitality and a relaxed atmosphere. Puebla is known for its culinary history and artisan-crafted pottery. Top signs include the zocalo (main square) and the colonial cathedral, the Amparo Museum featuring pre-hispanic and colonial art, the religious art museum and the oldest public library in the Americas. Book tour →

Cuernavaca – an hour and a half bus ride south of Mexico City, you’ll find one of Mexico’s best-known colonial cities. The capital of Mexico’s Morelos state is called ‘The land of eternal spring’ due to the year-round mild climate. In addition to the lush environment, highlights include the zocalo with the Plaza de Armas and Palacio de Gobierno, the 16th-century Palace of Cortés which has become a history museum with murals by Diego Rivera, the Cuernavaca Cathedral, the Gardens at Jardín Borda and the Museo Casa Robert Brady. Book tour →

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