(Photo courtesy of the Guadalajara Tourism Board)
SIMONE PAGET | Contributing Writer
Simone.K.Paget@gmail.com
It was 9 p.m. on my first night in Guadalajara when I watched a drag queen in a bedazzled motorcycle helmet lip-syncing to Rosalía’s “Motomami.” I clapped and cheered with the table of new friends I’d made between bites of some of the best shrimp tacos of my life.
Locals call the city “Gaydalajara,” a fitting introduction to an LGBTQ+ scene that is hyper-local, distinctly Mexican and genuinely welcoming. This atmosphere is exactly what makes Guadalajara an LGBTQ+ travel destination worth visiting.
The city’s inclusive spirit runs deep: The capital of Jalisco is home to Mexico’s first Sexual Diversity Directorate and protections for LGBTQ+ rights. Jalisco also led Mexico in recognizing transgender youths’ right to gender identity, making updates to legal documents easier to get.
Together, these milestones show that Guadalajara’s progressiveness is more than a vibe; it’s part of its identity, and you can feel it everywhere you go.
The city’s queer culture doesn’t exist in a rainbow silo; it’s woven through neighborhoods. LGBTQ+ hotspots and gay-owned businesses flourish next to century-old cantinas, third-wave coffee shops and family-run institutions that have served the same birria de chivo — a savory goat stew — across generations.
The sights of Guadalajara, a welcoming city with an LGBTQ+ scene that is hyper local, distinctly Mexican and genuinely welcoming (Photos courtesy Simone Paget)
This unique cultural tapestry makes Guadalajara feel like a hidden gem. But it won’t stay that way for long. Fresh off hosting matches during the FIFA World Cup and one of Mexico’s largest Pride celebrations, the city is enjoying a surge of international attention.
If you’re planning to visit, begin your adventure in Colonia Americana — named Timeout’s Coolest Neighborhood in the World — an ideal starting point. This hip, queer-friendly neighborhood features trendy bars and cafes along vibrant, tree-lined avenues with colorful Luis Barragán-designed mansions.
From there, you’ll discover affordable boutique hotels, such as the aptly named Love It Signature Hotel, my home for the week. I loved its spacious suites, its rooftop with panoramic city views and the laid-back, friendly atmosphere.
Down the street is Casa Habita, an ultra-chic hotel in a renovated 1940s art deco mansion. I booked a day pass to their pool, which included comfy chaise lounges, complimentary beer and snacks, making it the perfect place to relax before or after a night out.
These hotels are a short walk from Avenida Chapultepec, one of Guadalajara’s two Zona Rosas (Gayborhoods). The vibe here is young and stylish. And I fell in love with the nearby Peligro al Fondo, a jungle-like indoor-outdoor drag venue and popular brunch spot that serves as a hub for the queer community. Come for weekly drag competitions and stay for the pitch-perfect hibiscus mezcalitas and crispy, spice-drenched octopus tacos.
While in the area, don’t miss queer-friendly spots like Gallo Altanero, a sexy cocktail lounge that highlights small, independent tequila producers and was recently named No. 8 on the list of North America’s 50 Best Bars, and De La O, a reimagined Mexican cantina for a “Guadalatiki” experience (think: Pepita Tequila Mai Tais). Together, they extend the scene beyond one type of night out.
From Colonia Americana, it’s just a quick Uber ride to Centro — Guadalajara’s historic core and the original gayborhood.
Once you arrive, start at Vida Caffé, a trans-friendly coffeehouse with an artsy, boho vibe that feels like Mexico meets Central Perk from Friends. After that, take in the stunning colonial architecture and museums before heading out for the evening.
At night, the atmosphere in Centro becomes electric as locals flock to popular nightclubs like Babel, a sprawling spot known for its great party vibes and sexy go-go dancers, and La Gozadera, a large Western bar where you’ll find gay cowboys dancing to live Norteño under disco lights.
Hop from one hotspot to another before ending at the iconic Tacos Gay, where the party continues with late-night eats.
RELATED: The Gay Games head to Guadalajara which make the city a big queer destination
Between the vibrant nightlife and picturesque neighborhoods designed for strolling, it’s easy to work up an appetite, and you’d be remiss not to indulge in what’s arguably among the best food in Mexico. Some must-try spots include the chilaquiles from the brunch spot Palreal, the historic Birrieria Las 9 Esquinas for its signature birria served with pillowy, made-to-order tortillas, and Michelin-starred Xokol, which uses heirloom corn to reimagine indigenous recipes. Together, they round out the city’s appeal.
After savoring the city, take a day trip to the town of Tequila for the perfect finale. Book a morning distillery tour before it heats up — I visited Casa Sauza, which I highly recommend — to traipse through agave fields and learn about tequila-making from start to finish. Or hop on the José Cuervo Express, a vintage “tequila train” that includes unlimited tequila tastings.
If you need to sleep off the day’s festivities, Tequila has you covered. Book a night at gay-friendly Matices Hotel de Barricas, a unique hotel where you can stay in an oversized tequila barrel.
But don’t take my word for it. With daily direct flights from Dallas (DFW) to Guadalajara (GDL), you can be in “Gaydalajara” sipping tequila and watching world-class drag performers — all with a side of tacos — in less than three hours.