Top LGBT Attractions in Guadalajara’s Vibrant Gay Scene

I visited Jalisco as part of a two-week adventure in Mexico, preceding a six-day trip to three beautiful cities – all with highly distinct charms – in the central part of the country: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City, and Puebla. (My hotels in these three places – Casa de Sierra Nevada in San Miguel, Hotel Condesa in Mexico City, and La Purificadora in Puebla – have all been exceptional). I spent a full week in the friendly, culturally rich, and affordable city of Guadalajara, the second-largest metropolis in Mexico, which surprisingly boasts a remarkably vibrant gay scene.

I’d long heard about the elegant buildings and churches that make up the city’s historic center, stylish shops, and cafes in the fashionable suburb of Tlaquepaque, as well as the easy proximity to the beloved town of Tequila, home to the Sauza, Jose Cuervo, and numerous other fine distilleries. Consequently, there’s much to see and do in Guadalajara and the surrounding areas. However, I hadn’t known that the city has nearly two dozen gay bars, along with gay-friendly colonial B&Bs and plenty of welcoming restaurants and cafes, most of which are within easy walking distance of the central Plaza Tapatia. Moreover, there’s a well-attended Guadalajara Gay Pride festival held at Plaza Liberación in mid-June each year.

Top Recommendations for GLBT Visitors

• Viewing the brilliant (and mammoth) ceiling murals by Jose Clemente Orozco inside Instituto Cultural Cabanas, a former orphanage that has been converted into a spectacular cultural arts center.
• Eating tacos al pastor (delicious shepherd’s-style lamb, pork, or goat tacos) prepared at numerous street carts and small cafes around the city, or trying one of the frozen ice desserts (flavored with vanilla and walnut) sold by street vendors in Tlaquepaque.
• Partying into the wee hours at vibrant gay nightclubs – Ruta Caudillos is a pulsing spot for partying and music by the city’s top DJs, Angel’s is the place for late-night dancing, California’s is compact but festive and fun, El Ciervo is a long-running favorite for drinks and mingling, and Club YeYe offers a relaxed but hip gay cocktail environment. Most of these are located in the City Center or nearby Zona Rosa.
• Staying at one of the city’s elegant B&Bs, such as the posh and gay-friendly Villa Ganz in Zona Rosa, or more affordable yet charming gay-owned options near the City Center, like La Perla and Old Guadalajara B&B.
• Dining at some of the city’s sophisticated, high-end restaurants, which remain quite affordable compared to other large North American cities. Some premier spots are along the main Independencia pedestrian walk in Tlaquepaque, a short cab ride away.
• Taking cooking classes or enjoying a student-prepared meal at the highly regarded Escuela Culinaria Internacional, one of several excellent culinary schools in Guadalajara.