Insider tips Mexico City: Sign of Love

Sergio and Victor are a couple of Superhosts on misterb&b, and they sure know where the best places are to make the most out of Mexico City! In fact, such a cool capital city should not be left off your dream destinations list. Check out the pair's Local Tips and get ready to start dreaming about staying like a gay local in Mexico City...

What makes your city a favorite gay destination?

Mexico City is a great gay destination because you feel safe and free when you walk the streets. People welcome you and treat you like you are one of their community. Also, there are so many options for gay people in terms of entertainment, sightseeing, food and culture.

How gay-friendly is Mexico?

Mexico City became the first Latin American jurisdiction to legalize same-sex marriage in December 2009, making it one of the most accepting and welcoming cities in all of Mexico. Although Mexico is a deeply conservative country, the macho attitude is not as empowered as it once was, leaving open lots of room for acceptance. Gay life thrives in major urban centers, and in Mexico City, the largest city in the world, it's no exception!

What are the best gay events that take place there each year?

Man In Fest, Arena and Karmabeat are the ones that come to mind!

What’s your favorite gay place to grab a bite for lunch or a nice dinner?

You can't miss the delicious tacos at El Califa in Colonia Condesa, or maybe grab a bite in historical downtown at El Generalito, eat a nice fancy dinner at Quintonil in Polanco, or have a snack at Papa Guapa in Colonia Roma.

The best gay place for a cheap beer or happy hour?

If you want cheap drinks and a fun crowd, you must go to Papi Fun Bar in Zona Rosa or dance the night away at Guilt in Polanco. If you're into leather and kink, then TOM'S is the bar for you; their best and busiest night is Tuesday.

We’re ready to party! What are the best gay clubs?

Marrakech Salón is a party bar attracting a young, fun crowd. Everyone is there to have a blast, and if that means staying out til sunrise, so be it. It's an energetic crowd, so rest up before!

Are there any places related to LGBT history?

El Alamcén was the first gay bar in Zona Rosa back in the 1970s and is full of LGBT history.

Best place to socialize with the local gay community?

Easily the most well-known gay-friendly district in Mexico City, Zona Rosa is a neighbourhood situated alongside historic Juárez and just above cosmopolitan Roma. Here you can find any number of gay bars, sex shops and excellent sights and sounds to occupy your days. The most notable street for bars has to be Calle Amberes.

Can you share a secret or little-known place to visit in Mexico?

I'm a food lover and because of that I'll suggest San Ángel Inn. The restaurant is located next to the famous studios of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, also a place you must check out.

Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral

Any beaches, parks or best other places to chill-out? 

Chapultepec Castle, located in Chapultepec Park (or bosque de Chapultepec) is a must-see. It's the only royal castle in mainland North America that was actually used as the residence of a sovereign. The castle itself is breathtaking and it’s only a 20 minute walk from Zona Rosa, making it a perfect place to visit.

Where you can we get the best view of Mexico City? 

Condesa DF rooftop is located inside a boutique hotel in the trendy neighborhood of La Condesa. It offers one of the best views of Mexico City, alongside a plethora of delicacies and drinks.

The bar has wooden decking and comfortable seating, perfect for spending hours admiring the view while enjoying the sushi that is served. It's a vibrant bar with plenty of character and style, perfect for a romantic evening high above the rest of the city.

OK, we only have 48 hours in Mexico City! What can’t we miss?

As I mentioned earlier, Frida Kahlo’s house: Casa Azul. She was a bisexual Mexican artist and has become an international icon for the power and intensity of her art, and the extraordinary suffering that she experienced in her life. I would recommend to watch the movie about her life first (Frida, 2002); it will make the experience of walking and being in the house a thousand times more intense.

The homes of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. © Flickr/Julian Weyer

Museo Soumaya, designed by the Mexican architect Fernando Romero, is a private museum in Mexico City. The building itself gives you goosebumps and the art collection inside even more. The museum is named after Soumaya Domit, who died in 1999, and was the wife of the founder of the museum Carlos Slim.

Also, the Palacio de Bellas Artes is a prominent cultural center in Mexico City. Inside the palace you'll find one of the Top 10 most famous murals in the world; El Hombre Controlador del Universo, by Diego Rivera.

Palacio de Bellas Artes. © Flickr/Gustavo Thomas

Also, Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is an important Catholic pilgrimage site and one of the most visited churches in the world. The original image of Our Lady of Guadalupe impressed on the cloak of Saint Juan Diego was housed in this basilica.

The shrine is now in The 'new' Basilica de Guadalupe, just next to it. The reasons why it was moved is because the original Basilica is sinking into the ground; it's changed, but a long time ago Mexico City was like a ‘little Venice’... it was built on water! ●

Like the sound of Mexico City? Check out some more Local Tips from one of our other hosts in this amazing city!