Why Queer Travelers Should Visit San Miguel de Allende

In this guide to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, you’ll learn about the city, its fun gay scene, welcoming places to stay, where to find great food, what to do while you’re there, and more.

“I could easily see myself living here,” I said to my sister when she asked if I liked San Miguel de Allende – a wonderfully charming, beautiful city in Guanajuato, Mexico. I felt as if I’d unearthed a great secret – the perfect gay getaway.

In much the same way that Quebec City is as close as you can get to France without leaving North America, San Miguel de Allende whispers Spanish influence from its picturesque stone streets and colorful architecture to the stunning courtyards and magical food scene. Its history and culture are steeped in 16th-century roots and modern livelihood. It’s no wonder that it made UNESCO’s World Heritage List. 

Around every corner is a postcard-perfect view. Romantic winding streets, echoes of delightful music, and an unpretentious vibe make San Miguel incredibly popular as a backdrop to the perfect weekend getaway, destination wedding, or the occasional fashion photoshoot. The culture boasts of hospitality – welcoming, friendly, and accepting of everyone. Queer-owned shops, restaurants, and accommodations are everywhere. 

San Miguel is the ideal getaway for those who seek culture beyond the party scene. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit to San Miguel de Allende.

LGBTQ+ Safe Haven 
I’ve been asked this question hundreds of times since crossing the border and the answer is… “yes.” San Miguel has earned its reputation as an artistic destination that embraces both curious, new visitors and seasoned travelers. Plan a trip to San Miguel de Allende to find out why it has made Travel + Leisure’s list of the 25 Best Cities in the World multiple times, including the No. 1 spot. 

The city defines its own vibrant culture, full of activity and popular with LGBTQ travelers and ex-pats. The locals will tell you that it’s no more dangerous than any other city its size, just look both ways before crossing the street and stick to walking on the narrow sidewalks. 

Where to Stay 
Everyone is welcome in San Miguel de Allende, including queer singles and couples. It’s not uncommon to see a wide range of diverse visitors at local hoteliers.  In the Central district, several options clinched spots on reputable lists of the best hotels, including the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende, Hotel Matilda, Casa Sierra Nevada,  and the Live Aqua Urban Resort San Miguel de Allende. For the more adventurous road warrior who, like me, drives into town with a dog and an RV, you’ll find a cozy place to park at the San Miguel Tennis Club & RV Park.

The LGBTQ+ Scene
In San Miguel, there’s a much different vibe than you get in a party city like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta. You’re not going to find a gay bar or club, per se. Instead, you’ll be charmed by a wide variety of gay-owned and LGBTQ-friendly venues.

Slide into Pork Belly for a meal. The entire restaurant is built around a central, open kitchen where the chefs prepare delicious fare at a fair price. Have a glass of wine on the patio or sit inside by the action. You’ll fit in if you’re a single traveler. This is a popular spot for ex-pats and solo diners who like to eat well.

If you’re craving breakfast or brunch, you should consider grabbing a seat at one of the two kitchen tables at Panina, where bakers prepare fresh pastries, artisan bread, and their delightful huevos en casserole right before your eyes. I would never admit to eating all of the treats I picked up on the way out the door, but they certainly didn’t last long. 

La Terraza at Mama Mia has a great onsite restaurant. You’ll find a different vibe and matching crowd gathered around each of its intimate bar areas. Take advantage of the clear night skies while you lounge and sip cocktails on the rooftop terrace.

The discoteca at El Grito Nightclub is where you go to be seen and to dance off the extra calories from dinner. It’s a local gay hangout, but primarily a straight club with wonderfully camp goth decor. This is where couples of all combinations show up for great music. 

While you’re out and about, visit Hecho en Mexico for a scrumptious dinner. Have a seat at the bar or the cozy stone-walled spaces around the patio. The menu is great, and I can personally attest to the sauteed shrimp with poblano peppers and creamed spinach, followed by peanut butter pie and paired with a fresh glass of lemonade. It’s one of the best meals I’ve had in Mexico – all for under $20!

What to Do
The city’s cultural center is home to historic churches, colonial buildings, a thriving art scene, and a multitude of small shops with colorful handmade crafts,  clothes, and collectibles. Go ahead and get lost. Google maps will help you find your way back to the hotel.

Take a photo tour. As cheesy as it may sound, you can book a photographer for a two-hour tour and photoshoot. Not only will you get to see the most stunning scenes around town, but you’ve got the perfect backdrop for a new profile pic or Instagram-worthy shot.

Getting There
I recommend driving your RV into town. If that doesn’t work for you, most visitors to San Miguel de Allende fly into nearby Leon/Guanajuato, Queretar, or the Mexico City (MEX) airports. Queretaro Airport (QRO) is just about a one-hour drive from town; Leon/Guanajuato Airport (BJX) is about an hour and 15 minutes away and it’s a little more than three hours from Mexico City. The airport in Leon offers several direct and international flights as well as a shuttle service to San Miguel de Allende. Do yourself a favor and pre-book your transfer; you’ll avoid the long taxi line, and you’ll have comfort in knowing that the driver is there waiting to take you straight (or directly) to your accommodation.