Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Often overshadowed by the raging gay scene in Mexico City, gay León – just a few hour’s drive away – has quietly and steadily grown its own unique queer nightlife scene that is beginning to tempt tourists away from the chaos of Mexico City.
It’s important to note that while Mexico is becoming more accepting of different sexual orientations and gender identities, there are still some areas that are more conservative than others. The state of Guanajuato, in particular, is known to be quite conservative.
While instances of open discrimination or violence against LGBTQ+ travelers in Mexico are relatively rare, it’s always a good idea to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. It’s recommended to avoid public displays of affection, especially in more conservative areas, and to be discreet about your sexual orientation or gender identity in public.
Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and stay safe while traveling. With a little awareness and some common sense, you can enjoy all that Mexico has to offer without any issues.
With a population of just over one million, León is no small city – and the thriving nightlife and arts scene is a testament to this.
Travelers going to experience gay León can expect to tour beautiful churches and a small but well-preserved old town filled with intriguing museums by day and indulge in the famed Nopalitos (cactus pads with potato, egg, tomato, chili pepper, oregano and shrimp) by night before heading out to one of the many gay bars and gay clubs in León.
Top this all off by staying in a gay-friendly luxury hotel in León, and you can see León is one city you have to add to your gay Mexico vacation list!
Are you relocating? This guide will help travelers discover the queerer side of the city. However, if you are lucky enough to be considering a move here, we recommend getting in touch with a local gay realtor in Mexico to understand your options better. They can happily give you no-obligation advice and all the information you’ll ever need to know about your new city.
And if you then want their help to find your dream home, you are guaranteed fair, equal, and honest representation. No surprises or awkward conversations are necessary!
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in León Mexico
While the capital city of León in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato is often looked over by gringos for its more famous nearby towns of San Miguel de Allende & Guanajuato – this is a mistake as León has a diverse mouth-watering culinary heritage, awe-inspiring colonial architecture and a pleasant climate.
Most of the top attractions of León can be seen wandering the historic downtown, but there are a few things you will not want to miss.
Adventurous travelers will want, of course, want to make a day trip to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage City Guanajuato, famous for its silver mining history and colonial architecture, although there are also some beautiful hotels in Guanajuato if you are thinking of staying the night…
Are you relocating? This guide will help travelers discover the queerer side of the city. However, if you are lucky enough to be considering a move here, we recommend getting in touch with a local gay realtor. They can happily give you no-obligation advice and all the information you'll ever need to know about your new city. And if you then want their help to find your dream home, you are guaranteed fair, equal, and honest representation. No surprises or awkward conversations necessary!
Being such a queer-friendly city, many of the attractions in León gay travelers will want to see the top attractions in León anyway. All travelers in León should take caution in less-developed areas with valuables and take taxis or ride-share apps (especially if you do not speak Spanish) at night – and always listen to local advice when exploring.
Gay travelers in León should take special care in less developed areas in terms of public displays of affection where many residents may be less exposed to LGBT culture and may hold conservative attitudes…Though any reaction is more likely to be curious than outrage.
Overall, León is very safe, especially compared to other Latin American cities, and a common-sense approach to travel will generally ensure you have no issues exploring this beautiful and diverse city.
Don’t forget to steep inside the neo-Gothic – and quite frankly jaw-dropping – Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Corazón de Jesús, complete with crypt / catacombs.
For lovers of Mexican Art, you should plan time for a visit to the Catedral Basílica, and its Museo de Arte Sacro, with many fine examples of religious paintings and sculptures or for something more modern, head to the Museum of Art and History of Guanajuato, strikingly modern museum of Mexican art & history.
And don’t forget León is one of Mexico’s prime agricultural areas, so be sure to eat out and try fresh produce, and especially milk and milk products.
You can enjoy a drink and people watching on Martyr’s Square; if you have had enough of the old town, you can escape to the Parque Metropolitano de León with its beautiful fountain and relaxed vibes, and of course. it goes without saying you need to wander around the historic old town of León with all its winding streets and beautiful doorways!
For kinky leather bears – you’re in luck as the City of León is the Leather Capital of Mexico, so you just have to head to the main leather district of Zona Piel (leather zone) to get your leather on gurlll – Ok, it might be it different than the leather you are used to buying, but those cowboy boots are hot as hell!
Gay Friendly and Gay Hotels in León Mexico
In León, Mexico, you would be hard-pressed to find a major hotel that had any issues with gay guests – but some hotels are more popular with queer travelers due to their location and inclusive environment or vibe, which are featured here.
These gay-friendly hotels in León are frequented by members of the LGBT community and have great reputations.
Each hotel and area offer something very specific, so be sure to choose the right style and location to meet your needs. Prices are cheap compared to North American and European hotels (though quickly rising), and standards are high – so it’s a great place to splurge!
Of course, there are also hundreds more hotel and hostel options in León if none of these suit your desired budget, facilities or area!
Hostal El Armario ☆
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
A surprising hip hostel in Leon with inclusive vibes, a roof-top bar with plaza views, trendy thrift shop chic decor and a central location. If you’re counting your pesos or just want a fun environment to meet other travelers to head out and party with – we recommend giving Hostal El Armario a shot.
A centrally located, no-basic hassles hotel with great service and clean rooms. Nice seating area with views out onto the street to enjoy your coffee in the morning.
Courtyard by Marriott Leon at The Poliforum ☆☆☆☆
A no-surprises international hotel by the well-known gay-friendly chain Marriot. Centrally located, brand-new and with a nice outdoor pool and bar.
NH Collection Leon Expo ☆☆☆☆
Minimalism is the design trend that just won’t die – luckily, the NH Collection Leon Expo is a fabulous example done right. With a delicious breakfast, an Insta-worthy interior and a nice chilled-out pool by day or night, it is no wonder, so many gay travelers opt to stay at this hotel in León.
A beautifully unique property that perfectly matches historic colonial architecture with contemporary design and color. Centrally located, small and truly boutique – and the service at this welcoming hotel is world-class.
The most popular hotel in León, Mexico, for gay travelers thanks to its cool outdoor pool, trendy modern decor, central location and dramatic atrium with a waterfall. Suite rooms have balconies with city views, and there is even a spa and tennis court. Needless to say, this is our favorite gay-friendly hotel in León, Mexico.
Gay Bars and Gay Clubs in León
While the beautiful colonial architecture and delicious Mexican food may lure you in – It is gay León’s bars and clubs that really make León worthy as a gay vacation destination idea – or at least a fun weekend trip! Anyone who knows anything about Mexicans knows they love a good fiesta, and while León might be laid back and chilled by day, its gay nightlife is anything but!
New clubs and events are taking place consistently here, so it pays to ask around when you arrive (hotel staff is a good bet), but at the moment, here are the most popular nightlife spots and gay clubs in León for travelers and locals. Things will get crazy – but just go with it, and don’t forget your common sense.
Fantasy Disco Club
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
Only open Fridays & Saturdays, this gay nightclub in Leon offers a different theme each and every week but always with an abundance of go-go dancers and erotic shows with half-decent drag acts! So hot, so sexy…Things have been known to get a little crazy here!
A great place to dance and drink, with plenty of events and the only other gay club in Leon, Mexico. A bit divey, but it has been known to go off on Wednesdays and Thursdays if you are looking for some mid-week fun. 2 for 1 drink specials if you arrive early, great music and vibing atmosphere.
A proper drag bar with plenty of shows and great drink specials. Great vibes – and shows are still funny even if you don’t really understand Spanish.
G*Bar
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
A gay bar/cafe concept with a nice bar and plenty of outdoor seating. A popular place for casual drinks after work or to meet up is located in the historic old town. La Antigua
The following gay bars in León, Mexico, are no longer open: Bule Dance Show, Bizantina Club (Biza Club), Nation Club, By Club and La Mañosa Cantina.
Gay Saunas in León
Unlike in other gay cities in Mexico, such as Puebla and Monterrey, there is a very limited sauna scene in León, largely led by the popularity of cruising in bars and apps such as Grindr. Please update us if you discover any new gay saunas in León (or cruising locations in León), but for now, there are two options.
The most popular cruising spot and sauna in Leon with lockers, a steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, massages and plenty of action. There is also a bar on-site and open til 5am on Saturdays if you happen to leave the Leon gay bars alone.
Spa & Baths Leon
A small, local place – very basic but close to town (the address is Gardenia 505). Mixed reviews. Don’t expect much, but if you’re the adventurous type, this León gay sauna is probably worth a shot!
Gay Map Of León
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is León? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!