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 Querétaro – 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.
Combining historic architecture, famous food, and a decidedly slower pace of life than Mexico City with lively queer clubs and bars seems to have been a winning formula for Querétaro, with queer travelers slowly waking up its potential – or combining it with a trip to the nearby San Miguel de Allende.
The first-ever LGBT+ Pride March Querétaro was also held in 2017 – quite the move for a city once considered a stronghold of conservatism, tradition and Catholicism in Mexico!
With a population of almost one million, Querétaro is no small city – and the thriving nightlife and arts scene is a testament to this.
Travelers going to experience gay Querétaro can expect to tour beautiful churches and an incredibly well-preserved old town filled with intriguing museums by day and indulge in the famed Cecina Seca con Naranja Agria (dried pork with bitter orange) by night before heading out to one of the many gay bars and gay clubs in Querétaro.
Top this all off by staying in a gay-friendly luxury hotel in Querétaro, and you can see Querétaro is set to become the next big gay Mexico city destination!
Caution: It’s worth noting that Mexico has made significant strides towards greater equality for the LGBTQ+ community in recent years. In 2022, the Mexican Supreme Court declared that the ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, effectively legalizing gay marriage across the country.
This historic decision is a major victory for LGBTQ+ rights in Mexico and is a reflection of the growing acceptance of different sexualities and lifestyles in Mexican society. While the Catholic Church’s influence remains strong, the legal recognition of same-sex marriage is a significant step towards greater inclusivity and tolerance for the LGBTQ+ community in Mexico.
However, it’s important to note that discrimination and violence against LGBTQ+ people still occur in some areas of Mexico, particularly in more conservative states like Guanajuato. As a result, it’s important for LGBTQ+ travelers to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings, even in more progressive areas.
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 Querétaro, Mexico
Being such a queer-friendly city, many of the attractions in Querétaro gay travelers will want to see the top attractions in Querétaro anyway. All travelers in Querétaro 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 Querétaro 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, Querétaro 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.
The city of Querétaro is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations in large part because of its diverse mouth-watering culinary heritage, awe-inspiring colonial architecture and close proximity to Mexico City.
Most of the top attractions of Querétaro can be seen wandering the historic downtown, but there are a few things you will not want to miss. Adventurous travelers will want to make a day trip to the nearby Cerrito archaeological ruins, a place of ancient worship used up until 1632.
Don’t forget to steep inside the Museo Casa de la Zacatecana, a 17th-century mansion turned into an incredible museum or wander under the Acueducto de Querétaro to see a striking example of why Querétaro was awarded UNESCO status. For lovers of Mexican Art, you should plan time for a visit to the recently renovated Museum of Sacred Art, which is not only free but housed in a grand colonial mansion.
If you have had enough of the old town, you can escape to the Zenea Garden with its beautiful fountain and historic gazebos, or a bit more fun might be the Parque Bicentenario with its amusement and water park rides including roller coasters, a lazy river & water slides.
And of course, it goes without saying you need to wander around the imposing Querétaro Cathedral and just get lost in the old town with all its winding streets and beautiful doorways!
Gay Friendly and Gay Hotels in Querétaro
In Querétaro, 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 Querétaro 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 Querétaro if none of these suit your desired budget, facilities or area!
The best option in Querétaro is if you want a cheap but clean room or to meet other travelers in a dorm. Colorful with friendly owners, the dorms are great value, and there is a very homely vibe.
Hotel Boutique Quinta Río Querétaro ☆☆☆
Charming little colonial house and one of the top-rated hotels in its price range. With beautiful views over the old city from its city and a pool to cool off by. Welcoming to everybody with fabulous service.
One gay traveler in Querétaro told us it was the best hotel in the world. We have our doubts, but what we do know is this is a gay-friendly option right in the city center, yet quiet and cozy. Unique interior decorations with unfailingly friendly staff.
Hotel Holístico Dos Patios ☆☆☆☆
Beautiful upscale hotel in the historic center. Gay-popular, a mixture of colonial elegance, modern design and a hint of Balinese tranquility.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Querétaro ☆☆☆☆
A modern hotel in the Querétaro historic district with a contemporary design. Gay-popular in large part due to the price and Hilton’s support of gay travelers. You know what you’re getting here with no room for surprises.
A gay-popular upscale hotel and spa in the historic center of Querétaro. Fantastic massages, outdoor garden and pool, hot tub and stylish rooms with warm tones.
AC Hotel Querétaro Antea ☆☆☆☆☆
Dark and brooding, this upscale hotel by the well-known gay-friendly chain Marriot, offers all the latest technology, hip decor and a beautiful indoor pool. The problem? AC Hotel Querétaro Antea is located 12km away from the historic center (though next to an amusement park…) and is best if you have a car.
Our favorite gay-friendly hotel in Querétaro. Central location and oh-so-stylish with contemporary yet colorful detail, wood beams and floor-to-ceiling windows. Beautiful outdoor pool + terrace, plenty of Mexican art and furniture, and some rooms even have their own jacuzzi.
Gay Bars and Gay Clubs in Querétaro
While the beautiful colonial architecture and delicious Mexican food may lure you in – It is gay Querétaro’s bars and clubs that really make Querétaro worthy as a gay vacation destination idea.
Anyone who knows anything about Mexicans knows they love a good fiesta, and while Querétaro 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 Querétaro for travelers and locals.
Things will get crazy – but just go with it, and don’t forget your common sense.
Easily the most popular gay bar in Querétaro, with kitschy drag shows, go-go boys, karaoke and all the other things that make gay men go crazy. Centrally located and blasting pop music to the wee hours, this is the place to be in gay Querétaro.
Up-scale gay club but straight-friendly. High cover charge and a slow bar but an excellent DJ’s spin till the early hours. A large dance floor perfect for mingling always packs, but you’re probably not going to find a foreigner here in this off-the-beaten-track location.
A multi-level gay club with plenty of eye candy. The sexy leather-clad go-go dancers might be a big drawcard, but the music and lights are epic, as is the large dance floor that is always filled to capacity.
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
Popular Gay club in Querétaro with a strong focus on strip shows and go-go dancers. Weekly events – including the occasional lesbian nights.
Cute little gay bar with 2-for-1 cocktail specials and an inclusive vibe. Small and cozy. Sadly looks like it has since closed down but please contact us to confirm.
A gay-friendly hidden nightclub in the historic district. Plenty of beautiful young things dancing to themed events in this huge space that can hold up to 2000 people. Great for a mixed group of gay and straight who want to enjoy loud music and ironically-tacky Mexican decor.
Silvana Spk – A hidden speak-easy in Querétaro popular with the oh-so-young and trendy. Gay-popular.
These gay clubs in Querétaro are sadly now permanently closed: The Barcelona Snaks, 41 Terraza, Bar & Club, Peccato Disco, Ibiza Night Club and OZ Discotheque.
Gay Saunas in Querétaro
Unlike in other gay cities in Mexico, such as Puebla and Monterrey, there is a very limited sauna scene in Querétaro, 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 Querétaro (or cruising locations in Querétaro), but for now, there are two options.
Baños Alameda
(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)
Popular bathhouse open Monday to Sunday, known as a cruising spot. Steam rooms with mixed company, but there are private rooms, but best to be discreet.
Located out of town, but it is the best option for a gay sauna in Querétaro. Men-only with plenty of outdoor space, pool, sauna, food, massages, or drink. A sort of budget gay cruising retreat into nature – you can also stay at Manta Blanca overnight if you can’t get your fix during the day!
Gay Map Of Querétaro
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in Querétaro? 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!