Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
It may surprise those unfamiliar with the country’s LGBT scene that Veracruz, Mexico, is one of the most gay-friendly cities in Latin America. The city is also known for its culture and cuisine.
The origins of Veracruz’s LGBT community are tied closely to its history as a port city, where sailors and immigrants from all over the world came to trade goods and bring them back home. It has historically served as the country’s entry point for many immigrants, making it well-known for its diverse ethnic and indigenous population of European, Caribbean, African, Mexican, and Indian immigrants.
The city has long been a popular vacation spot for many Mexicans due to its stunning, unspoiled beaches and warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You must try out its incredible seafood, especially the famously known Veracruz dish Huachinango a la Veracruzana (Snapper Veracruz style). And its goodies don’t end there. It’s also one of the cities where Mexicans enjoy a good time, and the LGBT community is no exception.
Its multicultural diversity nature contributes to its vibrant food scene, artsy vibe, and open-mindedness toward diversity.
Gay Veracruz is known for holding parties and hosting annual festivals to celebrate different events with music, drinks, and food. During these festivals, you’ll find many LGBT people participating in parades or other events celebrating their identity as part of a larger community.
The LGBT community in this city is small but active and comes together annually for Pride Week, which mostly happens in June. The annual pride parade attracts over 20,000 spectators yearly.
After same-sex marriages were legalized in Veracruz, the LGBT community had something to celebrate. State-level prohibitions on same-sex marriage were found to be unconstitutional by the Mexican Supreme Court in 2015.
The first same-sex marriage in Veracruz was held on 6 December 2014 by couple Javier Darío Olivares García and Víctor Manuel Durán Sáenz. This was after numerous follow-ups on their marriage’s legalization and the issuance of a marriage certificate. By 2020, there were 150 same-sex marriages, and now there are countless.
On 30 May 2022, the Court ruled that the state’s same-sex marriage ban violated Articles 1 and 4 of the Constitution of Mexico. On 2 June 2022, the Congress of Veracruz passed a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. On 13 June 2022, same-sex marriage became legal in Veracruz.
Even though laws have been passed in Veracruz to allow same-gender marriages, not everyone in the area agrees with them. Therefore, unless you are in or around a gay bar, it is best to avoid same-sex affection, such as kissing and handholding, in public to avoid scrutiny and the potential for backlash.
You won’t be harmed and will have “tourist privilege” just like any other visitor, but it is essential to act discreetly and avoid accidentally putting locals you meet in danger. Therefore, using common sense and respecting the local culture is beneficial.
This vibrant city has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for nightlife, culture, or a place to relax. Gay Veracruz is home to some of the best beaches in Mexico and various restaurants, bars, and clubs. There’s also plenty of shopping and sightseeing to be done. Whatever your interests may be, there is no shortage of things to do in Veracruz!
In this article we will cover...
Attractions in Gay Veracruz, Mexico
Welcome to Gay Veracruz, darling! While the city may not be the most welcoming to the queer community, fear not! There are still plenty of fabulous things for you to do while keeping things low-key. First and foremost, you must visit some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and attractions, dahling!
Take in history and culture by visiting museums, art galleries, and historical monuments. And don’t forget to marvel at the stunning architecture, explore parks and gardens, and indulge in the local cuisine. But that’s not all, darling! Gay or straight, there’s always something to do in Gay Veracruz.
Immerse yourself in the local culture by attending cultural events like festivals, concerts, and shows. Trust us; there’s always something fun and exciting happening in this fabulous city. Remember, discretion is key in a city that’s not always welcoming to our fabulous community. So, keep it lowkey and enjoy all the wonderful things Gay Veracruz has to offer!
Take in the sights at one of the most well-known landmarks and one of Veracruz’s best historical sites. One of the oldest landmarks in Veracruz is the Castle of San Juan de Ula, built between 1535 and 1769 as a defense for Mexico during the country’s War of Independence. Throughout its nearly 500-year history, the castle has served as a prison, a gold store, a fortress, and a royal residence.
It is situated on an island with the same name. It has since been transformed into an open-to-the-public museum. This is a must-see location in Veracruz if you like the atmosphere of old forts. Walking through the old buildings-fortresses and prisons will be fun.
You’ll see a lot of artifacts with exciting stories behind their existence. Hollywood films have featured the museum in the movie, Romancing the Stone, which came out in 1984, the fortress in Cartagena, Colombia, was depicted using San Juan de Ula.
Refers to a stone-built embankment or esplanade along a waterfront, most commonly in Spanish-speaking nations. Take a long stroll along Malecon, Veracruz’s most iconic landmark. You’ll enjoy iconic sculptures and street art along this long avenue with a view of the sea by musicians and artists from various artistic backgrounds.
Find souvenirs and food stalls and enjoy a calm coffee from many excellent waterfront restaurants watching the sunset. The area is nice to explore at night. You can take a nice walk after dinner. On Sunday nights, it is particularly lively and crowded.
is yet another attraction that must be seen with a fascinating history of the very famous Olmec heads, an ideal setting with a modern design. It’s a combination of both an exhibition hall and a zoo. In addition to a zoo with jaguars and other local animals, the outdoor museum features ancient altars and Olmec stone heads.
In the then-open-air museum, you’ll find 36 Olmec stone statues from the Olmec civilization, an early Mesoamerican culture that existed between 1200 and 1200 BC. Your guide will teach you about the history of the museum.
Los Colores del Café en las Fincas de Coatepec
if you love coffee, this is a must-visit. Here, you can sample some of the best Mexican coffee. Mexican coffee is often brewed with cinnamon and sugar. The coffee has a light body, is acidic, and often has a nutty flavor with chocolate undertones. It has a pleasant dryness, similar to an excellent white wine. The beans produce a sweet and spicy coffee that is delicate and fine.
Get a chance to attend and participate in the most famous Veracruz event. The Veracruz Carnival, which takes place nine days before Ash Wednesday each year, is the best in Mexico.
The “Jarochos,” or residents of Veracruz who enjoy partying, celebrate the Carnival with joy, passion, and costumes that reflect their customs, music, and culture. It is also one of the oldest, with festivities beginning back in the eighteenth century.
Participate in an unrestricted and vibrant celebration with fantastic parties, parades, and live music. The celebration allows everyone, regardless of class or ethnicity, to enjoy life, have fun, eat food and drink excessively, and party until dawn! The “quema del mal humor,” or burning of a lousy mood, marks the beginning of the celebration and closes up with the burial of “Juan Carnival.”
With more than 7,500 square meters, the aquarium, which is open to the public, is one of the largest in Mexico and Latin America. It features nine exhibits:
- Selva de los Tuxtlas
- A freshwater aquarium
- A reef tank
- A saltwater gallery
- A shark and jellyfish tank
- A manatee tank
- A dolphinarium
- A penguinarium
Walk between tanks and through glass tunnels as you enjoy what it’s like to live underwater. You’ll come face to face with colorful aquatic creatures and deadly underwater predators like sharks and dolphins.
This beach is a must-visit if you’re looking for outdoor activities. It is one of 58 beaches in Veracruz. The beach is popular with locals and tourists alike and offers numerous swimming, sunbathing, and surfing opportunities. The beach is open to everyone and suitable for lonely travelers, vacationers who value relaxation, and others.
It is especially crowded during the peak season. You’ll find restrooms, a beach restaurant, sun umbrellas, and a sea pool. You can do many activities on the beach, including sandboarding, snorkeling, and gliding through the water on jet skis, among other activities. Have fun sandboarding while sliding yourself throughout the sand dunes for stress-free moments.
On weekends, you can hang out at Galeria 91 and spend a few hours making your own art. The artist at Galeria 91 will demonstrate how it works and provide you with assistance and guidance from an experienced group of artists.
You’ll find exhibited work of more than 25 Mexican artists, mainly from Veracruz but also from cities such as Puebla, Monterrey, Mérida, and Mexico City, among others., displayed at the contemporary art gallery. You will learn a little bit about their artist’s way of living and how he gets their inspiration, and it will help you feel inspired and become an artist for a few hours.
Their artist will also demonstrate his technique and style. You’ll have access to everything you need to live the experience at Galeria 91:canvases, paint, brushes, music, and drinks. The gallery has limited space and holds booked occasions, meaning you’ll need to schedule your visit to the gallery in advance.
It won’t hurt to go birdwatching if you don’t like water sports. You’ll find perfect features like walking trails, lush gardens, and a lagoon where you can watch birds. The location is home to seven ecosystems and is a resting place of 500 bird species.
Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels Veracruz, Mexico
Oh, honey, let me tell you about being fabulous and feeling welcome at these hotels in Veracruz! Don’t worry about other hotels that might not be as accepting; these gems are committed to being LGBTQ+ friendly and making sure that all guests feel like they belong.
Being gay-friendly isn’t just about waving a rainbow flag or using the right pronouns; it’s about creating a safe and inclusive space for all guests. From non-discrimination policies to providing resources for LGBTQ+ travelers, these hotels go above and beyond to make sure that you feel welcomed and supported.
And honey, they don’t stop there! Some of these gay-friendly accommodations have extra amenities and literature about local LGBTQ+ events and resources. Plus, they might even be located in an area that’s known for being LGBTQ+ friendly.
Now, let me tell you about these fabulous hotels in Veracruz. While there aren’t any specifically gay hotels or resorts, these are the crème de la crème of gay-friendly accommodations. And if these don’t tickle your fancy, don’t worry; there are hundreds of other options in Veracruz to fit your budget and needs. So pack your bags, put on your most fabulous outfit, and get ready to feel welcome and accepted at these gay-friendly hotels in Veracruz!
The hotel is a colorful building dating from 1795, gay-friendly, and ranks among the best in Veracruz. Some of the rooms at this elegant hotel overlook the Zócalo de Veracruz and Catedral de Veracruz. They offer 3 room categories: Sigle, double and executive suite. The rooms have wood flooring with warm lighting, eliminating well-positioned wall lamps.
The rooms have air conditioning, a cable flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a hairdryer, a bathroom with designer toiletries, daily housekeeping, a desk, an in-room massage, an iron/ironing board (on request), a laptop-compatible safe, a phone.
The hotel has an on-site sauna, a gym open round-the-clock, and an outdoor pool and massage center. There is a restaurant and a bar/lounge at the hotel that serve seafood. Every morning, a breakfast buffet is served. They also offer car hire services and offer a free parking garage.
Hotel Veracruz Centro Historico ☆☆☆☆
It is an excellent choice for gay travelers who perfectly combines value, comfort, and convenience. From its 116 rooms, this stylish hotel offers contemporary accommodations with a touch of traditionally decorated spaces. They offer a standard individual room with a queen-size bed and a standard double room with two beds.
Every room has a screen with satellite programming, free Wi-Fi, a shower, a bathroom with amenities, a smoke detector, air conditioning, a hairdryer, a telephone, a safety box, an iron and ironing box, wake-up call services, and room services.
You’ll also have access to a parking garage, an on-site restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a bar/lounge. The hotel also offers airport transportation. Some rooms’ balconies provide a better view of the Zocalo or the pool, giving it a pleasant atmosphere.
is centrally located in the Zocalo and central plaza, 2.2 kilometers from Playa Villa del Mar and 1.6 kilometers from San Juan de Ula Castle. Since 2016, the hotel has been open to guests and has recently been renovated with 37 spacious rooms within eight categories.
The rooms share a functional design with organic shapes and soft lighting with a mix of warm and loud colors. The rooms have a wardrobe, desk, air cooling, hairdryer, telephone, coffee and tea facilities, free Wi-Fi, an en suite bathroom with walk-in showers, complimentary toiletries, and a balcony or terrace.
You’ll also have access to a fitness center, free parking, a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, a bar/lounge, and a restaurant.
Another excellent choice is a gay-friendly hotel on the waterfront with a rooftop pool and hot tub. The hotel offers 176 rooms and suites, each decorated with light colors, floral designs, and tile floors. Most of the rooms and suites provide a sea view.
Each room has a desk, air conditioning, a safe-deposit box, blackout curtains, a private balcony, satellite TV, housekeeping, a telephone which offers free local calls, and free Wi-Fi. Additionally, there is an on-site restaurant with a view of the sea, and you can enjoy a panoramic view from the pool lounge chairs.
The hotel offers money exchange, a rooftop pool, parking, and free valet parking. Hotel Mar y Tierra has a 24-hour front desk, a meeting room, and laundry facilities available and dry cleaning upon request.
Holiday Inn Veracruz Centro Historico, an IHG Hotel☆☆☆
The hotel is located in one of the oldest convents, built by Franciscan monks in the 16th century. The rooms and suites are spacious and comfortable, with high ceilings, chandeliers, dark wood furnishings, and mosaic tiles.
Each room has a desk, a telephone, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a private bathroom, a hairdryer, an in-room mini-bar, a coffee maker, and room service. Parking and free Wi-Fi are also included. Some rooms are designed with wood-beamed ceilings, and suites have living areas and minifridges. They have an outdoor pool courtyard, a gym, and a casual restaurant.
Although the hotel is not officially a gay hotel, it is exceptionally gay-friendly and reasonably priced. The hotel’s recent renovations have made it more naive and unique in its flaws and peculiarities. You can access the hotel by private means since it’s located along the main road to Sorrento, at the entrance of the town of Vico Equense.
Gay travelers can take advantage of a 4-star hotel perfectly integrated with the rich Etruscan history of the ancient town. The structure has rooms connected by staircases and terraces to fully recreate the typical Sorrento Peninsula architecture, reminiscent of a fishing village. The hotel allows pets and has free breakfast, Wi-Fi, a hot tub, and parking.
You’ll have fun hiking and have access to a private beach nearby. Each room is uniquely carved into the rock, with each room having an independent air conditioning system, a telephone, and a bathroom with a shower or a bathtub.
Gay Nightlife in Veracruz, Mexico
This vibrant city is home to some of Mexico’s best attractions, including stunning beaches, world-class museums, and delicious seafood. And, of course, there’s always something going on in the city’s vibrant gay nightlife scene. So whether you’re looking to relax or party, Gay Veracruz has something for everyone.
But what about the gay scene in Veracruz? Is there anything for LGBT travelers to enjoy?
Yes, there is! Veracruz may not be as well-known as other gay destinations in Mexico (like Puerto Vallarta or Mexico City), but it does have a growing scene. There are a few gay bars and clubs in the city, and more and more businesses are becoming LGBT-friendly. There are many places where you can hang out with other members of the LGBTQIA+ community in this city.
Darling, let’s talk about exploring the queer nightlife in Gay Veracruz, shall we? It’s true this city might not be the most welcoming to our fabulous community but fear not! Being gay is perfectly legal here; just remember to err on the side of caution when outside of queer-friendly spaces.
But let’s focus on the fun, shall we? Exploring gay nightlife can be one of the most thrilling and enriching experiences while on the go. From dancing up a storm at a gay club to sipping cocktails and rubbing elbows with the locals at a gay-friendly bar, you’ll have a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and make memories that will last a lifetime.
And darling, we’ve got you covered with the best gay and gay-friendly spots in town. So don’t be shy; step out of your comfort zone and explore the queer nightlife in Gay Veracruz. Trust us; it’ll be worth it!
Here are some LGBT spots to never miss out on!
a well-known gay club where you can have fun and dance the night away. Located on Netzahualcóyotl, one of Veracruz’s oldest streets, the two-floor bar hosts and maintains a dark atmosphere with a dance floor with hot guys dancing. You’ll experience fun drag shows and generally large gay crowds later in the night.
You can request beer, alcoholic beverages, spirits, and excellent cocktails. The bar also has a kerbside pickup. The presence of drag queens, vogue, and queer shows always decorates the queer bar. The bar is a haven for the LGBT+ community: excellent atmosphere, perfect music, and presentations.
You can also make a reservation. The atmosphere is quite dynamic. The attention is fast. There are all-night shows, a pleasant atmosphere, and free shots. The bar is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
A popular men’s bar and sex club that has a lot of fun and is packed most nights of the week. Shows and beer promotions are held at the bar. Their staff is welcoming. Take pleasure in the company of other hot gay guys and enjoy hot strippers and the services provided by naked waiters. The bar is located in a dark room, a glory hole, with a more sophisticated atmosphere.
You should also check out this other nightclub for casual cocktails, open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.Enjoy gay discos with DJs, shows, gogos, and hot guys and girls dancing on the well-lit floor in this rocking nightclub. Stay late to have fun.
Who said gay people didn’t sing? When they do, they all go to this great bar in C. Esteban Morales, Centro, for Karaoke nights. The bar is open every day from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Get to enjoy top-notch services at reasonable costs.
Great cocktails, beer, booze, and spirits are available at the service. \According to the customer review, the place is small, but you’ll have a good time, get excellent service, and meet friendly people. The lip-sync show starts at one in the morning, and if you’re lucky, you might get free snacks.
The club is open Monday through Saturday from 1.30 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. and on Sundays from midnight. It’s located in Paso Y Troncoso y, 91700 Veracruz. Enjoy a gay environment in Veracruz and have a one-of-a-kind experience with excellent service, a warm and inviting atmosphere, promotions, cross-dressing, and hot waiters dressed in boxers and strippers.
The bar is very spacious, and there is enough room between the tables. The staff is friendly, the music is good, and the show is fun. As you sip your beer or spirits, have fun and meet other queer people.
Visit the Puteria bar and mingle with other gay people. You’ll have fun watching men in underwear and drag shows. Cocktails are a great way to end a stressful day; at Puteria, you’ll find some of the greatest ones. They also sell beers, spirits, and alcohol. They are open on Fridays from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Enjoy good quality services at a reasonable price.
If you’re looking for a place to unwind and forget about your daily worries for a while, this is the perfect bar for you. Enjoy a drink and a good time with the hosts and hostesses of Paraiso. It has waiters dressed in underwear, a dark room, drag shows, erotica, stripper shows, and more food than anywhere else. Perfect for gay tourists.
The business is categorized as a gay bar. Here is the bar address, C. Gutiérrez Zamora, Zona Centro, Heroica Veracruz.You can order delivery or dine in. The bar is open Tuesday through Sunday, and hosts drag shows on Fridays and Saturdays. You’ll meet many hot guys as you drink, dance, laugh, and mingle throughout the night.
In 1994, the bar opened its doors. Sadly, it remained closed for several years before reopening in December 2021. The bar is a must-visit if you enjoy a good music atmosphere. They play the music that always makes you feel good. The hotel’s services have received positive feedback.
The bar has a pleasant atmosphere, excellent music, a great location (C. Aquiles Serdán 517, Centro, 91700 Veracruz), and reasonable prices. Enjoy a few drinks in a casual setting that evokes feelings of nostalgia from the eighties and nineties music. You can dine in or call for delivery.
Cruising & Gay Saunas in Veracruz
When it comes to exploring Gay Veracruz, there’s more to life than just cocktails and beers. One aspect of the gay scene that many of us queens love are checking out the local gay saunas and cruising clubs.
Granted, Veracruz isn’t quite as wild as Amsterdam, Barcelona, or Berlin, but these steamy venues still offer the perfect opportunity to meet new people, socialize, and engage in some hot and heavy action without swiping left or right. However, remember that these venues can differ in terms of vibe, patrons, and rules, so it’s a good idea to be informed before you dive in.
Gay saunas, sex clubs, and cruising have long been popular ways for queer men to meet and engage in sexual activity, particularly in countries where same-sex activity is not widely accepted or where it may even be illegal.
In these places, gay saunas and cruising clubs provide a safe and discreet environment for queer men to explore their sexuality and connect with like-minded individuals.
Despite the rise of gay dating apps, many queer men still prefer the anonymity and physical connection that can be found in these spaces – so somewhat counter-intuitively, you might have a hotter experience here than you would at home.
We recommend checking out our guide to cruising for first-timers before you get started, which should give you the lowdown, and always practice safe sex. Keep in mind that local laws and customs regarding gay venues and sexual activity should always be respected.
With a bit of forethought and an open mind, visiting gay saunas and cruising clubs can be a thrilling and steamy part of your gay Veracruz adventure.
Besides gay hookup apps, Saunas are great places to approach a gay man and maybe get your other half. Veracruz is no different.
Formerly known as Approachmen’s Club. The only men’s sauna—it’s a gay sauna have private rooms, lockers, a jacuzzi, a bar, a lounge, and cruising as well. The sauna is open from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. every day. The gay atmosphere here is excellent for unwinding and getting a good rest: superb service, attentiveness, and cleanliness.
Facilities are spotless. The highest quality and service for the steam bath and sauna services.A great place to meet other gay companies with friendly services.
Gay Map Of Veracruz
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in Veracruz? 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!