When you’re seeking friendly places with an open, accepting atmosphere for a gay-friendly vacation, it seems like you always hear the same handful of names. It’s worse still if you’re considering moving out of the country. Just as US visitors hear about Fire Island and San Francisco, you’ve probably done a search that turned up nothing but links about Puerto Vallarta and maybe Mexico City. Thus, it is my pleasure to introduce you to the incredible bohemian artists’ mecca that is San Miguel de Allende. You will not find the sort of raucous night club scene in this small, stunning, and quieter city that you might in Tel Aviv or New York, but you’ll feel welcome. Plus, just as important, you are going to love the sheer beauty of SMA.
Is San Miguel De Allende gay friendly? San Miguel de Allende is gay friendly. Numerous ex-pats are make up about ten percent of the population, and along with its artistic history, this contributes to an international, openminded, and LGBTQIA+ friendly atmosphere. Gay couples will find this is an ideal spot for a laid back vacation.
Does San Miguel de Allende Have Gay Nightlife
Much of the gay tourism to San Miguel de Allende is notably in the thirty-five and over set. As pleasant, international vacation spots go, this is one city where you’ll have no trouble fitting in. More importantly, you don’t need to worry about safety issues as you would in more dangerous areas. SMA, as the locals affectionately call it, is as welcoming as it is picturesque.
Doubtless, couples and singles of LGBTQIA+ persuasions are wondering if this means there’s a whole section of town devoted to the sort of raucous party life you find in larger cities. The answer is yes, and no.
You’ll find a much more relaxed, openly accepting atmosphere in SMA. If you’re seeking nightly foam parties and techno, then you probably need to look elsewhere. However, there’s plenty of dancing and drinking to be had if you know where to look.
The good news is that there are plenty of bars, coffee houses, and cool places to see. While many are gay friendly, most are at least tolerant. You’ll find music, drinks, and new friends by merely seeing the sights.
That doesn’t mean there’s no nightlife at all. You can stop into La Azotea or the truly elegant Cantina 21 La Unica. Check out Mint or Quince Rooftop for a nice mix of gay and straight visitors, all seeking a friendly place to dance. Quince has local DJs, and it can get pretty wild on a Friday or Saturday night, no matter where you go.
For those who prefer strolling scenic parks and taking relaxing dips in the natural hot springs, you’ve found paradise. If watching a sunset over the hills, and checking out the local culture is your idea of a good time, then you may fall in love with San Miguel de Allende. Moreover, the real estate in SMA is as lovely as the town itself, so you could always decide to stay longer if you like.
Is it Safe
Anytime LGBTQIA+ people travel, the question of safety comes up. Mexico City may have a forward-thinking, progressive international atmosphere, but there’s also taxi crime, gang activity, and other concerns. You won’t run into those sorts of issues in San Miguel de Allende.
Whether you walk everywhere for the sheer enjoyment of the sights or hail a cab, you can breathe easy. Dressed to the nines, or incognito, it doesn’t matter. SMA will welcome you with a smile and the natural affability any visitor can expect in Mexico.
This is a place where children play in the park, and lovers stroll the lanes. Unlike the big-city feeling that you need to be tense and overcautious all the time, SMA is a place to let your hair, and your guard down. Naturally, you want to use common sense, but there’s no real safety concern to speak of.
What to See & Do in Gay-Friendly SMA
San Miguel de Allende is a mecca for more than arts and culture. You’ll discover plenty of LGBTQIA+ establishments and even a hidden Starbucks for a truly cosmopolitan atmosphere. You aren’t likely to run into much opposition, nor rude receptions as you might if you wandered out of the gay-friendly zones in larger cities.
To start the day, you can have a genuinely breathtaking hot air balloon ride
over the whole city if you’re willing to get up early. The trip takes around three hours, and you’ll touch down in time for the entire town to just be waking up for the day. The view from above is even more breathtaking than the city is on foot, if such a thing is possible.
The Mask Museum is a must-see, and you’ll want to stop by Fabrica La Aroura. The refurbished cotton factory houses the most extensive collection of art studios in town. You’ll discover local and international masterpieces to delight your senses.
I recommend stopping by gay-owned Petit Four to have a mouthwatering dessert and a chat with Paco Cardenas, one of the co-owners. He offers superb cooking classes for those who are interested. Moreover, if you ask nicely, he’ll probably give you a few tips on where to find the best gay-friendly spots in town.
There’s a lovely local vineyard to while away a lazy afternoon. La Mezclaria offers a surprising selection of mezcal from Oaxaca. Alternatively, you could opt to stop in at the Bellas Artes school to see the sculpture gardens.
Make sure you have time for a visit to Rancho Xotolar, where you can ride horses. The half or full-day tours are an experience unto themselves. You’ll see the area from a whole new angle. The charming family-owned and operated business has been there for four generations.
Where to Stay
If you are looking for a hotel or bed and breakfast recommendations, then I have fantastic news. It truly doesn’t matter where you book. When I say SMA is gay friendly, I mean precisely that. You won’t find any hotel keepers who are rude or unwelcoming.
Villas Xichu is the place to go if you want to rent a small home. The incredible garden setting is part of the appeal. Waking up every morning in such a scenic location is a fantastic way to start your day whether you’re on a romantic getaway, or merely looking to relax outside the hustle and bustle.
Once you’ve visited a few times, you may want a more permanent accommodation. Fortunately, real estate in San Miguel de Allende is easy to find. Whether you want a vacation home or a place to retire with your partner, you won’t find a more scenic location anywhere.
San Miguel de Allende Pride
Pride Week in San Miguel de Allende is in mid-August. The raucous summer festival is about as wild as it gets around town. You’ll find a huge variety of activities during SMA Pride. The concerts are exceptional, and the parade is open to everyone who wants to show off their pride.
Remember when I said there were no foam parties in SMA. That’s true for most of the year. However, you’ll find quite a few wild bacchanalian events like drag shows and yes, foam parties during the big celebration. Neon parties, mass spa days, and more are all reasonably standard during this special week.
Ex-pats adore SMA for its beauty, and joie de vivre all year. While it’s not the twenty-four-seven party hard experience you can expect from a gay cruize ship, there’s an openness in this town that you don’t find many places no matter what country you visit. However, Pride Week is similar to what you’d expect anywhere, full of parties, and even more vivid rainbow colors than you find the rest of the year.
One of the most remarkable things about San Miguel de Allende is that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere you’re not accepted. You may come for Pride, but you’ll want to stay forever. House hunters will be shocked at the sheer beauty of local real estate in SMA. So, if you decide you never want to go home, then this scenic small city is the ideal relocation opportunity for lovers of art and Mexican culture.
Final Thoughts
Skip the packed crowds of huge cities, and the sunburn on the beach by visiting San Miguel de Allende instead. The sheer loveliness of this LGBTQIA+ town will stun you. See picturesque buildings in the downtown historic district, or shop ’till you drop through the many quaint yet still fashion-forward local boutiques.
Visit a cafe, and watch the sunset from a resort pool. When the stars come out, you can head out and enjoy the local bars without a care in the world. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, show up for Pride week and enjoy the parades.
If you want the quintessential, international, yet laid back beauty of a Mexican vacation, but you also need a gay-friendly atmosphere where you’ll feel safe, San Miguel de Allende is the place to be. From the shopping to the arts and concert scene, you don’t want to miss out on all the scenic UNESCO recognized World Heritage Site has to offer.