The gay Mexican resort of Puerto Vallarta has been named one of the best small cities in the world for 2025 by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, making number two on the list among cities like Victoria in Canada and Florence.
What sets Puerto Vallarta apart on this prestigious list is its unique distinction as the only city internationally renowned for its gay scene. While other celebrated cities offer historic charm or picturesque landscapes, none match Puerto Vallarta’s global reputation as a welcoming and inclusive destination for gay travellers. It is notably absent of other famous gay hotspots like Mykonos, Ibiza, Sitges, or Tel Aviv.
The city’s appeal spans a broad spectrum of travellers. Visitors are drawn to the picturesque sunsets over Banderas Bay and the charm of its cobblestone streets in the historic Romantic Zone. This area is home to the highest concentration of gay bars and clubs in Latin America, including popular venues such as Mantamar Beach Club and Blue Chairs, which offer lively social scenes from day into night. Moreover, Puerto Vallarta enjoys year-round warm, mostly sunny weather and boasts excellent accessibility with direct flights from over 40 North American cities. It is a small city that delivers world-class experiences often found in larger international metropolises, but with a more affordable price point.
For gay visitors, the city’s welcoming and inclusive atmosphere is bolstered by a strong local community and growing municipal support. The annual Puerto Vallarta Gay Pride Week is a major draw, filling the city every May with colourful parades, beach parties, art exhibitions, and cultural events that attract tens of thousands of visitors from around the globe. Additionally, Puerto Vallarta hosts one of the world’s only Bear Weeks, celebrating diversity and community with a furry-themed festival that draws enthusiasts from across North America.
The cultural richness extends into the thriving cabaret and live theatre scene, anchored by venues like The Palm Cabaret and Bar and Coco Cabaret. These offer Broadway-level entertainment featuring drag performances, singers, dancers, and cabaret stars, reinforcing Puerto Vallarta’s standing as an LGBTQ+ cultural capital on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.
The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, highly regarded in the travel industry, are decided entirely by the feedback of over 757,000 readers. So, it’s a big deal.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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