Gay Side of History © Gay Tales & Details
Historic Center Walking Tour
Small Group - 3 hours - Adults 18+ - From US $89 pp
Daily at 2:30 PM - By reservation only

Have fun discovering 700 years of LGBT+ history in Mexico City's Historic Center while we stroll around Calle de Plateros, the old Main/High Street, unveiling its LGBT+ secrets and those in its surroundings.
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This experience takes place within one UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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What You Will Do
In this part of Gay Side of History along the main and old cruising street full of tales and details, you will learn about the gay community's activities like "the cruising lizards" during the 19th & 20th centuries in the Historic Center. At the former Military Academy, now a museum, you will learn of the first trans man, unsuspectedly recognized as a Colonel by the Army. The Palace of the Countship, a jewel itself, still hosts the cruisiest restrooms in town made popular all over the country by a store chain. You will see the main office of censorship against "immoral" editions, part reason of the existence of this experience, before coming across the backstage door site of the Old National Theatre where gay men hooked up in a bar which led to the biggest LGBTQ+ community present for the country. We will see replicas of high heel shoes worn at the famous cross-dressing ball of "Those 41" in 1901 & stroll past the place of the first porn cinema, the first bath house & Dr. Fagg's office. Past one of the last-standing gay cinemas we will enter (through a bakery) inside a former convent where "the favorite seminarist" of the Inquisidor-In-Chief lived. We will guide you to more forgotten secrets along the Main or High street of the times like the Bath Houses and Pools' Circuit Trolley stop & will tell you about why and where the community moved to in the 1950s, Zona Rosa.
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Where You Will Be
Within two blocks and along the most important street within the 16th century city limits, we will discover the LGBT+ side of history by walking on the scene, visiting hidden corners & sharing stories seldom told. We will see historical sites, learn about the interpretation of monuments & sites by gay men at the turn of the 20th century and more.
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What Is Included
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· The experience's host and expert.
· Entrance to some private or public locations has been agreed and is fully included.
· A complimentary bottle of water or soft drink will be offered.
· You will be provided with a digital LGBT-focused map of the Historic Center so that you may continue exploring on your own and a collection of videos, sources and resources that you can enjoy after the experience.
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The Experience
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On this experience you will discover 700 years of Mexican history and its gay/LGBT+ side and the most important street in the Historic Center. All of this will be seen through the LGBT traditions and practices of the Spanish Colonial Period, 1519, the Mexican Independent Period, 1810 and the Modern Period, 1910.
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Ending Point, Facilities and Transportation
Visits do not return to the starting point. This experience ends at Museo del Estanquillo, close to Metrobus station Isabel la Católica on Line 4S. Zocalo metro station is four blocks away. Uber or other cars can pick you up at the museum. Your host will always remain with you until he makes sure everyone has the right directions and/or help for their next destination.
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Things to Keep in Mind
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Local Experts
Led by locals who love where they’re from and what they do.
Small Groups
With intimate group sizes, you’ll never get lost in the crowd.
Exclusive Access
You will always have the best available perspective.
Curated Paths
Our tours follow the best routes possible for enjoying the experience in the shortest distance.
Specialty Topics
Our unique collection of themes sets us apart. All our topics are carefully selected for the discerning tourist.​
High Standards and Award-Winning Experiences
Every experience is vetted for exclusive access, and some have been awarded top prices for their quality and uniqueness.
Cancellation Policy
Any experience can be canceled at least 7 days before the experience starts for a refund minus a 20% processing charge. Rescheduling and changes can be made at least 3 days before the experience starts. Refunds are counted from the original date of purchase.
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Guest Requirements
Up to 10 guests ages 18 and up can attend. All experiences include a long walk, mostly under the sun, with very few restroom stops (depending on the destination). Liquids aren't allowed inside venues, please be willing to dispose of your containers.
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On Schedule
We begin on the dot and do not wait for missing participants. Neither you or us can be late to our next destination.
Weather
This experience goes on rain or shine, please come prepared. In case of rain, we will do our best to spend as much time as possible indoors. In case of unforeseen closures of streets or venues, we are always prepared with an equivalent or alternate route.