Argentina’s capital city, Buenos Aires, has for a long time been considered one of the most appealing centers for gay and lesbian travelers. This cosmopolitan is one of the most culturally diverse cities in South America, enthusiastic about tango dancing and tolerant of homosexuality. Being the first city in Latin America that introduce the concept of civil unions and opening the way for the legalization of same-sex marriages all over Argentina in 2010, Buenos Aires has earned the reputation of one of the most tolerant and safe destinations for LGBT tourists from around the world.
Embracing the Gay-Friendly Atmosphere of Argentina’s Capital
The moment you find yourself walking on the broad avenues of Buenos Aires lined by trees, you get a feeling that the people of this city are friendly and tolerant. Buenos Aires has been voted as one of the world’s most popular and classy gay tourist destinations, and the warm days and spicy nights that the city boasts will definitely make your heart race. Buenos Aires is a city that impresses with passion and historical background at every step, starting from the architectural masterpieces and ending with the arts. Due to its 48 barrios, each with its own personality, several of the city has several areas that are particularly gay-friendly.
Though the gay scene is not concentrated in any part of Buenos Aires, there are regions that are more popular among the representatives of the LGBT community, including Barrio Norte, Palermo Viejo, and San Telmo. These areas are full of gay-friendly accommodations, eating establishments, pubs, and discotheques, most of which open their terraces onto the sidewalks, making quite a jovial ambiance. It is evident that the gay scene in Buenos Aires is as diverse as the city itself, and as far as it goes, there is something for everyone.
Gay-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires
1. Palermo
Palermo, and more specifically, the sub-barrio of Palermo Viejo, has become the gay district of Buenos Aires. This is a relatively modern and artistic neighborhood that attracts artists, designers, and generally people interested in the arts and creativity, which includes the homosexual population. While strolling around the city’s picturesque streets paved with cobblestones, visitors can enjoy a splendid view of numerous unique shops, art galleries, and fancy cafes that are all predominantly queer-friendly. The green invites of the neighborhood tree-lined plazas and parks make them ideal places for a leisurely sit and watch this part of town go about its day at a rather leisurely pace.
2. San Telmo
For those looking for a more bohemian and historic area, San Telmo is a great option that also embraces the LGBT community. San Telmo, the oldest district of Buenos Aires, offers colonial buildings, antiques shops, and tango halls. The small alleyways and paved roads, old brick and brownstone buildings dating from the 19th century convey the atmosphere of the past, but the numerous theaters and galleries, cafes, and bars for representatives of the gay community do not let us forget about the modern-day.
Gay-Friendly Dining Experiences in the Argentine Capital
It is impossible to talk about the city without mentioning how diverse and delicious Buenos Aires’ cuisine is. Luckily for gay and lesbian tourists, a large number of restaurants in the city are not only tolerant towards homosexuals but are actively welcoming them. From the classic meat eateries that are grilling Argentina’s world-renowned beef to the progressive mixed restaurants combining different cuisines that are set to redefine food culture, there is a restaurant in Buenos Aires to suit every taste and pocket.
For a unique place to dine, drink, and be entertained, one should visit Milion, a restaurant, bar, and gallery all in one. Located in one of the most beautiful buildings of Belle Époque in Recoleta, Milion is a restaurant, bar, and art gallery space. The facility has mezzanine floors as well as an open terrace, which creates a large number of opportunities for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
Another notable choice is Restó – an elegantly simple, gay-friendly restaurant headed by rising star chef Maria Barrutia. Here, you can taste modern interpretations of traditional Argentine cuisine in an artsy and cozy environment suitable for a date or a special occasion.
Exploring Buenos Aires’ Vibrant Gay Club Scene
Buenos Aires is a city that only reveals its true colors after sunset, and this is best witnessed in the great nightlife. There are places to suit every mood: casual neighborhood pubs for the relaxed approach to massive clubs that have people dancing till the wee hours of the morning for LGBT travelers. No portrait of the gay Buenos Aires nightlife can be complete without the Amerika Club – a giant multi-tier complex that has garnered the reputation of the wildest club in the city. Amerika is a great club featuring a modern interior, an impeccable sound system, intense light effects, and a mixed clientèle of both Argentine locals and international visitors.
Gay bars are another important type of venue, and there are a lot of them in Buenos Aires for those travelers, who are interested in communication with locals. Most of these places have outdoor dining areas or terraces, so guests can relax and enjoy the night temperatures while sipping cocktails and watching passers-by. Do not be shocked if some of the local people of the LGBT from Buenos Aires will welcome you as an old friend because they are very friendly people- Portenos.
Exploring the City’s Museums, Theaters, and Tango Scene
But apart from the booming gay nightlife, Buenos Aires has a lot to offer for history and art lovers. There are numerous museums and art galleries in the city, ranging from pre-Columbian and colonial pieces to modern art and design; of particular note is the MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires), which houses a large collection of 20th-century art by Latin American artists such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
To make it more Buenos Aires, no trip would be complete without setting foot in a tango hall. This passionate and sensual dance is an essential component of the city’s culture and identity, and there are many venues for tango performances – from the milonga, which is a tango dance hall, to highly stylized dining theatrical spectacles. Most of these facilities are gay-friendly, and some have queer tango nights, in which people of the same sex are free to dance together. Whether you prefer to remain a spectator or to actively engage and perhaps twirl to the beats of the music, a firsthand feel of tango is one of the best ways to touch the heart and spirit of Buenos Aires.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Buenos Aires is an exciting, passionate, and friendly destination for travel for gay and lesbian travelers. As for tolerance, one cannot help but mention that Buenos Aires is one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world, with an active gay community, historic and cultural centers, and mouth-watering food. Whether it be dancing the night away in Palermo, wandering the old town of San Telmo, or watching a romantic tango show, you are guaranteed to fall in love with BA and be left yearning for more. That is why you should grab your suitcase, learn some Spanish, and get ready for a cultural experience in one of the most liberal and vibrant South American cities.
