Gay Buenos Aires – Ultimate Travel Guide, Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Activities (Updated 2024)
Gay Friendly Travel Guides 01st Apr, 2023
Gay Buenos Aires – on the southeastern coast of South America, on the western bank of the Rio de la Plata, is Argentina’s capital and largest city.
The city’s name can be translated as ‘fair winds’ or ‘good airs.’ Gay Buenos Aires, also known as the ‘Paris of South America,’ lives up to its moniker thanks to its thriving café culture, majestic boulevards, and excellent gastronomic scene that matches that of Europe.
A mecca for music, gastronomy, the arts, and dancing, and one of Latin America’s most varied cities, Gay Buenos Aires is home to gorgeous, warm, and welcoming people from all over the world.
The city has a rich history; stunning architecture; lush gardens; unique bookstores; and terrific nightlife, especially for those who enjoy vibrant clubs that party until dawn.
The city is also one of the friendliest and open-minded cities in Latin America.
If you are thinking about going somewhere else you can try other Gay Travel Guides.
Remember to always check out the latest rules and restrictions before you leave.
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Gay Scene in Gay Buenos Aires
Gay Buenos Aires is a popular tourist destination for the LGBTQ+ community from around the world.
The Argentine capital’s strong gay atmosphere, combined with a vast selection of hotels, saunas, and other leisure facilities, makes it an excellent spot to visit at any time of year.
In the 2000s, the city became a popular gay travel destination. The media began to refer to it as Latin America’s gay mecca.
During that decade, gay and LGBTQ+ friendly hotels, apartment rentals, and other businesses thrived. This is definitely one of Latin America’s most liberal cities.
The city also combines the spirit of South American countries with a distinctly European flair and elegance.
Lesbians and gay men in Gay Buenos Aires socialize quietly, often at the city’s many trendy outdoor cafes and stylish restaurants, as well as a few gay bars.
While you won’t find a specific gay playground where same-sex couples stroll hand-in-hand, you will find that gays and lesbians are accepted as a natural part of the urban fabric in Gay Buenos Aires.
Several anti-discrimination and gay rights laws have been approved in recent years, signaling significant progress.
In 1996, Gay Buenos Aires became the first Spanish-speaking city in Latin America to pass legislation prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, among other things.
Same-sex civil unions were allowed in 2002, then in 2009, the Argentine Congress passed a law granting gay couples complete equality under the same names, with same-sex marriage, with equal privileges, legalised in 2010.
So, not only does Gay Buenos Aires have gay civil unions, but the entire country can now inherit, adopt, and so on.
Argentina’s LGBTQ+ population is vibrant and active, particularly in Gay Buenos Aires. The biggest Pride Parade in LGBTQ+ Argentina is held in Gay Buenos Aires on the first Saturday of November each year.
The gay scene in Gay Buenos Aires is diverse, ranging from movies to bars, saunas, hotels, nightclubs and much more.
Lesbians and gays in Gay Buenos Aires commonly socialize in places like cafes and restaurants. The city is divided into 48 neighborhoods, including gay-friendly hotels, restaurants, pubs, and clubs, however, the gay scene in Gay Buenos Aires isn’t confined to any particular place.
The LGBTQ+ culture in Barrio Norte, Palermo Viejo, and San Telmo is very obvious, with gay-friendly restaurants and bars opening up onto the sidewalk. Each with its own personality.
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Is Gay Buenos Aires Safe?
Gay Buenos Aires is one of the most densely populated cities in South America. It is the epicenter of culture, stunning architecture, amazing nightlife, and dazzling tango.
Although the city is mostly safe, take caution and use common sense to avoid unpleasant situations.
Pickpockets are common in this city, as they are in any other large metropolis, so be cautious and be aware of your things. Preventative safety measures are both required and beneficial.
Best Time to Visit Gay Buenos Aires
The most ideal months to visit Gay Buenos Aires are April-June and September-December. Mild temperatures, sparse people, and vibrant foliage characterize the delightful shoulder seasons.
Hotel rates are also more affordable in the fall and spring. From April to June, the city streets are draped in vibrant fall foliage, and the sticky summer heat is replaced by pleasant midday temps.
Fall also provides lower-than-average hotel rates and a range of vibrant local festivals. At the Rose Garden Walk (Paseo del Rosedal), the city’s gorgeous violet jacaranda trees bloom with 1,000 different colorful roses from October to November.
During this delightful season, high temperatures range from 60F to the 80F. Furthermore, because the majority of travelers will not come until December, there are plenty of cheap hotel rooms available.
Best Gay-Friendly Hotels in Gay Buenos Aires
LGY G A Y Bed & Breakfast ONLY MEN
The gay-friendly, vibrant and welcoming LGY G A Y Bed & Breakfast ONLY MEN in Buenos Aires, in the lively San Telmo neighborhood offers free WiFi access and a relaxing hot tub.
Choose from an array of well-appointed rooms, some featuring air conditioning, coffee machines, and private bathrooms.
Relax in the cozy lounge area, browse the library, or take in the stunning city views from the sun terrace. The friendly front desk staff are available 24/7 to assist you during your stay.
Don’t miss the included breakfast to start your day.
| Activities | Jacuzzi Spa Hot Tub |
| Price | $$-$$$ |
| Location | LGY G A Y Bed & Breakfast ONLY MEN Defensa 1120 1065 Buenos Aires |
| Contact | Call +54 11 4300-4747 No Email |
| Website | LGY G A Y BED & BREAKFAST ONLY MEN | BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA | SEASON DEALS FROM $61 (hotels-argentina.net) |
Home Hotel Buenos Aires
The designer style and chic garden vibes at Home Hotel in Gay Buenos Aires boasts an outdoor pool and spa facilities, along with air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen cable TV – some with spa baths, private terraces, and city views.
Start your day off with a delicious full breakfast including regional jams and juices, and enjoy international dishes and regional flavors at the on-site restaurant.
Explore the trendy craft fair at Serrano Square in Palermo, just a 10-block walk away, or check out the Polo Court 12 blocks away.
| Activities | Sauna Spa Pool Restaurant |
| Price | $$-$$$ |
| Location | Home Hotel Buenos Aires Calle Honduras 5860 Palermo Hollywood, Buenos Aires |
| Contact | Call +54 (11) 4779 1006 / 4777 7653 No Email |
| Website | Best Hotel in Buenos Aires Palermo Hollywood – Home (homebuenosaires.com) |
Mine Hotel Boutique
At Mine Hotel, in the trendy Palermo Soho district, you can Indulge in the award-winning design and chic stylings, relax by the pool in the garden, or in the courtyard with a water fountain.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel which features a buffet breakfast with complimentary hot dishes, as well as drinks and hot beverages from the coffee bar in the garden.
Rooms boast designer decor, large windows, and concrete floors, with cable TV, minibars, and DVD players.
Explore Palermo’s lively nightlife just around the corner, or visit the Evita Peron Museum, just 1.6 km away.
| Activities | Swimming Hot Tub Spa |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | Mine Hotel Boutique Gorriti 4770, Palermo Soho (C1414BJL) Buenos Aires |
| Contact | Call (54 11) 4832-1100 info@minehotel.com |
| Website | Mine Hotel Boutique | Palermo Soho | Buenos Aires Hotel |
Faena Hotel
Experience the grandeur of Belle Époque at Faena Hotel Gay Buenos Aires, a 5-star design hotel in Puerto Madero. Indulge in plush accommodations with home theatres, automatic velvet curtains, and Venetian blinds.
The hotel features a cellar containing the largest collection of Argentinean wines, spa facilities, a swimming pool, and a restaurant, Bistro Sur, offering international cuisine.
Enjoy the exclusive Library Lounge and Poolbar or explore the vibrant Financial District just steps away.
| Activities | Golf Spa Swimming Pool Trails Restaurant |
| Price | $$$ |
| Location | Faena Hotel Martha Salotti 445, C1107CMB Buenos Aires |
| Contact | Call +54 11 4010 9000 info@faenahotels.com |
| Website | 5-Star Luxury Hotel in Buenos Aires | Faena |
How to Find a Gay-Friendly Hotel
Gay-Friendly Dining in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires cuisine is characterized by its diversity. The dishes and cuisines of Buenos Aires have evolved over the years, with Argentine variations on European classics and contributions from Asia, the Middle East, and the rest of Latin America, heavily impacted by Spanish and Italian immigration.
Despite its remote location, the city attracts people from all over the world, partly thanks to its rich gastronomic legacy.
Here are some recommendations for gay-friendly restaurants to try during your visit to the city:
1. Don Julio
Don Julio, a gorgeous steakhouse with an exceptional wine selection, is one of Buenos Aires’ most well-known parrillas. The best parrilla in Buenos Aires is a hotly contested distinction, but Don Julio is clearly in the lead, with consistently perfect cooking and a smooth operation.
This isn’t a hidden gem, but it’s popular for a reason. For a front-row seat at the grill, serious beef enthusiasts should request a seat at the bar.
| Types of Food | Steaks, Raviolis, Bife de Chorizo |
| Price | $$-$$$ |
| Location | Calle Guatemala 4699, Palermo Viejo C1425BUK Buenos Aires |
| More Information | Parrilla Don Julio |
2. Sunae Asian Cantina
A vibrant and busy restaurant that expertly blends Southeast Asian flavours. When Christina Sunae initially created a pop-up restaurant at her home in Buenos Aires, she gained a devoted following, and now her brick-and-mortar business is booming.
The menu includes pho beef slices with fresh herbs, gaeng hanglay Thai pork curry, and pumpkin khao soi for vegetarians.
| Types of Food | Beef Slices, Thai Pork Curry, Pumpkin Khao Soi |
| Price | $$-$$$ |
| Location | Calle Humboldt 1626 C1414CTL CABA Buenos Aires Autonomous City |
| More Information | Asian Cantina |
3. Aramburu Restaurante and BIS Restaurante by Aramburu
Chef Gonzalo Aramburu traveled through Spain and Paris before returning to Buenos Aires to develop two restaurants: Aramburu, a fine dining establishment with an exceptional tasting menu, and BIS Restaurante, a more informal establishment in Recoleta.
Both endeavours push the boundaries of Argentine cuisine and ingredients, providing guests with an intimate and modern interpretation of the country’s cuisine. Go full out at their magnificent flagship restaurant, or try some of their celebrated flavours at BIS.
| Types of Food | Meat, Steak, Duck Dish, Desserts |
| Price | $$$-$$$$ |
| Location | Calle Vicente Lopez 1661, Buenos Aires |
| More Information | Aramburu Restaurante (arambururesto.com.ar) |
4. Tancat
Tancat is a welcoming Catalan tapas restaurant in a quiet neighbourhood of Buenos Aires. Don’t be fooled by the relaxed atmosphere; this establishment packs a gastronomic punch.
Tancat delivers food that is so authentic that it would make you feel as if you were in another country.
| Types of Food | Black Risotto, Seafood, Spanish Tapas, Laing, Jamon, Dessert |
| Price | $$ |
| Location | Paraguay 645 1057 Autonomous City Of Buenos Aires Ciudad autónoma de Buenos Aires |
| More Information | tancat.com.ar |
5. Don Carlos
The family-run Don Carlos in La Boca is a fascinating insight into Buenos Aires’ old bodegóns, serving typical Argentinian and Italian dishes.
| Types of Food | Empanadas, Alfajores, Locro Soup, Pizza, Jamon, Laing |
| Price | $$ |
| Location | Brandsen 699 – La Boca C1161AAM Buenos Aires |
| More Information | No Website |
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Gay-Friendly Bars and Clubs in Buenos Aires
Night owls and party animals will be impressed by this magnificent city’s after-dark bustle. Weekend nightlife is more vibrant than weeknights, with many venues hopping after sunset.
Here are some listings of gay-friendly bars and clubs that you might want to visit during your stay in the city:
1. Feliza
Feliza is Buenos Aires’ largest gay bar and cultural centre. It has seven rooms, two patios, and two levels.
You can sip cocktails, dance the night away, meet new people, watch a theater show, play arcade games, and listen to a band performance.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | Cordoba Av. 3271 1187 Autonomous City Of Buenos Aires Ciudad autónoma de Buenos Aires |
| Contact | +54 11 2250-6752 |
| Website | No Website |
2. Peuteo
This gay video bar is located in Buenos Aires’ gay-friendly Palermo Soho neighbourhood. Expect nice music, entertaining films, and attractive dancers.
Peuteo is recognised for being a gay bar that is “hetero-friendly.” This place is mostly used by the younger crowd as a “warm-up” bar before a big night out.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | Balcarce 869 1064 Autonomous City Of Buenos Aires Ciudad autónoma de Buenos Aires |
| Contact | +54 11 4300-6435 |
| Website | The PRIDE Cafe | The place for great coffee and quick bites. |
3. Pride Cafe
The Pride Café is located in San Telmo’s south-eastern area. During the day, this unpretentious café under the Buenos Aires sun serves affordable and cheerful Argentinian food and drink.
By night, the café morphs into a buzzing gay cocktail bar, ideal for kicking off a night out before hitting Km Zero or Glam.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | Calle Balcarce 869, Buenos Aires 1064 Argentina |
| Contact | +54 11 4300-6435 |
| Website | The PRIDE Cafe | The place for great coffee and quick bites. |
4. Festival
Festival is a welcoming tap bar, restaurant, and art gallery. This location is popular with artsy middle-aged people.
It features two fantastic bars and a popular open terrace with residents. During the day, an art exhibit is held on the second floor’s patio.
The festival has a terrific feel, and the cocktails are fantastic.
| Price | $-$$ |
| Food and Drinks | Both Offered |
| Location | Jose Ignacio Gorriti 5741 1414BSS Buenos Aires |
| Contact | +54 11 4775-6733 |
| Website | Festival (tiendafestival.com) |
Gay-Friendly Activities and Attractions in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is famed for its warm and welcoming attitude, with people who welcome travellers from all over the world with open arms. Commercial Buenos Aires tours are available, or you can be a wanderer and explore this wonderful city on your own.
Here are some suggestions for gay-friendly activities and sights to see during your visit to the city:
1. LGBTQ+ Pride Festival
Every year, this event is held to achieve equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. The first was held in 1992, and it has always been held on the first Saturday in November since then.
Various conferences and events aimed at promoting awareness of the population about diversity and LGBTQ+ rights were held during the previous seven days, known as Pride Week. The celebration also serves as a remembrance of the “Our World” movement.
| Activities | Pride Parade |
| Location | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Price | Free |
| Availability | November |
| More Information | LGBT Pride Month 2023 Events & Parades In Buenos Aires | AllEvents.in |
2. Plaza de Mayo
Buenos Aires and Argentina’s fascinating history are symbolised by the Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by historical monuments and the location of political demonstrations and national celebrations. It was laid out by Juan de Garay during the city’s establishment in 1580.
Today, the square is largely regarded as Argentina’s most important.
| Activities | Sightseeing |
| Location | Avenida Rivadavia 27 1002 Buenos Aires Ciudad autónoma de Buenos Aires |
| Price | Free |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Plaza de Mayo | Sitio oficial de turismo de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires |
3. Teatro Colon
The Teatro Colón is a notable landmark in Buenos Aires and a world-renowned opera and ballet theatre. It also offers classical music events and is home to the Buenos Aires Philharmonic Orchestra.
The theatre, which first opened in 1908 with a performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida, has since hosted some of the world’s most famous opera and ballet performers, including Feodor Chaliapin, Igor Stravinsky, and Luciano Pavarotti.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Theatre |
| Location | Arturo Toscanini 1173 1053 Buenos Aires Ciudad autónoma de Buenos Aires |
| Price | $$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Teatro Colón | (teatrocolon.org.ar) |
4. Casa Rosada
The Casa Rosada (Pink House) is one of Argentina’s most famous and photographed structures, thanks to its pink façade and palace-like style. Since the 1860s, the Casa has served as the nation’s version of the White House, housing the presidential offices.
Learn about Argentina’s political history by following in the footsteps of its presidents.
| Activities | Sightseeing |
| Location | Avenida Rivadavia 38 1064 Buenos Aires Ciudad autónoma de Buenos Aires |
| Price | $$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Casa Rosada |
5. Palermo Soho
Palermo is one of Buenos Aires’ most appealing neighbourhoods, known for its glamor and splendor. Tree-lined alleys and cobblestone alleyways, boutiques, restaurants, and cafés are housed along with these charming structures.
| Activities | Sightseeing, Shopping |
| Location | Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Price | $$-$$$ |
| Availability | All Year Round |
| More Information | Visitar Palermo Soho: El barrio más trendy de Buenos Aires | Ser Viajera (ser-viajera.com) |
Top 10 Things to Do in Buenos Aires
- Fair of the Mataderos (Fería De Mataderos) – The Guachos (cowboys) ride gorgeous horses through the market, and market sellers sell a colourful assortment of products and cuisine. Tango dancers in ornate costumes light up the streets with traditional country dancing, while guachos compete for prizes in Argentinean contests.
You can sign up for boleadoras (guacho classes) if you become tired of watching the action from afar. If you feel hungry, there are plenty of wonderful steak sandwiches to eat and delicious local wines to taste. - San Telmo, Plaza Dorrego – Before 1870, this was a beautiful suburb for wealthy Porteños, but it is today a hangout for young artists and bohemians. The city’s oldest neighbourhood, with Plaza Dorrego at its heart, is the place to get away from the city’s traffic and savour the splendor of this calm location.
You might see a tango show if you sit at one of the square’s restaurants. During the Feria, the site is transformed into a carnival of vendors selling antiques, arts and crafts, and live music on Sundays. - Explore La Boca – Buenos Aires’ most well-known district, La Boca, is notable for El Caminito. The street with the trademark colourful little buildings was named after an old tango tune in 1955, and it is not uncommon to see a tango show outside.
La Bombonera, the spectacular stadium of Boca Juniors – a famous soccer team – is located not far from El Caminito. If you’re lucky enough to find a match, try to get your ticket. If not, you can still visit the museum and stadium as a visitor. - Try the dishes at Puerto Madero – What was once Buenos Aires’ historic port and the gateway for Europeans to Argentina is today one of the city’s nicest neighbourhoods. The waterfront’s historic warehouses have been renovated and now house luxury restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, and art galleries.
View yachts and fancy residential structures from the water’s edge. Cross the well-known Puente de la Mujer (women’s bridge). Visit ARA Uruguay, the country’s oldest navy ship, which is now a museum depicting life on a ship. - Discover the Past in Recoleta Cemetery – Recoleta is home to Buenos Aires’ rich and famous, and the Recoleta cemetery is where many choose to spend their final days. The most renowned is Eva Peron, although it also contains the graves of Nobel laureates, politicians, artists, and even Napoleon’s grandson.
Walking around a cemetery may seem strange to some, yet it is one of the most popular attractions in Buenos Aires. It is filled with mausoleums, statues, and vaults suited for royalty, and you could easily spend hours strolling through it. - Climb Palacio Barolo to the top – Palacio Barolo is one of my favourite architectural wonders in Buenos Aires. The structure, completed in 1926, was the tallest in South America at the time (100 meters high). Dante’s Divine Comedy influenced the design, with 22 stories depicting heaven, hell, and all in between.
You must purchase tickets for a guided tour, and the cherry on top is the lighting beacon at the top of the structure, from where you can get a beautiful view of the city of Buenos Aires.
The structure is stunning both inside and out, and it has a twin brother in Montevideo. - Visit Palermo and Plaza Serrano – The city’s largest neighbourhood is a favourite with both locals and visitors. Even though it is not “downtown,” if you want to feel like a local, this is the location to stay in.
There’s a lot to see here during the day, and it’s also a location to visit at night. Flower enthusiasts should go to the Rose Garden and the Botanical Gardens.
The urban guys will like strolling through the streets of this neighbourhood, but if you want to relax, head to the Bosques de Palermo park. Whatever you do, take your time and absorb everything in this diverse area. - Visit El Tigre for a day – If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with nature, El Tigre is the place to be. A 45-minute train ride from the major train station brings you via small communities to the Parana Delta.
It is the world’s fifth-largest delta, formed by the confluence of the Rio Parana and the Rio La Plata. Sail between the islands in a boat. On the docks, you can walk or ride your bike. Watch the birds and the residents as they go around with their MATE, Argentina’s famed bitter tea. - Discover Microcentro and Avenida 9 de Julio – The busiest portion of the city is Buenos Aires’ commercial core. This is where you may watch the locals, often known as Portes, in their morning rush or in between meetings. If Casa Rosada is the local equivalent of the White House, this is Downtown Manhattan.
This is also the location of the Florida Area, a trendy pedestrian street that is ideal for shopping and souvenirs. Don’t be shocked if you encounter some men in suits dancing in the street or Tango dancers entertaining passers-by.
Make your way to Avenida 9 de Julio on the west side of Microcentro. - Go to El Congreso – The Palacio del Congreso is located on the other side of Avenida 9 de Julio and at the end of Avenida de Mayo. The neoclassical masterpiece adorns its plaza and serves as Argentina’s legislature’s gathering location.
The structure is highly spectacular from the outside, and free tours are provided within. Once at the plaza, try to capture a photo of the entire structure.
How to get to Buenos Aires?
From Canada
If you are from Canada and want to visit Buenos Aires, you can book a flight with Air Canada, United Airlines, or American Airlines because they have flexible cancellation policies. Several flights to Buenos Aires are available from Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa, Calgary, and Quebec.
The most popular route from Canada to Buenos Aires is Toronto Pearson Intl-Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini. You could also fly into Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Intl-Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini or Toronto Pearson Intl-Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery.
From the United States
If you are from the United States, the best way to get to Buenos Aires is by plane. American Airlines, Aerolineas Argentinas, and Delta are the most frequent flyers to Buenos Aires from the United States.
Flights from New York take approximately 11 hours, while flights from Miami take approximately 9 hours and 05 minutes.
From the United Kingdom
Buenos Aires offers a wide range of activities as well as excellent cuisine. If you are from the UK visiting Buenos Aires, you can go there by taking a plane. British Airways offers flights from London to Buenos Aires.
It will take 14 hours and 18 minutes to get there from London Heathrow Airport.
From Italy
Buenos Aires has a diverse selection of activities and delicious cuisine. If you are from Italy and wish to travel to Buenos Aires, you can do so via airline.
Flights from Rome to Buenos Aires are available from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. It will take 14 hours and 20 minutes to travel there to Ezeiza “Ministro Pistarini International Airport.
From Australia
If you are from Australia, flying is the quickest way to travel to Buenos Aires. Traveling from Australia to Buenos Aires takes around 22h 56m, including transfers. There is no direct flight from Sydney Airport to Jorge Newbery Airport in Buenos Aires.
The shortest flight is 20h 27m long and has one stopover. Flights from Sydney Airport to Buenos Aires Jorge Newbery Airport are available from Air New Zealand, Sky Airline, Qantas, and LATAM Chile.
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