LGBTQIA+ Travel Guides:
Destination Buenos Aires
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Buenos Aires has long been a gay-friendly and popular LGBTQIA+ South American destination. Whether through its early adoption of same-sex rights or its robust anti-discrimination laws, both residents and visitors alike enjoy the freedom the city offers the community. Known as the Paris of South America for its stunning art nouveau and French neoclassical buildings that can be found throughout the city, Buenos Aires is steeped in history. Whether a visit to the iconic Casa Rosada, where Eva Peron gave her many rallying speeches or taking time out to enjoy the city’s many cafes, bars and restaurants, Buenos Aires is a must-see destination in any South American trip.
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All published articles are intended for an audience aged 18 years and over and have been written by members of the general public. Many will likely not be journalists nor be affiliated with any professional bodies associated with members of the media. The articles will likely be based on the authors' own opinions, views, and experiences...more
Located in South America, Buenos Aires is both the capital city, an autonomous district known as Capital Federal and a province known as Provincia de Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is the largest city in Argentina. It ranks 11th in terms of the largest cities by population across the Americas. Buenos Aires is known best for hosting and entertaining its visitors. Buenos Aires never fails to disappoint, whether through the passionate sounds and displays of the Tango, the traditional barbeque restaurants known as parrillas or the colourful street art. The city has 48 neighbourhoods, which over 3.1 million people call home, and the province is made up of 135 administrative districts, known as partidos, home to over 15.6 million people. As a province, Buenos Aires is big, being over 307.6 thousand square kilometres or 118.8 thousand square miles; it is similar in size to the countries of the Philippines and Italy.
Coincidently, Italians were also one of Argentina’s largest immigrant groups, with over 44% of all those immigrating to the country throughout the period known as the Great European Migration between 1857 and 1920 coming from Italy, with many from the city of Napoli. Italian immigrants had such a significant impact on the country that pizzerias and Ice cream parlours, known as heladerias, are a common and frequent sight, and though the official language is Castellano Spanish, the modern Argentinean dialect’s tone and intonation has an Italian-sounding rhythm to it. Walking in the city, it is common to see large and impressive buildings that were inspired by the style and architecture found in many of the major European cities. All of the young Italian and other immigrant architects calling Buenos Aires home in the late 19th and early 20th century helped build the city, creating impressive structures in a range of styles, including art nouveau, French neoclassical and rationalist architecture. Modern Buenos Aires now includes many unique and remarkable designs, with tall skyscrapers complemented by stylised parks and greenspaces that can be found in many areas across the city.
Some interesting facts you might not know:
Coincidently, Italians were also one of Argentina’s largest immigrant groups, with over 44% of all those immigrating to the country throughout the period known as the Great European Migration between 1857 and 1920 coming from Italy, with many from the city of Napoli. Italian immigrants had such a significant impact on the country that pizzerias and Ice cream parlours, known as heladerias, are a common and frequent sight, and though the official language is Castellano Spanish, the modern Argentinean dialect’s tone and intonation has an Italian-sounding rhythm to it. Walking in the city, it is common to see large and impressive buildings that were inspired by the style and architecture found in many of the major European cities. All of the young Italian and other immigrant architects calling Buenos Aires home in the late 19th and early 20th century helped build the city, creating impressive structures in a range of styles, including art nouveau, French neoclassical and rationalist architecture. Modern Buenos Aires now includes many unique and remarkable designs, with tall skyscrapers complemented by stylised parks and greenspaces that can be found in many areas across the city.
Some interesting facts you might not know:
- Translated from Spanish, Buenos Aires means Fair Winds. The largest city in Argentina was shortened from its original name of Ciudad de la Santísima Trinidad y Puerto de Santa María del Buen Ayre (City of the holy trinity and the port of our Lady Saint Mary of the Fair Winds).
- The city was first established in 1536 when the Spanish explorer Pedro de Mendoza founded a settlement in the modern-day barrio of San Telmo. After being forced out by the local indigenous population, the area was abandoned, and it was not for another 44 years when, in 1580, Juan Garay travelled from Asuncion in Paraguay and created the permanent settlement, Santísima Trinidad, which means the Holy Trinity. The city remained a Spanish territory for hundreds of years; however, after an eight-year war for independence, Argentina became a republic in 1816, when it was declared at the Congress of Tucumán in Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is also both a city known as Capital Federal and one of the largest provinces in Argentina, known as Provincia de Buenos Aires.
- There are over thirty indigenous groups in Argentina, with the largest groups including the Qom, Guarani, Mapuche, Huarpe, Wichí, Diaguita and Mocoví. Even though there are many groups, the indigenous population is just over 2% of the Argentinean population.
- One of the most iconic monuments within the city is the Obelisco de Buenos Aires, which was erected in 1936. The 71.5 meters or 234.6 feet tall needle-like structure was built on the site of the former 18th-century church dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Bari, which was demolished during the expansion of the Avenida 9 de Julio and is also where the national flag of Argentina was raised in the city for the first time. Designed by the renowned Argentine architect Alberto Prebisch, he built the post–Egyptian commemorative monument using classicism in geometry as the basis of the design. Surrounding all four sides of the monument are a number of inscriptions: the northern part commemorates when the national flag was first raised, and the southern section displays a poem about the second foundation by Baldomero Fernández Moreno. Finally, the western section documents the Federal Capital Law and the eastern section honours the centenary of the foundation of the city. The monument holds significant importance in the history of the city, is the site of city-wide celebrations and political protests and is one of the most recognisable landmarks in modern-day Buenos Aires, but did you know it also holds the record for being surrounded by the world’s largest condom to promote World AIDS day?
- Buenos Aires is the birthplace of the passionate dance, the Tango. You can see Tango all over the tourist barrios within the city; however, did you know that it started in the city’s bordellos? The close contact dance originated in the 1880s. It was created to entertain clients in the bars and brothels in the port areas, barrios such as San Telmo, La Boca and Barracas. Still, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that it gained international recognition, with singers such as the king of Tango, Carlos Cardel, bringing the music to the world. Today, the world championships take place each year in the city, and because of its cultural significance to the Argentine people, it was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2009.
- Buenos Aires is a readers’ paradise and has a long literary heritage. The city not only has the largest library in South America, the National Library of Argentina, but many of the world’s renowned Spanish literary figures once called the city home, including Jorge Luis Borge, Ernesto Sabato, and Esteban Echeverría. Books are so important that the city has more bookstores per person than any other city in the world. Buenos Aires has some amazing bookstores all over the city; one of the best-known and most visited by tourists is El Ateneo, a bookstore converted from a theatre near Recoleta in Avenida Santa Fe.
- One of the most important streets within Buenos Aires is the Avenida 9 de Julio. The Avenida is the widest in the world and home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The Avenida was named after the date the country gained its independence from Spain. It is 3 kilometres or 1.9 miles in length and has a width of 140 metres or 460 feet. Avenida 9 de Julio is in the city’s centre and runs through the barrios of Retiro in the north and Constitución in the south. It is home to some of the city’s most important landmarks and monuments, including the Teatro Colón, Plaza de la República, which is where the iconic Obelisco is located and the former Ministry of Public Works building with the large steel image of Eva Perón.
- Buenos Aires is famous for its café culture. With an estimated 40% of the population having origins or being direct descendants of migrants from Italy, coffee has long played an important part in the city’s history. Cafes can be found all over Buenos Aires; however, one of the most famous and iconic is Café Tortoni, located on Avenida de Mayo in the barrio of Monserrat. Tortoni is the oldest coffeehouse in Argentina, and it was established in 1858. The café has been a popular spot within the city, used by politicians to brief news outlets and a tourist hotspot. If planning to visit the café, expect a queue, which on average takes 15-20 minutes, but the time you wait will also depend on the time of day and any events taking place.
- The Buenos Aires metro system, known as the Subte, is the oldest subway system in Latin America. The network has been transporting passengers since 1913, and the seven lines and 104 stations run a total length of 56.7 kilometres or 35.2 miles and connect key areas of the city. The Subte is a popular method for getting around Buenos Aires for both tourists and residents alike.
- Though Buenos Aires is densely populated, some spectacular green spaces are found around the city. Whether in any of the parks in the Puerto Madero barrio or the expansive green areas within Palermo Botanico, taking a stroll or exercising in the many parks is a popular Argentine pastime. The iconic parks can typically be found in the northern sections of the barrios or Recoleta, Palermo, and Belgrano, and you can find the largest Japanese garden outside of Japan in Palermo. The Jardin Japonés de Buenos Aires opened in 1967 and was inaugurated on a state visit by the then-crowned Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko of Japan. One of the largest garden areas is known as Parque Tres de Febrero or Bosques de Palermo and is about 400 hectares or 989 acres in Palermo and boasts lakes, a rose garden, many plants and trees and grass areas to sit and rest on a hot summer’s day.
- Being one of the world’s most successful football teams, after impressively winning three world cups (1978, 1986, and 2022), the continent’s Copa América fifteen times and the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1992, it comes as no surprise that football plays an important role in the lives of many Argentineans. Did you know that Buenos Aires is one of the cities in the world with the most football stadiums? The most famous is the La Bombonera stadium, home to the football team Boca Juniors. Still, 17 more football stadiums are found throughout the city and 40 on the outskirts. Buenos Aires also boasts six of the best teams in the country and continent, including Boca Juniors, Club Atlético River Plate, San Lorenzo de Almagro, Huracan, Velez Sarsfield and Argentinos Juniors.
- Mental health is vital to the people of Buenos Aires. Porteños, as people from the capital region are known, do not see mental health as taboo and are known to seek out help when needed, so much so it is estimated that there is one psychologist per every five hundred people in the city.
Buenos Aires is located in the central region of Argentina in the area known as La Pampa. Many flights from the Americas take an average of anywhere from 3 to 9 hours, offering many direct flights all over the continent, with the most popular routes being Santiago (Chile), Sao Paulo (Brazil) and Miami (USA). It will typically take less than 14 hours from Europe, with Madrid (Spain) being the most frequent and popular departure destination, and many direct and indirect routes are available from other European cities.
BY AIR
BY AIR
- The city of Buenos Aires, known as the Capital, is served by two international Airports, Ministro Pistarini International Airport and Aeroparque Jorge Newberry.
- Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also known as Ezeiza (///prefer.reserved.shady – EZE (IATA) | SAEZ (ICAO)) is the main international airport and the largest international airport in Argentina. The airport is located 22 kilometres or 14 miles southwest of the city of Buenos Aires and serves an average of 45 flights each day and 30 million passengers every year. The airport is the main international hub for the national carrier Aerolíneas Argentinas. It also serves as a base for Flybondi, American Airlines, Air Europa, Air France, Iberia, ITA, LATAM, and United Airlines. Ezeize has over 28 airlines offering flights to and from the city to over 54 destinations all over the world, with the most popular destinations being Santiago (Chile), Sao Paulo (Brazil), Miami (USA), and Madrid (Spain). The most popular way to get to the airport is via taxi or shuttle service. Unfortunately, there are no trains, and the airport is not on the metro (Subte), so it is only possible to get to the city via three methods. A range of official yellow and black taxis and remises (unmetered private hire) is available to book from within the main arrival terminal, in the centre of the arrival hall. Typically, the fare will be fixed, and you will generally pay in advance at the booth prior to the trip. The journey will typically take 30 minutes, and you will likely pay around 40 US dollars; however, the price is in Argentinean pesos and at present, the rate fluctuates daily. You can pay for any taxis and shuttle services in Argentinean pesos; most will likely take US dollars, and some may accept other internationally recognised currencies. Another popular method is via a shuttle service known as Manuel Tienda León. The shuttle service runs a fixed route from the Airport to Puerto Madero in the centre of the city or to the second Airport, Jorge Newberry. The average shuttle service can take less than one hour and costs around 15 US dollars per person, and if you have more than one suitcase and one piece of hand luggage, you will likely have to pay a surcharge. Tickets for the shuttle service can be purchased from booths within the arrival terminal, and outside of the terminal, you will find many public buses (routes 394, 518, 51, 8) that will take you to different parts of the city and surrounding areas. It is possible to pre-book cars through taxi booking services such as Uber, Cabify, and DiDi, and many accept cash and card bookings; however, you will typically have to pay for additional charges to and from the airport, and advanced bookings would likely require a card payment upfront.
- Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (///betrayal.losses.repay – AEP (IATA) | SAEZ (SABE)) is the second international airport and historically the airport that would serve domestic flights all over the country and since the pandemic, the number of international flights to the airport has seen an increase. The airport is located in the northwest section of the capital and is 2 kilometres or 1.2 miles from the downtown district in the centre of Buenos Aires. The airport serves an average of 72 daily flights and 12 million passengers annually. The airport is the main international hub for the national carrier Aerolíneas Argentinas and serves as a base for Flybondi, JetSmart Argentina, Gol, LADE, LATAM, Paranair, Sky Airline, and nine airlines offer flights to and from the city to over 53 destinations. The most popular method of getting to the airport is by taxi or bus. Unfortunately, there are no trains, and the airport is not on the metro (Subte), so it is only possible to get to the city via the two main methods. A range of official yellow and black taxis and remises (unmetered private hire) are available to book from outside the main arrival terminal. Agents operate outside the main arrival terminal, and you will be required to fill out your destination and details via the terminal handed to you by the agent. The fare will be displayed during the booking process, and you can pay the driver upon completion of the journey. The journey will typically take 5 minutes, and you will likely pay around 15 US dollars; however, the price is in Argentinean pesos, and the rate fluctuates daily. You can pay for any taxis and shuttle services in Argentinean pesos; some services may accept US dollars; however, you would need to clarify that the currency is accepted and the rate to be used with the driver before travelling. Given that the airport is located close to the city centre, several short bus routes will take you to different parts of the city (routes 33, 37, 45, and 160). Public transportation within Buenos Aires is cashless, so you need to obtain a rechargeable Sube card from the Jorge Newberry Airport Tourist Assistance Centre outside of arrivals. You would need to get the card, recharge it before use, and scan it when entering the bus or colectivo as it is known. The average cost per bus trip is around 20 US cents. It is possible to pre-book cars through taxi booking services such as Uber, Cabify, and DiDi, which may accept cash and card bookings; however, you will typically have to pay for additional charges to and from the airport, and advanced bookings would likely require a card payment upfront.
- Terminal de Cruceros – Benito Quinquela Martín Passenger Terminal (///croaks.policewoman.headlong) is a popular cruise terminal in Argentina and South America. Many major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, MSC, Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Silversea and Norwegian Cruise Line, operate from the terminal, and the port provides services to cruise operators offering South American voyages. The port typically sees an average of over 370,000 passengers yearly, and 120 luxury cruise liners make a port of call at the terminal. The terminal is in the city’s northern section, in the area known as Retiro, and is 2 kilometres or 1.2 miles from downtown Buenos Aires. The port offers a free shuttle service and has several amenities, including a large capacity waiting room (for two thousand people), convenience stores, food outlets, luggage lockers (with a capacity for twelve thousand suitcases), free Wi-Fi, cell phone charging stations, a VIP lounge and offers a tourist information service.
- Buenos Aires also has two ferry terminals, with frequent services between Argentina and three destinations in Uruguay (Colonia, Montevideo, and Punta Del Este), with the journey times ranging from one to over six hours. The Buquebus terminal (///belt.clinked.wings) is home to the ferry operator of the same name and is located in the northern section of Puerto Madero (Dock 1); for more information about Buquebus and the services it offers, visit their website (https://intl.buquebus.com/?locale=en). The Colonia Express (///holly.defeated.skins) is home to the ferry operator of the same name and is located in the southern section of Puerto Madero (Dock 4); for more information about Colonia Express and the services it offers visit their website (https://www.coloniaexpress.com/uy).
- The city and province of Buenos Aires has an extensive train network with 259 stations, seven routes and 1800 trains. Though the service predominately connects the capital to areas within the province, there are a number of intercity services; however, there are no international routes.
- Retiro Train Terminal (///appetite.spends.laptop) is the main station in the capital, located between Avenida del Libertador and Avenida Dr Jose Maria Ramos Mejia in the northern part of the city, near Recoleta, Microcenter and Puerto Madero. The beautifully restored station building dates from the early 1900s and is the second busiest station in Argentina. Retiro serves over 44 million passengers each year and has 19 platforms. The station has connections to other towns and cities within the province and other provinces such as Cordoba, Tucuman and Rosario in Santa Fe.
- The main bus station in Buenos Aires is located next to Retiro Train Terminal (///lasts.prone.denote) and is known as Terminal de Omnibus. The bus station has over 80 gates, handles around 40,000 passengers daily, has 366 parking spaces, and is home to over 100 coach and bus operators who offer trips both within Argentina and other parts of the continent. Many options, from standard to luxury coaches, offer standard to fully reclining seats, known as semi-camas and camas. The coach operators provide frequent services to other provinces within Argentina, as well as Montevideo (Uruguay), Santiago de Chile (Chile), Lima (Peru), Asuncion (Paraguay) and Sao Paulo (Brazil) and less frequent services to Bogota (Colombia) and Quito (Educador) known as omni-express. The terminal building offers a number of amenities, including convenience and gift shops, a bar, food outlets, a bank and a pharmacy. For more information, visit the travel agent website known as Omnilineas (https://www.omnilineas.com/)
Interactive Airport Terminal Maps
Discover the interactive travel maps on Gayther. Zoom in and click on individual stations, see all of the lines and much more
Buenos Aires has an extensive public transport infrastructure. There are many options for getting around, including buses, trains, and the Subte. The most popular and affordable method for getting around the city is by bus. The city also operates a bike rental scheme known as BA Ecobici, with hundreds of drop-off and collection points throughout the city (https://baecobici.com.ar/#/es/pases). Several passes are available, ranging from 3 US dollars for one trip to 21 US dollars for a three-day pass. For those wishing to explore the city using public transportation, there are many quick and easy ways to get around the various parts of the city. All transport systems are cashless and require purchasing a Sube card and topping it up before travelling or purchasing pre-paid tickets on the day at specific ticket machines, locations, or online.
- The Buenos Aires Underground, known as the Subte, is a rapid transit system that consists of 7 lines and 104 stations and predominately runs from west to east of the city. The metro line connects many of the main and popular neighbourhoods within the city; however, it often requires walking a few blocks to some key city attractions. A unique colour system references each line from Green to Purple, and trains are frequent every 5 minutes during the daytime. The Subte operates daily from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m., and the network is cashless, so you will need to obtain a SUBE card and top it up before travelling. For more information on the Subte, please visit the City of Buenos Aires website (https://buenosaires.gob.ar/jefaturadegabinete/movilidad/subte)
- The train network within Buenos Aires typically connects the city centre to the surrounding areas. The 259 train stations within the province of Buenos Aires run the length of 813 kilometres or 505 miles of track, receive over 1.4 million passengers each year and are managed by the state-owned operator, Trenes Argentinos (https://www.argentina.gob.ar/transporte/fase). The SUBE card can be used on the network, purchased online or on the day, and the most popular route for visitors to the city is to and from Retiro Station and Tigre in Zona Norte.
- The bus network, which is known as colectivos or bondis, is the most popular method for travelling the city and surrounding areas and operates 24 hours, seven days a week. The network has over 18,000 vehicles, 388 routes, and 90 bus operators and serves over 250 thousand passengers daily. The buses within Buenos Aires are distinctive, and each operator has a unique colour, numbering system and branding, which helps passengers identify their bus. Like most of the public transport system in Buenos Aires, it is cashless, and tickets cannot be purchased on board. A bonus is that many of the buses have air conditioning and provide free Wi-Fi to passengers. A SUBE card with sufficient credit is required before boarding, and the standard cost depends on the distance travelled and ranges from 8 to 10 US cents. For more information about the bus network and the many routes available, visit the Omnilineas website (https://www.omnilineas.com.ar/buenos-aires/colectivos/)
- The official taxis within Buenos Aires have distinct yellow and black branding, and the licence code can be found on the vehicle doors. There are over 30,000 metered taxis around the city, which can be hailed when the yellow Taxi sign is on. Once inside the vehicle, you will be able to see the driver credentials, which are typically displayed behind the driver’s seat. When you hail a taxi, a standard fare applies, usually over one US dollar and increasing by an average of 15 US cents per every 200 meters or 670 feet travelled or every 30 seconds of idle time. Outside regular hours, from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m., a surcharge of 20% will be added to the total cost. Typically, you must pay in cash; however, taxis with the Mercado Pago sticker usually accept credit card payments. It is possible to pre-book cars through taxi booking services such as Uber, Cabify, and DiDi, which may accept cash and card bookings. Typically, suppose you are travelling within a short window. In that case, you can usually pay in cash or by card, and if you need to make a booking for a specific time in the future, you; however, if your journey is for a particular time, especially hours in advance, you would likely require a card payment upfront.
Interactive BUENOS AIRES SUBTE
Discover the interactive travel maps on Gayther. Zoom in and learn more about individual stations, all of the lines and much more
Buenos Aires offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to comfortable hostels. The price and range will vary depending on the suburb and distance to the main attractions, but the cost is extremely affordable. The average cost per night in the city is around 65 US Dollars, and over fifty-three thousand hotel beds are available across the city. With the city’s extensive transport infrastructure, staying outside the city centre is also viable. Most hotel providers will include the Impuesto al Valor Agregado or IVA tax at 21% on all accommodation in Argentina; however, international visitors that use a foreign credit card or via a bank transfer will have the amount discounted or reimbursed. In addition, all international guests over the age of 12 are required to pay a nightly city tax, which is typically not included in the price of the hotel room, and the charge ranges from 50 cents up to 1.5 US Dollars per person per night and will be charged upon checkout.
- Hotel Madero (///takeover.fended.dollar) is located in the trendy southern neighbourhood known as Puerto Madero. The hotel, which is close to the Rio de la Plata and runs through the four ports, is ideally situated within walking distance of the famous Casa Rosada, el Cabildo, and the various antique markets in San Telmo. Hotel Madero is a four-star luxury hotel with 197 air-conditioned guest rooms and suites offering free Wi-Fi. It has a range of amenities, including the Red Resto and Lounge, the White Bar and the Red Boutique. The boutique offers guests the opportunity to purchase a range of macarons, cupcakes, pop cakes, and chocolates to take with them as they explore the city. The hotel has an onsite pool, well-equipped gym, and games room, and it offers valet parking and banqueting facilities. The average cost for a standard room is around 200 US Dollars, and the hotel provides a range of room options. For more information regarding the hotel, please visit the Hotel Madero website (https://hotelmadero.com/en/)
- Dazzler By Wyndham Buenos Aires Recoleta (///writings.packets.await) is located in Recoleta, one of the oldest and most visited neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires. It is a short walk to the Recoleta Cemetry and the surrounding areas’ many trendy bars and restaurants. The Dazzler Recoleta is a four-star hotel set over 14 floors. It has 141 twin and double air-conditioned guest rooms offering free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a range of amenities, including a complimentary buffet breakfast each day, an onsite spa, an outdoor swimming pool and a well-equipped gym. The average cost for a standard room is around 150 US Dollars, and the hotel offers a range of room options. For more information regarding the hotel, please visit the Dazzler By Wyndham Buenos Aires Recoleta’s website (https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/en-uk/dazzler/buenos-aires-argentina/dazzler-recoleta/overview)
- Pleno Madero – ex Own Madero (///swing.crazy.nesting) is located in Monserrat on the borders with Puerto Madero and is within walking distance to the iconic Casa Rosado, el Cabildo, Plaza de Mayo and Obselisco. The Pleno Madero is a 3.5-star hotel set over 12 floors and has 35 twin and double air-conditioned guest rooms, all offering free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a range of amenities, including a restaurant serving international cuisine, room service, a 24-hour front desk and an airport shuttle facility. The average cost for a standard room is around 110 US Dollars, and the hotel offers a range of room options. The hotel does not operate a website, so should you wish for more information regarding the hotel, please visit the hotel’s listing on Booking.com (https://www.booking.com/hotel/ar/own-madero.en-gb.html)
Buenos Aires is often referred to as the Paris of South America, and visitors to the city quickly understand why. A walk-through of many of the areas within Buenos Aires, you will be taken aback by its impressive neoclassical, art nouveau and art deco architecture, and the café culture can be seen across the city. Many of the neighbourhoods or barrios, as they are known, incorporate green spaces, with parks and areas bustling with life; whether it is people taking a break from their daily lives, exercising, or simply taking a stroll, the city’s landscape is quite stunning. The central Plaza de Mayo is surrounded by many of the country’s important and iconic buildings, whether the pink presidential palace known as Casa Rosada, the colonial era, el Cabildo or any of the other large buildings such as the Banco Nación Casa Central. Over the past twenty years, many of the barrios have been incorporating tall and modern structures that complement their surroundings, whether as apartment blocks or commercial spaces. An example of the city’s contemporary architecture can be found within Puerto Madero, which has been transformed from a former working port to become a modern oasis of tall glass luxury buildings, large designed parks and an ecological reserve.
- Casa Rosada (///creamed.doors.splash) is the official office of the President of Argentina. The pink-coloured building is set over four floors. It boasts a museum with catacombs, a chapel, nine halls, two salons, two stairs of honour, a central patio with palm trees and finally, the iconic presidential balcony. Casa Rosada has long played an important role in Argentina’s history and was the site of many historical events, including the rallying calls from President Peron and the farewell speech made by his iconic wife, Eva Duarte. The museum is open from Wednesday until Sunday each week from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and entry is free. For more information, visit the city’s official tourism website (https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/en/atractivo/casa-rosada)
- Recoleta Cemetery (///clutter.climbing.fumes) is located in the central Recoleta barrio and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the city. The cemetery occupies 5.5 hectares or 14 acres and has over 4600 vaults. It is the final resting place for some of the most important and notable Argentinean figures, including Eva Perón, numerous former presidents of Argentina, the illegitimate grandchild of Napoleón Bonaparte, Isabel Walewski Colonna, and people from the Argentine War of Independence. The cemetery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday to Sunday, and entrance costs around 10 US Dollars. For more information, visit the city’s official tourism website (https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/en/otros-establecimientos/recoleta-cemetery)
- Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur (///bashed.cashew.sofa) is located in the Puerto Madero barrio and is a 350-hectare or 865-acre biodiverse green space. Nestled between the Rio de la Plata and the modern skyscrapers of luxury apartments and the offices of multinational corporations, the reserve offers hikers, joggers and cyclists the opportunity to escape the city and explore this large reserve. Several paths run throughout the reserve and connect the northern and southern parts of the Costanera Sur. They give visitors the opportunity to see the 500 species of native vegetation, as well as various birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. A seating and picnic area can offer coastal views of the river, admittance is free, and the reserve is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday. For more information, visit the city’s official tourism website (https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/en/atractivo/costanera-sur-ecological-reserve)
- Puerto de Frutos – Tigre (///delved.fade.enhanced) is a city located in the Northern province of Buenos Aires. Tigre is 31.5 kilometres or 19.6 miles from the city centre, and many riverboats and trains from Retiro station run from the city every day. Tigre is a popular riverside destination with old mansions, stilt houses, and boat rides that take visitors around the Parana Delta and its labyrinthine network of islands and canals. Within Tigre is a popular waterfront market known as Puerto de Frutos, which is open daily and offers a wide range of handicrafts, home goods and souvenirs. Trains to Tigre are frequent and run every 15 minutes from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. at a cost of around 30 US cents each way. For more information, visit the city’s official tourism website (https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/en/article/visit-tigre-buenos-aires%E2%80%99-waterside-getaway)
- Parque Tres de Febrero (///puts.timidly.trek), also known as Bosques de Palermo (Palermo Woods), is a 400 hectares or 989 acres park located in the central and popular barrio of Palermo. The park extends east to west of the neighbourhood and is a popular destination for visitors and residents alike. It is common for Portenos, as the people from the city are known, to stroll through the park, rollerblade, walk their dog, have a picnic, exercise or relax in the park. The park has over ten thousand trees, including eucalyptus, small lakes, and pretty gazebos. It is home to many species of plants, flowers, birds, and wildlife. The Paseo El Rosedal Garden has over 90 species of roses and 12,000 rose bushes. The Japanese Gardens are located close to the park. For more information, visit the city’s official tourism website (https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/es/otros-establecimientos/bosques-de-palermo)
Over the past ten years, Buenos Aires has become a popular South American destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers. The Portenos, as the locals are known, are generally accepting and have a carefree attitude when it comes to a person’s lifestyle, appearance or how they choose to identify. The country has some of the most progressive laws for the LGBTQIA+ community on the continent, and most visitors will leave without any problems or incidents. Unlike most European cities, Buenos Aires does not have a famous gay street or specific LGBTQIA+ area; instead, some of the bars and clubs are grouped in some of the more tourist-frequented neighbourhoods. Palermo, the biggest barrio in Buenos Aires, has many bars and clubs that can be found around the Soho and Hollywood areas. Recoleta is a popular barrio for visitors to stay in. In Barrio Norte, it is common to see gay couples in the many restaurants, bars, and cafes. Recoleta is also home to many popular LGBTQIA+ clubs and bars.
Buenos Aires is cosmopolitan, and even some Argentinean men known for their machismo take great pride in their appearance and are not afraid to wear bright and bold clothes. Attitudes and support towards the LGBTQIA+ community are high; typically, over 50% of those participating in the surveys and the general public often voice support for community-related rights and protections. Even though you will find small gay bars and cafes in any of the other barrios, most of the community tends to frequent Recoleta and Palermo, and public displays of affection by community members are not unheard of. The local LGBTQIA+ community members often use many of the chat and dating apps, and most have a basic level of English when communicating; naturally, Spanish is preferred by most. For community members, those who are single, in couples, or even visiting as part of a group, the city is generally safe, welcoming, and inclusive to the LGBTQIA+ community.
The city and country have had many highs and lows over the years. Unfortunately, in more recent years, there have been a lot more lows. Since the economic crisis in 2001, the country began to recover slowly; however, with unprecedented levels of borrowing and high levels of inflation, it is estimated that nearly half of the population is living in poverty. Despite all the hardship, which sadly seems to have become part of everyday life for most Argentineans, the country has some of the lowest crime rates in the continent and has seen a decline year on year. Petty crimes generally occur in tourist hotspots, such as pickpocketing and a practice known as Moto Chorro, involving a motorbike and grabbing a bag or item. Like any city, being careful by taking only what you need with you and keeping your items close to you at all times will significantly reduce your chance of problems.
Buenos Aires province is one of the largest in the country, and there are many things to do and see when you escape the city. Tigre and Mar Del Plata are popular destinations for those wishing to explore many of the province’s beaches. You will often see less police presence outside of the city; however, when visiting the province or provincia, as it is known, by day, you will often see ordinary people going about their daily lives. At nighttime, you should be extra vigilant, but generally, Buenos Aires is like most major cities in terms of safety. You will typically feel safe, but you must always be aware of your surroundings.
The city itself is stunning, with its collection of old Art Deco and Renaissance buildings, and many of the new highrise buildings dominate the cityscape. As a people, Argentineans are proud, friendly, and welcoming, and when approached, they will more often go out of their way to help. The city and its attractions are relatively small and clustered together. Still, in Buenos Aires, it is less about visiting a monument and more about taking in the life and soul of the city. Buenos Aires is beautiful, unapologetic, often understated, and inclusive, and it truly deserves to be a top LGBTQIA+ and popular tourist destination.
Buenos Aires is cosmopolitan, and even some Argentinean men known for their machismo take great pride in their appearance and are not afraid to wear bright and bold clothes. Attitudes and support towards the LGBTQIA+ community are high; typically, over 50% of those participating in the surveys and the general public often voice support for community-related rights and protections. Even though you will find small gay bars and cafes in any of the other barrios, most of the community tends to frequent Recoleta and Palermo, and public displays of affection by community members are not unheard of. The local LGBTQIA+ community members often use many of the chat and dating apps, and most have a basic level of English when communicating; naturally, Spanish is preferred by most. For community members, those who are single, in couples, or even visiting as part of a group, the city is generally safe, welcoming, and inclusive to the LGBTQIA+ community.
The city and country have had many highs and lows over the years. Unfortunately, in more recent years, there have been a lot more lows. Since the economic crisis in 2001, the country began to recover slowly; however, with unprecedented levels of borrowing and high levels of inflation, it is estimated that nearly half of the population is living in poverty. Despite all the hardship, which sadly seems to have become part of everyday life for most Argentineans, the country has some of the lowest crime rates in the continent and has seen a decline year on year. Petty crimes generally occur in tourist hotspots, such as pickpocketing and a practice known as Moto Chorro, involving a motorbike and grabbing a bag or item. Like any city, being careful by taking only what you need with you and keeping your items close to you at all times will significantly reduce your chance of problems.
Buenos Aires province is one of the largest in the country, and there are many things to do and see when you escape the city. Tigre and Mar Del Plata are popular destinations for those wishing to explore many of the province’s beaches. You will often see less police presence outside of the city; however, when visiting the province or provincia, as it is known, by day, you will often see ordinary people going about their daily lives. At nighttime, you should be extra vigilant, but generally, Buenos Aires is like most major cities in terms of safety. You will typically feel safe, but you must always be aware of your surroundings.
The city itself is stunning, with its collection of old Art Deco and Renaissance buildings, and many of the new highrise buildings dominate the cityscape. As a people, Argentineans are proud, friendly, and welcoming, and when approached, they will more often go out of their way to help. The city and its attractions are relatively small and clustered together. Still, in Buenos Aires, it is less about visiting a monument and more about taking in the life and soul of the city. Buenos Aires is beautiful, unapologetic, often understated, and inclusive, and it truly deserves to be a top LGBTQIA+ and popular tourist destination.
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