Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is considered the gay capital of South America, and this reputation is no coincidence. As early as 2010, Argentina was the first country in Latin America to introduce marriage for all and has since been one of the most progressive nations in the region. Those who come here will find European charm, magnificent architecture, passionate tango and a café culture that invites you to linger. Between asado steakhouses, ice cream parlors on every corner, and a Malbec from Mendoza, almost every evening is a treat.

Trendy district

The queer heart of the city beats in Palermo, more precisely in Palermo Soho around the streets Thames, Armenia and Gurruchaga. Since the 1990s, the bohemian neighbourhood has become the centre of LGBTQ-run bars and eateries with its low rents at the time. Queer visibility is exceptionally high here. The district is also a good starting point during the day with its boutiques, cafés and galleries. If you want to see more of the city, combine it with the bohemian district of La Boca and Caminito, the elegant La Recoleta cemetery, where Evita rests, and the historic San Telmo.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Buenos Aires starts late and lasts until the morning. Palermo and the adjacent center are where most queer bars and clubs are concentrated, from laid-back pubs to large dance floors. It is common here to have an extended pre-heating phase before the clubs often fill up properly after midnight. For those who prefer something more traditional, there are also tango salons and spontaneous open-air performances on Sundays in San Telmo.

Best time to visit

Buenos Aires is located in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are shifted compared to Europe. The most pleasant time to travel is in southern spring (October and November) or autumn (March and April), when temperatures remain mild. From December to February, the summer can be humid and hot, while the winter is rather cool and humid. A special highlight is the Marcha del Orgullo in November, which moves from the Plaza de Mayo past the congress through the center and, with hundreds of thousands of participants, is one of the largest queer events in Latin America.

Arrival

International flights land at Ezeiza Airport (EZE) southwest of the city, from where taxis, chauffeur services and shuttle buses lead to the center. Intra-Argentine and some regional connections are handled via Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) on the Río de la Plata, which is close to the city. There are direct connections from Germany as well as numerous transfer connections via European and South American hubs. On site, you can get around easily and cheaply by subway (Subte), buses and the rechargeable SUBE card.

Safety & LGBT Rights

Legally, Argentina is one of the most liberal countries in the world: same-sex marriages have been possible since 2010, and a progressive identity law facilitates the legal recognition of trans people. In Palermo and the central districts, the queer scene is visible and relaxed, couples holding hands are hardly noticeable in everyday life. As in any big city, the usual precautions against pickpocketing apply, especially in crowded buses, in tourist places and at night in lonely corners. Palermo itself is one of the safer districts and is a good starting point for the first orientation.