Gay Local Tips in Buenos Aires

Pride is a political act

Sebastián is a 30-year old urban explorer. He loves food, running, yoga, the gym and traveling. That not only makes him the perfect host in Buenos Aires, but also the ideal personal guide to discover the wonders of this extraordinary gay city in Argentina. Follow Sebastián's tips to explore Buenos Aires and experience your pride.

How gay-friendly is your city? What’s gay life like there?

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina in South America. My country was one of the first in the globe to approve gay marriage, almost one decade ago. People are generally open-minded, and there is not a specific gay area, but more so a gay scene which is dispersed across the entire city.

What are the best gay events that take place in your city each year?

LGBT+ Parade is at the end of each year, towards the end of spring and the beginning of summer - usually over the last Saturday of November. The city center is full of people who come from all over the country to enjoy and celebrate diversity. Then you have side parties, performances, art exhibitions and much more related to the LGBT+ community.

We only have 48 hours in your city. What can’t we miss?

This is my not-obvious top five in Buenos Aires if you only have 48 hours. El Ateneo Grand Splendid: year after year it is chosen as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, and it is. Entry is free and you can grab a coffee on the stage. This place used to be a classic theater, so it’s just stunning. MALBA is a museum that has lots of Latin-American paintings. Also you have movie screenings there, and vibrant temporary exhibitions. My fave painting is one of Frida Kahlo. Once you’re there, find out exactly which one it is.

Alvear Icon Tower in Puerto Madero has a sky bar on the 40th floor. Sometimes we dress up fancy and go there when we feel like having a sophisticated cocktail. The city view during sunset is an image you’ll treasure. Retiro Train Station was fully renovated last year. It looks like it was recently opened but it’s an English-style building from the early 1800s. Grab a coffee and feel like you are traveling back in time. Also you can ride a direct train to Tigre, it’s just 40 minutes away from BA downtown - you will be surprised by the sight of the river, the canals and the forest.

Have an ice-cream: Argentina is renowned for their meats and wines, but ice-cream here is just as amazing for me. Gelaterias are open late, also in winter. My fave is “Rapa Nui” which has lots of locations across the city. The owners were born in Patagonia, and originally created just chocolates but some years ago they started making ice-cream too. They have exclusive flavors made with local fruits in an artisanal way.

What’s your favorite gay place to grab a bite for lunch? A nice dinner?

I think that Brando in the heart of Palermo Hollywood is perfect for both occasions: lunch and dinner. The menu is short, but with intense and attractive dishes. Ingredients are fresh and the attention to detail is perfect.

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

I love going out for brunch on weekends! “Gratitude” is in Palermo Viejo. The total white decoration makes you feel happy: full of life and joy. The menu offers tasty, but healthy options. I also feel like giving another option close to my place in Belgrano: La Marguerite Patisserie - it’s the perfect solution for a Sunday brunch when hungry after a night of partying.

Best gay place and day for a cheap beer or happy hour?

Buenos Aires is full of hand-crafted beer places but none of these are totally gay. Maricafe - this is also a pun, it means sissy café - is a new place in a quiet area of Palermo. It’s in a corner surrounded by old trees and a bike lane, it’s not only a bar, but a bookstore. You can enjoy your happy hour while you read a book and get the chance to meet that sexy nerd of you dreams.

We’re ready to party! What are the best gay clubs?

My favorite gay party is Malevo. Is it held once a month in a huge club on the outskirts of Almagro and Palermo. The genre is tribal house. Boys here are really handsome and usually they get shirtless during the party. But it is not over the top: everybody goes there just to have fun with no prejudices.

What are the best alternative gay bars and clubs where you live?

In one of the most crowded zones of Palermo, Soho, you’ll find Work Bar and Peuteo. They are just across the street from each other. The first one has a more industrial style with a locker wall in the entrance and a fire department. The second one has drag queen shows. They are both the perfect places to start your night out.

Are there any places related to LGBT history?

When the H line of the subway crosses the D line, at the Santa Fe – Carlos Jáuregui station, you land in a gay oasis. Carlos was a gay activist from the late 80s to the early 90s, who worked bravely for LGBT rights. The local gay parade is totally related to him. The station has rainbow stairs. You also have a pedestrian rainbow crosswalk outside, some gay-themed graffiti, and stencils with quotes from this personality who was determined to make gay history in Argentina. My favorite quote says "In a society that educates us for shame, pride is a political response”.

Can you share a secret or little-known place to visit in your city?

Argentinians are keen on mate, but I am keen on coffee. All Saints Café has, in my opinion, the best coffee in the city. A coffee shop may not seem like a secret place, but this one is. They have a speakeasy store in San Telmo, one of the nicest neighborhoods in the city, which only opens for special events. This place used to be some kind of warehouse back in the 19th century. The atmosphere is great and the coffee just amazing.

Any beaches, parks or best other places to chill out?

Unfortunately there are no beaches in Buenos Aires, but that doesn't mean you are not going to see local hunks sunbathing around. I recommend three places: El Rosedal, for people who love skating, it's located in the Palermo Woods. Floralis Generic park, which is crowded with guys over weekend, sunbathing and picnicking. Vial Costero, in Vicente Lopez, across the northern border of Buenos Aires City - there you’ll find a two-kilometer pathway running alongside the river. Bikers, runners and calisthenics boys are all around! ●

Thinking of visiting Buenos Aires? Check out our Accommodation in this great gay city!

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