Colombia has some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ laws in South America, and we found Cartagena to be a safe and welcoming destination as a female same-sex couple. While the local LGBTQ+ scene is small and there isn’t much of a gaybourhood, the city is still a great lesbian friendly destination to consider. We highly recommend visiting and we’re sure you’ll fall in love with it the same way we did!

Is anyone else in love with Cartagena, Colombia? Is it already on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments!

Be sure to read our full lesbian travel guide to Cartagena to help you plan your trip:

Cartagena

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What To Do

Explore the Walled City

Cartagena’s beautiful walled city is definitely its main attraction. Don’t miss it! Spend an afternoon getting lost down cobblestone streets, stumbling upon adorable locally owned businesses, and admiring the incredible colonial architecture. This part of town can be quite busy with tourists, but it’s very charming and enjoyable to visit. Be sure to walk along the walls themselves and see the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, the old town, and Bocagrande. Other points of interest in the walled city are the Palace of Inquisition, the Clock Tower Monument, Plaza Santo Domingo, Las Bovedas, Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, Bolivar Plaza, the Cartagena Cathedral, Plaza de los Coches, Plaza Fernandez de Madrid, and Plaza de la Aduana.

Visit the Getsemani Neighbourhood

The hip and trendy Getsemani area is located right next to the old town, and is a must visit! Well known for its lively bars, bistros, pubs, and cafes, it has a great laid back daytime atmosphere, and a fun evening party vibe. It’s less busy with tourists and offers a more authentic feel. It’s a good spot to try some traditional Colombian food, and the perfect area to go out at night.

Go looking For Street Art

The streets of Cartagena are bright, vibrant, and beautiful. There is so much colour, and many walls are filled with incredible street art. We had such an amazing time exploring and photographing the murals we found! Most of the street art movement is happening right outside the walled city in the Getsemani barrio. Be sure to go searching for the best paintings that have helped transform this neighbourhood in recent years.

Enjoy the Beautiful Beaches

Cartagena sits on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia and offers beautiful beaches both inside and outside the city! If you’re looking to stay close to the old town and the centre of the action, good options are Playa de Bocagrande, Playa Marbella, and Laguito Beach. A little further out is Manzanillo del Mar which is going to be a lot quieter, with fewer tourists. If you’re able to take a short day trip, Punta Arenas on Isla Tierra Bomba is a great option. And a bit further is Playa Blanca on Isla Baru, which is where you’ll find the white sand and turquoise waters that you’ve dreamed about! Enjoy!

Where to Stay

The best spot to stay in Cartagena is definitely in or around the walled city! In the heart of the old town you will find plenty of accommodation options including hotels, boutique inns, and hostels. There are also a lot of options in the Getsemani neighbourhood which is also very central and convenient. If you want to be close to all the action then these will be a perfect fit, but it is pretty lively! Expect to be right in the hustle and bustle of some busy spots, with lots of locals and other travellers. If you’re looking to book hotel accommodations in this area, our favourite tool is Hotels.com. It’s easy to search within a certain price range, and filter for the amenities that you like. They also have a great reward system – for every ten nights you book, you receive one night free. The other option for accommodations in Cartagena is Airbnb. There are some listings in the old town, as well as many nearby options that are just a short walk or cab ride from the walled city. We decided to stay just outside the busy area, in a beautiful spot along the beach. It was walking distance (or a short cab) to everywhere we wanted to go, and it was much quieter. If you enjoy using Airbnb like we do, it’s definitely worth taking a look to see what’s available! We found a two bedroom/two bathroom apartment with a full kitchen, and a balcony with gorgeous water views for $100CAD/night. The building also had a common area with a sundeck, gym, infinity pool, and hot tub. It was perfect for our stay. If you’ve never used Airbnb before, click here to set up a profile and save on your first stay!

Where to Eat & Drink

Cartagena definitely has a growing food scene. We found plenty of small cafes and restaurants with great cuisine in the old town and nearby. Our favourite spot was Stepping Stone, a cafe in the Getsemani area that was started by three Australian friends. They work with a local non-profit to employ disadvantaged youth from Cartagena, and fight against inequality. They opened in 2017 and are doing so well that they’ve opened a sister location called The Pebble, which is located nearby in the heart of the old town. Both offer healthy eats with vegetarian and vegan options! If you’re looking for other plant-based offerings, we also loved Mar y Hojas Cocina Vegana and Pezetarian Cartagena. If you don’t have any dietary restrictions there are plenty of other culinary options. Some popular spots in the city centre include Carmen for upscale Colombian inspired fare, Alma for seafood and international cuisine, and La Cevicheria for (you guessed it) ceviche! There are also plenty of street food vendors and little “hole-in-the-wall” spots that are fun to discover. Stroll around the old town and Getsemani to see what you find! For drinks, head to Cafe del Mar for the best sunset views, El Coro Lounge for cocktails and beautiful ambiance, Donde Fidel for beers and salsa dancing, or Cafe Havana for Cuban style drinks and live music.

Lesbian Friendly

Colombia has some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ laws in Latin America, making it a great travel destination for lesbian women and couples to consider. Same-sex marriage is legal and has been since 2016, and they’ve had discrimination protection in place since 2011. There’s even a law in Colombia that allows LGBTQ+ people to safely express affection to their partners in public! You can check out our full post on how lesbian friendly Colombia is here. That being said, Colombians can still be quite conservative, and it’s best to use your judgement and stay safe while visiting. We didn’t have any problems at all while visiting Cartagena as a married lesbian couple, and we found all the locals to be welcoming. We held hands and showed affection in public, and booked an Airbnb apartment with a local host as an open lesbian couple. We never felt the need to hide our relationship, but we always did our best to read each situation and keep our safety in mind. Being a port city, Cartagena is a popular spot for tourists and cruise passengers, and the locals do seem very welcoming of visitors. We really enjoyed our time there and would definitely recommend it. Cartagena is a small city, and there isn’t much of a gay scene. There seems to be a small handful of LGBTQ+ friendly venues but many of them have closed down. There’s certainly not a lot of gay culture in Cartagena when compared to Colombia’s capital, Bogota. Le Petit is the longstanding gay spot to visit in the walled city, and The City Club is located in Getsemani along with Viceversa. While you may not find a thriving gaybourhood in Cartagena, you will certainly fall in love with its historic charm, tropical weather, and beach views!

How to Get Around

Walk

The walled city and nearby Getsemani is very walkable, and we highly recommend seeing this part of town on foot! If you’re able, wander through the cobblestone streets and get lost down every alleyway to discover the beauty of this area. You can easily see all of the old town and the hip Getsemani barrio in one day.

Taxi

We fully expected taxis in Cartagena to rip us off, since they didn’t use meters and they seem to just give an arbitrary price for each trip. That being said, the cost of the taxis we took were very inexpensive, so we felt that they were quite fair. Uber is technically available in the city, but there were never cars available when we looked, and there are literally taxis everywhere. It’s easy to flag down a cab, and the drivers were always considerate and polite. It’s a great way to get around, and since Cartagena can be so hot, it’s also just a nice break from walking in the heat!

Has anyone else fallen in love with Cartagena? Let us know in the comments!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. This means that at no additional cost to you, we could make a small commission through your purchase. We only recommend products and services that we truly believe in, and the income generated goes toward creating more content on this website for you to enjoy for free.

The post Lesbian Travel Guide to Cartagena, Colombia     appeared first on Lez See the World.

When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to do what feels right to them.

Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Colombia is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

The LGBTQ+ laws in Colombia are some of the best in Latin America, with very progressive legislation for LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized back in 1981, which started a wave of progress over the last several decades. Same-sex couples were first legally recognized back in 2007 when same-sex couples were granted some legal rights, and in 2016 the Constitutional Court legalized same-sex marriage. Same-sex couples are also legally recognized as families, and have equal rights to adoption and IVF. There is discrimination protection in place for members of the LGBTQ+ community, and there has been since 2011. It’s illegal to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people in the workplace, in education, in businesses, and anywhere else. Hate speech against the community is also illegal. Colombia also has a law that allows LGBTQ+ people to safely express affection to their partners in public. The law is protected by a Constitutional Court ruling, and is a national policy put in place to protect the community. Other extraordinary laws in Colombia include no restrictions or deferral period for blood donation, no restrictions for LGBTQ+ people serving in the military, and a “neutral” option on birth certificates when referring to gender. Colombia’s laws are certainly impressive! They’ve made equality and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community a priority, and we can only hope that other Latin American countries will follow their example.

Social Climate

The public opinion amongst Colombians is still quite conservative in regards to the LGBTQ+ community. Despite very progressive laws and support from Colombian politicians, the general public appears to still be catching up. While there are thriving gaybourhoods in different parts of the country, there are still reports of discrimination and violence against the LGBTQ+ community. Polls show relatively low (but growing) support from the public on issues like same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption, even though they are both legal. That being said, things are moving in the right direction! Former mayors and members of Congress have openly supported the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and there have been openly gay ministers in the government. There is also growing representation in the mainstream media, with television programs featuring more and more gay characters and same-sex couples. There is also a growing number of Colombians coming out as members of the community, which is an excellent indicator that people are feeling more safe to live their lives openly. Colombia can definitely be considered an LGBTQ+ friendly country to visit based on their extremely supportive laws, but it’s always important to keep your personal safety and comfort level in mind.

Gaybourhoods

The biggest LGBTQ+ scenes in Colombia can be found in the cities of Bogota and Medellin. Bogota is the country’s capital, and has a gaybourhood concentrated in the Chapinero area. It’s definitely geared more toward men with plenty of gay bars, clubs, and bath houses, but it also includes the only LGBTQ+ community centre in the country. It was opened in 2006 and offers legal advice and counselling to members of the community. Bogota also hosts a Pride event in June, which includes an annual march and plenty of Pride parties! Medellin is also considered to be a very welcoming city in Colombia. A small gay scene can be found in the Parque Lleras area, with other establishments scattered around the city in the Laureles neighbourhood, and Poblado. Finally, Cartagena (which is where we visited) is a beautiful city and worth considering! Because it is a port city and very popular with tourists, it’s also quite LGBTQ+ friendly. There are a couple of gay bars in the old town and the Getsemani neighbourhood. Overall, Colombia is a country where you can certainly feel welcomed and also experience some local gay culture. Be sure to consider your own comfort level and stay safe while visiting this South American destination!

Our Experience

We visited Colombia together on a trip to South America in 2019, and spent our time in the beautiful city of Cartagena! Cartagena is a popular port city on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast, and is a beautiful beach destination with a historic walled city. We completely fell in love with it! It always feels really nice to travel to a country that legally recognizes our marriage, and Colombia was no exception. When we presented our customs card together upon entering, we were treated kindly and respectfully when we said we were spouses. We felt safe and comfortable being out and open in Cartagena, and had no issues while visiting. We didn’t receive any unwanted attention, and never felt the need to hide our relationship for safety reasons. We had a really lovely visit and spent our time exploring the old town, and soaking up the beautiful beach views. Cartagena is busy with tourists and felt very safe. Colombia is a lovely country and we’re so glad we visited! We would love to return one day and visit the bigger cities like Bogota and Medellin. We can definitely recommend Colombia as a lesbian friendly travel destination for women and couples, and encourage you to do your research so that you can feel safe and comfortable during your visit.

If you’re interested in travelling to Colombia, be sure to read our Lesbian Guide to Cartagena!

Have you been to Colombia? Share your experience in the comments below!

View our library of How Lesbian Friendly Is… articles here!

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What To Do

Visit the Plaza de Mayo

An absolute must when in Buenos Aires, is a visit to the Plaza de Mayo! In the centre of the city, this historic square is where the Casa Rosada, the executive mansion and office of Argentina’s president sits. Overlooking the plaza you can also see the Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires, the main Catholic Church in the city.

Go Shopping on Florida Street

In the city’s business district, Florida street is a popular pedestrian zone. Take a stroll through this area to see plenty of shops, vendors, and street performers.

Spend Some Time in Recoleta

The Recoleta neighbourhood of Buenos Aires is a downtown residential area known for being more affluent and posh. The architecture is beautiful, and it’s definitely worth spending some time exploring this part of the city. There is a weekend market in this neighbourhood held in Plaza Francia, with amazing local artisans. Another popular attraction in this part of town is the Recoleta Cemetery. Here you can see the ornate graves and mausoleums of many notable people, including the very famous former First Lady, Eva Peron.

Discover Puerto Madero

This dockside area of Buenos Aires has become a very popular destination, and features converted buildings with modern restaurants, breweries, and steakhouses. It’s also home to new high-rise construction, with many office buildings and hotels going up with beautiful waterfront views. In Puerto Madero you will also find several art galleries and museums including the Ernesto De la Carcova Museum, the Amalia LaCroze de Fortabat Arts Collection, and the Faena Arts Centre. As well, the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve offers plenty of walking and running trails. Be sure to look for Puente de la Mujer, a pedestrian suspension sway bridge that has become a popular landmark.

Visit La Boca

This Buenos Aires neighbourhood is home to the famous Boca Juniors Soccer team, situated near the Riachuelo River. The most popular spot to visit here is el Caminito, a lively pedestrian street with brightly painted buildings, colourful houses, street performers, tango artists, steakhouses, cafes, street markets, and local shops.

Spend Some Time in Palermo

The trendy Palermo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires needs to go on your list! It’s the largest neighbourhood in the city and is full of chic restaurants, fashion shops, sidewalk cafes, and late night bar and club venues. This area is very popular with tourists and young Argentinians, and has a very bohemian vibe. Be sure to spend some time discovering Palermo both during the day and at night!

Tour the Teatro Colon

Considered one of the top ten opera houses on the globe, and one of the best five concert venues in the world, this theatre is a prominent landmark in Buenos Aires. It was beautifully refurbished between 2006 and 2010, and hosts classical music, operas, and ballets. If you’re not able to catch a show while you’re visiting, you can book a tour of the theatre to admire the stunning architecture.

Check Out El Ateneo Grand Splendid

While we’re talking about beautiful theatres in Buenos Aires, this former theatre was converted into a bookshop! First opened in 1919, the theatre was transformed in the 2000’s and was named “the world’s most beautiful bookstore” by National Geographic in 2019. You can find it on Sante Fe Avenue and it’s definitely worth a visit!

Enjoy all the Green Space

Buenos Aires has many amazing parks in the city, and they should absolutely go on your list. Parque Tres de Febrero is in the Palermo neighbourhood, and offers 400 hectares of green space with four lakes and a beautiful rose garden. Another park worth visiting is the Jardin Japones. The Japanese Gardens have koi ponds, a plant nursery, and a sushi restaurant, and is one of the largest Japanese Gardens in the world outside of Japan. Another option is the Buenos Aires Botanical Garden. The Jardin Botanico Carlos Thays, features rare plants and even offers guided tours. As well, the Paseo El Rosedal is worth a visit, offering 18,000 roses, and a beautiful lake.

Spend Some Time in San Telmo

This neighbourhood of Buenos Aires is known for its quirky street art, late night venues, and huge Sunday market that takes place in the Plaza Dorrego. You’ll find cafes, antique shops, street performers, and tango dancers! This is the oldest neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, and is full of historic colonial buildings. Don’t miss the San Pedro Telmo, and be sure to wander down the cobblestone streets looking for colourful art murals.

Catch a Tango Show

You can’t visit Buenos Aires without seeing a tango show! There are shows happening all over the city in both small, intimate venues, and larger theatres. We opted for a show at Tango Porteno, which included a tango lesson and dinner before the performance! The lesson was a lot of fun and nobody seemed to mind that we danced together. The show was wonderful and we would highly recommend it!

Visit Plaza Italia

This city square is located in the Palermo neighbourhood, and is a popular landmark in Buenos Aires. Next to it is the entrance to the city zoo, as well as the Botanical Gardens and the Expo Centre.

Check Out the City Museums

Buenos Aires has many art and history museums that are worth visiting. Some of the most notable are the Museo Evita, the Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo, the Museo Historico Nacional, the Centro Cultural Recoleta, and the Museo de los Ninos Abasto (a children’s museum).

Shop for Unique Finds at the Weekend Markets

Buenos Aires is known for its weekend markets (or ferias). Almost every neighbourhood has an artisan fair that takes over the plazas every weekend and holiday, and each is incredibly distinct. The Feria de Artesanos de Plaza Francia in Recoleta is known for its top notch hand-made arts and crafts, the Palermo markets at Plaza Serrano and Plaza Armenia are more geared toward clothing and fashion, the San Telmo market is well known for it’s extensive collection of antiques, and the lesser known Feria Puerto Madero is more of a flea market.

Where to Stay

So much of the experience you have in Buenos Aires is based on where you stay. There are many neighbourhoods to choose from, and each have their pros and cons.

Retiro

Staying in Retiro will have you right in the action! There are many big hotel chains that have properties near Florida street and around the financial district. If you stay in this area, you will be close to the Plaza de Mayo, Puerto Madero, Teatro Colon, and more. The downside of staying here, is that it is very touristy, and you’ll find shops and restaurants to be more expensive and less unique.

Recoleta

The Recoleta neighbourhood is located between Retiro and Palermo, and is close enough to the action, but far enough away that it’s much quieter and has more of a neighbourhood feel. If Retiro is like New York City’s Times Square, then Recoleta is more similar to the Upper East Side. The streets are quiet, there are plenty of adorable small businesses, the French inspired architecture is gorgeous, and every apartment building has a doorman. Recoleta is very upscale, but you can find Airbnbs in the area at a very reasonable price!

Palermo

Palermo is a very large area of Buenos Aires, and is divided into smaller barrios. There are many neighbourhoods in Palermo, and each has its own quirky appeal. For a full break down of Palermo, check out this handy guide. The areas that we’d recommend staying in for an experience different than Retiro or Recoleta, are Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood (named for being home to many television and radio studios). These two areas of Palermo are young and trendy, full of cool breweries and nightclubs, and home to the majority of the vegan restaurants we found in BA. If we’re comparing Buenos Aires to NYC, then Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood are like New York’s Soho, and the East Village, respectively. There are many fantastic Airbnbs in both these neighbourhoods!

San Telmo

This area of BA is one of the oldest, and that’s part of its charm. The cobblestone streets are narrow, and the architecture is historic and beautiful. San Telmo has received a bit of a makeover in recent years and is becoming much safer and more tourist friendly. There are amazing restaurants and independent shops to stroll through, and the smaller, unique hotels and inns are brimming with charm.

Puerto Madero

If you’re looking for an upscale spot that’s close to a lot of fancier restaurants, then Puerto Madero is a good choice. The big chain hotels are located in this area, so it’s a comfortable place to stay. The neighbourhood doesn’t have that authentic grit that other parts of BA have, and it’s close to Retiro, but a little further away from Recoleta and Palermo.

If you’re looking to book hotel accommodations in Buenos Aires, our favourite tool is Hotels.com. It’s easy to search within a certain price range, and filter for the amenities that you like. They also have a great reward system – for every ten nights you book, you receive one night free.

If you enjoy using Airbnb like we do, it’s definitely worth taking a look to see what’s available in Buenos Aires during your stay. We stayed in two different apartments (in Palermo Hollywood and Recoleta) that were private, fully equipped, and priced very affordably! If you’ve never used Airbnb before, click here to set up a profile and save on your first stay!

Where to Eat & Drink

The food scene in Buenos Aires has changed a lot in recent years, and currently offers everything from cheap and casual eats, to experimental fine dining. There is both historic Argentinian cuisine, as well as a range of culinary fusions, and the city has also exploded with plant-based options! We’re both vegan and are always in search of the best plant-based food at cafes and restaurants when we travel. We were so impressed with what we found in Buenos Aires, with Argentinian food typically being so meat-heavy. Some of our favourite spots in Buenos Aires that we highly recommend for vegan options, are Pizza Vegana, a fully plant-based pizza place with several locations around the city. As well as Bio Solo Organico, a long-time vegetarian restaurant in trendy Palermo Hollywood, offering healthy and natural dishes. A must visit is definitely La Reverde Parrillita Vegana, the only traditional vegan steakhouse in Argentina! They serve vegan choripan, seitan sandwiches, and vegan empanadas with plant-based cheese. If you’re looking for more vegan comfort food, you also shouldn’t miss Estilo Veggie. This fully vegan spot has all your faves and even hosts a happy hour with tapas, don’t miss it! Other casual spots worth hitting up are Buenos Aires Verde, Veganius, Green Eat, and Sattva Vegetariano, and a fully vegan bakery in Belgrano called Sablee Vegana! Plant-based pastries and vegan versions of traditional Argentinian baked goods is more than we could have ever asked for! If you’re an omnivore, there are endless options for dining in Buenos Aires. If you’re a meat-eater and you want to try authentic choripan, be sure to visit Chori! If you’re looking for steak, be sure to visit La Carniceria, where the authentic dishes serve meat that is all free-range and grass fed. Other popular parillas include El Pobre Luis, La Brigada, and Don Julio. For authentic Argentinian pizza, check out 1893, and Pizzeria Guerrin, for empanadas head to La Cocina, and go to Tegui for upscale dining. There are plenty of amazing options in Buenos Aires, you’ll be sure to discover something you love!

For drinks, there are endless options. Buenos Aires has a buzzing nightlife scene, and people go for dinner and drinks late at night. Our favourite spot for cocktails is definitely Milion, an old mansion with a garden courtyard and upstairs and downstairs bars. For more casual spots, head to Palermo in the evenings and you’ll find trendy bars on every corner with laid back patios and great drink lists. For cool speakeasy vibes try Bar 878, and if you’re looking to drink wine (which is always a good idea in Argentina!) head to Vico Wine Bar. If you’re a beer drinker be sure to check out Draft Brewery Co, On Tap, and Peñón del Águila.

Since Buenos Aires has some Italian influences, you’ll find amazing espresso at many of the cafes in Recoleta, however, if you’re looking for top notch single origin roasts, check out LAB for coffee. Speaking of hot beverages, when you’re in Argentina you must try Yerba Maté! You can buy the tea bags at every grocery store, but the most traditional way to have it is from a gourd. Read more about Argentina’s signature hot drink here.

Lesbian Friendly

The laws regarding LGBTQ+ people in Argentina are some of the best in the world, and Buenos Aires is a very lesbian friendly destination to visit! Click here for more on how lesbian friendly the country of Argentina is. The city is welcoming of travellers, and has an impressive local gay scene. Same-sex marriage is legal in Argentina and has been recognized since 2010, and there is discrimination protection in place in Buenos Aires. It’s a safe and comfortable city to visit as a lesbian traveller or couple, and we had an excellent experience! The LGBTQ+ scene in Buenos Aires is amazing. There is plenty of local gay culture, and the city is a big recipient of regular LGBTQ+ tourism. The city hosts an annual Pride Parade called the Marcha del Orgullo LGBT de Buenos Aires, taking place on the first Saturday in November, and throughout the rest of the year there are plenty of LGBTQ+ events and parties. The regular gay nightlife scene isn’t strictly based in one neighbourhood. You’ll find gay and gay friendly establishments in the Palermo District, as well as Recoleta, San Telmo, and Barrio Norte, and also spread through the rest of the city. Along with the well known gay neighbourhood bars like Bach Bar, and Flux Bar, and clubs like Amerika, there are also plenty of regular LGBTQ+ weekly parties to attend. Fiesta Jolie happens weekly and is popular with a female crowd, and Club 69 (the most famous queer party in Buenos Aires) features live performances and awesome late night party vibes. Another regular party is Fiesta Plop, another late night event featuring performers. Feliza is a queer bar and cultural centre in Buenos Aires that is definitely worth a visit. It attracts a mixed crowd and offers a welcoming community space with live music, drinks, and food. A great casual daytime spot is Pride Cafe in San Telmo, located near Plaza Dorrego and San Telmo Market. Another place worth visiting is the Sante Fe subway station which was renamed after Carlos Jauregui, an LGBTQ+ rights activist. The station features LGBTQ+ art murals and a rainbow staircase!  If you’re looking for other fun things to do in the gay community, try a lesson at Tango Queer! They welcome same-sex couples, or you can go as a single person and dance with anyone and everyone. As you can see, Buenos Aires is an amazing destination for lesbian women and couples. We felt very safe travelling there and had absolutely no issues showing affection in public, holding hands in the street, or taking couples photos together. We booked Airbnb accommodations with a local host as a married couple, and our host ended up being a gay man who was happy to give us plenty of recommendations on the local gay culture. Same-sex relationships feel very normalized in Buenos Aires, and the locals treated us kindly and respectfully. We never felt the need to hide our relationship and it felt so wonderful to visit a destination that is so inclusive of our community. If you’re looking for somewhere that you can feel safe, while also experiencing some local gay culture, then Buenos Aires is the lesbian friendly spot to visit. If you’re looking for a lively South American city with a great gay scene, be sure to add Buenos Aires to your travel list!

How to Get Around

Walk

The different areas of Buenos Aires are very walkable. We did a lot of exploring on foot and found that it was a great way to experience the city! If you’re able, be sure to spend some time walking around all of the amazing neighbourhoods to get a true feel for this destination. Some of the neighbourhoods can be quite far from one another, so it’s definitely worth taking a taxi/Uber or public transit in between them, and then exploring in depth on foot.

Uber

Uber is gaining popularity in Buenos Aires, despite backlash from taxi drivers. We used it quite a bit when we were there because we wanted to avoid getting scammed, and it was a good way to save our cash. The biggest thing to consider when using Uber in BA is discretion. Taxi drivers who suspect a car is an Uber could become aggressive, so it’s best to be discreet when getting in and out of the car, and always ask the driver if they’d like you to sit in the front seat. Occasionally we got a car that had heavily tinted windows and those drivers didn’t mind if we sat in the back together, but most of the time one of us sat up front.

Taxi

When arriving to Buenos Aires by plane, you’ll likely fly into Ezeiza International Airport. When you exit the baggage claim, there will be plenty of people asking if you need a taxi, but it’s best not to get a ride from one of these drivers. Just past this crowd on the left, there’s a kiosk for the official airport taxi. At the kiosk you will be quoted a price for where you’re going, and you will pay upfront with the agent. The driver will then walk you out to the taxi and you’ll be on your way! You can also opt for a Remis, which is a private car service. There are kiosks for Manuel Tienda Leon or World Car, both of which are reputable. The Remis will cost more, but the hour long drive into BA will be quite comfortable.

Taxis in the city are plentiful and very inexpensive, so they’re a great option for zipping around between neighbourhoods. It’s helpful to know some basic Spanish when hailing a taxi, and be ready to tell your driver the address of where you’re going as well as the cross street, as they typically won’t know where the exact numbers are. The taxi drivers in Buenos Aires are typically very friendly, however they have been known to scam tourists. The best way to avoid this is by only taking Radio Taxis, because they register every ride. Also, because taxis are cash only, be sure to count out the money to the driver bill by bill to avoid any ‘confusion’ over how much was handed over. If you need to call a taxi you can use the Cabify app, which will send over a radio taxi and tell you how much the ride will be. Tipping is not very common in Argentina, but rounding up is usually a good rule to follow when tipping your driver.

Public Transportation

The subway (Subte) and bus network in Buenos Aires is inexpensive, extensive, and effective… when the unions aren’t on strike (which is a common occurrence in BA). The subway network is quite old and slow compared to other systems in the world. However, if you’re close to a station and you’re going somewhere that’s right on the subway line, it will likely be the fastest way to get there. To use the subway and bus system you’ll need a SUBE card, which a lot of Airbnb hosts will leave for guests to use. You can load up your card with money or check your balance at any Subte station.

Bike

Buenos Aires has added a vast network of bike lanes in recent years, and cycling around the city has become one of the fastest ways to get around! If you’re a confident cyclist, this could be a great option. Traffic in the city can be pretty chaotic and most intersections don’t have lights, stop signs, or roundabouts, which is something to consider when biking around. There is a free bike share program in the city called EcoBici, and with the use of the smart phone app, is available to residents and tourists alike.

How to Stay Connected

Roaming charges on your cell phone can really add up while travelling. One thing we like to do when we spend an extended period of time in one country, is buy a local SIM card. The pay-as-you-go mobile plans from local service providers are typically much less expensive than roaming plans and travel SIM cards. In Buenos Aires, it’s very simple to get a SIM card and get connected right away. If you fly into Ezeiza International Airport, you will find a kiosk for the national service provider ‘Personal’ when you exit the baggage claim into the check-in area. Bring your passport and phone to the kiosk and select the plan you want. The customer service representative will get you all set up, and you’ll be connected immediately.

Has anyone else fallen in love with Buenos Aires? Let us know in the comments!Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. This means that at no additional cost to you, we could make a small commission through your purchase. We only recommend products and services that we truly believe in, and the income generated goes toward creating more content on this website for you to enjoy for free.

The post Lesbian Travel Guide to Buenos Aires, Argentina       appeared first on Lez See the World.

When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to do what feels right to them.

Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Argentina is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

The laws regarding LGBTQ+ people in Argentina are very progressive, and some of the best on the globe. Same-sex sexual activity has been decriminalized since 1853. In 2010 Argentina was the first country in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage, becoming the 10th country to legalize it worldwide. That same year they also legalized adoption for same-sex couples, and since 2013 couples have had equal access to all family planning, including IVF. There is currently discrimination protection in place for members of the LGBTQ+ community in both Buenos Aires and Rosario, and further anti-discrimination laws are pending nationwide. Argentina also has some of the most comprehensive transgender rights laws in the world and in 2014 BBC Mundo stated that “Argentina leads the trans revolution in the world”. Other extraordinary LGBTQ+ laws in Argentina are that gay and bisexual men can donate blood with no deferral period, and gay conversion therapy is banned. Argentina is an incredible leader in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and an exemplary country for equality and inclusion.

Social Climate

Since Argentina’s transition to a democratic system in 1983, they have taken huge steps toward inclusivity and acceptance of our community. A 2013 Pew Research Center poll showed Argentina as the most supportive country in Latin America, with nearly 75% of people being accepting of homosexuality. They rank #15 on the Gay Happiness Index, which is 2nd for Latin American countries, after their neighbour Uruguay. The capital city of Buenos Aires is a very popular destination for LGBTQ+ tourism, and has been called the “gay capital” of Latin America. The high rates of societal acceptance are due to the organizations formed in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s in Argentina, that raised awareness and pushed for LGBTQ+ rights. Attitudes shifted dramatically after this time, and Argentina is now one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly Latin American countries. It is certainly a safe and accepting destination to visit for gay travellers and same-sex couples.

Gaybourhoods

The biggest LGBTQ+ scene in Argentina is definitely in its capital city of Buenos Aires. As the largest city in the country, it is a big recipient of LGBTQ+ tourism and is full of gay culture. Buenos Aires hosts an annual Pride Parade called the Marcha del Orgullo LGBT de Buenos Aires, and it has grown in numbers each year since it started back in 1992. It happens on the first Saturday in November, and in 2018 approximately 100,000 took part in the Pride festivities and events! Buenos Aires also has plenty of gay and gay friendly bars, nightclubs, parties, events, cafes, restaurants, and other venues. Much of the gay scene is in the Palermo District, as well as Recoleta, and Barrio Norte, although it also spreads throughout the entire city. Other destinations in Argentina with notable gay scenes are Cordoba, Mendoza, Rosario, Puerto Madryn, Ushuaia, and Mar del Plata. Cordoba has been hosting their own Pride Parade since 2008, and Mendoza has been hosting theirs since 2011. Argentina also receives a lot of same-sex couples travelling to the country to get married, as neighbouring countries such as Paraguay and Chile do not legally allow same-sex marriage, and Argentina does not have any residency requirements for marriage. Overall, Argentina is a great destination for LGBTQ+ travellers, and a very welcoming country in South America. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for somewhere that you can feel safe, while also experiencing some local gay culture.

Our Experience

Steph has spent quite a bit of time in Argentina on previous trips before we met, and we travelled there together in 2019 during a visit to South America. We spent all of our time in the capital city of Buenos Aires! We had an incredible experience and were so impressed with how safe, welcoming, and inclusive the city of Buenos Aires is. We love to travel to countries that recognize our marriage, and it’s so reassuring visiting a place where you know you are protected by law. We felt very safe and comfortable being out and open in Argentina, and had no issues travelling there as a same-sex couple. Our Airbnb host was a gay man who excitedly gave us a long list of LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and parties, and told us all about being married to his partner. When we were out one night at a live performance, we had a staff member ask us if we were a couple, which never happens! Same-sex relationships seem to be very normalized, and we didn’t get any unwanted attention when being open in public. We even attended a tango lesson where we danced together and nobody batted an eye. Argentinians were very kind and welcoming to us, and we had such a wonderful experience. We definitely hope to return one day! Buenos Aires is a city where we could see ourselves spending a lot more time, and there is so much more of Argentina to see. We would love to go to the wine region together, and maybe attend the Pride festivities one year! Overall, we highly recommend Argentina as a lesbian friendly travel destination for women and couples. We felt completely safe being out and open as a same-sex married couple, and never felt the need to hide our relationship. It’s a wonderful destination and worth adding to your travel list!

Have you been to Argentina? Share your experience in the comments below!

If you’re interested in travelling to Argentina, be sure to read our Lesbian Guide to Buenos Aires!

View our library of How Lesbian Friendly Is… articles here!

The post How Lesbian Friendly is Argentina appeared first on Lez See the World.

When we’re travelling to a new destination as a lesbian couple, there are a few things we take into consideration to figure out how lesbian friendly it is. We like to know what the LGBTQ+ laws are in that country, as well as what the social climate is. In some places the laws and the feelings of the local people don’t necessarily match. We also like to know if there are any “gaybourhoods” or areas that are especially lesbian friendly. This blog series is meant to inform other lesbian travellers about different destinations around the world, and help empower them to travel more openly when it is safe to do so. We will be sharing our experiences in each country as well as our recommendations, but as always we encourage everyone to do their own research. We can only speak to our own experiences, and everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to being out and open while travelling. The travel destinations that an LGBTQ+ person chooses, and the way in which they travel is a very personal decision, and we encourage everyone to do what feels right to them.

Keep reading to find out how lesbian friendly Uruguay is!

LGBTQ+ Laws

The laws regarding LGBTQ+ people in Uruguay are some of the most progressive in all of South America (and maybe even the whole world), due to its strict separation of church and state. Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized in 1934, and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2013. Uruguay was the first Latin American country to legalize civil unions for same-sex partners, which they did back in 2008, and in 2009 they approved a law for same-sex couples to be able to adopt. Now, same-sex partners have equal access to all family planning including IVF. There has been discrimination protection in place for LGBTQ+ people in Uruguay since 2003, and in recent years the country has made very progressive steps in equality for people of all gender identities. On Uruguayan identity documents, there is an “other” option for those who do not identify as male or female. Other LGBTQ+ rights worth noting are that gay men can donate blood in Uruguay with no deferral period, and gay conversion therapy is banned on minors. Uruguay is absolutely a leader in equality for the LGBTQ+ community, and it’s incredible to see!

Social Climate

In 2016, Americas Quarterly Magazine named Uruguay the most LGBTQ+ friendly country in Latin America. They called it “a model for social inclusion in Latin America”. Uruguay ranks as #5 on the Gay Happiness Index, and polls show that the acceptance of same-sex couples and homosexuality in the country is very high, though numbers suggest that acceptance of trans people is lower. One of Uruguay’s largest annual events is their Pride Parade that takes place in the city of Montevideo in September. It’s been happening since the 1990’s and drew crowds of around 120,000 people in 2018. There is also a Pride Parade that takes place each year in February in Punta del Este, called Punta Pride. In 2016, Uruguay was host to the first International LGBT Rights Conference, with important issues being addressed by activists and politicians from around the world. Uruguay is definitely considered to be a very LGBTQ+ friendly country to visit, and one of the most open and accepting destinations in South America. 

Gaybourhoods

The most prominent LGBTQ+ scene in Uruguay is in the capital city of Montevideo. It is often referred to as one of the most gay friendly cities in the world, with gay nightlife and LGBTQ+ friendly businesses and establishments. While the venues are scattered around the city, there are numerous spots to have a drink, go out dancing, and be around other members of the community. The most popular gay bar is called Chains Pub, while the best known late night venues for clubbing/dancing are Il Tempo and Cain Club. There are no venues specifically for gay women, but all establishments seem to be welcoming of everyone. There is also an LGBTQ+ monument located in the old town called The Plaza of Sexual Diversity and features a granite monolith. The monolith reads “Honouring diversity is honouring life: Montevideo for the respect of every gender, identity, and sexual orientation”. Aside from Montevideo, Punta del Este is also a very welcoming destination in Uruguay. There isn’t a designated gaybourhood, but many gay friendly establishments. Overall, Uruguay is a country where you can absolutely feel safe and welcomed, and also experience some local gay culture. It’s an amazing LGBTQ+ friendly destination in South America!

Our Experience

Steph visited Uruguay for the first time back in 2005, and we visited together on our South American trip in 2019. We spent our time in both Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo, and absolutely loved it. Knowing that the LGBTQ+ laws in Uruguay are so supportive, we felt completely safe and at ease during our travels. We had a wonderful experience exploring the cities, and felt comfortable being out and open in public at all times. The locals were very welcoming to us, and we didn’t get any unwanted attention. It felt very safe to be open as a same-sex couple. We love visiting countries that support us as lesbian women, and were so happy to experience Uruguay together. Colonia is a beautiful historic city that is both charming and picturesque. We loved spending all afternoon wandering through the cobblestone streets and admiring the colonial architecture. Montevideo is Uruguay’s capital city and is much bigger and more metropolitan. It’s been named the 5th most gay-friendly metropolis in the world, and the 1st in Latin America! We enjoyed exploring the old town, walking along the Rambla, and checking out some late night venues. We would happily return to Uruguay one day, and we would love to go to Punta del Este to enjoy its stunning beaches! We highly recommend Uruguay as a lesbian friendly travel destination for lesbian women and couples, it’s a very special place.

If you’re interested in travelling to Uruguay, be sure to read our Lesbian Guide to Colonia, and our Lesbian Guide to Montevideo!

Have you been to Uruguay? Share your experience in the comments below!

View our library of How Lesbian Friendly Is… articles here!

The post How Lesbian Friendly is Uruguay appeared first on Lez See the World.

What To Do

Visit the Plaza Independencia

The beautiful Plaza de la Independencia sits in the centre of Montevideo, and is the perfect jumping off point for a day of sight seeing! Separating the city’s downtown from its historic old town, the plaza is a popular attraction with some well known architectural landmarks. Be sure to check out the Gateway of the Citadel, the Artigas Maosoleum, the Palacio Salvo, and the Teatro Solis.

Explore the Ciudad Vieja

Montevideo’s old town is called the Ciudad Vieja, and is a great place to get lost for a day. It has plenty of history and cultural museums if that interests you, as well as a lot of other popular landmarks. Look out for the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Plaza Matriz, as well as some beautiful views of the water from San Juan Gate. There is also a popular historic market called the Mercado del Puerto with plenty of bars and restaurants, as well as a lively nightlife scene with cocktail bars scattered around the area.

Enjoy the Peatonal Sarandi

The historic old town also has an amazing pedestrian zone called the Peatonal Sarandi. It starts at the Ciudadela and runs down to the Rambla. Here you will find plenty of shops, businesses, cafes, and galleries, and it’s a great spot to people watch and enjoy the energy of the city.

Stroll Along the Rambla de Montevideo

This avenue wraps along the coastline of the entire city, and is the longest sidewalk in the world! The promenade is a popular spot for walking, cycling, fishing, and roller skating, and is a beautiful place to enjoy the views of the water. The Rambla is extremely important to Montevideo and has even been proposed as a World Heritage Site. Be sure to spend some time here soaking up the sun.

Explore Downtown Montevideo

Avenida 18 de Julio, is the main commercial street running through the city’s downtown. Named after the date of Uruguay’s first constitution, it’s a very important avenue in Montevideo and a great jumping off point for exploring the city centre.

Check out the City Beaches

If you’re looking to get out and enjoy some of the beautiful beaches Montevideo has to offer, there are plenty of city beaches you can visit! The closest is Playa Ramirez, and a little further out are Pocitos Beach, Playa Verde, Carrasco Beach, Playa del Buceo, and Malvin Beach. A perfect way to escape the city and relax!

Where to Stay

Montevideo is a fairly big city, and deciding where to stay really depends on what you’re looking for. If you decide to go the hotel route, most hotels in Montevideo are located in the downtown area and along the nearby beaches. There are both big chain hotels as well as smaller boutique hotels to fit every price point. If you choose to stay in the downtown area, you’ll be very close to the historic old town and you will definitely find some affordable options. If you want to stay in one of the beautiful areas near the beaches, you’ll be farther away from the city centre but in a really lovely spot by the water. If you’re looking to book hotel accommodations, our favourite tool is Hotels.com. It’s easy to search within a certain price range, and filter for the amenities that you like. They also have a great reward system – for every ten nights you book, you receive one night free. Outside of hotels, there aren’t a lot of accommodation options in Montevideo. We were able to find an Airbnb in the old town for our stay, but there were very few apartments to choose from. If you enjoy using Airbnb like we do, it’s definitely worth taking a look to see what’s available and hopefully you can get lucky like we did! We found a full studio apartment with a kitchen for $36CAD/night. If you’ve never used Airbnb before, click here to set up a profile and save on your first stay!

Where to Eat & Drink

The food scene in Montevideo keeps getting better and better, and is especially geared toward meat eaters. While the culinary offerings are quite diverse, the city is very popular for barbecue and steak. We noticed a small but growing trend in health conscious establishments focused on vegetarian or fully plant-based menus, but not as many as in nearby Buenos Aires. A popular spot for meat eaters is the Mercado del Puerto, a historic port market where you will find plenty of steakhouses. For cozy cafes, try La Farmacia in the old town or Cafe Gourmand and Escaramuza Libros in the city centre. For more upscale dining, Jacinto is a very popular spot for dinner, and Toledo is the place for tapas. If you’re vegan like us, and looking for plant-based options, Natural Food & Market is the perfect spot for lunch, Barra 7 is great for late night eats, and Bambu is a wonderful vegetarian buffet. Montevideo also has a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars and music venues scattered around the city. You really can’t go wrong! Some popular spots include Baar Fun Fun, Patagonia Brewing Co, and the Montevideo Wine Experience. Keep reading for some specifically LGBTQ+ friendly bars and venues.

Lesbian Friendly

Uruguay has some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ laws in South America, and is very LGBTQ+ friendly, even by global standards. Click here for more on how lesbian friendly the country of Uruguay is. Montevideo has been called one of the most gay friendly cities in the world, and is very welcoming of travellers. Uruguay legalized same-sex marriage back in 2013, and they’ve had discrimination protections in place for the community since 2003. We felt very safe travelling to Montevideo as a lesbian couple, and had no issues at all while we were exploring the city. We showed affection in public, held hands in the street, took couple photos togethers, and booked an Airbnb with a local host as a married couple. We never felt the need to hide our relationship to stay safe, and everyone we met was very warm to us. Montevideo is one of the few cities in the world with a monument to recognize our community. In 2004, The Plaza of Sexual Diversity was created, featuring a large granite monolith in the shape of a triangle (referencing the pink triangles worn during Nazi persecution). The monolith reads “Honouring diversity is honouring life: Montevideo for the respect of every gender, identity, and sexual orientation”, which is pretty incredible! In terms of a gay scene or “gaybourhood”, the LGBTQ+ establishments in Montevideo are scattered around the city rather than being concentrated in one area. As usual, the gay nightlife is geared toward men, but establishments are still welcoming of gay women. The most popular and well known gay bar/late night venue is called Chains Pub and is located downtown near Plaza de la Independencia. For late night dancing, the most popular gay club/disco is Cain Club, which is also located downtown. Il Tempo is another gay disco located further out of the city centre, close to Playa Ramirez. Montevideo is definitely a lesbian friendly spot to visit in Uruguay. If you’re looking for a welcoming South American city to check out, be sure to add Montevideo to your travel list!

How to Get Here and How to Get Around

Ferry

To get to Montevideo from Buenos Aires, Argentina, you can take a ferry across the Rio de la Plata. There are a few different companies to choose from, but in our opinion the fastest and best option is Buquebus. You can book your tickets online in advance, and they have several sailings per day, so it’s easy to choose a departure that works with your schedule.  Buquebus offers two options to get to Montevideo – a direct ferry, and a ferry and bus combination through Colonia. The direct ferry is faster, but more expensive, and the combination offers more sailing times, but will take longer. The direct sailing time from Buenos Aires to Colonia is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, and the ferry and bus option will take roughly 4.5 hours. Be sure to arrive at the Puerto Madero terminal in Buenos Aires at least an hour before departure time (the ticket says to arrive two hours before, but nobody actually does). Once you arrive, you can check in with an agent and check any larger pieces of luggage. After check in, you’ll head upstairs and go through exit immigration for Argentina, as well as entry immigration for Uruguay. There is also a nice waiting area with a cafe before you board.

Bus

Getting to and from Montevideo by bus is also very straight forward. If you’re travelling by bus, most likely you’ll be coming from Colonia or Punta Del Este. There are multiple daily bus departures with Turil, Cot and Copsa. If your schedule is flexible, it’s no problem to buy your ticket at the bus station when you arrive, but we’d recommend purchasing your tickets ahead of time online to ensure you have a seat. Urubus is a great website for booking tickets ahead of time, and has multiple languages to choose from for convenience. If it’s a weekend or holiday, then you should definitely book ahead of time, as buses can get busy! The buses are inexpensive, tend to be on time, and have wifi, so the 3 hour trip from Colonia or 2 hour trip from Punta Del Este will be very comfortable.

Walk

The different areas of Montevideo are very walkable, and great to explore on foot. In the old town, the pedestrian street is perfect to stroll along, and the Rambla is a beautiful walk along the water with incredible views. It’s more difficult to walk between the different neighbourhoods in the city, but each area in itself is quite pedestrian friendly.

Bike

We saw a lot of people riding bikes in Montevideo, and it definitely seems like a good way to get around. Just be mindful of the cars on the road, because the drivers tend to drive very close to cyclists. There is a city bike share called Movete, where you can pick up a docked bike and return it to any designated spot in the city.

E-Scooter

The mode of transportation we were most excited to see in the city is the e-scooter network. Montevideo has both Lime and Grin scooters, and they both work the same way. Once you have the app (the Lime app is the same for all of their scooter networks worldwide), you can unlock any scooter you see and take it for a ride. Once you’re finished, simply park the scooter in a spot that’s out of the way, and lock it using your phone. Riding along the Rambla on a scooter is a great way to see the area, although we’d be hesitant to ride everywhere in the city because the cobblestone streets might make for a bumpy ride!

Taxi/Rideshare

Taxis and Ubers are plentiful in the city. Rates are quite a bit higher than in Argentina because of Uruguay’s high gas prices, but they’re still much lower than what we’re used to in North America. Taxis in Uruguay have an evening/Sunday and daytime pricing scale, so expect your rate to be different depending on the time of day.

Public Transportation

There is no subway system in Montevideo, but the bus network is reliable and inexpensive. Buses don’t run late, but there are more taxis on the road after public transportation hours end, so you’ll never be stuck.

Has anyone else fallen in love with Montevideo? Let us know in the comments!

The post Lesbian Travel Guide to Montevideo, Uruguay appeared first on Lez See the World.

What To Do

Explore the Barrio Histórico

Colonia’s historic quarter is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a must see when visiting the small city. This area was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century, and is full of cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture. Take some time to stroll around the old town and look out for the City Gate, the Basilica of the Holy Sacrament, and the Colonia Lighthouse.

Relax in Plaza Mayor

Colonia’s main square sits in the centre of town lined with trees, and is a beautiful place to sit and people watch. Be sure to spend some time here soaking up the sun and enjoying the views!

Visit the El Faro Lighthouse

Colonia’s iconic lighthouse is certainly worth a visit. You can pay a small fee to climb up to the top and enjoy stunning views of the Rio de la Plata. It dates back to the 1850’s and is located on part of the ruins of an ancient convent.

Discover the Old Harbour

Colonia has a beautiful waterfront with walking paths, a small pier, stretches of sandy beach, and stunning views. Be sure to walk down to the harbour and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. You might even see some rowers on the water.

Take a Walk down Avenida General Flores

In the heart of the city, this main street is where you will find most of the shopping, cafes, and restaurants. It’s not just a popular spot for tourists, but is also very busy with locals. It’s certainly worth it to go for a stroll, and enjoy the lively environment.

Where to Stay

Colonia del Sacramento is very small, and most accommodations are right in the centre of town. There are only a couple of chain hotels, and there are plenty of smaller inns and boutique hotels all for very reasonable prices. If you choose to stay somewhere near the old town, you will be within walking distance to all of the sites! If you’re looking to book hotel accommodations, our favourite tool is Hotels.com. It’s easy to search within a certain price range, and filter for the amenities that you like. They also have a great reward system – for every ten nights you book, you receive one night free. Outside of hotels, there aren’t a lot of accommodation options in Colonia. We were able to find an Airbnb for our stay, but there weren’t many apartments to choose from. If you enjoy using Airbnb like we do, it’s definitely worth taking a look to see what’s available! We found a full one bedroom apartment with a kitchen and patio for $33CAD/night. If you’ve never used Airbnb before, click here to set up a profile and save on your first stay!

Where to Eat & Drink

Colonia is very small, but there are plenty of cafes and restaurants scattered around the city centre and the old town. Don’t be afraid to go exploring down the side streets to find a cute patio for a meal or a drink. We did notice that there isn’t a lot of diverse cuisine, and we struggled to find plant based options and really healthy food. Our favourite spot that we came across which was on the Avenida General Flores, was called Irene’s Natural Foods. Be sure to check it out for lunch or dinner if you’re looking for something vegan! If you don’t have any dietary restrictions, some popular places to eat include Charco Bistro, El Buen Suspiro, and Lentas Maravillas. And if you’re looking for a nice cocktail, head to Gitana Gastrobar. This one is also a perfect spot to watch the sunset, which is absolutely gorgeous in Colonia!

Lesbian Friendly

Uruguay has some of the most progressive laws regarding LGBTQ+ people in all of South America, and possibly some of the best in the world! Same-sex marriage was made legal in 2013, and they’ve had discrimination protections in place since 2003. Click here for more on how lesbian friendly the country of Uruguay is. We felt very safe exploring the city of Colonia as a same-sex couple, and had no issues at all while we were visiting. We held hands and showed affection in public, took photos kissing in the street, and booked an Airbnb apartment with a local host as an open lesbian couple. We never felt the need to hide our relationship for safety reasons, and we found the locals to be very warm and welcoming to us. Because Colonia is so small, there really isn’t a “gay scene”. If you’re looking for gay culture in Uruguay, it will definitely be best to visit nearby Montevideo! In Colonia, the city is quiet and quaint, and you won’t find any gay bars or rainbow crosswalks. But that being said, it’s a very welcoming place and is certainly a lesbian friendly spot to visit in Uruguay. If you’re looking for a picturesque destination with old historic charm, don’t hesitate to add Colonia del Sacramento to your list!

How to Get Here and How to Get Around

Ferry

To get to Colonia del Sacramento from Buenos Aires, Argentina, you can take a ferry across the Rio de la Plata. There are a few different companies to choose from, but in our opinion the fastest and best option is Buquebus. You can book your tickets online in advance, and they have several sailings per day so it’s easy to choose a departure that works with your schedule. The sailing time from Buenos Aires to Colonia is approximately 1 hour. Be sure to arrive at the Puerto Madero terminal in Buenos Aires at least an hour before departure time (the ticket says to arrive two hours before, but nobody actually does). Once you arrive, you can check in with an agent and check any larger pieces of luggage. After check in, you’ll head upstairs and go through exit immigration for Argentina, as well as entry immigration for Uruguay. There is also a nice waiting area with a cafe before you board. When you arrive in Colonia, you’ll be about a 10-15 minute walk from everywhere in town!

Bus

Getting to and from Colonia by bus is also very straight forward. Most likely, you’ll be going to or coming from Montevideo, and there are multiple daily bus departures with Turil and Cot. If your schedule is flexible, it’s no problem to buy your ticket at the bus station when you arrive, but we’d recommend purchasing your tickets ahead of time online to ensure you have a seat. If it’s a weekend or holiday, then you should definitely book ahead of time, as buses can get busy! The buses are inexpensive, tend to be on time, and have wifi, so the three hour trip to or from Montevideo will be very comfortable.

Walk

Colonia del Sacramento is very small and walkable. If you’re able to, exploring the city centre and the old town is great to do on foot! Nothing is too far, and you can easily see the main sights all in one day.

Taxi

Since Colonia is so small it’s unlikely that you’ll need a taxi, but there are taxis available if you want one. If you’re arriving at the ferry terminal or bus station with luggage, you can easily find a taxi to take you to your accommodations. Be sure to have your taxi driver run the meter rather than offer you a flat rate.

Golf Cart

Driving around town in a golf cart seems to be popular way for tourists to explore! There are several rental companies around town, and they are easy to find, especially near the bus station and ferry terminal. You need your driver’s license in order to do a rental, and there’s no need to book advance. You can rent by the hour or by the day, and it’s a fun way to get around town!

Has anyone else fallen in love with Colonia del Sacramento? Let us know in the comments!

The post Lesbian Travel Guide to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay appeared first on Lez See the World.