Where to Stay

The Willamette River that runs through the city, divides Portland into the East side and West side. Depending on what your preferences are, both sides are great places to stay when you come for a visit.

East Side

East Portland is the perfect spot to stay if you like to live like a local when you travel. It’s home to charming neighbourhoods, as well as some of the best restaurants, bars, and cafes the city has to offer. As a whole, Portland is very inclusive and welcoming of the LGBTQ+ community, and the east side feels particularly so. You will see signs on front lawns saying that “diversity is celebrated here”, “love wins”, and “all people are equal”. And in the windows of businesses all over the city are posters stating that all sexual orientations and genders are welcome. East Portland also has some neighbourhoods that are especially popular among the lesbian community specifically, including the Hawthorne and Alberta areas. Our favourite east side spot is the Buckman neighbourhood, which is walking distance to the best parks, cafes, and breweries. If you choose to stay in East Portland, we recommend booking an Airbnb so you can have a local’s experience. 

West Side

West Portland is a really great choice if you want to be downtown and in the middle of all the action. It’s neighbourhoods are lively and eclectic, and the West side of the city is home to some of Portland’s most iconic spots. The downtown area is full of great places to stay at adorable boutique hotels, and is perfect if you love being in the centre of the city. Our favourite neighbourhood on the west side is the Pearl District, which is filled with artisan cafes, indie shops, galleries, museums, and great restaurants. It has undeniable charm and energy. West Portland is also home to some of Portland’s gay nightlife, as well as the best shopping, food trucks, and a Saturday market. If you choose to stay in West Portland, we recommend staying at Staypineapple. Staypineapple has locations throughout the US and is incredibly dog friendly! They also have free bike rentals, so you can explore Portland like a local!

What to Do

Portland is the city of amazing food, the best coffee, and incredible craft beer. So naturally we love it! It’s also full of beautiful green spaces, independent shops, and quirky businesses. Below is our list of “must dos” for your trip, and includes all of the things that are iconically Portland!

Powell’s City of Books

Powell’s is a landmark in Portland. Located in the Pearl District, this independent book shop sells both new and used books, including rare and out of print publications, and is the largest of it’s kind in the world. Covering an entire city block, a visit to Powell’s can easily eat up an afternoon, but it will be well worth it. 

Food Carts

Portland has hundreds of food carts scattered around the city, and many of them are organized into food cart pods, or lots with multiple carts. You can’t visit PDX without hitting up a food cart, and because there are so many, you’ll easily find one that you love.

City Parks

Portland has a number of beautiful parks to visit including Washington Park, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Forest Park, Mt. Tabor Park, Rhododendron Garden, and the Portland Japanese Gardens. The city boasts itself on being full of green space, and you can pretty much find a beautiful park to admire in any Portland neighbourhood. 

Women’s Soccer

Portland is an awesome place to catch a women’s soccer game! The Portland Thorns are reigning NWSL champions and draw an incredible crowd. They boast a roster full of fan favourites such as Christine Sinclair, Tobin Heath, and Adrianna Franch. The team has an enthusiastic official supporters club, the Rose City Riveters, who help to create an incredible stadium atmosphere. Support for the women’s team cannot be compared, and they often draw crowds of more than 20,000 spectators. The story of this team has been heralded as one of the biggest success stories in women’s sports, and their partnership with the men’s team is just that; a partnership. The women have access to the same facilities, resources, and staff as the men’s team, and many of the players have said that, in rare fashion, the female players are treated equality to their male counterparts. For an amazing experience and to show your support to this amazing organization, be sure to catch a game while you’re in town!

Historic Cinemas

Put it on your list to catch a film while you’re visiting Portland! The city has so many amazing historic theatres that are independently run, scattered all over the East and West sides of the city. Laurelhurst Theater, Clinton Street Theater, McMenamins Theater, Cinema 21, Cinemagic, Academy Theater, Hollywood Theatre, Roseway Theater, Moreland Theater, Joy Cinema, and the list goes on.

Craft Breweries

If you’re into craft beer, then you’re visiting the right place. Portland is known for it’s incredible craft breweries, and amazing patios! Liquor laws in the city are strictly enforced though, so be prepared when you go out. If you’re non-American, you will need an international passport as a valid ID. See below for our favourite Portland breweries and pubs.

Where to Eat

Portland has a really great food scene, and it’s one of the reasons why it’s such an awesome city to visit. It’s also a city that caters to many different dietary needs, especially vegan. PDX has been a leader in the plant-based food scene for years (even before it was trendy), and continues to offer amazing vegan options at most cafes and restaurants, as well as fully plant-based establishments that are fantastic. There is a vegan mini mall on Stark Street on the East side that includes our favourite Portland cafe Sweetpea Baking Co., as well as a vegan grocery store, and vegan clothing shop with animal friendly fashion and house wares. There is the well known doughnut shop, Voodoo Doughnut, which offers delicious vegan doughnuts, and the most amazing plant-based pizza place called Virtuous Pie. Portland has tons of vegan dining options, including casual daytime spots like Prasad, and Rabbits Cafe on the West side, and Papa G’s Vegan Organic Deli on the East side. It also has some great vegan dinner spots including a modern Middle Eastern and Israeli restaurant called Aviv, and a South American eatery called Epif. Portland really has it all, from food carts, to upscale dining. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find it!

Where to Drink

Coffee

There are hundreds of cafes in Portland, and most of them serve really good coffee. You’ll be able to get a solid latte pretty much everywhere you go, but when it comes to the actual quality of the coffee the only thing that really matters is the beans. If you’re looking for a top quality single origin pour over coffee, be sure to look out for these local roasters while you’re in Portland. All of these roasters have direct relationships with the farmers they buy their beans from, and pay appropriately for the superior quality they ask for. So even though these coffees will cost you more than your regular cup, it’s worth it for the exquisite nuances in flavour, and for the fact that the extra dollar or two is contributing to a fair wage for the workers at the source.

Heart Roasters

I love Heart, and I often pick up their beans at home in Vancouver, BC. They carry a variety of beans from Central and South America as well as Africa, and their delicate roasts tend to be more on the fruity and floral side. If you’re looking for people who know their coffee, go to Heart! But you’re going to have to drink your coffee hot, since the idea of iced coffee is sacrilegious to their Finnish owner.

Coava Coffee Roasters

This unique roasting company was started by a guy roasting coffee out of his garage! All the roasters on this list have great relationships with their producers, but this guy takes it to the next level. The incredibly high level of quality in the beans they source not only gives us amazing coffee to drink, it also helps the producers of these top notch beans pay their workers well.

Ristretto Roasters

Ristretto is all about small batch roasting, and they roast their beans daily, so they’re always fresh. They tend to stick to medium roasts, and have a variety of single origins and blends that change seasonally. Again, I would stick to the single origins to get a full appreciation for their quality.

Stumptown Roasters

Chances are you’ve heard of Stumptown. They pretty much put Portland on the map when it comes to high quality coffee. Now you can find their beans and cafes all over the country, including several in NYC. They roast beans from the usual locations such as Africa and Central America, but also have a direct trade relationship with producers in Indonesia, which is less common for single origin roasters. Stumptown carries several blends, but I would suggest sticking to their single origin beans!

Beer

Portland definitely has no shortage of amazing craft breweries, and one of the hardest decisions to make when visiting is what spots to choose! The city also happens to have an exorbitant variety of our favourite styles of beer, which can be harder to find in other parts of the country – most specifically, sours and hazy IPAs. Here are a few of our favourite bars and breweries, and why we love them so much!

Cascade

Cascade is like the holy grail of sour beers. They have over a dozen sour beers on tap at any given time, and are definitely considered specialists in the genre. Their beers are skillfully barrel aged and can run on the expensive side, but if you enjoy sour beers, then Cascade is a must when you’re in Portland! Bonus: their patio is now dog friendly!

Ecliptic

Ecliptic is a relatively young Portland Brewery and was founded by the former Deschutes brewmaster responsible for many of their signature beers. Ecliptic is quirky and creative and I always enjoy seeing the interesting brews they come up with. They always have delicious hazy IPAs and creative sours, so they tend to keep us both happy!

Deschutes

The Deschutes brewery is located in Bend, Oregon, but they have a pub in a very central spot in downtown Portland. They have a well-rounded line up of year round beers, and an eclectic list of seasonals, special releases, and experimental beers. This pub will definitely have something for every type of beer drinker in your group. 

Loyal Legion

If you’re looking to sample a variety of Oregon beers, but you only want to go to one spot, then look no further! The Loyal Legion is a trendy beer hall with 99 Oregon craft beers on tap! If you’re indecisive… good luck! They have vegan food options, and beers to satisfy every taste.

*If you want to ensure your drinks are vegan, try using this handy tool: Barnivore is a site that allows you to search for your favourite beers, wines, and liquors, to make sure they’re vegan friendly!

Lesbian Scene

Portland doesn’t have a designated “gaybourhood” because there are multiple neighbourhoods that are popular with the LGBTQ+ community, and there are queer establishments all over the city. As we mentioned above, there are a couple of specifically lesbian friendly neighbourhoods on the East side, but overall, the entire city is very welcoming. Our favourite place for queer women in the city has to be a bar that opened up in 2022 called The Sports Bra. This amazing queer-owned space is a sports bar that shows only women’s sports, and queer women have flocked to it. We went to watch a WNBA playoff game and the place was packed! Another new queer spot, a lesbian bar called Doc Marie’s has recently opened up in Portland, but not without controversy. It you’re looking for some nightlife, and a place where you can go out with your partner, or maybe meet some other queer folx, we recommend Crush, a mixed bar on the East side in the Buckman neighbourhood. Crush has been voted the best queer bar in Portland every year since 2015, and they host meet-ups and social events for different members of the community, as well as newbies to the scene. We spent a night out at Crush and felt completely at ease with the crowd. It felt really inclusive, and there were plenty of other queer women and couples enjoying a night out, mixed in with other folx in the community. Other popular spots for lesbians and other LGBTQ+ people include Holocene, and Scandals, and there are also dance parties for women that happen monthly called Hot Flash Productions. The gay culture in Portland is vibrant, visible, and everywhere! It feels like one of the most gay friendly cities we’ve ever visited, and that’s another reason why we love it so much.

Dog Friendly

We love travelling with our small, 8lbs dog Theo, and find ourselves visiting dog friendly cities again and again. Portland is a very dog friendly destination, another reason why it’s such a wonderful place. Although the state of Oregon has strict regulations that don’t allow dogs inside cafes and restaurants (this is standard in the US), Portland has tons of dog friendly patios! Many of them make their patios super comfy with heaters and blankets so pet lovers can keep bringing their doggies out even in the chillier months. Some places even offer dog items on the menu! On top of having plenty of dog friendly patios, Portland also has a lot of dog parks (far more than most cities), so there are plenty of places to bring your furry friend. Our favourite Portland spot to bring our pup is Java Hound Cafe, a pet supply store with a coffee bar in the front entrance, where you can enjoy a latte with your dog. Theo was lucky enough to score a puppuccino on our last visit, and all of the staff were very friendly to him. Portlanders love their dogs, and they are allowed in many shops and businesses as long as they don’t serve food. It’s a great city to visit with your canine companion, with plenty of dog friendly activities, and it’s nice knowing that the locals are all dog lovers themselves. We choose to stay in pet friendly Airbnb’s when we road trip to Portland, because it’s comfy for Theo, and they’re often near parks where he can run around and play. 

How to Get Around

Whenever we visit Portland, we road trip down and visit with a car. We find it to be a fairly drivable city, however there are a lot of one way streets and cyclists, and like any major city, parking downtown is expensive. For this reason, and because there is so much great beer to drink, we tend to use other means of transportation to get around the city once we arrive, and Portlanders seem to do the same thing. The city as a whole is very environmentally conscious, so you will see a lot of locals riding bikes, using ride shares and car shares, walking, and taking public transit. Here are some of the best ways to get around Portland.

On Foot

Portland is a walkable city within the different neighbourhoods. For example, if you’re hanging out on the East side on Alberta Street, there are many places to walk to in that area, but getting to other spots in the city on foot would be tricky since some pockets are quite spread out. Once you find your way between the different Portland neighbourhoods, walk around and feel the vibes of the different communities!

Ride-Sharing

Uber and Lyft are both available in Portland, and trips from the East side to downtown and vice versa are only around $8. We used this option several times when we stayed in East Portland and wanted to get across the river, and it was hassle free and fairly inexpensive.

Public Transit

Portland has a well-serviced network of buses, light-rail, and streetcars to get you all over the city. They used to have a free transit zone in the downtown core, however they discontinued the complementary service in 2012. This means you now have to pay for your trip on public transit, but the fares are very reasonable ($2.50 for an adult single ride or $5 for a day pass).

Bike Share

The bike sharing network in Portland is called Biketown, the name paying homage to the Nike sportswear giant who got their humble, waffle iron start in Oregon. The bike share is easy to use through a simple app on your phone, and seems to be quite popular. There is a $5 sign up fee, and then all trips are billed at 8 cents per minute. Unlike other bike shares, bikes must be docked at designated docking stations, and cannot be left anywhere once you’re finished with them. 

Scooter Share

Our favourite growing trend is the introduction of shared electric scooters that are scattered around cities all around the world. Scooters are a great way to get around Portland, because there are so many bike lanes and paths to ride on safely. Be sure to download the apps Lime,  Bird and Spin to try zipping around the city!

Has anyone else fallen in love with Portland? Let us know your favourite things about the city in the comments below!

The post Lesbian Travel Guide to Portland, Oregon appeared first on Lez See the World.

What To Do

Stroll Along Palm Canyon Drive

This main street through downtown Palm Springs is very pedestrian friendly! Be sure to spend some time wandering down Palm Canyon Drive checking out vintage shops, boutiques, sidewalk cafes, and restaurants while you soak up the sun.

Go to the Gaybourhood

The Arenas District is where you will find the heart of gay culture in Palm Springs! Arenas Road is packed full of businesses that are committed to welcoming the LGBTQ+ community with open arms. Come here for queer owned shops and restaurants, gay bars and clubs, and the list goes on. Don’t miss it.

Visit the Moorten Botanical Garden

This small, family owned garden has been around since the 1930’s and is the perfect spot to admire desert plants from around the world. There is a small admission fee as well as guided tours you can book in advance, or you can explore on your own. It’s also a great spot to take photos!

Check out the Palm Springs Art Museum

A great way to spend an afternoon if you want to get out of the heat. Check out the local art museum to see beautiful collections of paintings and sculptures.

Go on an Architecture Tour

Palm Springs is well known for its mid-century modern architecture. Take a drive through town and check out some well known architectural landmarks, and admire the many famous houses in the area!

Take the Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the biggest rotating tram in the world, and offers breathtaking views of the area. Ride the tram two and a half miles through Chino Canyon, up to San Jacinto State Park. At the top there are hiking trails, observation decks, restaurants and a visitor centre/museum.

Check out a Festival

Palm Springs hosts tons of great festivals and events each year like Coachella, the Desert Arts Festival, Modernism Week, Stagecoach, the Palm Springs Film Festival, and Palm Desert Food & Wine. And of course there is the annual Pride festival (more on that below)! Plan your visit around the busy events calendar and be sure to book in advance!

Where to Stay

In Palm Springs you will likely want to be close to the centre of town, which means a hotel is going to be your best option! Most homes and Airbnbs are going to be further out, so it is worth it in our opinion to opt for central hotel accommodations. Palm Springs is FULL of amazing boutique hotels that range from intimate and low-key, to over the top and lavish with incredible amenities. Pretty much any hotel you find will include a pool (a must in Palm Springs), so be ready to relax poolside! Some popular properties include The Parker Palm Springs, Avalon Palm Springs, Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Korakia Pensione, Riviera Palm Springs, and the Saguaro Palm Springs. If you’re looking for a certain vibe be sure to do your research, as some properties will have more of a party atmosphere while others will be quieter and more relaxing. If you don’t have your heart set on a particular property, we recommend looking to book hotel accommodations using a tool like Hotels.com if you’re booking in advance. 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’re looking for great deals on last minute accommodations try Hotel Tonight. Their app is extremely user friendly, and you can find some amazing deals if your plans are flexible. Sign up via our link and receive $30 off your first reservation! Palm Springs does have plenty of gay owned and gay friendly hotel properties, but after looking into them we found that they all advertise specifically to gay men. We would love to see something lesbian owned or marketed specifically to lesbians! For gay women and female same-sex couples, you will likely feel most comfortable booking at a regular hotel that is inclusive and welcoming to women.

Where to Eat & Drink

Palm Springs is a great dining destination, and you will be sure to find some top notch restaurants and eateries to check out during your visit. The food scene continues to evolve and offers everything from romantic bistros to casual daytime healthy cafes. Whatever it is you’re looking for, you should have a pretty easy time finding it in Palm Springs! In the mornings, head to a sidewalk cafe in downtown Palm Springs for breakfast or brunch. Popular breakfast spots include Wilma & Frieda, Trio, Cheeky’s, and Grand Central Palm Springs. If you eat plant-based like us, MidMod Cafe is a great option for vegan brunch! For lunch, head to 4 Saints restaurant in the Kimpton, Wexler’s Deli, the old school classic Sherman’s Deli, or King’s Highway diner. In the evenings, great dinner options include longstanding steakhouse Mr. Lyons, modern Japanese restaurant Sandfish Sushi, farm-to-table Workshop Kitchen & Bar, and mega popular Vietnamese hotspot Rooster and the Pig. Palm Springs also has a thriving happy hour and bar scene, there are plenty of great places to grab a drink while you’re in town! For tropical cocktails head to Bootlegger Tiki, for happy hour beers go to Village Pub, and for cool vintage vibes head to Seymour’s. There are also tons of amazing hotel bars like High Bar at the Kimpton Rowan, Draughtsman at Arrive Palm Springs, El Jefe at The Saguaro Hotel, and the Amigo Room at Ace Hotel & Swim Club. If you’re looking to have a drink in a specifically LGBTQ+ friendly space, check out Blackbook Bar & Kitchen, Retroroom Lounge, and other great gay hotspots in the Arenas District. Enjoy!

Lesbian Friendly

As mentioned, Palm Springs is a very gay friendly travel destination! Similar to other LGBTQ+ travel hotspots much of it is catered toward gay men, but Palm Springs does have a lot of events for lesbian women. Southern California as a whole is very welcoming to the community, and the state is very liberal when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is banned, and same-sex couples have equal legal rights. Palm Springs is definitely very progressive, and we would consider it to be a very safe and inclusive travel destination. The biggest lesbian event in Palm Springs is of course Dinah Shore, which is an annual 5 day party/festival. It’s actually considered one of the largest lesbian events in the USA and the world! Aside from Dinah, Palm Springs Pride (which happens annually each November) also offers a lot of lesbian events including The Dyke March and several lesbian parties. The LGBT Community Centre of the Desert keeps a running list of the many other events and meet ups for women in Palm Springs, you can check that out here. This tourism page also has a lot of great info on events and local community groups! We felt very comfortable being out and open during our visit to Palm Springs, and we saw plenty of other same-sex couples while we were there. If you’re looking to be around the community, definitely head to the gaybourhood – the Arenas District. Here you will find plenty of gay owned businesses, bars, and clubs. You will also find plenty of Pride flags in the windows of businesses all over downtown. It’s so nice to feel welcome and know that a travel destination is inclusive of our community! If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway in Southern California that is lesbian friendly, be sure to add Palm Springs to your list!

How to Get Around

Walk

Downtown Palm Springs is very walkable, and there is plenty to see! We highly recommend walking down Palm Canyon Drive and exploring the rest of the downtown area on foot if you can.

Bike

Palm Springs is a great city to bike in because it’s very flat and has plenty of bike lanes. A lot of the hotels will offer bikes for guests to use during their stay, and there are also a couple of places you can rent bikes in town.

Ride Share

Both Uber and Lyft are available in Palm Springs and are a very convenient way to get around. There should be plenty of drivers available if you need them! If you’ve never used a ride share before, click the links above for discounts on your first rides!

Taxi

If you don’t want to use a ride share app, taxis are also available in Palm Springs. You should have no problem hailing a cab in downtown Palm Springs on weekends, but it may be trickier during the week and in different parts of the city. You can always call and order a car if needed.

Rent a Car

The most convenient way to get around Palm Springs is to rent a car and drive! Having your own vehicle is a great way to get around the city and also gives you the option of exploring other parts of Southern California on the same trip! Palm Springs is only a couple of hours away from LA or San Diego, and less than an hour from Joshua Tree. We rented a car for our trip from Hertz, which is the company we almost always use. They have a great loyalty program that allows us to earn points toward free rentals!

Public Transportation

Palm Springs does have public transport which can be a great affordable option for getting around the city. Check out more information on the Sunline Transit system here.

Is anyone else in love with Palm Springs? Let us know in the comments!

Be sure to read our articles for other Southern California destinations like Joshua Tree!

The post Lesbian Travel Guide to Palm Springs, California appeared first on Lez See the World.

What To Do

Explore the Town

Visiting the small town of Joshua Tree almost feels like you’re stepping back in time. It feels beautifully nostalgic and is a must visit. The “downtown” is small and has a simple general store and other locally owned shops. Be sure to stop by and know that your spendings will go directly back to the merchants and residents! Our favourite spot in town was definitely Joshua Tree Coffee Co. If you happen to visit over a weekend, swing by the Joshua Tree Farmer’s Market for locally grown produce and handmade goods.

Visit the National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is an incredibly unique region where the Colorado and Mojave deserts come together. It is stunningly beautiful and unlike anything we’ve ever seen! You can visit the park year round, and it spans about 800,000 acres. Admission for one vehicle is $30 and that gives you a 7 day permit to the park. You can also get individual passes if you enter the park on foot or bike. There is no cell service inside the park so be sure to plan accordingly, but there is wifi at the visitors centres if you need it! The park is huge and even during high season you will have plenty of room to hike, camp, explore, and enjoy. (If you do plan on camping be sure to book in advance). Some of the most popular landmarks in the park include Hidden Valley, the Barker Dam, Skull Rock, Arch Rock, Cholla Cactus Garden, Keys View, and the 49 Palms Canyon Trail. We also recommend doing your own exploring outside of the big attractions, because every inch of the park is truly gorgeous!

Attend an Annual Festival

Joshua Tree hosts a lot of different festivals each year including arts expos, film festivals, music festivals, and more. Check out the local event calendar to plan your visit!

Where to Stay

Camping is very popular in Joshua Tree! Aside from that, Airbnb is the best option, in our opinion. There aren’t a lot of hotels or inns in the area, and it’s really the kind of place that you want to experience like a local. Airbnb has tons of cool and unique listings in the area that will give you comfortable accommodations close to the town and the national park. We opted for a cozy little house close to an entrance of the park, and we had a full kitchen, laundry, and a big backyard. There was also a hot tub, which was perfect for relaxing and stargazing in the evenings! We highly recommend checking out which houses are available when you’re planning your trip. Especially if you’re travelling with a bigger group, this is a perfect option. 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 Joshua Tree is definitely quite limited, but there are a few great spots to check out in town. Natural Sisters Cafe is a great locally owned restaurant that offers healthy, organic food with plenty of plant-based options. For something a little more lively, there’s the restaurant at 29 Palms Inn. They offer lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, along with a full bar menu and live music some nights! The inn has been a Joshua Tree staple for more than 90 years. Aside from the limited selection of restaurants and cafes in the area, the best thing to do for food, in our opinion, is to come prepared! We did a big grocery shop at Trader Joe’s before we arrived in town, and we prepared most of our meals at our Airbnb. It was great to be able to make breakfast in the mornings, and pack ourselves a lunch to bring into the park. We also brought a bottle of wine to enjoy in the hot tub! We highly recommend planning to prepare some of your own food in Joshua Tree, especially if you are planning a longer stay.

Lesbian Friendly

Southern California is very welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community, and has many popular destinations for same-sex couples and gay travellers. Unlike cities like LA, San Francisco, and Palm Springs, which are overflowing with gay culture, Joshua Tree is a small town with no specific gaybourhood. That being said, the area certainly has a laid back, hipster, artist feel, and is certainly progressive and safe. The locals we came across in the town were all very kind and friendly, and we had no issues at all being open with our relationship in the park around other travellers. The state of California is very liberal when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, and they have been leaders in the equality movement for a number of years. The state legally bans discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, and same-sex couples have equal legal rights. We would definitely consider California to be a progressive state that is welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers, and we can certainly recommend Joshua Tree as an inclusive travel destination. A couple of years ago, Joshua Tree National Park shared a photo of a same-sex couple on their Instagram account to celebrate Pride, and of course there were plenty of angry comments (because the internet is full of homophobes). Park officials combatted the backlash by reminding everyone that “national parks are a safe space for all”, and asserting that “hateful comments would not be tolerated”. We love seeing support like that! If you’re looking for a unique getaway in Southern California that is lesbian friendly and incredibly beautiful, be sure to add Joshua Tree to your list!

How to Get Around

Rent a Vehicle

The best way to get around Joshua Tree is to rent a vehicle and drive! The national park is huge and very easy to access by car. There are main roads that take you through the park and plenty of pull offs. For popular attractions and hiking spots there are well maintained parking lots, and for smaller attractions there is lots of room to pull off on the side of the road. Having your own vehicle to get around the national park and the town of Joshua Tree is definitely going to be the easiest way to get around. It also gives you the option of exploring other parts of Southern California on the same trip! Joshua Tree is only a couple of hours away from LA or San Diego, and less than an hour from Palm Springs. We rented our car from Hertz, which is the company we almost always use. They have a great loyalty program that allows us to earn points toward free rentals!

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

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What To Do

Explore the Las Vegas Strip

There are endless things to do and see on the strip. Be sure to spend some time walking through the casinos and exploring the incredible artwork and design! There are plenty of free attractions and cool spots to check out. Some of our favourites include the Mirage volcano, the fountains at the Bellagio, the canals at the Venetian, the Linq promenade, and the Park.

Visit the Arts District

Known as 18b, the Las Vegas Arts District is quickly becoming an exciting hub for art and culture. With plenty of galleries, street murals, performance centres, and community spaces, the neighbourhood is definitely worth checking out during your trip. Spend an afternoon exploring great cafes (you’ll find the best coffee in Vegas here), craft breweries, and vintage shops here, as well as cool converted warehouse spaces.

See Some Live Entertainment

Las Vegas has an impressive list of shows in pretty much every genre you can think of! Circus, comedy, burlesque, magic & illusions, musicals, concerts, and more. We always make it a priority to see some live entertainment when we visit, and it’s often one of the highlights of our trip. Our favourite entertainment company Cirque du Soleil has a handful of resident shows in Las Vegas and they are all incredible. If you only choose to see one performance during your visit, make it a Cirque show!

Experience Historic Fremont Street

Located in the downtown core, this is the heart of old Las Vegas. On Fremont street you’ll find original casinos as well as the Fremont Street Experience with light shows, a zipline, and never-ending entertainment. It’s only a short bus or cab ride off the strip, and offers a completely different feel.

Check Out Fremont East

Just past the Fremont Street Experience is the cool Fremont East neighbourhood. This pedestrian-friendly area is more of a local community, and a great spot to support local businesses, bars, and eateries. There is a thriving nightlife scene on Fremont East and it’s a great spot to check out if you want to get away from the busy strip!

Go to the Container Park

One of our favourite spots in Vegas, the downtown container park is a must-see. Built entirely from shipping containers, this open air venue offers retail shops, restaurants, and bars, along with regular entertainment. There’s a great playground along with comfortable courtyards to sit and relax, as well as a stage offering live music events. Check their website to see what’s going on during your visit!

Discover the Neon Museum

If you want to experience some real Vegas nostalgia, spend an afternoon at the Neon Museum. This organization collects and preserves old Las Vegas signs, and exhibits them in cool displays in an outdoor museum. Along with regular admission, they also sometimes hold special events and exhibits!

Take a Day Trip

If you’re looking to get out of the city to see some of Nevada’s natural beauty, there are plenty of incredible day trips that you can take from Las Vegas! Head to the Grand Canyon, Death Valley, Zion National Park, the Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, or the Valley of Fire.

Where to Stay

In our opinion, the best spot to stay in Las Vegas is right on the strip! If you want to be in a central location and near the action, definitely opt for a hotel on the strip. There are plenty of options in every price range, and great deals at any time of year. If you’re flying to Las Vegas, always look for flight and hotel packages, as there are always inexpensive bundles if you’re flexible! If you’re flying from Canada, we recommend checking out Air Canada Vacations packages or Westjet Vacations packages, and if you’re coming from another state in the USA or elsewhere, check Expedia. If it’s important to you to stay at a hotel that is specifically LGBTQ+ inclusive, we recommend Paris Las Vegas, Caesar’s Palace, or any other properties in the Caesar’s group including Linq, the Cromwell, Planet Hollywood, Bally’s, the Rio, Harrah’s, or the Flamingo. Caesar’s Entertainment proudly supports the community, has an EQUAL program for their LGBTQ+ employees, are a part of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, support the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and partner with The Trevor Project. On both of our trips together to Vegas we stayed at Paris, because we love supporting businesses that support us! Along with Caesar’s Entertainment, MGM Resorts is another wonderfully inclusive group. They own properties in Las Vegas including the Bellagio, Aria, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, NYNY, the Luxor, and the Excalibur. MGM has been named “one of the best places to work for LGBT equality”, they sponsor the Las Vegas Pride Parade, receive top scores on the Corporate Equality Index, and were a founding partner of the Las Vegas chapter of the Human Rights Campaign. It’s incredible to see these massive companies so committed to equality for our community!

Where to Eat & Drink

One of the absolute best parts of Las Vegas is the food! From casual eats to some of the best fine dining, there is something for every foodie out there. We genuinely planned our days around the food we wanted to eat, because we could hardly narrow down all the places we wanted to check out. If you eat plant-based like us, you’ll be excited to know that Vegas has become incredibly vegan friendly in recent years. It’s now at the top of our list for vegan foodie destinations! The food scene in Vegas is diverse and thriving. With plenty of top chefs specializing in a range of cuisines, you will find plenty of local and international culinary offerings. Our favourite casual spots include Slice of Vegas, a pizza place with an entire vegan section of the menu. Another favourite is Nacho Daddy, a Mexican spot with plenty of great vegan options. Be sure to check out the Linq Promenade for plenty of casual dining, including Yard House, which has great plant-based offerings. For more upscale dining, our favourite spot is The Wynn! They’ve had a vegan chef collaborate with every single restaurant in the resort to create a vegan menu! Even if you don’t have any dietary restrictions, the Wynn still has the most incredible restaurants in our opinion. For brunch, visit Jardin, Terrace Pointe Cafe, or Tableau. For Asian cuisine, don’t miss Mizumi, Wing Lei, Wazuzu, or Red 8 (they have vegan dim sum!). Or for Italian food, check out Sinatra, Lakeside, Costa di Mare, or Cipriani. Outside the Wynn, another favourite of ours is Sushi Samba, which is located in the Venetian/Palazzo. Come here for Japanese, Brazilian, Peruvian fusion. If you’re heading off the strip, be sure to try Tacotarian in the arts district, and if you go downtown, check out Vegenation. You’ll also find plenty of great casual eateries at the downtown Container Park! For drinks, there is no shortage of great spots in Vegas. If you’re into craft beer, be sure to check out the breweries in the arts district like Hop Nuts Brewing, Crafthaus Brewing, and Able Baker Brewing. For the best cocktails go to Commonwealth, or Velveteen Rabbit in downtown LV, or The Chandelier, The Dorsey, or Rosina, on the strip. Enjoy!

Lesbian Friendly

The laws regarding LGBTQ+ people in the state of Nevada are some of the best in the US. Same-sex marriage has been recognized since 2014, and LGBTQ+ people are fully protected from discrimination. The city of Las Vegas has become incredibly welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers in recent years, and we experienced a notable difference in our comfort and safety on our recent trip in 2020. We would definitely consider Las Vegas to be a lesbian friendly destination to visit, and encourage other lesbian women and female same-sex couples to add it to their travel list! We felt very comfortable being out and open on our most recent visit, and saw other same-sex couples being open too. It felt like there has been a lot of positive change happening in the city since we last visited together in 2011. If you’re looking for local gay culture in Vegas, be sure to check out one of the LGBTQ+ events that the city holds like Clexacon (a convention for LGBTQ+ women and allies), Temptation Sundays (a weekly gay pool party at the Luxor between May and September), Ribbon of Life (an annual talent showcase benefiting HIV/Aids organizations), and of course the biggest event Las Vegas Pride! Every October the city hosts festivals, parades, and parties for the LGBTQ+ community. The Pride organization also hosts other events throughout the year. In the downtown area, Las Vegas also has an LGBTQ+ centre that hosts events and offers public services to the local community. On the strip, you can check out drag brunch at Señor Frogs, and off the strip you can check out gay bars/clubs Piranha, Freezone, and Flex. As you can see, Las Vegas has become a very welcoming city for LGBTQ+ travellers. On our recent trip we had zero issues showing affection in public, holding hands in the street, or taking couples photos together. We saw other same-sex couples doing the same! We also saw plenty of Pride flags in the windows of businesses, and indicators that the city welcomes us. It felt so good to spend time in a destination that is inclusive of our community, and where we felt safe being ourselves. If you’re looking for a fun getaway in a lesbian friendly city, be sure to add Las Vegas to your list!

How to Get Around

Walk

We always do so much walking when we’re in Vegas! Walking through the hotels and casinos on the strip is part of the fun, but keep in mind that things are a lot more spread out than they look. If you’re in a hurry or need to go a further distance, you may want to opt for a taxi or rideshare instead. If you’re headed downtown or to the arts district, these areas are very walkable once you’re there.

Rideshare

Both Lyft and Uber ride share companies are available in Las Vegas and are the most convenient way to get around in our opinion! We took plenty of Ubers and Lyfts during our stay to get around the strip and also out to the arts district and downtown. The hotels and casinos all have designated pick up areas, so be sure to follow the signs and the instructions in the app to find your driver.

Taxi

If you don’t want to use a ride share app, taxis are always available in Vegas. While they aren’t technically allowed to pull over on the strip, you can always get a car from a taxi stand at the resorts and attractions.

Public Transportation

Vegas has options for public transport that include bus routes, as well as a monorail. These can be a good affordable option for getting around on and off the strip. There’s more information here!

Is anyone else in love with Las Vegas? Let us know in the comments!

The post Lesbian Travel Guide to Las Vegas, Nevada appeared first on Lez See the World.

What To Do

Explore Casco Viejo

Visiting Panama City’s old town is definitely a must-do. The historic district offers many interesting sights including beautiful churches and cathedrals, the residence of the Panamanian President, as well as plazas, museums, and historical landmarks. It’s worth wandering around to admire the architecture, and discover the many wonderful cafes and restaurants in the area. We also recommend heading down to the waterfront to enjoy lovely views of downtown Panama City. Don’t miss wonderful Casco Viejo!

See the Panama Canal

When visiting Panama, seeing the Panama Canal needs to be on your list. About 15 minutes outside Panama City are the Miraflores Locks, where you can see the canal up close! There is a visitor centre with exhibits explaining the fascinating history of the canal, as well as observation decks where you can watch the ships passing through the locks. There is a $20USD admission fee, but it’s well worth it to see the famous canal in action. It’s easy to take a taxi or an Uber here from the city.

Visit the Gamboa Rainforest Reserve

Located in the Soberania National Park, the Panamanian Rainforest is a tropical ecosystem of more than fifty thousand acres, and home to some incredible wildlife. It sits at the meeting of the Chagres River and the Panama Canal, allowing for some truly unique experiences. There are beautiful accommodations on the reserve, or you can opt for a day trip from Panama City, with plenty of time to do tours of the rainforest, the canal, and the incredible animal sanctuaries. This was a huge highlight of our trip and we highly recommend it! Read more about the Gamboa Reserve here.

Enjoy the San Blas Islands

The San Blas Islands (also known as Guna Yala), are an archipelago made up of more than 350 islands off the Caribbean Coast of Panama. They are home to indigenous Panamanians known as the Guna people, and the islands remain mostly untouched. They are very remote and secluded, and it is quite a journey to get to them from Panama City. However, it is doable and entirely worth it! There are several tour companies that offer day tours, or you can opt for an Airbnb Experience like we did. It’s a full day of swimming, snorkelling, and exploring the islands, and it is truly unforgettable.

Discover More Islands

While the San Blas Islands are well known for being a bucket list destination in Panama, there are other beautiful islands off the Pacific Coast that are much easier to get to. With easy ferry service from Panama City, you can explore Taboga, Contadora, Saboga, and more. Some of these islands are more developed than others, but all of them offer a wonderful break from the city!

Where to Stay

In our opinion, the best spot to stay in Panama City is definitely in historic Case Viejo! In the heart of the old town you will find plenty of accommodation options including boutique hotels and Airbnb apartments. It’s a very charming area, and is central to many of the main sights in the city. It’s a great spot to be close to the action, and can also be quite lively! Expect it to be busy with lots of locals and other travellers. There are also plenty of accommodation options in the downtown area of Panama City, such as the Obarrio and El Cangrejo neighbourhoods. Here you will find more luxury and upscale options, as well as many reputable hotel chains. This area is the financial district of the city, and it has a vibrant nightlife scene and is busy with tourists. If you’re looking to book hotel accommodations in these areas, 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 Panama City is Airbnb. There are listings all over the city, including some in the historic old town. We opted to stay in the heart of Case Viejo, in an Airbnb apartment right in the middle of the hustle and bustle. It was walking distance to all of the sights we wanted to see in the city, and it was a convenient spot for all of the day trips we did. If you enjoy using Airbnb like we do, it’s definitely worth taking a look to see what’s available! If you’ve never used Airbnb before, click here to set up a profile and save on your first stay!

Where to Eat & Drink

Panama City has a diverse food scene offering plenty of local and international cuisines. With everything from street food to fine dining, there are plenty of options to satisfy any traveller! We found some really great cafes and restaurants in the Casco Viejo area. Our favourite was Mahalo, a casual eatery that was started by two Canadian sisters, and they just recently opened a second location. Both offer a vegan-friendly, but well-rounded menu, as well as a cozy patio. Also in Casco Viejo is Dodo, a must-visit restaurant near the waterfront. It’s also very vegan-friendly, and offers all day breakfast! If you don’t have any dietary restrictions, be sure to check out Las Clementinas, another popular spot in the old town. For traditional Panamanian food, head to El Trapiche in the San Francisco neighbourhood. If you’re looking for upscale dining, make a reservation at Donde Jose. They update their set menu every couple of months, focusing on local Panamanian ingredients. If you’re looking for seafood, add Mercado de Mariscos to your list. The fish market is a great spot for lunch and a truly unique experience. For drinks, you can’t leave Panama City without enjoying a rooftop beverage! The city is packed with trendy rooftop bars offering gorgeous views. In Casco Viejo, be sure to check out Tantalo, Casa Casco, Salvaje, or Capital Bistro. In downtown Panama City there’s the AC Hotel rooftop, The Roof at the Best Western, and Bits Lounge at the Hard Rock Hotel. Enjoy!

Lesbian Friendly

Panama is currently in a transition period, with some big changes to LGBTQ+ rights currently pending. Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but there is no recognition for same-sex partnerships at this time, and no discrimination protection for members of the LGBTQ+ community. In 2018, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled that all Latin American countries (including Panama) must recognize same-sex marriages, and the Panamanian Government has “welcomed the decision”. The ruling should mean that same-sex marriage will become legal in Panama soon, and hopefully some anti-discrimination laws will follow. You can check out our full post on how lesbian friendly Panama is here. Panama is still considered to be a fairly conservative country, with the biggest opposition to the LGBTQ+ rights movement being the Roman Catholic Church. But there are advocacy groups helping to shift the conversation, and more recently there has been open support from the Panamanian government. While we would consider Panama to be a fairly safe destination for LGBTQ+ travellers, it’s best to use your personal judgement to stay safe while visiting. We held hands in public and showed affection to one another, and didn’t run into any issues. We were open about our relationship and weren’t met with any hostility from the locals, even though we were told that not everyone in Panama is ‘cool’ with it. 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. Panama City doesn’t have much of a gay scene, but it certainly does offer some incredible and unique travel experiences. We really enjoyed our time there and would definitely recommend it!

How to Get Around

Walk

The downtown area and the old town of Panama City are both very walkable, and it’s easy to see these parts of the city on foot. If you’re able, it can be a great way to discover all of the main sights as well as some hidden gems!

Taxi/Rideshare

Uber is available in Panama City, and there always seemed to be plenty of cars available. We used Uber to get up to the Miraflores Locks, as well as to the Gamboa Rainforest, and to the airport. The rates were very reasonable and it was always easy to find a vehicle. There are also plenty of regular taxis in Panama City that you can hail from the street. It’s a great way to get around the city if you need a break from walking, or if you’re heading to a location outside the city centre. Taxis in Panama are not metered, and the rates are based on standard fares measured by zone. Be sure to look up the fare for where you are going, and discuss the rate with the driver before departing. If you don’t speak any Spanish and are worried about being taken advantage of as a tourist, opt for Uber instead!

Ferry

There are several islands off the Pacific Coast of Panama that are easy to access by ferry. Isla Toboga is only a 30 minute ferry ride from Amador Causeway, and the Pearl Islands are about 1.5 hours by ferry from the Flamenco Marina.

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

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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!

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

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.

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.

What To Do

Check Out Comercio Plaza

Lisbon’s main city square Praca do Comercio, is an absolute must see. Sitting by the waterfront, the plaza is full of beautiful architecture like the Arco da Rua Augusta, adorable sidewalk cafes and restaurants, and tons of great shopping. The square is always full of artists, locals, and travellers, and is the perfect spot for people watching. Enjoy the water views and take it all in!

Visit Castelo de S. Jorge

One of the most popular historic sites in Lisbon, is the 11th century Sao Jorge Castle. Sitting on a hilltop in central Lisbon, it overlooks the city and the river. You can visit the preserved ruins as well as an archaeological museum, and the views from the castle cannot be compared. Wander around the grounds and be transported back through Portugal’s medieval history.

Explore the Old Town

Lisbon’s historic quarter is called the Alfama district, and is nestled between the river and the Sao Jorge Castle. Getting lost in the steep cobblestone streets and winding staircases, was one of our favourite things to do in Lisbon. In this area you’ll find plenty of Portuguese shops, small cafes, locally owned businesses, and authentic restaurants. Be sure to visit the Miradouro da Graca terrace for magical views of the water.

Listen to Some Fado

Lisbon is well known for its historic Fado music, which can be heard in the old quarter, and all over the city. The music is classical and often melancholy, and is played by live musicians in restaurants, bars, and clubs. You may hear some while you’re wandering the streets in the evenings, or you can go out for dinner at a restaurant with a Fado performance.

Discover Bairro Alto

Be sure to visit this neighbourhood for amazing street art, interesting architecture, classic old homes, and great local culture. At night, this area becomes very lively with diverse crowds heading out to the bars and clubs. This part of the city is also home to much of Lisbon’s gay nightlife.

Ride the Elevador da Bica

Lisbon’s famous Bica Funicular is a historic cable car that takes you up a steep hill. The iconic ride is worth it for the views, but if you don’t want to ride it, try to spot the car on its route!

Go Out on Pink Street

Rua Nova do Carvalho, nicknamed as Lisbon’s “pink street” is the heart of the city’s nightlife. Formerly Lisbon’s red light district, this area has been rehabilitated into a late night destination of clubs, parties, bars, and eateries. If you’re looking for a fun night out, be sure to check out this spot.

Visit Praca do Rossio

Another one of Lisbon’s main city plazas, Rossio Square is located in the busy downtown area, popular for its restaurants and shopping. The plaza is very centrally located for a day of exploring, and is a good place to start if you’re doing sightseeing around the city.

Enjoy Miradouro de Sao Pedro de Alcantara

This terrace offers one of the most incredible panoramic views of Lisbon. Come here for sunset and enjoy overlooking the beautiful city. There is often live music, as well as food and drink stalls.

Explore Parque Eduardo VII

As the largest park in Lisbon, this is a great spot to go for a walk, enjoy the gardens, and take a nice break from the bustling city. Stretching 26 hectares, this park is the perfect place to go for a quiet afternoon.

Stroll Along the Riverfront

You can’t visit Lisbon without taking a walk down the waterfront promenade. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset, do some people watching, enjoy some live music, relax at a sidewalk cafe, have a drink on a patio, or just enjoy views of the water. One of our favourite things to do was go walking by the river, and there was always so much going on!

Take a Day Trip to Sintra

If you’re looking for an easy day trip to get outside of Lisbon, the city of Sintra is the perfect option. It’s about a half hour drive, or an hour on the train, and it’s a beautiful resort town full of castles, palaces, and estates. It’s certainly possible to do in a single day, and is an easy trip from Lisbon. Don’t miss the Pena National Palace, Moorish Castle, the National Palace of Sintra, or the Quinta da Regaleira. There are also plenty of great cafes and restaurants to visit in between seeing the incredible sights. Enjoy!

Where to Stay

Lisbon has so many amazing neighbourhoods to stay in, and it all depends on what you’re looking for during your visit. If you’d like to stay somewhere romantic that feels authentic and full of history, you will love the Alfama district. We’ve stayed there twice and had an amazing time. If you’re looking to be somewhere a little bit more funky with great options for going out at night, Bairro Alto would be a good choice. If you like being in the centre of the action and want to stay in a really central area, the Baixa neighbourhood or the Chiado neighbourhood are both perfect. In Lisbon, both hotels and Airbnbs are great for accommodations, and both would be safe options in the city. We chose to stay in Airbnbs during both of our stays and we loved the authentic experience it gave us. It was also really nice to be connected to a local host that could offer us plenty of local recommendations! Staying in an Airbnb in a neighbourhood that isn’t as busy with tourists, is a great way to support the local businesses and have a more authentic travel experience. You will also likely get a lot more for your money! If you’ve never used Airbnb before, you can click here to save on your first stay. If you choose to go the hotel route, there are plenty of great options in central locations around the city. When booking hotel accommodations we use Hotels.com because they have great rates and they also do price matching. We also love their loyalty program which gives you one free night for every ten nights you stay!

Where to Eat & Drink

Lisbon’s culinary scene is well known for its seafood, and traditional Portuguese delicacies. While it hasn’t always been a foodie paradise, in recent years the restaurant scene has evolved quite a lot. A good place to start is Time Out Market, a huge gourmet food hall with restaurants, bars, market vendors, specialty shops, and more. Everything has been curated by experts and is top quality, covering a large range of international cuisines. Along with their regular daily service, the market also offers cooking classes, live shows, and special events. This is definitely where you should start when you’re discovering Lisbon’s food scene! One thing the famous food hall doesn’t have, is a lot of plant-based options, so if you’re searching for vegan food we compiled a list of our favourite spots. For a fully plant-based meal, head to Ao 26 Vegan Food Project, Organi Chiado, or Eight the Health Lounge. Graca 77 offers vegan and vegetarian food, Primo Basilico has vegan pizza, and Sama Sama offers vegan crepes! Lisbon also has an amazing late night scene, with plenty of wine bars, lounges, and clubs to grab a drink at. You can also legally drink on the streets, which means that late at night you’ll see plenty of people spilling onto the sidewalks, drink in hand. In our opinion, nothing beats a glass of wine on an outdoor patio overlooking the city, and if you’re looking to try something really authentic, be sure to taste Lisbon’s famous drink Ginjinha, a Morello cherry liqueur. We recommend buying a shot from one of the many older women in Alfama, you’ll see them set up around the neighbourhood with a table and a bottle!

Lesbian Friendly

Portugal has some of the most progressive LGBTQ+ laws in the world! The country legalized same-sex marriage back in 2010, and they’ve had discrimination protections in place since 2003. They also made May 17th their National Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, and are continually working to protect the community. Click here for more on how lesbian friendly the country of Portugal is. We felt very safe and supported during our time in Lisbon, and had no issues being out and open while visiting the city. We held hands and showed affection on the street, we booked Airbnbs with local hosts and were open about being a lesbian couple, and we were honest with the people that we met about the fact that we’re married. We never felt the need to hide our relationship for our own safety, and everyone we met seemed to be very welcoming. In the city of Lisbon, the prominent gay areas are Bairro Alto, Principe Real, and Chiado. This is where you will find most of the LGBTQ+ nightlife, (and the nightlife in Lisbon is incredible!). Many of the gay clubs in the city draw a mixed crowd, and while the community establishments tend to cater most to gay men, places in Lisbon seem to be welcoming of lesbian women and couples. Some of the hot spots include Construction – a weekend club that’s great for dancing, Trumps – one of the original LGBTQ+ establishments in Lisbon, Sidebar – a small local favourite, and Bar 106 – another original Lisbon gay bar. If you’re specifically looking to be around other gay women, Purex is a gay and lesbian spot that is very welcoming of queer women, and tends to draw the most diverse crowds. This is definitely the closest thing you’ll get to a lesbian bar in Lisbon! If you want to catch a drag show, be sure to head to Finalmente Club with live performances that start late in the night, and if you happen to visit Lisbon in June, check out its Pride festivities as part of their Arraial Lisboa Pride Festival. Another annual event is Queer Lisboa, an International Queer Film Festival that takes place in September. Overall, Lisbon is a very lesbian friendly destination, and a popular spot for lesbian travellers. If you’re looking to travel somewhere you can feel safe and welcomed, and where you can experience some local gay culture, Lisbon is a great European destination to add to your list.

How to Get Around

Walk

Lisbon is very walkable, and we’ve found that one of the best ways to get around is on foot if you’re able to. It is quite hilly and some of the streets are steep, but it is fairly easy to get from one area to the next by walking. You can do some great people watching when you’re wandering around on foot, and it’s a great way to discover some spots that you may not have had on your list. Be sure to walk around the old town in Alfama, and get lost on the staircases and in the narrow cobblestone corridors.

Public Transportation

Lisbon’s public transportation is also a safe and easy way to get around. They have a metro system, which is one of the cleanest and most well maintained subways in Europe, as well as city buses and trams. You can get a magnetic card called a 7 Colinas Card, which you can top up to pay your fare easily while exploring the city.

Taxi or Rideshare

Another good option for getting around the city is by taxi. Registered taxis are safe to ride in Lisbon, and you can hail them on the street, or get one at a designated taxi stand. Be sure to have your driver run the meter (especially when coming from the airport), the taxi rates are very reasonable. Lisbon also has Uber, as well as a popular taxi hailing app called MyTaxi.

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

The post Lesbian Travel Guide to Lisbon, Portugal appeared first on Lez See the World.

When To Go

Iceland is an incredible country to visit any time of year, so choosing your preferred season really depends on what you’d most like to see and experience. We visited in the summer, which meant that we had milder temperatures and nearly twenty-four hours of daylight. This made it easy to do long day trips outside the city, and we felt safer never having to drive in the dark. Of course in Iceland, one of the magnificent natural wonders to see is the Northern Lights, and these can only be viewed for eight months of the year, from early September to the end of April. If you choose to visit outside of the summer season, you have the possibility to see the incredible Aurora Borealis, but you may have to endure more difficult weather conditions. Iceland during the winter time can see a lot of snow, so you would need to pay close attention to road conditions and take more safety precautions. There are also only five hours of daylight during the winter months, which means you would have to be very strategic about fitting in your daytime activities. Regardless of what time of year you choose to visit, Iceland is an incredible country with unbelievably unique landscapes and experiences. You truly can’t go wrong.

What To Do

Downtown Reykjavik

There is a lot to explore in the city of Reykjavik. Because it sits on Iceland’s coast, there is a beautiful waterfront with views of the unique surrounding landscapes. Be sure to take a stroll along the water and look out for “Sun Voyager”, a famous sculpture that sits beside the sea. Other well known landmarks in Reykjavik are Hallgrimskirkja, a stunning cathedral in the middle of town, and the Perlan glass dome offering incredible panoramic views of the city. Rich with history, Reykjavik is home to several museums that explore Iceland’s Viking past, and there are plenty of places to learn more about the country’s culture. One of the oldest streets in Reykjavik is now it’s main shopping strip: Laugavegur. Along with tourist shops, there are many boutiques selling Icelandic made goods. Laugavegur is also where much of the restaurant scene is located, with cuisines ranging from traditional Icelandic, to modern vegetarian/vegan. There is also a lot of nightlife in this area with many different bars and live music venues, as well a lot of interesting street art. Be sure to spend plenty of time exploring downtown Reykjavik as there is so much to do!

Blue Lagoon

Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon is an outdoor geothermal spa featuring mineral rich waters in a lava field. While it is certainly a popular tourist activity, it really is an incredible experience and fully worth a visit! The Lagoon is located near the village of Grindavik, about 45 minutes outside of Reykjavik, and can be reached easily by car. It’s best to purchase admission tickets online in advance, and read up on the Blue Lagoon website for all of their regulations on spa etiquette. The lagoon is very big, and the water is the perfect temperature to relax for a good length of time. There is a swim up bar to buy drinks, as well as a silica bar giving out their famous silica mud masks. You can also look out for employees in the water that might be sampling other products. We found a lovely young woman in a floral swim cap who was giving out samples of their black lava exfoliator. The views from the lagoon are stunning, and we had a really wonderful time enjoying the spa. Highly recommend!

Iceland’s Golden Circle

A perfect day trip from Reykjavik, and an absolute must-do while in Iceland, is the Golden Circle. There are four major stops along this route in central Iceland, and the driving time is roughly three hours. The entire day trip can easily take up to ten hours depending on how long you take at each spot, and the sights are incredible! We rented a car and really enjoyed driving this route ourselves, but it’s also possible to take a guided bus tour from the city of Reykjavik. (Keep reading for more information on car rentals and driving in Iceland).

The first stop on this route is Þingvellir National Park, which is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly moving apart. The fissure between the plates is actually a diving and snorkelling site, and is the only spot in the world where you can swim between two tectonic plates. The park is beautiful and quite large with rocky cliffs, stunning lakes, and beautiful scenery. If you have the time you can hike through it, but if you’re just making a quick stop it’s still well worth it!

The second stop is the Geysers At Haukadalur: Geysir and Strokkur. Geysir (from which the name came) is no longer active, but Strokkur erupts about every ten minutes. This is a popular spot, but we had no problem getting close to the water to take some photos. Be careful where you stand or you might get soaked!

The third stop on the route is the beautiful Gullfoss waterfall. It’s magnificent! Be sure to wear something waterproof as the spray from the water reaches all of the viewing areas and you can get pretty wet, but the falls are remarkable.

The last stop on the Golden Circle is the Kerið Crater Lake. The colours of the crater and the lake are gorgeous, and there is a pathway to hike the perimeter of the crater as well as climb down to the water. It’s a really unique site and worth the visit.

The Golden Circle drive itself is also very beautiful. You will go through a lot of farmland on this route with sheep and horses on either side of the road, and there are plenty of pull offs to stop and take photos, or admire the animals. There aren’t a lot of places to stop and get food other than the small cafes at a couple of the attractions, so we recommend bringing along lunch and water. You’ll easily get through the day on a full tank of gas, and there are plenty of stations in Reykjavik when you’re leaving the city. Enjoy!

The Geothermal Energy Exhibition

Iceland’s unique geography allows the country to use a lot of geothermal energy to generate their electricity, and it’s really interesting to learn about this while visiting because it’s something that makes Iceland so special. 100% of Iceland’s electricity comes from renewable sources, and they are the only country in the world in that position! Located about 30 minutes outside of Reykjavik is The Geothermal Energy Exhibition at The Hellisheiði Power Plant, where you can take a guided tour to learn about Iceland’s geothermal energy utilization. With multimedia installations, displays, and presentations, the tours are very thorough and informative. The Hellisheiði Power Plant is located in one of the largest geothermal areas in Iceland, and it’s the biggest single site geothermal power plant in the world. If you’re interested in learning more about what makes Iceland so unique, or you have a fascination with renewable energy, definitely fit in a visit to the Energy Exhibition. You won’t be disappointed!

Iceland’s South Coast

Another incredible day trip from Reykjavik and a definite must-do in Iceland, is a tour of the South Coast. There are so many amazing sights to see, and you may even choose to do this over numerous days to fit in some glacier activities, but it can easily be done in a well planned single day trip. The drive to the fishing village of Vik from downtown Reykjavik, is two and a half hours, and there are plenty of stops along the way to fill a day. We drove the South Coast ourselves, but you can also do a guided bus tour from Reykjavik. (Keep reading for more information on car rentals and driving in Iceland).

The first major stop on Iceland’s South Coast is the Reykjadalur Valley, home to the hot spring thermal river near the town of Hveragerði. The bathing areas are about an hour hike from the road, but this is a very unique Iceland experience.

The second stop is the famous Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, which is absolutely magnificent. Something very special about this waterfall is that you can actually walk behind the water, but be sure to dress appropriately because you will get wet!

On the South Coast between two of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, there’s a plane wreck that sits on the Sólheimasandur black sand beach. If you’re driving the South Coast yourself, this can be a really interesting stop! A US Navy aircraft crashed here in 1973 with no fatalities, and the plane has remained ever since, broken and decaying. It’s become a popular spot for tourists and photographers, and can be accessed on foot about a 45 minute hike off the road.

After this, is the beautiful Skogafoss Waterfall, which is one of the largest waterfalls in the country and probably the most well known attraction on this route. Here, you can walk very close to the base of the falls, as well as climb a staircase that takes you up to the top. It’s an incredible sight and a major highlight of this region.

The next stop is Reynisfjara, a beautiful black sand beach on Iceland’s South Coast. The volcanic shoreline is stunning, and there are amazing rock formations and cliffs to see here. Be sure to stay a safe distance from the water as there can be dangerous waves.

The final stop on this route is Vík í Mýrdal, a remote seaside town which sits just South of the Katla Volcano. While it’s the largest village in this region, it has a very small population, but it’s worth a stop and makes the perfect turning point for a drive along the South Coast. Just like the Golden Circle, we recommend bringing snacks, a packed lunch, and water for this day trip, as there aren’t a lot of places to stop and get food. It’s also a good idea to fill up with gas in Reykjavik before heading out on your adventure!

Laugarvatn Fontana Geothermal Baths

While Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is the most famous spa in the country, there are many smaller geothermal baths that are more popular with the locals. These are much less busy, and still a wonderfully unique experience when visiting Iceland. Just over an hour away from the city of Reykjavik is Laugarvatn Fontana, a beautiful lakefront spa and wellness centre with outdoor mineral pools, saunas, and natural steam baths. It’s located near other attractions on the Golden Circle route, so this can certainly be worked into that day trip, or you could make a day of the spa trip on it’s own. Laugarvatn Fontana is built on natural hot springs, so the spa’s steam baths use hot steam that comes directly from the ground. The Finnish style sauna includes beautiful views of the lake, and the natural mineral pools, hot tubs, and steam rooms are perfect for relaxing and recharging. If you’re feeling brave, you can also take a dip in the cold lake in between warm sessions. The spa also has a small cafe which offers a buffet style lunch and dinner, and the facilities are very well kept and well maintained. Enjoy!

Iceland’s Snaefellnes Peninsula

The third day trip from Reykjavik that is quite popular to do is the Snaefellnes Peninsula. Located in West Iceland, the Peninsula can be easily explored by car yourself, or you can book a bus tour from the city of Reykjavik. Because there are so many incredible sights, you could easily plan to spend a couple days here, but it is also entirely possible to fit a lot of it into a single day trip.

One of the most well known spots on the Peninsula is Kirkjufell Mountain, which is one of the most photographed sites in Iceland, and a beautiful natural wonder.

Nearby is Kirkjufellsfoss, gorgeous waterfalls that can be enjoyed with the stunning Kirkjufell behind them.

Another popular stop on the Snaefellnes Peninsula is Arnarstapi, a small fishing village that sits at the foot of Mt. Stapafell, and has incredible rock formations, cliffs, greenery, and views of the water.

The nearby village of Hellnar is also a lovely stop, featuring more amazing landscapes and water views.

The Peninsula has many incredible stops, and you will need to determine how much time you’ll spend here in order to see everything that you’d like. Just like the Golden Circle and South Coast, it can make for a long day, so we recommend bringing snacks, a packed lunch, and water for this day trip, as there aren’t a lot of places to stop and get food. It’s also a good idea to fill up with gas in Reykjavik before heading out on your adventure!

Where to Stay

Staying in downtown Reykjavik is a great option to enjoy the city, and you will also be centrally based for day trips around this region of Iceland. In the city of Reykjavik, both Hotels and Airbnb rentals are great options for accommodations. The city is quite small and easy to get around on foot, so if you choose something in the city centre it will be convenient for you.  When booking hotel accommodations we always use Hotels.com because it consistently has great prices, and it’s easy to narrow down your search with the amenities you want. Hotels.com also does price matching, and they have a great rewards program offering you one night free for every ten nights you stay. If you prefer to enjoy a more authentic travel experience, we highly recommend booking an Airbnb in Reykjavik. This is what we did when we visited, and we enjoyed a very comfortable stay in a local host’s rental apartment. We loved being able to support the nearby businesses, and also explore the heart of the city from a local’s perspective. We love choosing Airbnb for this reason, as it gives you such a different experience! If you’ve never used Airbnb, click here to save on your first stay.

Where to Eat & Drink

Iceland is a very expensive country to visit, and going out for meals certainly does have a high cost. We highly recommend bringing some packaged snacks and food items with you when you visit, and doing some grocery shopping while in Reykjavik, so you can pack some lunches for day trips around the area. That being said, you will certainly want to check out the food scene in Reykjavik, and there is a large range of cuisine available. You will be able to find a lot of traditional Icelandic food, as well as menus offering culinary fusion, and even a growing number of plant-based options. Our favourite spots for a healthy vegan meal were Glo, and Hraðlestin, while nice upscale options were Kitchen & Wine, and Nostra. And be sure to check out Joylato for some amazing vegan ice cream and Eldur Og Is for vegan crepes!

Lesbian Friendly

Iceland is very LGBTQ+ friendly, and is often regarded as one of the most gay friendly countries in the world. We felt welcomed and fully supported while we travelled in Iceland, and we loved that our marriage was recognized. Iceland legalized same-sex marriage in 2010, and overall their laws regarding the community are very progressive. Click here for more on how lesbian friendly Iceland is. We had no issues being out and open in the city of Reykjavik, or in the smaller villages we visited on our day trips. We felt extremely safe and comfortable, and never felt the need to hide our relationship. In the city, you will find Pride flags displayed in the streets, as well as LGBTQ+ friendly hotels, bars, and nightclubs. Reykjavik also hosts amazing Pride festivities every August, with their Pride parade being one of the country’s largest annual events. Similar to other cities, the gay scene in Reykjavik is mostly geared toward men, but that being said it is very inclusive of everyone. There aren’t any specifically lesbian venues, but the most well known LGBTQ+ bar is called Kiki Queer Bar. Other gay friendly venues include Gaukurinn, Bravo, and Kaffibarinn. Iceland is a very welcoming destination for all people, and lesbian travellers can definitely feel comfortable here. We highly recommend Reykjavik as a lesbian friendly destination!

How to Get Around

Rent a Car

We rented a car in Iceland and we’re so glad we did! It is definitely the best option for exploring outside of Reykjavik, and allows you the freedom to design your own day trip itineraries and have some flexibility in your plans. Of course you want to consider the time of year that you’re visiting, and be sure that you rent a vehicle that will be safe in the weather conditions you might encounter. When we visited in the summer, we were safe with a small car, but in the winter months you would definitely want something bigger and more powerful. It’s best to book your car in advance, and it’s very convenient to rent your vehicle from Keflavik International Airport. Be sure you get the proper insurance to cover your trip, and keep in mind that if you plan on driving off the major roads in Iceland you may be required to purchase gravel road insurance. If you visit in the winter months, you may also want to purchase ice and ash insurance. We found driving inside and outside of Reykjavik to be really easy and stress free. The roads aren’t very busy, and the other drivers were all responsible. Have a quick read on the rules of the road to be sure you know the local regulations, but overall driving is a great and easy option for transportation! If you’re heading outside the city to do some exploring, be sure to fill up with gas in Reykjavik as there aren’t many gas stations in the remote areas of Iceland. Fuel is expensive in Iceland so keep this in mind when budgeting your trip.

Taxi

For shorter trips around the city of Reykjavik, taxis are a great option. You can hail them on the street, call for one, or grab a taxi from a taxi stand. There aren’t any ride sharing services in Reykjavik like Uber or Lyft, so traditional taxis are the only option. They are safe and an easy way to get around the city!  

Bus Tours

If you’re looking to do some adventuring outside of Reykjavik but are unable to drive yourself with a rented car, there are many bus tours available from the city. You can book organized excursions for the Golden Circle, the South Coast, the Snaefellnes Peninsula, and the Blue Lagoon, as well as tours for glacier adventures, whale watching, hot springs, snowmobiling, ATVing, and to see natural wonders like lava tunnels, ice caves, and the incredible Northern Lights. Depending on your travel style, bus tours might be a nice option for exploring the incredible sights in Iceland outside of Reykjavik. Enjoy!

Walk

The central downtown area of Reykjavik is very walkable, and you can definitely do plenty of exploring on foot. The main attractions in the city are quite accessible and easy to walk to, so you can really see quite a bit without a vehicle.

Has anyone else fallen in love with Reykjavik, Iceland? Let us know in the comments!

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