Buenos Aires City Guide Arriving in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires, you’ll wonder whether you’re really in South America or Europe’s very own Madrid or Vienna. This Latin American city is hugely influenced...
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Arriving in Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires, you’ll wonder whether you’re really in South America or Europe’s very own Madrid or Vienna. This Latin American city is hugely influenced by European cities, from its French buildings, Italian cuisine to a Spanish-infused nightlife.
A city with many names, BA, Baires and Capital Federal to name a few, Buenos Aires is home to a surplus of 3 million who are proud to live in “Paris of the South.” The busy metropolis is the place to be to experience real Argentine Tango, feast on juicy cuts of meat, and explore historic monuments.
Things to Do
Buenos Aires has a treat in store for musicians and music lovers. The Teatro Colon is regarded as one of the best opera houses and concert venues in the world. But don’t take National Geographic’s word for it. Test out the acoustics for yourself by taking in a concert, opera or ballet performance. Admire this national landmark and its architecture from the outside or by signing up for a backstage tour.
La Recoleta is another popular tourist attraction in Buenos Aires, but this one has a touch of gloom about it. Streets are lined with statues, crypts and dusty coffins. Many people come to explore the cemetery where the country’s elite are buried, but most are on the hunt to find the legendary Evita’s final place of rest. There are free English speaking tour guides available on Tuesday and Thursday. But any day of the week you will find yourself captivated by the architecture and decor of this city of the dead and its resident cats.
To experience the life and soul of Buenos Aires, take a trip to San Telmo. The oldest district in the city is full of colonial-style buildings and is home to an open air flea market every Sunday. Plaza Dorrego has over 270 vendors selling everything you can imagine, from antiques to art and clothing to food. This trip to the 500-year old district is worth it even if you’re not on the market to pick up a few trinkets. The market is alive with artisans, street performers, African drums, a mini orchestra complete with a street-side piano. Let the Argentine fever hit you with a dose of street Tango.
Buenos Aires is every Latin dancer’s paradise. The city is sprawling with dance shows, either those on the streets or to complement your dinner. Want to move your hips? Join an Argentine Tango masterclass and learn the art for yourself. August is a popular month for Tango enthusiasts when the International World Tango Festival comes to town.
While Buenos Aires might possibly be the city to capture your heart and set your soul on fire, it may also be the place to turn you into a vegetarian. Meat is the local staple, whether you pick up a sausage sandwich at a street vendor or stop by a Parrilla for a meal. Parrilla’s notoriously roast their meat on full display and serve up their juicy cuts in huge portions. This is a feast fit for kings but won’t exactly do your gut any favours. But still worth the experience. If you don’t fancy yourself a carnivore there are plenty of pizza and pasta eateries to choose from.
Getting Around
The city is ideal for people who like to walk as most of it is pretty flat. Snap up a SUBE (a magnetic card recommended for longer stays) for use on public transport such as buses (Colectivos) and the subway (Subte). If you do happen to hop on a bus without a SUBE, be sure to carry some coins! Black and yellow taxis are also driving around and run on meter. Available taxis are easily spotted by their ‘libre’ sign. Again, be sure to carry small notes when jumping into a taxi.
When to Go
April through June and September to December are the best months to plan your holiday. January is the hottest month of the year and businesses are often closed in this period. Summer months typically sees the city come to life with outdoor concerts and markets. July is the coldest month, though in history it has only ever snowed twice in Buenos Aires.
Sleep
Whether you’re walking along cobblestone streets, admiring Belle Epoque architecture, or hopping from cafe to cafe, it will seem that you’ve one foot in Latin America and the other somewhere in Europe. However it feels, take a look at our list of available accommodation in the area and find the perfect place for you to wake up in Buenos Aires.