Buenos Aires City Guide

If there is one word to describe Buenos Aires, it is ‘seductive’. It is the capital city of Argentina, and also one of the largest cities of South America. Inhabitants of Buenos Aires are also referred to as “portenos” meaning “people from the port”. Considered the “pearl” of South America, it is also one of the most inexpensive holiday destinations, especially for tourists from North America and Europe.

One of the first places you should visit in Buenos Aires is the Plaza de May, situated right in the heart of the city. In fact, it is appropriate to say that the entire city of Buenos Aires was built around the Plaza. Some of Argentina’s most historical events have taken place here at the Plaza. Around it, there are several other places of interest that you can visit. These include the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Government House, and the Cabildo or the Town Hall. But, it is the Madres de la Plaza de Mayo that receives the most tourists. Madres de la Plaza de Mayo refers to those women who visit the Plaza looking for their loved ones who disappeared during the Dirty War that went on from 1976 to 1983.

You can make the San Telmo your second stop. With cobblestone streets and colonial buildings all around, the San Telmo is indeed the most fashionable part of the capital city. The area is dotted with designer boutiques, cafes, and Tango parlors. May be a visit to the San Telmo will set you in the mood for La Boca or ‘the mouth’. Termed the most colorful area of Buenos Aires, La Boca is situated alongside a port. The houses here resemble a painter’s palette, awash in all hues and colors. Caminito is the main street here, and it is every bit as colorful as La Boca itself, what with fairs of artists and painters, and Tango shows.

If all this makes you want to go shopping, don’t resist. Notable among the street markets here are the Sunday Flea Market at San Telmo and the Sunday Antiques Fair at Plaza Dorego. However, do not let all this shopping tire you out. Grab a bite to eat at the Recoleta – perhaps the finest dining experience in all of Buenos Aires. While you are in the area, do visit the Cementario de la Recoleta, the final resting place of Eva Peron. After that, may be you could take some time out to visit the Our Lady of the Pillar Church, and Palais de Glace, a famous gallery. Towards the end of your stay, visit the Parque Lezama, one of the best parks in the city. Or you could also get a taste of life on an Argentinean ranch or Estancias. Either ways, Buenos Aires is hound to leave its colorful imprint on you.

Buenos Aires City Guide