Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America: a city full of charm
Immerse yourself in the captivating energy of Buenos Aires, Argentina's cosmopolitan capital! Dubbed the "Paris of South America" for its grand architecture, rich cultural scene, and passionate spirit! Buenos Aires offers an unforgettable travel experience.
Explore Architectural gems and Iconic landmarks, such as:
the Casa Rosada, the seat of the Argentine government,
the Metropolitan Cathedral, and
the Teatro Colón, one of the most relevant opera theaters worldwide
Delve into Argentina's artistic heritage at renowned museums showcasing art, music, and literature. Buenos Aires is an important cultural hub, boasting art galleries and electrifying music venues.
The city is flat, suitable for long walks, which is very inviting for tourism. It is a joy to discover hidden gems and iconic sights.
Whether you're a fan of parks, monuments, museums, theaters, cafes, or restaurants, this city caters to every traveler's desire. It's no wonder that Buenos Aires is considered one of the top destinations in South America!
What to do in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with attractions for all tastes. The best part is strolling through its neighborhoods, each with a unique charm.
Palermo Viejo: the charm of the past and the modernity of the present
Palermo Viejo, also known as Soho and Hollywood, is one of the most charming neighborhoods. Its quiet streets blend historic and modern architecture with signature restaurants, designer shops, and art galleries.
Here are some of the neighborhood's highlights:
San Gregorio Armenian Cathedral: a neo-Gothic cathedral built in the 19th century.
St. George Cathedral: a Russian Orthodox cathedral built in the 20th century.
Casa de Borges: the house where writer Jorge Luis Borges lived and worked.
Palermo Zoo: a zoo with more than 3,000 animals from all over the world.
Botanical Garden: a botanical garden with more than 5,000 species of plants.
Cortázar Square: a square with a monument in honor of the writer Julio Cortázar.
Palermo Viejo Square: a square with a fountain and a statue of a lion.
Palermo Viejo is a perfect neighborhood for those who want to relax and enjoy culture. The neighborhood's tranquil streets and charming atmosphere invite rest and contemplation.
Palermo: a neighborhood for all tastes
Palermo is the largest neighborhood and one of the most elegant and cosmopolitan. It is known for its embassies, beautiful buildings, charming cafes and restaurants, the zoo, and the Japanese garden.
The embassies of several countries are in Palermo, which gives an international feel. It is also home to some of the city's most imposing buildings, such as the Palacio Barolo, an Art Nouveau building with panoramic views.
Palermo is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The neighborhood houses several cafes and restaurants where you can taste Argentine cuisine.
Palermo is home to the Buenos Aires Zoo! A zoo with over 3,000 animals and a traditional Japanese garden with a lake, pavilion, and wooden bridge.
Here is an itinerary to make the most of your day:
Start your day with breakfast at one of the neighborhood's charming cafés.
Visit the Buenos Aires Zoo to meet animals from around the world.
Walk through the Japanese Garden to enjoy the beauty of nature and Japanese culture.
Try Argentine cuisine in one of Palermo's many restaurants.
Recoleta: the aristocratic neighborhood of Buenos Aires
Recoleta is one of the most sophisticated neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. It is known for its neoclassical architecture, art museums, and cemeteries.
The Recoleta Cemetery is one of the most famous in the world.
The cemetery houses the tombs of Argentine personalities, such as Eva Perón, Julio Cortázar, and Alfonsina Storni.
The tombs are decorated with sculptures, statues, and architectural elements. The place has an imposing and majestic appearance.
The Basilica Nossa Senhora do Pilar is a Roman Catholic church built in the 18th century. The Recoleta church has baroque architecture and interior beauty. It is one of the most significant monuments in Recoleta.
MALBA (Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires) is a modern and contemporary art museum. Houses a collection of more than 4,000 works of art by artists such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
Puerto Madero: the modern neighborhood of Buenos Aires
Puerto Madero is a modern and vibrant neighborhood in Buenos Aires, on Rio de la Plata banks. The neighborhood was revitalized in the 1990s, and today is a significant commercial, cultural, and tourist center in the city.
The neighborhood is known for its modern buildings, hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Puerto Madero's residential towers, offices, and luxurious hotels are in Art Nouveau style.
Puerto Madero is also home to restaurants, cafes, and bars. They offer a varied cuisine, from typical Argentine dishes to international options.
One of the highlights is the Puente de la Mujer, a suspension bridge designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. The bridge is a work of modern art that has become a symbol of the neighborhood.
Tips to enjoy your day in Puerto Madero:
Walk or bike along Costanera Sur, a promenade that offers panoramic views of the Rio de la Plata.
Visit the Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires (MAMBA), a museum of modern and contemporary art.
Take a boat ride along the Rio de la Plata to enjoy city views.
San Telmo: the bohemian neighborhood of Buenos Aires
San Telmo is a bohemian and historic neighborhood in Buenos Aires, located in the city center. The neighborhood is known for its antiques fair in Plaza Dorrego, flea market, and colonial architecture.
The Plaza Dorrego Antiques Fair is one of the largest in Latin America. It takes place every Sunday and offers antique furniture, art objects, and vintage clothes.
Mercado de San Telmo is a traditional market that was built in 1897. The market houses several shops, including fruit and vegetable stalls, butchers, and restaurants.
The market is a great place to try Argentine cuisine and buy fresh produce.
La Boca: the colorful and vibrant neighborhood of Buenos Aires
La Boca is a colorful and vibrant neighborhood of south Buenos Aires. It is known for its houses of different colors, tango, and history.
The houses of La Boca are an unmissable tourist attraction. They are painted in bright colors, which gives the neighborhood a unique and vibrant appearance. The flags of different countries inspired the colors of the house! A reflection of the neighborhood's cultural diversity.
Caminito is a narrow and picturesque street that is one of the symbols of La Boca. The street is full of craft shops, restaurants and bars. Caminito is a great place to try Argentine cuisine and watch tango shows.
Center: the historic heart of Buenos Aires
The center of Buenos Aires is the historic heart of the city. The neighborhood is known for its colonial architecture, public squares, and historical monuments.
Casa Rosada, the seat of the Argentine government, is one of the most emblematic buildings in the center. The house was built in the 19th century and is painted pink, which gives it a unique appearance. Casa Rosada is a significant place in Argentine history. It staged relevant events such as the Argentine Declaration of Independence.
Praça de Mayo is a public square in front of the Casa Rosada. The square is a popular place for demonstrations and public events. Plaza de Mayo is also an important historical site! It was the scene of the Mayo Revolution, which marked the beginning of Argentine independence.
The Cabildo is a historic building located in Praça de Mayo. The building was built in the 18th century and served as the headquarters of the Spanish colonial government. The Cabildo was the scene of the Mayo Revolution.
The Metropolitan Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in the center of Buenos Aires. The cathedral was built in the 19th century and is the most important in Argentina. The cathedral houses the remains of José de San Martín, one of the heroes of Argentine independence.
Belgrano: noble and cosmopolitan neighborhood
Belgrano is an upscale and cosmopolitan neighborhood in north Buenos Aires. Known for its Anglo-Saxon architecture, intense commerce, and cultural diversity.
Avenida Cabildo is the neighborhood's main thoroughfare. The avenue houses shopping centers, cinemas, and bakeries. On the border between Belgrano and Núñez is the River Plate stadium, one of the most loved Argentinean football clubs.
Another highlight is the Chinese neighborhood. Home to restaurants, shops, and supermarkets selling Asian products. Chinatown is great to try Chinese cuisine and learn about Chinese culture.
Retiro: the district of luxury hotels and shopping
Retiro is a commercial and financial district in the city center. Known for its excellent hotels, luxury stores, and neoclassical architecture.
Avenida 9 de Julio is the main thoroughfare in the neighborhood. The avenue is the widest in the world and is home to the Buenos Aires Obelisk, one of the city's symbols.
Another highlight of the neighborhood is Plaza San Martín. The square is an important cultural center and home to the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Decorative Arts, and the Teatro Colón.
Find more activities on TripAdvisor.
Conclusion
Buenos Aires is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. When planning your trip, select neighborhoods that align with your interests.
If you like history and culture, visit the historic center with the Casa Rosada, the Cabildo, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
If you prefer shopping and gastronomy, visit Retiro, San Telmo, or Palermo. And if you like nightlife, you can visit La Boca or Palermo Soho.
Where to stay in Buenos Aires: Hotels
Buenos Aires offers thousands of hotel options. The location depends on your interests.
You will find classic and luxurious hotels in Recoleta. New and modern in Puerto Madero. Charming in Palermo.
I do prefer to stay in Recoleta. From where I walk everywhere.
Recommended hotels:
Alvear Palace is a classic 5-star with excellent service and location. Next to Pátio Bullrich shopping mall
Duhau Palace - Park Hyatt: famous and beautiful hotel! Madonna stayed there.
Faena: design a hotel in an impressive building in Puerto Madero
Fierro boutique hotel in Palermo, with large, modern rooms
For other hotels in Buenos Aires, look here.
Live a unique experience in Buenos Aires!
Tours
Tour along the Tigre River. Buy the ticket at the train station.
If you have more time, spend a day in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. A 1-hour catamaran ride with Buquebus will take you to this charming city. Founded by Portuguese, it's cute, with great restaurants. Read more here. Excellent tour option!!
Buenos Aires restaurants
Chila Restaurant in Puerto Madero. Considered among the 50 best restaurants in Latin America. Argentine flavors with a modern touch. Expensive, and you need a reservation!
Oviedo in the Recoleta neighborhood, one of the best fish restaurants
Obviously, the Parrilla:
Santos Manjares: in the Retiro neighborhood. Simple place, with good meat and a fair price
La Cabrera: one of the most traditional meat houses in Buenos Aires. Try the Chorizo Steak
Have already purchased your plane ticket? Buy it now and live a unique experience in Buenos Aires!
Book your flight to Buenos Aires below on Expedia. Set your country of departure and arrival, the dates, and choose the best option!
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