Argentina – Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires… City that caught my heart! If there was one city in South America that I would like to call home, it would be BA. The city combines European style with Latino passion, it’s sexy while elegant, beautiful and alive, it just has to get under your skin.

From certain angles, it might look like a concrete jungle but get lost in the streets and look closely around you, you’ll see the magnificent architecture around you. The French and Italian style palaces will catch your eye, but you’ll also find beauty in the local barrios with colorful murals and vibrant street art.

Everything is intense here. Taxi drivers will talk about existential questions with you, lovers will danse in the streets or kiss on park benches, families will drink their mate while walking, the random guy on the street will tell you why this is the greatest country in the world and why the Malvinas islands belong to Argentina. People here love, enjoy and live in the moment, it’s a powerful feeling!

Buenos Aires is big, no denying that. But you can concentrate your visit in a few neighborhoods if you don’t have time to just wander around the streets.

San Telmo

You may hear that San Telmo is dirty and unsafe at night but don’t let that stop you from going to this old bohemian neighborhood.

Everyday you can visit the covered market where you can find good food to eat on the spot or to take home to cook. Each side as an entrance, as long as you enter to find some culinary gems that will leave you feeling like you’ve had a true taste of Argentina.

Not to be confused with the open air street fair on Sundays, around plaza Dorrego and Calle Defensa, the Feria is a must see with vintage objects, artisanal gifts, and everything you can think of. Snoop around and find your new favorite accessory!

Puerto Madero

Situated along the water, this neighborhood is one of the newest ones and is nothing like the rest of Buenos Aires. Luxury is everywhere! Make sure to traverse the iconic Puente de la Mujer and have a nice cocktail at one of the fancy terrasses while watching people pass by.

Palermo

Palermo is the largest neighborhood of the city and is split in sub-parts such as Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood.

Palermo is not about embracing the colonial past, but instead oozes innovation and is rather young, international and trendy.

Palermo is home to some really good restaurants and shopping addresses. Walk around Plaza Serrano to snag one-of-a-kind goods.

After that, find a nice terrasse on the plaza and enjoy a beer.

For some fresh air, head to the Japanese Garden. Small wooden bridges connect Classical Japanese gardens surrounding little ponds. To walk through the park is to accept an invitation to relax, take a book and enjoy the peace on one of the sunny benches. Avenida Figueroa Alcorta y Casares, Mon-Sun 10am-6pm, entrance 95 pesos

Retiro

Once the wealthiest neighborhood in the city, it is now home to most of the 5 star hotels and is a transportation hub.

The biggest attraction is the Plaza San Martin, a beautiful park, busy at all hours. You’ll find around the Art Deco Kabanagh Building, the Islas Malvinas War Memorial and Torre Monumental (British Clock Tower).

Recoleta

Fancy neighborhood of the capital, it’s famous for the luxurious stately homes, elegant residents along exclusive avenues and dining in chic cafes.

The most important atttraction is the Cementerio de Recoleta with over 6400 tombs including those of politicians, generals, artists, presidents and Eva Peron. It’s no ordinary cemetery, it’s a place for the rich and powerful! Entrance is free but you might get lost..

On weekends, plaza de Francia hosts the artisan market Feria de Artesanos de Plaza Francia, also known as the hippy fair.

San Nicolas and Montserrat (city center)

• Avenida Corrientes: the street that never sleeps, you’ll find countless bookshops, cafes, shops
• Avenida 9 de Julio
• Obelisco: even though you can’t go inside, it’s still an iconic symbol of the city and people will always indicate you where it is. It was created to mark the 400th anniversary of the first attempt to found the city. When locals want to celebrate something, they gather here.
• Calle Florida: main pedestrian street lined with boutiques, restaurants and the shopping mall Galerias Pacifico.
• Plaza de Mayo: the most important square of the country. Every Thursday at 3:30pm the Madres de la Plaza de Mayo hold their march protesting for the desaparecidos (disappeared) during the Dirty War
• Casa Rosada: presidential house. Make sure to book your visit online or you won’t be able to get in!

La Boca

Take a guided or free walking tour to explore the iconic, vibrant and colorful neighborhood of La Boca, where tango was born. You’ll find some of the best street art created by artists from all around the world.

Stroll through Caminata street and visit La Bombonera (the chocolate box), the stadium of Boca Junior football club.

The place isn’t safe at night but is fine during day time, as long as you stay in the touristic streets. Better to take a guide to make sure!

If you have an extra day, don’t miss Tigre, outside of the city center.