Buenos Aires a South American city with a European flavour.
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina however this iconic South American metropolis has a very European flavour and look to it.
It sits on the banks of the River Plate and is made up of a number of distinct neighbourhoods or as there known locally barrios, each with there own culture and charm.
Despite its size the city is in fact easy to explore and navigate for us visitors either on the Subte metro system or in fact on foot by walking its colonial style large avenues and boulevards.
On a personal level I would describe Buenos Aires as resembling in terms of architecture a cross of two classic European cities those being Paris and Madrid, but what it does have is its own unique vibe and beat.
Arriving in Buenos Aires
The majority of tourists will arrive in the city by air and the cities main international airport is 20 miles outside the city center the MINISTRO PISTARINI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The main way to travel from the airport to the city is by taxi or pre booked private hire transfer the journey takes approximately 50 minutes depending on traffic.
There is also the option of useing the bus services that run to and from the airport however if your visiting for the first time I would recommend a pre planned transfer.
Ministro Pistarina Airport
Cruise Port
A number of cruise ships now include Buenos Aires on there itineraries with many cruises starting or ending there. The city does have a cruise terminal the Quinquela Martin Terminal however having personally experienced this terminal lets say it is at best described as " Basic" !!!
Embarkation's and disembarkation can be a little stressful and at times chaotic so be aware of this it can take some time to complete both.
The terminal is small, and the real problem is the port is a extremely large industrial one, so you don't dock at the Terminal your Quay is inside the port. Which means you are taken to and from the ship by shuttle buses through a very busy working port area.
One last recommendation and I cannot stress this enough if your arriving or departing here make sure you don't walk outside the Terminal carpark area, make sure you get a taxi transfer to your hotel, simply put the area directly outside the port gates is not the best and NOT toursist friendly so get that taxi.
Where to stay ?
To answer this you have to remember your in the capital city of Argentina so in terms of hotels your not going to be short of options, all the major International brands have options here as well as a host of others giving you a wide range to suit all budgets.
So the main consideration would be in what area of the city you would want to base yourself for easy of travel, availability of restaurants and bars and of course safety for you as a tourist.
So I would offer 3 choices and will give my reasons for my recommendations.
1, The city Center ; Ok sounds sensible and it is, as it has all the services it is in fact close to most other neighbourhoods with the exception of Palermo, downsides is it can get extremely busy particularly during the day and after dark is a bit impersonal.
2, Puerto Madero ; Within walking distance of the center and is very safe good area to enjoy a walk and it has many excellent restaurants on its waterfront to choose from. Downside little public transport, it can be expensive.
3, Congreso & Tribunales ; Reasonable central has some interesting classic architecture and good cultural vibe, local theater district. Downside few eating and shopping options in the area and it can get edgey at night.
What to see and do
Plaza de Mayo
Possible the most famous location in the city if not the country. This classic Plaza is lined by two blocks of colonial buildings and has been the the stage or backdrop to many of the cities and Argentina's most important events ever since the uprising against Spanish rule started here in 1810.
Plaza de Mayo
Plaza de Mayo
Logistics Manager in the Plaza de Mayo
Plaza de Mayo
Plaza de Mayo
Corner of Plaza de Mayo
Casa Rosada
The Casa Rosada is the Presidential Palace this famous pink building sits at one end of the Plaza de Mayo this is where the iconic Argentinean legend "Evita", Eva Peron would speak to the enormous crowds of supporters wishing to hear and see her. You can tour the Palace and tickets can be bought online or at the entrance on the day of your visit.
Casa Rosada
Casa Rosada
Cathedral Metropolitana
This Cathedral with its classical looking facade also sits on the Plaza de Mayo it is in fact not that spectacular inside. However it was the last place of employment that a certain priest now known as Pope Francis l had before he moved to Rome to become the head of the Catholic Church.
On a local note it is also home to the Mausoleum of a Argentinian independence hero General Jose de San Martin, which to this day has a Ceremonial Guard of honour always on duty.
Cathedral Metropolitana
Inside Cathedral Metropolitana
Mausoleum of General Jose de San Martin
Avenida de Mayo
This beautiful avenue runs from the Plaza del Congreco to the Plaza de Mayo and is lined by some classical buildings and facades many famed for there splendid domes. It is a important shopping street of the city and home to a number of shopping malls many inside the interesting old classical buildings. It is worth a stroll along even if you don't want to shop it is also home to a number of cafes and restaurants. One other tip is a number of the malls here operate Money Exchange Kiosks and you will find that before visiting the country that Argentinian currency is difficult to get hold off so it requires you to exchange currency once you arrive, these Kiosks are safe and offer competitive rates so worth keeping in mind if you visit. (On that point its worth noting to remember to bring US $ to change, some did accept UK £ or Euros but the rate was not good also the minimum was 100$.)
Shopping mall on Avenida de Mayo
Logistics Manager in the mall on Avenida de Mayo
Plaza del Congreso
This plaza at one end of the Avenida del Mayo is a large open space / park area filled with statues and places to sit and relax it's location is directly in front off the Argentinian Congress Building. One interesting feature is this is where you find the mark of Kilometer Zero the point where all distances on Argentinian Highways are calculated from.
Plaza del Congreso
Cafe Tortoni
This is a must do especially if you like coffee or like me have a sweet tooth. The cakes are something else.
Cafe Tortoni is based on a Parisian coffee house of the same name and was opened in 1858 by a French immigrant. Since then it has grown into a Buenos Aires institution with many famous people visiting it over the years. Its basement has a small theatre where Jazz music and of course Tango shows are performed. It is worth a visit so do put it on your list.
Cafe Tortoni
Cafe Tortoni
Theatre within Cafe Tortoni
Logistics Manager with the statue of the original owner outside Cafe Tortoni
The Recoleta Cemetery
Now visiting a cemetery as a tourist attractions may to some seem a bit odd, but this is no ordinary cemetery. This incredible place is in the fashionable area of Recoleta which takes its name from a convent that once stood there, the area in itself is worth a visit with some excellent bar's, cafes and restaurants. However its the Cemetery that draws the interest with many of Argentina's most famous inhabitants buried there including the iconic Eva Peron.
The crypts and mausoleums here are incredible with each being more elaborate than the next. Yes some are obsentatious but that only makes the whole place more interesting and it is testament to the fact of Argentinians intrest in death and that they continue to honor there dead on there birthdays and alike. It is not a morbid place it is in fact very uplifting and interesting, of course most tourists head to see the final resting place of Evita and we were no different.
Yours truly in Recoleta Cemetery
One of the crypts
Eva Peron's final resting place
Logistics Manager at Evita's mausoleum
La Boca
La Boca is a predominantly working class area of the city that is near to the Riachuelo river, it was once in the 19th century the port of the city where thousands of immigrants first set foot in Argentina but today it is in fact inland from the River Plate. It has always had its social challenges but its an area you really should visit. However just be sensible and remain in the toursist area around the very colourful Caminito part of the neighbourhood where artists take there work onto the street in a explosion of colour as well as fun art works that cover the buildings and small verandas of the buildings in this cobbled street area.
This neighbourhood is also the location of the La Bombonera the home of the famous Argentinian football team Boca Juniors. If you like football ( soccer for our American friends) you will know this is a iconic and sometimes notorious stadium to watch football. As a toursist it is possible to obtain a ticket for certain games here but only via credited tour companies who are authorised to take toursist the the stadium because it is not advisable to attend these games without a local guide. It is worth noting that it is also expensive to book one of these experiences.
But the area of La Boca is one you should see but do so during the daytime its not a area that its advisable to be in as a visitor during the hours of darkness.
Logistics Manager and our guide in La Boca
La Boca
More colourful streets of this must see neighbourhood
Street cafe in La Boca
Artwork on the veranda in La Boca
Logistics Manager again with some interesting characters above her on the veranda
San Telmo
San Telmo is another colourful neighbourhood in the city known for its colonial style buildings art studios and galleries. Its also home to the National Historical Museum which houses displays relating to Argentinian history. However it is also a popular destination due to its boutique shops and Tango parlours and bars.
There is also a popular antiques market held every Sunday that draws crowds of shoppers. On the market front another place in San Telmo that is worth a walk around is the indoor Mercadio San Telmo. On the day we visited we got there by walking from the Plaza de Mayo along the street known as Boliver to San Telmo it is a good 40 minute walk that gives you a flavour of the city. Once there we visited the Mercadio before enjoying a relaxing drink in the site of the Sunday Market which is a leafy tree lined plaza. Here we were treated to a Tango show by street performers.
Logistics Manager in the Mercadio San Telmo
Street performers Tango show in San Telmo
Plaza in San Telmo
This unusual and interesting sculpture made of steel and aluminum is found in the Plaza de las Naciones Unidas and was gifted to the city by the artist Edwardo Catalano. The huge sculpture is designed like a flower and it moves opening in the morning and closing at night. It sits in the middle of a large green open space and is a interesting attraction.
Floralis Generica
Plaza Canada and Torre Monumental
The Plaza Canada is a lovely public square in the Retiro neighbourhood of the city its a good place to have a relaxing walk around during the day however it is not recommended to walk here during the hours of darkness. If you do visit you will find a Canadian totem pole that was a gift to the city from the Canadian ambassador. This is also where you will find the Torre Monumental this was built by British residents in the city in 1909 and was to commemorate the then centenary of the Revolution. It was built in the form of a clock tower and you can visit it and see the inside of the tower where there is a small museum and some good views across the surrounding area.
Plaza Canada totem pole
Torre Monumental
Bosques de Palermo
You could describe this as Buenos Aires's Central Park. It is a bit further away from other attractions in the city center so you will need to get a taxi here but it is worth the effort
It is a large park split up into different areas of intrest , such as small lakes with boats, Rose garden, a sculpture garden, jogging track, stands that rent out roller blades and bikes etc it covers over a 1000 acres so you have plenty to explore.
Bosques de Palermo
Tango Show
Well it really would be amiss if you were to visit Argentina and in particular Buenos Aires and not experience a Argentinian Tango Show. There are a number of venues that offer the full show accompanied by dinner and a drink. So we booked one of these and it as most do came with transport to and from our hotel to the venue. Most hotels offer to book this for you but there are plenty of similar excursions on sale within the city and online.
The venues are all similar there small theaters with long tables its worth noting these are popular with all visitors so the venues can be very busy and they do use all the space so get there early for the best seats. However it is a experience and one that I am glad we did.
Tango Snow
Enjoying the show
Looking back along the venue
Argentinian Steak House
One thing Argentinian's are proud of is there home reared beef it is something the country is famous for. As a result Steak is a favourite dish of many restaurants and you will find Steak House restaurants all over the city. So again it was something we were kean to try and it did not dissapoint. We enjoyed a excellent meal and grilled steak at a El Mirasol a first class restaurant we found in the Puerto Madero neighbourhood which sits on the waterfront, this area has numerous bars and restaurants and is a safe area to walk around at night.
So if you do enjoy a steak I would recommend the restaurant we visted but you won't the short of choices there are many establishment's to pick from. You can research the restaurant we enjoyed and recommended here, http://www.elmirasol.com.ar/en
El Mirasol
Yours truly ready for that steak
Well that is my tips and suggestions of what to see and experience in the busseling capital of Argentina Buenos Aires. It was a city that I was not sure of what to expect before we arrived there but one that was full of surprises and one that we enjoyed.
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