BUENOS AIRES

TRAVEL IN BUENOS AIRES

Simmer down the Southern Cone and visit Buenos Aires, the saucy capital of Argentina. The fourth most populated metropolitan area on the continent of America - trumped only by New York, Mexico City and Sao Paulo - you can expect to join a hive of multicultural activity, where various languages are flipped around casually and all walks of life go about their business harmoniously, in a rather insouciant fashion. Except on the occasion that the Boca Juniors have taken to a football field, of course, in which case Argentinians ignite into a mood of passion and fury. 48 barrios (neighbourhoods) make up the city of Buenos Aires, many of which hold their own distinct character and offering. Step through the streets of La Boca and you’ll find brightly coloured homes, low-class charm and a unique Italian influence. Move on to San Telmo for antique stores and tango in the streets, before winding your way to the Puerto Madero Waterfront for a spin at the casino and feast of vino tinto (red wine) and steak of bife de costilla. Art enthusiasts will find immense inspiration in the streets of Buenos, if not in the outdoor spaces, in the walls of its many galleries, like Fundación Proa, MALBA, and the Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art. Those less inclined to soak up the arts will fight inspiration in other corners of the city, namely its sweet stores where Dulce de leche caramels and alfajores cookies await. The connotation of Argentina might be a man on horseback in an empty field of Patagonia, but a trip to Buenos Aires should quickly rewire your thoughts to something far more cosmopolitan.

FAST FACTS

Language: Spanish
Currency: Argentine peso
Electricity: 220V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Argentina.
Dialling Code: +54
Time Zone: (GMT -03:00)

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Become a Boca fan
Argentinians love a good soccer match, and their favourite team is undoubtedly the Boca Juniors. With much success under their belt both at home and abroad, winning many international titles recognised by FIFA. In fact, so good is this Argentinian soccer team it has been ranked the 4th in the world behind greats like Real Madrid and Barcelona. Take a journey to Club Atlético Boca Juniors to see the 49,000 capacity stadium the team calls home. Even if there’s no soccer match happening, you might catch something else in action, like wrestling, rhythmic gymnastics, or volleyball.
Tour the eye of the Tigre

Named after the jaguars that roamed through the area in the early-1800s, Tigre is a neighbourhood positioned pleasantly beside a delta of water some 40-minutes north-west of Buenos Aires. Here you’ll find a slow holiday town with local markets from which you can pick up jars of olives and herb filled ‘queso’ cheese, as well as an amusement park complete with old-school roller coaster. Take in the views from a wooden riverboat and visit the former social club now standing as Museo de Arte Tigre art museum, you’ll uncover the glamorous bohemian spirit of days gone by.
Get lost among the dead at Cementerio de la Recoleta

Declared one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world, Cementerio de la Recoleta sprawls over 14 acres of Buenos Aires land. Over 4,500 above ground vaults can be found on the site, which surrounds Our Lady of Pilar church and convent build in 1732. Many of Argentina’s most important figures rest here, including presidents, poets and patriots. Ignore the chills and take a visit to this icon of the city, where architecture, religion and history collide. Buenos Aires attractions don’t get much spookier than this.
Go loca in La Boca

Step into the lively, atmospheric barrio of La Boca Buenos Aires to witness the city at its most colourful, both figuratively and literally thanks to the primary coloured zinc homes that lines the street. Despite the huge number of tourists that meander the area, La Boca is a relatively poor neighbourhood but retains plenty of charm and European influence. Stroll the traditional cobblestone street of El Caminito and admire art galleries like Fundación Proa and Museo Bellas Artes de La Boca Benito Quinquela Martín to fill the true spirit of the area.
Dance tango in San Telmo

The up-all-night area of San Telmo is one of the oldest areas in the city. But that doesn’t reflect in the crowd it draws, packed with Argentina’s young and hip seeking antique stores and homely bars. But the barrio’s most exciting element transcends shops and wine. San Telmo is the heart of the tango, Argentina’s national dance. You need not book a table at a tango show or see a professional performance to admire dancers of this neighbourhood, professional couples tap the streets of Plaza Dorrego to an enthusiastic crowd.
Enjoy an Argentinian feast by the river

Buenos Aires falls beside the tidal mouth of the Uruguay and the Paraná rivers known as Rio de la Plata. Flowing through the city’s Puerto Madero Waterfront is Rio Darsena Sur, where the Casino of Buenos Aires and spectacular Woman’s Bridge of Puente de la Mujer can be found. Spend a day waltzing the river before nabbing a table at a restaurant like Singa La Vaca, Chila or Rodizio Puerto Madero, the quintessential Argentinian feast of a steak may be in order.

Things to do in Buenos Aires

Creamfields Buenos Aires
Music

Over 70,000 revellers take to the stages of Creamfields Buenos Aires in an outpouring of love to electronic dance music. Held for one day in November it features big name international DJs, think Dimitri Vegas, David Guetta, and Roger Sanchez.
Buenos Aires Annual Contemporary Art Fair
Art

Buenos Aires transforms into a paradise of artworks for three days every May, attracting some 120,000 attendees to admire and be inspired. General admission starts from around $160, welcoming guests into a world of colour, radical ideas, and self expression.
Tango Buenos Aires Festival
Culture

Nothing speaks of Argentinian culture quite like the saucey tango, which originated in the country in the 1800’s. The Tango Buenos Aires Festival has become one of the country’s most important events, offering two weeks of workshops and dance shows every August.
Moonpark
Music

If your trip doesn’t collide with the extravaganza of Creamfields, you can likely get your electronic music fix at Moonpark, held three times each year in March, June and December for the last 15-years. DJs like Carl Cox and Sasha ensure this event impresses, offering Argentina's one of their most beloved partying sessions.
Carnival
Culture

Lending plenty of inspiration from their Brazilian cousins to the north, Argentina’s annual Carnival is nothing short of magnificent. The two day celebration takes place at the end of February, transforming the streets of Buenos Aires into a sea of vibrant colour and activity.

Top 5 Festivals in Buenos Aires

Music stands front and centre in the festival curation of Buenos Aires. Electronic music fans will find immense satisfaction in the soul-stirring lineup, with Creamfields drawing a crown of 70,000 and Moonpark held three times per year.

MALBA

MALBA is found in the barrio of Palermo, standing to promote Latin American artworks and artists since 2001. Spend a day walking through the elegant and modern space, you may spot names like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. A top feature for your what to do in Buenos Aires list.
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

The gallery of Museo Nacional de Bellas has moved several times since it was established in 1896, even spending a bout of time located in the French capital of Paris. Today it stands as an important symbol of Argentinian fine arts, attracting thousands of visitors to Avenida del Libertador.
Fundación Proa

The private art centre of Fundación Proa has been open for just over 2-decades, offering numerous cultural exchanges and educational programs during that expanse of time. Found in an elegant building in the area of La Boca, is it a must-visit gallery in Buenos Aires, complete with many exhibition halls, a library and a restaurant.
Evita Museum

Step into an ode to Eva Perón, the First Lady of Argentina from 1946 to 1952. A glamorous actress, Eva went on to become heavily involved in politics, starting foundations and campaigns that greatly helped the underprivileged. Photographs, personal belongings and films can be found at the Evita Museum about Perón, offering a glimpse into Argentina in the 1900’s.
Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art

Opened in 1956 by an art critic and a sculptor, the Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art has grown to become one of the most important spaces dedicated to contemporary art in Buenos Aires. Over 6,000 pieces can be found in this building on San Juan Avenue, including influential Argentinian artists like Romulo Macció and Marcelo Pombo.

Top 5 Museums and Galleries in Buenos Aires

Spend a few days roaming the museums of Buenos Aires and a central theme will emerge: this city has a soft spot for art in its various forms. From MALBA to Fundación Proa, with plenty of pokey spaces in between, there will be enough contemporary and historic pieces to satisfy your holiday’s creative needs.

Asado
Barbecuing meats, referred to in Argentina as ‘asado’, is so much more than satisfying hunger. A culturally significant event that unites families and friends, the asado experience is an essential element of travelling to Buenos Aires. Try the club steak at Cabaña Las Lilas with baked potatoes and creamed spinach for an authentic asado experience in Buenos Aires.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Cabaña Las Lilas, Alicia Moreau de Justo 516, 1107 CABA}
Empanadas
The savoury pastry of empanadas is a much-loved snack of Argentina. Usually stuffed with minced beef, corn, cheese and other vegetables, usually all spiced with cumin and paprika. The empanada is popular in many Spanish speaking countries, but you can try the authentic Argentinian variety at Empanadas Caseras Gourmet when in Buenos Aires.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Empanadas Caseras Gourmet, Av. Federico Lacroze 2411, Buenos Aires}
Alfajores
You’re likely to salivate at the mere thought of alfajores once you’ve tried one. A caramel patty smeared between two shortbread cookies, it’s known for causing addictions. They are best sampled in Buenos Aires at Havanna on Mayo, renowned as the city’s cookie king.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Havanna, Av. de Mayo 615, CABA}
Dulce de leche
Made simply by simmering condensed milk for a few hours, dulce de leche is a creamy take on caramel that is nothing shy of irresistible. Not surprisingly it is best tried at La Casa del Dulce de Leche, the city’s home of Dulce de leche and a store selling 100% Argentinian chocolates.

_{Best eaten at}
_{La Casa del Dulce de Leche, Defensa 733, 1065 CABA}
Milanesa
Argentina’s own take on an Italian favourite, Milanesa offers a thin slice of steak or veal crumbed and golden fried. Varieties include milanesa napolitana in which the meat is topped with tomato salsa, cheese and ham, and caballo dished up with a fried egg. Take a side of creamy mashed potato and a squeeze of lemon to complete the mouthwatering experience.

_{Best eaten at}
_{El Club de la Milanesa, Azcuénaga 1898, CABA}

Food in Buenos Aires

Sweet tooth? Savoury queen? Somewhere in between? There’s something for everyone in traditional Buenos Aires food. Sample pastry empanadas and chow down on barbecued meats known as asado. Then complete your days with some creamy dulce de leche caramel and local red wine.

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