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Buenos Aires |
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DESTINATION INFORMATION
Buenos Aires is the most European of all Latin American cities. With its wide boulevards, leafy parks, grand buildings and varied culture and nightlife - reminiscent of Paris or Barcelona. The city has a mild climate and is a year-round destination.
The Porteños ~ 'people of the port', as the residents of Buenos Aires are called ~ seem more European too, but this is hardly surprising considering that most are descended from European immigrants, predominately Italian, who settled here in the 19th century. With them came a culture and a cuisine that the city enjoys and can be found in countless art galleries, theatres and museums, as well as fine restaurants. Dinner is taken late, with traditional and modern parrilla restaurants serving up a cornucopia of meats, while pizza and pasta restaurants are found on every street corner. Of course, Argentina also has some of the world's best wines, which shouldn't be missed.
The city has also spawned its own art forms, notably the tango (the world's sexiest dance), for which Buenos Aires is famous.
For the visitor from abroad, there has never been a better time to visit Buenos Aires. Devaluation has made it a cheap city to explore and enjoy. Tourists sightsee and shop by day and dance and enjoy gastronomic delights at night. With several new museums and numerous cultural attractions and events, there is much to see and do.
Plaza de Mayo has been the scene of all the important political events in Argentina for 200 years! Here you will find the Cathedral Metropolitana, the Casa Rosada, the Presidential Palace and many other important buildings. See below for suggestions to while away your free time whilst visiting this fascinating city.
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WHAT TO DO
- Cabildo ~ The centre of the May Revolution, the beginning of the country's revolution.
- Casa Rosada ~ The lower balcony of the Presidential Palace, where the Pérons spoke to their people.
- La Boca neighbourhood ~ The home of the Tango and the city's oldest and most colourful neighbourhood.
- La Caminito ~ A street museum within La Boca, displaying all the colourfully painted houses and a must for any visitor to Buenos Aires.
- La Bombonera (the chocolate box) ~ The stadium that is home to the Boca Juniors, Maradonna's old club. Daily guided tours available.
- La Recoleta neighbourhood ~ Walking area combining shops, restaurants and boutiques, this district is famous for its French style buildings, large parks and aristocratic bars.
- Recoleta Cemetary ~ Amongst its famous inhabitants is the tomb of the Duarte family, including Eva Duarte de Peron, aka Evita.
- Museo Evita ~ A new museum, dedicated to the life and story of Eva Peron, with a mixture of personal effects and audio visual displays.
- Teatro Colón ~ Considered one of the most important theatres in the world, it is possible to take a guided tour to the back rooms and stage sets.
- Avenido 9 de Julio ~ The widest avenue in the world, commemorating Argentina's Independence day. At one end, El Obelisco stands tall to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the city.
- Plaza Francia Sunday Market ~ Very popular with locals and tourists.
- Museo de Arte Latinoamericano ~ Fine contemporary museum with exhibits from the private collection of an Argentinian multi-millionaire!
- Parque de la Costa ~ Approximately 19 miles away, the only major amusement park of its kind in the area, with all the usual rides, roller coasters and water amusements.
- Feria de Mataderos ~ a fair featuring food, handicrafts, music, dance and gaucho horsemanship Held every Sunday, 30 minutes drive from the city to the corner of Avenida de los Corrales and Lisandro de la Torre.
Restaurant suggestions:
- La Vieja Rotisera ~ An extremely popular place to taste the quality of Argentina's meat at low prices.
- Social Paraíso ~ This lunchtime venue in Palermo Viejo offers one of the best value dining options in the city, with wholesome staples as well as more exotic combinations.
- El Obero, La Boca ~ Steaks, pasta, fish and stews on offer at this eaterie favoured by everyone, including visiting celebrities, and at good prices.
- El Desnivel, San Telmo ~ Cheap and cheerful steakhouse, popular with tourists and locals alike, but gets very busy. Worth booking ahead for parties.
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