Visiting Buenos Aires - The Paris of South America
Buenos Aires will be on peoples wish lists whether they are going to Argentina or South America in general, thanks to the reputation that it has gathered over the years.
A true gem of the continent, this city holds a place in the hearts of both foreigners and Argentines thanks to the mixture between the fiesty new world and the romantic old one.
Buenos Aires is also a city that holds itself in high esteem - as its residents are not ashamed to admit.
Justifiably, this city is often seen as a classy and sophisticated counterweight when compared to the rest of Latin America.
There's no doubt that Buenos Aires has a European feel to it, not least because of the number of Europeans, especially Italians, who have made their homes there.
Yet, it has its own distinctive flavor to it, leaving no doubt that you are indeed in South America and Argentina.
This is a city for lingering over fine dining and strong delicious coffee.
Argentina is particularly known for its beef and no visit to the country would be complete without sampling the parilla or barbecue.
Gelato, or Italian ice cream, is also a treat to sample as well as the ubiquitous dulce de leche.
One of the other main things that Buenos Aires is known for is the tango.
You can pay for lessons or you can go to a milonga, a type of tango event, where you can get locals to teach you for free.
Even if you have no interest in learning the dance for yourself, watching it being danced is something that has to be on your list of things to do.
A fun and unique experience is the San Telmo Market.
Antique fairs can also be seen on Sundays where you can get good prices on interesting things.
It's a complete spectacle with street performers, musicians and artisans along the streets.
Other weekend street fairs include that in the neighborhood of Recolleta as well as the Sunday La Fería Matederos.
Here, you will find a more local style fair with music, food, crafts and tango dancers.
One of the most famous individuals in the history of Argentina was Eva Perón.
To learn more about the role she played in real life as opposed to what you've seen in the movies, you can visit the Museo Evita.
With both European and Argentinean works, the National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes) is another spot well worth a visit.
If you want to experience a bit of nature while in the city, there are a few options.
The Zoological Gardens is a city zoo covering 45 acres.
Temaiken Park, a quick drive outside the city, includes animals from South America, Asia and Africa.
Jardin Botanico Carlos Thais is a quite spectacular garden to visit with many paths to enjoy and plants from across the world.
The best times of year to visit with regard to the weather are between March and May and between September and November.
This time is known for many festivals.
January and February are best avoided due to high humidity and a number of places closing then.
A true gem of the continent, this city holds a place in the hearts of both foreigners and Argentines thanks to the mixture between the fiesty new world and the romantic old one.
Buenos Aires is also a city that holds itself in high esteem - as its residents are not ashamed to admit.
Justifiably, this city is often seen as a classy and sophisticated counterweight when compared to the rest of Latin America.
There's no doubt that Buenos Aires has a European feel to it, not least because of the number of Europeans, especially Italians, who have made their homes there.
Yet, it has its own distinctive flavor to it, leaving no doubt that you are indeed in South America and Argentina.
This is a city for lingering over fine dining and strong delicious coffee.
Argentina is particularly known for its beef and no visit to the country would be complete without sampling the parilla or barbecue.
Gelato, or Italian ice cream, is also a treat to sample as well as the ubiquitous dulce de leche.
One of the other main things that Buenos Aires is known for is the tango.
You can pay for lessons or you can go to a milonga, a type of tango event, where you can get locals to teach you for free.
Even if you have no interest in learning the dance for yourself, watching it being danced is something that has to be on your list of things to do.
A fun and unique experience is the San Telmo Market.
Antique fairs can also be seen on Sundays where you can get good prices on interesting things.
It's a complete spectacle with street performers, musicians and artisans along the streets.
Other weekend street fairs include that in the neighborhood of Recolleta as well as the Sunday La Fería Matederos.
Here, you will find a more local style fair with music, food, crafts and tango dancers.
One of the most famous individuals in the history of Argentina was Eva Perón.
To learn more about the role she played in real life as opposed to what you've seen in the movies, you can visit the Museo Evita.
With both European and Argentinean works, the National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes) is another spot well worth a visit.
If you want to experience a bit of nature while in the city, there are a few options.
The Zoological Gardens is a city zoo covering 45 acres.
Temaiken Park, a quick drive outside the city, includes animals from South America, Asia and Africa.
Jardin Botanico Carlos Thais is a quite spectacular garden to visit with many paths to enjoy and plants from across the world.
The best times of year to visit with regard to the weather are between March and May and between September and November.
This time is known for many festivals.
January and February are best avoided due to high humidity and a number of places closing then.
