Peregrinating around the Queen of the Plata – Buenos Aires
With its tall buildings, busy streets, and glamorous nightlife, Buenos Aires is the queen of the plata (the silver river), as Argentines call the Río de la Plata that connects their country with Uruguay. Peregrinating (traveling) around this modern city doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful; these tips will help you get the most out of your stay in Buenos Aires!
La Boca
La Boca is one of the most colorful and vibrant neighborhoods in all of Buenos Aires. Founded by Italian immigrants, the area is known for its brightly painted houses and buildings. It’s also home to some of the best Argentinean food you’ll ever eat. If you’re looking to experience true Argentinean culture, La Boca is the place to be.
El Zanjón de Granados street is lined with restaurants and eateries where you can sample traditional dishes like asado (Argentine barbecue), choripán (sausage sandwich), milanesa napolitana (breaded beef cutlet), yerba mate tea, or wine from Mendoza. You can’t leave without stopping at Dulce de Leche for a decadent slice of alfajor, a typical pastry filled with dulce de leche and topped with chocolate.
As I was walking along Rodíguez Peña Avenue I noticed that it had a lot of vintage stores, cafés, and art galleries. One thing I really enjoyed about this neighborhood was that it seemed untouched by time-some buildings looked like they were built before World War II. The blocks are long so you could probably spend hours just exploring on foot if you didn’t know what else to do.
A quick stroll down Pasco Street led me to Plaza Lavalleja which features an iconic monument commemorating General Lavalleja who fought against Brazilians during the war of independence in 1825-1828). Around the square there are many cafes and bars so if you want people watching this is your spot!
San Telmo
San Telmo is the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires, and also one of the most charming. With its cobblestone streets and colonial-style architecture, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Plus, there’s always something going on in San Telmo, whether it’s a tango show or an outdoor market. If you’re looking to get a taste of what Buenos Aires is all about, San Telmo is the perfect place to start. There are several museums here that showcase the history of Argentina, including the famous Casa Rosada (Pink House) where General Lavalle fought for democracy against Juan Manuel de Rosas in 1829.
The La Boca: What would Buenos Aires be without its iconic waterfront neighborhood? It would still be pretty awesome, but La Boca really does have that little extra bit of magic that makes it worth visiting if you have time. You’ll find colorful buildings dating back to the 19th century with graffiti art decorating every inch of wall space imaginable–from comic book superheroes to picturesque sunsets. La Boca is well known for being a hub for musical artists from all over Latin America, so expect plenty of live music as you explore this creative mecca. And since La Boca is home to some of the best parillas in town, make sure you try a choripan before your trip ends!
Recoleta
One of the most beautiful destinations in Buenos Aires is Recoleta. This neighborhood is known for its history, tradition, and culture. The architecture is amazing, and there are plenty of things to see and do. If you’re looking for a place to take some beautiful photos, this is definitely the place to go. There’s also a museum dedicated to Eva Perón, which makes it a great place for history buffs. You can also find many different types of cuisine here, so if you want to experience Argentina’s rich culture, this is one of the best places to visit. There are also numerous cathedrals, museums, restaurants, and other attractions that will help you get a sense of the traditions that make Argentina what it is today. The architecture in Recoleta is incredible-it looks like a postcard!
It’s truly an unforgettable place, perfect for anyone who wants to soak up all of the beautiful architecture, art, and people. There are many beautiful buildings including La Chacarita cemetery, the Palacio de los Guzmanes Museum, Palermo Hollywood Museum and gallery; San Martín Cabildo Museum; Plaza Dorrego; Las Cañitas Cultural Center (which has over 12 concert halls); Central Park; Pinacoteca Virreinal Museum; Favaloro National Institute of Arts among others. Don’t forget to try some delicious food while you’re here! The Bife de Lomo, or Tournedos Rossini with lobster are just two examples of some dishes worth trying out. These beautiful destinations have something for everyone: a variety of cultures, people, and flavors waiting to be explored.
Puerto Madero
Once a busy docklands area, Puerto Madero is now a modern neighborhood with plenty to see and do. Walk along the waterfront promenade, admire the yachts moored in the harbor, or explore one of the many restaurants and bars. If you’re feeling active, you can even rent a bike and cycle around this beautiful part of town. And for those who want to take a break from exploring, the Museum of Modern Art (MAMBA) offers an incredible array of exhibitions.
For nature lovers, head over to the Botanical Gardens on Avenida Costanera Norte: home to rare plants, waterfalls and acres of forested land.
Take a ferry across the Rio de la Plata to Uruguay for a day trip-just be sure not to forget your passport! Visit Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and colonial settlement that dates back to 1680. Get lost among its cobbled streets before returning to Buenos Aires via Buquebus, just 15 minutes away by ferry. With so much to see and do, there’s no shortage of places to travel within Buenos Aires. Enjoy some tango at El Bajo club while sipping on cerveza negra; get high at Calle Florida; or watch Argentine football in La Bombonera stadium. There’s also the opportunity to visit outlying provinces such as Córdoba and Mendoza, both perfect for wine tasting tours and taking in panoramic views.
Microcentro
The Microcentro is the downtown area of Buenos Aires and is where most tourists stay. It’s a great place to walk around, people watch, and do some shopping. The main drag is Florida Street, which is pedestrian only and lined with shops and restaurants. If you’re looking for a souvenir, this is where you’ll find it. Just be prepared to haggle! The Microcentro is the downtown area of Buenos Aires and is where most tourists stay. It’s a safe area with plenty to do, but can be quite crowded and expensive. You can find some good deals on accommodation if you look hard enough. Once you’re settled in, there are plenty of things to keep you busy.
The Obelisco is a must-see, as well as Plaza de Mayo and the Casa Rosada. If you’re a fan of art, make sure to check out the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. For something a little different, visit one of the many tango shows or take a tango lesson. Also head to Recoleta Cemetery and see the graves of famous Argentinians such as Eva Peron, Juan Dominguez Cabral, and Maradona. Alternatively go to San Telmo Market for more authentic local flavor.
As I write this post from my own personal experience, I’ve found that travelling here has been both exciting and exhausting. As much as I would love to recommend all my favorite places, I feel like everyone has their own taste when it comes to travel destinations so please enjoy exploring at your own pace!
Palermo
As soon as you arrive in Palermo, you can feel the relaxed atmosphere. This is definitely the place to come if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. There are plenty of parks and green spaces to relax in, as well as some great restaurants and cafes. If you’re looking for a bit of culture, there are also some interesting museums and galleries worth checking out.
A must-see attraction is Recoleta Cemetery, which was established back in 1822. It’s one of the most famous cemeteries in the world, so it’s not surprising that more than 200,000 people visit each year. The cemetery contains many mausoleums, including those belonging to former presidents Juan Domingo Perón and Eva Perón. The cemetery has been used in many films and TV series over the years including Hollywood blockbuster The Others and HBO hit Six Feet Under. What’s even cooler is that many movie sets have been built on site!
The first thing you see when walking through Recoleta are the statues lining the main entrance. These beautiful pieces of art represent Argentina’s independence heroes: General San Martin, General Belgrano, General San Martín de Maradiaga and General Lavalleja.
