What you can’t miss in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the capital city of the Argentine Republic. Its inhabitants are known as “Porteños” (it alludes to the fact that they are born near the port) . This is the business, banking, cultural and intellectual center of the country. Very little of its Spanish heritage can be seen today. During the 19th century the city experienced a boom, receiving a great architectural and cultural influence from Europe, mainly France. Due to this, Buenos Aires is known as the “Paris of South America”. Modern Buenos Aires with its high window curtain buildings contrasts the old French architecture of many of its buildings. The city surprises visitors with the wide avenues lined with trees, beautiful parks and magnificent residences.

Let’s list some of the locations must visit in Buenos Aires, organized by neigbourhoods.

Centro - Plaza LaValle/Teatro Colon/Avenida 9 de Julio/Obelisco/Theater Center:

San Nicolas, the original name for this part of the city, is the brainstem of the city of Buenos Aires. Enclosed by Rivadavia, Cordoba, Callao, and Madero Avenues and crossed by the 9 de Julio Avenue and the pedestrian streets Florida and LaValle. Plaza LaValle known as the Tribunales (court houses) composed of the famous Teatro Colon, one of the best opera houses in the world (well worth the tour), the Palacio de los Tribunales (Supreme Court, 1822), and the Palacio de la Justicia. 9 de Julio Avenue known worldwide for being the widest avenue in the world, crosses the city from North to South. Its name is derived from the Argentinean Independence Day. The Obelisco is a monument from the 30’s by architect Alberto Prebisch, commemorating the 400 years of the city’s founding. Located at the intersection of Diagonal Norte, Corrientes, and 9 de Julio Avenues.

Teatro Colon

Monserrat - Casa Rosada/ Plaza de Mayo/Catedral Metropolitana/Cabildo/Iglesia de San Ignacio/Congreso:

The central nervous system of the Argentine Government includes Plaza de Mayo and Plaza de los dos Congresos. The first plaza houses Casa Rosada (The Pink House), which is the Presidential Palace, El Cabildo or the Army Museum, The Catedral Metropolitana where General San Martin (South America’s “Libertador”) is entombed. The second plaza houses the Congreso, or houses of parliament.

plaza de mayo

Puerto Madero - Reserva Ecologica/Lola mora/Fragata del Presidente Sarmiento:

Puerto Madero was inspired by the Liverpool port. Generated by Eduardo Madero in 1887, today it is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city. The 16 old docks have been transformed into high-end restaurants, cafes, lofts and business offices. the Yacht Club holds 400 sailboats and is the location of the Hilton Buenos Aires Hotel. There is an ecological preserve that consists of 360 hectares and has a great bike path. Ideal for jogging too.

Retiro - Torre Monumental/Estacion Retiro/Plaza San Martin:

Cordoba, Leandro N. Alem Avenues and San Martin Street border Retiro. The English Tower raises in San Martín Plaza, and was a present from the English residents to commemorate the 100 years of Independence. Retiro Station is on land reclaimed from de Plata River and burned in 1897. It has been rebuilt to be one of the largest train stations in the world. Plaza San Martin on one end is the monument to the father of the country General Jose de San Martin. At the other end is the monument to the Argentines that died in the Islas Malvinas War (Falkland Islands) of 1982.

Recoleta - Plaza Francia/Centro Cultural Recoleta/Cementerio de la Recoleta/Basilica del Pilar:

The name Recoleta comes from the Recoleto Monks (Franciscans) who founded a monastery in the 18th century. Bordered by Libertador, Callao, Avenues and Esmeralda, Austria, and Juncal Streets. Austria and Juncal is the most famous tourist area in the city and it is known as little Paris due to the French style, exclusive avenues, green spaces, stores and classy restaurants. Every Sunday in Plaza Francia the locals will display and sell Argentine handicraft. This is the center of the Recoleta. There is also a modern shopping center in the area. Take time to have coffee at either La Biela or Cafe de la Paix and enjoy the view. If your diet allows it stop at Freddo (Quintana and Ayacucho) for a delicious ice cream. Cementerio de la Recoleta - where the most celebrated Argentineans, including Eva Peron and her family, are buried, is an elaborate cemetery, where mausoleums replicate chapels, pyramids and Greek temples. Basilica del Pilar built in 1732 housed the Franciscan Recoletos until it was declared a National Historical monument. The cloisters of Nuestra Señora del Pilar are some galleries situated by the church, which have not been remodeled since its building in 1716 (the church was inaugurated in 1732). These cloisters were used as a way to climb to the pulpit and bell-tower, and as a storehouse. Nowadays there is an interesting museum inside them. The cloisters can be visited from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sundays from 2:30 to 6:00 PM.

cementerio de la recoleta

Palermo - Jardin Japones/Museo Eva Peron/Bosques de Palermo/Planetario Galileo Galilei/Monumento a los Españoles:

A very traditional neighborhood that houses most of the gay venues.Bordered by Santa Fe, Juan B. Justo, Cordoba, and Scalabrini Ortiz Avenues. Home to many restaurants and the artist community. Jardin Japones located on Casares y Figueroa Alcorta Avenues combines tanks and gardens in the Japanese architectural style. Museo Eva Peron 2988 Lafimur (at Gutierrez), Buenos Aires. Tel: 54-11/4809-3168. Opened in 2002 in a restored mansion in Palermo. Bosques de Palermo originally owned by Governor Rosas, this park opened to the public in 1874. Visit the Jardín de los Poetas, with sculptures of famous writers such as Alfonsina Storni, Felix Amador, Paul Groussac and Enrique Larreta. Enjoy the Rosedal where the colorful roses are kept. Other features include pergolas, bridges, fountains, seats, street lamps and a magnificent array of sculptures. Many activities are available at the lake, including rowing and pedal boats. These woods are the preferred choice for local joggers and bicyclers. You could make a comparison to New York’s Central Park. Planetario Galileo Galilei is located in the center of Bosques de Palermo. Finally Monumento a los Españoles was built in 1910 in marble and bronze and was a gift of the Spanish people to Argentina.

planetario galileo galilei

San Telmo - Iglesia de San Pedro Telmo/Basilica de Santo Domingo/Mercado de San Telmo:

This is the birthplace of the City of Buenos Aires. The neighborhood houses the Feria de San Telmo every Sunday which is the Flea Market. Prices have gone up since our last visit 10 years ago and bargains are harder to find. Always ask for a better price on anything you are interested since bargaining is the norm. Be ready to walk away if the price isn’t right - you’ll be amazed at what happens.