Travel Guide to Buenos Aires, Argentina

The capital of Argentina surely can be called the liveliest city in South America: there life doesn't stop even for a second. In Corrientes Avenue you'll find cafes, kiosks, theatres, shops that are opened from morning till night, even buses go there without night stand. Buenos Aires certainly has European charm, there you can feel the spirit of Paris, Rome, Madrid and it's not surprising: the most of the portenos (as the native call themselves) originate from 'the Old World'. Buenos Aires has population of almost 3 million people, but if we take into account the population of the suburbs, the number will grow to more than 12 million.

In Buenos Aires there are plenty of sights, which can suit every age and taste. To those, who are fond of art, the city can offer a lot of different museums, galleries, theatres and architectural points of interest. Those, who can't imagine their lives without night parties, will be pleased with fabulous clubs and discos, where fun never stops. Also in Buenos Aires take place a lot of cozy parks, where one can hide from the hustle of the big city. You can get real pleasure from visiting museums, restaurants, marvelous monuments and of course tango-shows.

Plaza de Mayo. Plaza de Mayo is the heart of Buenos Aires. In this place the most important buildings are situated. Among them, for example, is Cabido (the building, where in the Colonial Age the government used to take place), the Cathedral, the City Hall and Casa Rosada.

Casa Rosada (Pink House), the official name of which is Palacio de Gobierno, is the seat of the office of the Argentina President. It's situated in Plaza de Mayo, so it often became a part of various happy and tragic historical events of the country. In Buenos Aires you can go to many parks, where nothing will prevent you from enjoying piece and privacy of your own. Park of the 3rd of February is actually the biggest one in Buenos Aires, it starts in Palermo District and extends to the north border of the city. Not far from this park the Zoo and the Planetarium are located. Then go some also very nice places for having really good time: the Andalusian Court, the Danish Rosarium and the Japanese Pavilion. Moreover not far from the park a number of interesting museums take place.

The Obelisk. Without any hesitation we can say that the most famous monument in Buenos Aires is the enormous Obelisk at the intersection of 9 de Julio and Corrientes avenues, which is the symbol of the city. It was created in May 1936 on the occasion of the 400th anniversary since the city was founded. The Obelisk is placed in the center of the Plaza de la República at the location of the first Argentina flag. It is 67 m tall and it takes about 49 m2. Not far from this monument Jorge Luis Borges' House is situated.

The best shops in Buenos Aires can be found in Calle Florida Street, which, by the way, is a pedestrian zone. But the street, along which take place lots of boutiques and shopping centers, can be interesting not only for its shops, but also for its architecture.

San Telmo. San Telmo, the oldest area in Buenos Aires, used to be the place, where the elite lived. In 1870 during the epidemic of yellow fever the aristocracy left from San Telmo to the north of the city. A lot of emigrants rushed into this area and the houses of the rich were turned into «conventillos». In 1970 some of the historical buildings were restored. Nowadays San Telmo is a picturesque area with antique shops, Colonial architecture and plenty of ancient churches (for example, San Pedro Telmo). Some streets there are still cobbled. It'll be a good idea to go to San Telmo on Sunday, when Plaza Dorrego, the heart of the area, turns into a flea market and the streets are crowded with jugglers and tango dancers. Those, who admire the art of tango, should necessarily visit famous tango-cafes, such as El Viejo Almacén, Michelangelo, La Casa Blanca and La Casa Rosada.

Puerto Madero. On the bank of the Rio-de-la-Plata there is Puerto Madero, a former port area that was built in 1888-1897. At this moment it's the most modern entertainment area in the center of the city, where one can still feel the charm of the port. Nowadays in former docks take place restaurants and shops. If you want to have a nice walk, to eat a tasty supper and to do successful shopping, Puerto Madero is the very place you need.

La Boca. La Boca is the most outstanding area in Buenos Aires. It was built by the Italian immigrants along the Riachuelo, the meandering channel, on the banks of which storehouses and meat-processing factories used to be situated. La Boca first of all is famous for its original houses, which were built from tin and were painted in bright colors. Everywhere different art works are displayed for sale. In this area one can find a lot of souvenir shops, beerhouses and restaurants. At every step there you can feel the influence of the Italian culture. The special atmosphere and colorful view of La Boca everyday attract hundreds of tourists.

Read more about Buenos Aires:
Restaurants and cuisine in Buenos Aires
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Buenos Aires
Nightlife and attractions in Buenos Aires
Preparing for Buenos Aires: Advices
Buenos Aires photogallery