City Guide

City Guide

Over 12 million people live in the city and suburbs of Buenos Aires! The capital is divided into 49 barrios, or neighborhoods. The historical center is within the Plaza de Mayo area, where you will spot architectural landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral. The essence of Buenos Aires is capture in San Telmo, one of the city’s oldest districts, where the tango is still alive and kicking. Palermo boasts the zoological gardens and other picturesque parks, while Recoleta and Barrio Norte are famed for their world-class shopping opportunities. The Corrientes Theater District is Buenos Aires’ very own Broadway, and features dozens of musicals and plays.

* Shopping

Recoleta Avenue was recently voted one of the five best shopping spots in the entire world. The avenue is lined with high-end boutiques, trendy cafes, and exclusive fashion shops. Bargain hunters will enjoy the weekend flea market in San Pelmo, while visitors looking for a more comprehensive shopping experience will appreciate the extra-large Alto Palermo Shopping Mall, complete with hundreds of shops, cages, and a movie theater. Remember, cow is one of Argentina’s greatest commodities, and leather is offered at prices anyone can afford.

* Golf

The lush Argentine environment makes for some of the world’s most stunning golf courses. Buenos Aires boasts the top five golf courses in Argentina: Jockey Club in San Isidro the Buenos Aires Golf, the Olivos Golf Club, and either Pilar Golf Club or Martindale C.C. in the Pilar area (just 35 miles north).

* Art

Buenos Aires is one of the art capitals of the world, often calls “The Paris of the Americas.” Art enthusiasts must visit the Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts), and Museo de Arte Latino Americana de Buenos Aires (MALBA), which features contemporary art. Smaller galleries can be found in the districts of San Telmo of Palermo. The International Art Fair, which draws in galleries, collectors, and artists across the globe, takes place every May.

* Culture

Buenos Aires is home to artists, bohemians, dancers, and world-class musicians. The city boasts stunning architecture, world-class museums, and first-rate theaters, including the world-renowned Teatro Colon, home to some of Buenos Aires’ premiere cultural events. Corrientes Avenue is the “Broadway” of Buenos Argentina, featuring dozens of theater productions that suit any taste.

* Fashion

Buenos Aires, the home of Evita, boasts a red hot fashion scene. Palermo is where the city’s fashion scene is centered, where top designers display their latest couture in upscale shops. Every spring during Buenos Aires Fashion Week (BAFWeek), top models strut the latest designs on the runways.

* Nightlife

Buenos Aires is famous for its trendy bars, fashionable nightclubs, and upscale dining. The capital is divided into various districts: for upscale dining and hip clubs, try the Palermo, Puerto Madero, and Recoleta neighborhoods. Barrio Norte, in the heart of the city, is home to the Casino Flotante (Floating Casino), which is located on a triple-decker old Mississippi boat on the water. San Telmo has old-world charm and features a number of tango-themed bars.

* Wine

Fertile soil lays the foundation for a fairly young but newly thriving wine-making industry in the province of Buenos Aires. Wine-makers follow a stringent wine-making process that produces superior wines. Fine restaurants in Buenos Aires proudly serve Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Sauvignon Blanc, among others. There are also a number of wine clubs and excellent restaurants boast a wide selection of local wines and provide plenty of opportunities for wine tasting: Anuva Wines, Casa Coupage, and Terroir are popular locations for wine tasting.

* Restaurants

The cosmopolitan capital of Argentina offers a variety of options for the gastronomical tourist. Portenos tend to eat late, and many restaurants don’t open until 8:00 or after. Argentina is of course famous for its grass-fed beef but offers plenty of other fare, including pasta, sushi, Asian fusion, empanadas, tamales, and more. For an authentic Argentinean dining experience, try Parrilla, Dora, Café Tortoni, or Plaza Asturias.

* Gay

Considered the most open-minded city in Latin America, Buenos Aires has a thriving, sophisticated gay scene. The Gay Argentina Pride Parade is held in Buenos Aires in November, celebrating the very first gay group formed in Buenos Aires in 1969. Popular gay bars include: Sitges, the Flux Bar, and the Pride Café.

* Family

Buenos Aires is one of the world’s most kid-friendly cities. Even the finest dining establishments happily provide high chairs. Children will enjoy the city’s numerous playgrounds, its abundance of graffiti art, and taking one of the capital’s many child-friendly city walks. Kid-friendly destinations include: Museo de los Niños Abasto, an interactive children's museum, the Zoological Gardens, and the Fragata ARA Presidente Sarmiento, an old naval ship that can be explored.

* Business and Convention Center

The Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel and Convention Center is located directly across from the Retiro train station and British clock tower. The center boasts four restaurants, the largest spa in Buenos Aires, and extensive meeting facilities idea for conferences, trade shows, exhibitions, and small events. A 13,000 + ballroom provides an elegant spot for banquets and parties.

* Weather

Buenos Aires has a humid subtropical climate, with wet, mild winters and warm to hot summers. Check out daily and weekly Buenos Aires weather forecasts here.