- It is the second-largest city in South America (after São Paulo) and the largest city in Argentina.
- Most of the population is of Spanish and Italian descent.
- The official language is Spanish. Buenos Aires means ‘nice/fresh air’ in Spanish.
- It is located in the eastern part of South America in the region called Rio de la Plata.
- It is divided into 48 local districts.
- The climate in Buenos Aires is humid and subtropical. Summers are humid and hot, and winters are mild.
- Note here: January is the hottest month and the average temperature is around 25-31 °C. As a result, the coldest season is July.
- There are two different rates. First install official, second dollar blue
Art and Culture in Buenos Aires
If you are thinking of traveling to Buenos Aires, Argentina, you are in the right place. It is possible to find many cultural activities, art centers, museums, and bookstores in Buenos Aires, which draws attention with its architecture that is highly influenced by the European style and its rich cultural life. Especially Palermo and Recoleta region hosts many museums for cultural trips. The main ones are:
- Teatro Colon – A world famous opera and theater house – at 9 de Julio Avenue
- MALBA – Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires – in Palermo
- National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes) – at Recoleta
- In Fundacion Proa – La Boca
- Faena Arts Center – in Puerto Madero
- Usina del Arte – Av. At Don Pedro de Mendoza
- Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art – in San Telmo
Buenos Aires is also a very developed city in the field of literature. Reading culture is very common. There are more than 700 bookstores in the city. It is possible to find many second-hand bookstores on Corrientes Avenue. Historical places such as the famous Cafe Tortoni and Cafe La Biela have an important place in the history of literature. Let us share with you some of the things you need to know when traveling to Buenos Aires.
The city’s architecture reflects Colonial, Art Deco, art Nouveau, Neo-Gothic and French Bourbon styles.
Places to Visit in Buenos Aires
Florida Street
You can find many big and small spots here, from the big shopping center called Galerias Pacifico to the vendors selling trinkets on the ground. The first stop of our Buenos Aires trip was Florida Street; because we had to convert our dollars to pesos.
In Argentina, the government takes a lot of commission from the money exchange transactions you make from the banks in order not to pave the way for money exchange too much. For this reason, foreign exchange brokers have sprung up on the streets, and you can come across these people every step of the way on Florida Street. Of course, they don’t do it publicly, they take it to a closed place and convert your money there.
You are considered very profitable from this shopping as they convert from banks at a more suitable rate, but it is useful not to be alone while making this transaction. Don’t forget to take your cash Solar or Euros with you when you come to Argentina.
Plaza De Mayo
Plaza De Mayo is one of the most famous squares in Buenos Aires. It took its name from the 25 May 1810 revolution, which was the beginning of the republican regime. Plaza De Mayo is the heart of Argentine political life. There are many structures worth seeing around Plaza De Mayo.
The government building, which draws attention with its pink color, Casa Rosada, Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires, the May Pyramid (dedicated to the mothers who lost their children during the regime change), the city hall, and the headquarters of the national bank are located in this area.
9 July Avenue (Avenida de Julio)
It got its name from Argentina’s Independence Day, July 9, 1816. With 18 lanes and a width of approximately 130 meters, Avenida de Julio has achieved the title of the widest boulevard in the world. It may take some time to cross the boulevard, it is possible to be caught in the light a few times while passing. The long thin white monument (Obelisco de Buenos Aires) in the middle of the boulevard was built in 1936 in honor of the city’s founding anniversary. In addition, Teatro Colon, which you can find on this street, is a world-famous opera and theater building and is worth seeing with its magnificent structure.
Recoleta
Walking on the streets of Buenos Aires, especially in this area, is quite enjoyable. Because you come across extraordinary structures every step of the way. In particular, the influence of Italian, Spanish and French architecture is undeniable. Recoleta is one of the regions with high income distribution. Recoleta Cemetery is one of the most famous touristic places of this region. The National museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes) and Pilar Church may also be of interest to you.
Built in 1822, the Recoleta Cemetery is more like an open-air museum than a cemetery with its magnificent statues and custom-built monuments, and is simply fascinating. If you go in the heat of summer, be sure to take your hat. Because you can be fascinated by this beautiful open-air museum and wander for hours.
The graves of Eva Peron, granddaughter of Napoleon and many famous families (authors, journalists, political leaders, actors, etc.) are here. Not to mention that some of these mausoleums are worth millions of dollars. The cafés in the Recoleta area are perfect for resting and having a drink at noon. Beer fries aren’t bad.
Palermo
Palermo is also a very pleasant region for tourists. There are sweet cafés on the streets. You can find beautiful places especially in Palermo Soho. For those who are interested in design, the market called ‘Ferio Plaza Serrano’ may be interesting. For those who are interested in Latin American art, MALBA-Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires, located in this region, can be a good choice.
La Boca
La Boca is located at the head of the most famous and colorful areas of Buenos Aires. Located in the southeast of Buenos Aires, this interesting area is one of the most original areas you can see in Buenos Aires with its colorful streets and Italian-influenced style. The sweet houses on Caminito Street were built from the eaves of old ships and painted with boat paint.
It is said that the region was named Boca, which means mouth, because it is located at the mouth of the river. You can come across people doing tango in the streets and spend time in Italian taverns. The stalls where tiny souvenirs are sold on the sidewalks will also decorate your trip. La Boca is home to the world famous Boca Juniors football team. I’m sure you will be interested in the yellow and dark blue stadiums of Boca Juniors (La Bombenara Stadium), where Maradona also trained.
Puerto Madero
Another must-see in Buenos Aires is Puerto Madero. This is a port amongst modern buildings, and there are many beautiful but slightly expensive restaurants around the port. There are also budget-friendly cafés to relieve fatigue. In the middle of the port, ‘Puente de las Mujeres’ meaning ‘Women’s Bridge’, built by the architect Calatrava, stretches with its interesting structure. In the middle of the harbor, an old ship said to have traveled the world 40 times welcomes its visitors as an open-air museum.
San Telmo
San Telmo may be the place where you will love the energy the most in Buenos Aires. After getting off the subway, we reached San Telmo on a sightseeing tour through lush parks and quiet but graffiti-colored streets. Our first stop is a large passage full of vintage and antique shops. The interior of the old passage, which we cannot compare to anything from the outside, is almost a paradise for lovers of antiques. From a ball gown or bag from years ago to silver tea plate coasters and spoons, you come across many things.
If you realize that you are hungry when you leave, you will see the ‘La Brigada’ sign at the exit of the passage. This is a restaurant we read about in many places. The interior of the place is decorated with football-themed items, but it has a very pleasant decoration that makes you feel that it is of high quality.
I think we were to taste the best meat and wine I have ever eaten in La Brigada. Since the number of four-legged cattle per capita is quite high in Argentina, meat dishes are plentiful here. The wines are also very good and reasonably priced. Please don’t say you can’t eat undercooked meat, at least it should be medium cooked, the meat here should not be overcooked.
Then we find ourselves in the famous San Telmo neighborhood market. The stalls here have everything you can look for, from beautiful old records to bohemian accessories and clothes, from trinkets to souvenirs. At every corner, a different street artist band accompanies your tour with their pleasant music. There may be a sweet couple dancing tango in front of you all of a sudden. Before you forget, go to San Telmo on Sunday so you don’t miss this market. The market is located in Plaza Dorrego.
Tigre Delta
Our last stop in the delightful city of Buenos Aires is Tigre. Its distance from Buenos Aires is about thirty kilometers. You can come by train from Retiro train station. This is a different settlement built around the place where the Parana River empties into the sea. The best activity to do in Tigre is to visit the shops selling pleasant leather, wooden products, decoration items and souvenirs and to join the boat tour where you can watch the houses and greenery on the delta.
There are also large and small restaurants and cafes in the area where you can have something to eat. During the boat tour, it is nice to observe the people who take a canoe, swim in the river, and brew in the garden of their house. The color of the water we pass over is a mud-like color. Because a lot of mud and clay were carried from the river to the delta. But those who enter and swim do not seem to complain.
Recommended Things to Do on a Trip to Buenos Aires
- First of all, take your cash dollars (I recommend dollars rather than euros. They exchange euros at a higher rate) with you as you think will be enough for your trip, and find and exchange it with fellow stockbrokers on Florida Street. Do this job with two people, I personally would not prefer to be alone. If not, you will lose almost half as banks and exchange offices will break them at a very high exchange rate. The same logic applies to the use of credit cards.
- Do not choose unsafe areas for accommodation because it is cheap. Don’t let your vacation be spoiled by a cheesy case of theft. There are places where you can be very satisfied with Airbnb, both in terms of price and comfort and security.
- If your trip coincides with Argentina’s winter (like July-August), dress warmly. I would like to remind you that there is no heating in the houses. I guess they rely too much on their insulation.
- Eat meat in nice meat restaurants. I can’t say anything if you are vegetarian or vegan.
- Markets are fantastic for breakfast business.
- You can try their empanada, mince and cheese pastries.
- Try Mate. People get used to drinking. Mate, which is drunk to warm the heart, especially during tango nights in winter, is consumed abundantly in summer with the thought that it gets hot (does it sound familiar?). It tastes like green tea, a bit stronger.
- Go to the El Ateneo Grand Splendid Theatre. This is a baroque theater that has been chosen as the second most beautiful bookstore in the world by The Guardian. The gigantic, pompous theater we’ve seen in period films, this is one of the opera houses, and it’s truly fascinating.
- Spend a Sunday in San Telmo.
- Discover Tigre.
- Don’t miss the stunningly beautiful Recoleta Cemetery.
- Wander among the colorful houses in La Boca.
- Don’t miss Palermo Soho.
