In my last article I covered some general aspects of visiting the capital of Argentina (South America), so when you visit you’ll know what to do in Buenos Aires!
Today we’ll start with the first day, Saturday! From the beautiful and traditional barrios (neighborhoods) to the people who shaped the culture in Argentina, this is a day to truly learn about what makes Argentina the country it is today.
Buenos Aires is a vibrant city, with an amazing array of things to do, see and experience. From the folklore of the barrios to the elegance of the European architecture, it’s all there.
What to do in Buenos Aires?
Here’s your map. Start at one of the most representative spots in Buenos Aires: La Boca.
La Boca
La Boca is a neighborhood at the south-east of the city. It is said that the name La Boca (The Mouth) responds to this area being close to the mouth of the River Matanza.
Its inhabitants come from Italian descent and even though it’s not a neighborhood of rich people, it is one of the most traditional in Buenos Aires, with its tango dancers and memorabilia.
Colorful houses at La Boca. Photo: Wikipedia, Ester Inbar.
Please copy and paste the following link to go to the original image:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:LaBoca_ST_98.jpg
The place is a fantastic photo op with its colorful painted houses and its laid back ambiance. (Beware of pickpockets though.)
If you are a soccer fan, the La Bombonera Stadium is the home of the Boca Juniors Soccer Club (one of Buenos Aires’ teams) and you can take your picture inside or join one of the guided tours.
Wandering through Caminito (the main street in La Boca) is truly one of the most authentic experiences in the city and a not-to-miss place to visit.
Caminito. Photo: Wikipedia, Humawaka.
Please copy and paste the following link to go to the original image:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:El_Caminito_de_La_Boca_-_Buenos-Aires.jpg
San Telmo
A 30 minute walk north crossing the 25 de Mayo Avenue will take you to the charming neighborhood of San Telmo.
San Telmo is the oldest area in town (17th century) and it features gorgeous colonial architecture. It has a bit of a bohemian flare because of its many cafes, museums and antique stores.
If you don’t go there on Saturday, but on Sunday, there is a very famous antique fair!
San Telmo Fair. Photo: Wikipedia, Alexandre CampolinaCampola.
Please copy and paste the following link to go to the original image:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Feria_de_San_Telmo,_Buenos_Aires.jpg
Puente de la Mujer
The Women’s Bridge is located in the modern and commercial district of Puerto Madero, next to the riverbank of Río de la Plata.
It was designed by famed Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and its form represents an abstraction of a couple dancing the tango.
Puente de la Mujer. Photo: Wikipedia, Norberto Kolus.
Please copy and paste the following link to go to the original image:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Puente_de_la_Mujer_-_Puerto_Madero.jpg
Casa Rosada
La Casa Rosada (The “Pink House”) is the government house of the president of Argentina, called the Pink House, because… well… it’s pink!
A 20 minute walk from Puente de la Mujer will take you there.
Casa Rosada seen from Plaza de Mayo. Photo: Wikipedia, David.
Please copy and paste the following link to go to the original image:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Casa_RosadaPlaza_de_Mayo_Fountian.jpg
It has been the home of the Argentinian presidents since the 19th century, so yes, it was also the home of Evita Perón when she was First Lady of Argentina.
Eva “Evita” Perón. Photo: Wikipedia.
Please copy and paste the following link to go to the original image:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Evita_color.jpg
You can join a free tour of the Casa Rosada (from 10 am to 6 pm), though unfortunately standing on Evita’s balcony is not allowed.
It’s also nice to see the changing of the guard which happens at 5 pm every day. If you have some time you can visit the Cathedral which is close by.
Café Tortoni
Walking west for ten minutes on Avenida de Mayo will take you to Café Tortoni, one of the most traditional cafés in Buenos Aires. You may have to wait in line for 30 minutes to get in.
Café Tortoni. Photo: Wikipedia, Roberto Fiadone.
Please copy and paste the following link to go to the original image:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Avenida_de_Mayo_Café_Tortoni.jpg
Carlos Gardel, the famous tango singer and actor used to come to this old café as well as other celebrities such as Ernesto Sábato, the Spanish King Juan Carlos de Borbón, Robert Duvall and yes, even Hillary Clinton!
A fileteado portrait of Gardel in the Gardel subway station (Buenos Aires) with the phrase “Everlasting in the soul and in time”. Photo: Wikipedia, w:es:Usuario:Roberto Fiadone.
Please copy and paste the following link to go to the original image:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fileteado_Gardel_Abasto_Untroib.jpg
Now go west until the intersection of Avenida de Mayo and Avenida 9 de Julio, turn right and walk north until the giant obelisk! The walk will take you about ten minutes.
Obelisco de Buenos Aires
This national monument was built to commemorate the 400 years of the second foundation of the city. Pictures here are a must!
Obelisk. Photo: Wikipedia, Victoria Rachitzky.
Please copy and paste the following link to go to the original image:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Buenos_Aires_-_Obelisco.jpg
The Obelisk of Buenos Aires is located at the intersection of Avenida 9 de Julio and Avenida Corrientes and is the major landmark of the metropolis.
As you will see during your visit, this area is brought to life by the thousands of LED signs and advertisements around and it is a fabulous part of town to enjoy a nice dinner or a couple of drinks.
So there you go, Saturday in Buenos Aires. Of course along the way you’ll find a myriad of more things to do and see, and by walking, you will get a lot of the experience of being a true Argentinian.
Have you visited any of these places before?
Did you tried to dance the tango? What was that experience like?
Are you a fan of Evita? What did you think of the Casa Rosada?
Share your comments in the field below or in Facebook!
What to do in Buenos Aires over a weekend Part 1.
What to do in Buenos Aires over a weekend Part 3.
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