BUENOS AIRES is the capital and most populous city of Argentina. The name means fair winds or literally good airs in Spanish. It is one of the largest cities in Latin America. It has an estimated population of more than 3 million people. Buenos Aires is a top tourist destination and is known as the European city of South America due to its preserved Spanish/ French / Italian-style architecture and rich cultural life. At the same time visitors can instantly feel the unique and vibrant atmosphere of the Argentinean capital. The city is mainly known for its passion to tango, the presence of many romantic restaurants and cafes, large green parks and wide boulevards, tasty steaks and wine, bustling nightlife, etc. Of course we have to mention the great passion of the Argentines to football and their love to the national football icons Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi.
You can also go to the countryside and enjoy not only the beautiful nature but also the impressive horse shows of the Argentinian gauchos. The City of Buenos Aires has 48 districts called barrios (neighborhoods). Its metropolitan area, Great Buenos Aires (Gran Buenos Aires), is the 22nd most populated urban center in the world with over 14 million people. Seeing all the attractions and interesting places may take several days as the city is big. The must-see attractions include:
El Obelisco and 9 de Julio Avenue
El Obelisco is the city's most popular landmark and it stands 68 meters (223 feet) high over the city. It was built in 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the city, naming the city as the national capital. It reaches the sky where 9 de Julio Avenue intersects with Corrientes Avenue. Said to be the widest street in the world, 9 de Julio Avenue is named after the 1816 date on which Argentina declared its independence from Spain.
Teatro Colón
Opened in 1908 with a performance of Verdi’s “Aïda", Teatro Colón is one of the top tourist attractions in Buenos Aires. With nearly 2,500 seats and standing room for 1,000 people, the Teatro Colón is one of the world’s largest opera houses.
Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada
Plaza de Mayo is the most important political landmark of Buenos Aires since the Independence of Argentina was declared in 1810. Several important national government houses are located around the Plaza including the Cabildo - the city council during the colonial era and Casa Rosada / Presidential House /.
Massive political demonstrations were held here like those organized by Evita Peron or by the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo. In the center of the Plaza de Mayo is located the May Pyramid, the oldest national monument in Buenos Aires.
Palacio del Congreso / Congress Palace /, refered by the locals as to "El Congreso"
The magnificent grey stone building is one of Buenos Aires’ architectural highlights.Built in the late 1900s, El Congreso faces the Plaza Congreso, an immense park with monuments and sculptures which creates a peaceful area within the busy downtown area. The place is an important political venue as many protests either begin or end here.
Puerto Madero
Puerto Madero is the largest urban development project in the capital. In the 19th century Puerto Madero served as the main port of Buenos Aires. In 1993, the city government remodeled the old docks that were part of the port, creating the opportunity for new development in the city - a safe, beautiful area for leisure and luxury living. Puerto Madero is nowadays considered the most important business center. The area is built with high glass buildings, elegant restaurants and nightclubs.
Cafe Tortoni
Argentina’s oldest and most famous café. Started by a Frenchman in 1858 who modeled it after a Parisian café, the Tortoni remains a popular place to enjoy coffee or snacks with friends as well as mix socially with writers, painters and other artists. It’s also a good place to see the tango performed on stage by professional dancers.
La Boca
A lively and colorful neighborhood associated mostly with tango, football and arts. Brightly colored buildings line the cobbled streets along with cozy restaurants, art market and live performances of tango. The most famous street is Caminito / the little walkway /, named after a famous tango song composed by the renowned singer Carlos Gardel, Caminito . Nearby is located the famous Boca Juniors Stadium.
You may also treat yourself with a day trip to the countryside and explore some beautiful places not far from Buenos Aires. Some ideas:
Tigre Day Trip
Located just 17.5 miles (28 km) north of Buenos Aires Centre, this beautiful and colorful town is located on the shore of the exotic Parana Delta. It's a great idea to walk around the town or take a boat cruise through the stunning islands of the Tigre's Delta.
Gaucho Day Trip from Buenos Aires to Santa Susana Ranch
This is a great opportunity to escape the bustling life of Buenos Aires with a full-day fiesta at the Estancia Santa Susana gaucho ranch and discover the traditional way of life in the Argentine countryside. During the stay at the ranch you can ride a horse, take a ranch tour, and see an impressive horseman show by the gauchos. For lunch, you can enjoy a delicious Argentine BBQ and see a performance of folk songs and dances.
A must visit place when you are in Argentina are also the breathtaking Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil.
The list of places worth seeing in Buenos Aires contains many more attractions such as Palermo neighborhood, the Giant Metal Flower / Floralis Generica /, the botanical garden, numerous parks, churches, museums and of course you can't leave the city without seeing what it is most famous for - enjoying a live performance of tango by professional dancers at the many taverns, restaurants or simply in the streets.
Photos of Buenos Aires
