Travel Destinations Calling Your Name
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Buenos Aires, Argentina
A stunning couple practicing their tango in Recoleta, one of my favorite Buenos Aires areas…
Author: Artsy Chow Roamer
Bringing you just a peek into destinations that should be on your bucket list. Not an in depth guide, just some luscious pics, tips and hints to highlight why I love this place and you might too!
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Strongly influenced by European culture, Buenos Aires is often referred to as the “Paris of South America”. With a nearly 3 million population in the city itself, exploding to 13 in the out lying areas, it is busy, energetic and full of heated emotions. It is the most visited city in South America and second most in Latin America behind Mexico City only.
It is the home of the Tango where everyone knows it and practices it endlessly. It is a place where every part of the cow is eaten and is smoking on a grill somewhere (pro tip: order it jugoso or it will be overdone). It is an international city having hosted the 1st Pan American Games, 2 World Cups and a G20 Summit.
Finally, it is a cultural city from a music, art and literature standpoint. There are more theater productions than anywhere else and it has one of the most beautiful Opera Houses in the world.
Boasting an endless list of possibilities for things to do, places to see and good stuff to eat, this energetic city will have you chowing down on beef and Malbec at 10, working it off in a Tango bar until 2, rinsing and repeating . Are you ready for a quick Snap Shot?
Go
A pretty detailed sightseeing map of Buenos Aires to give you the general layout…
It is the capital and largest city of Argentina. Buenos Aires is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Rio de la Plata, on the South American continent's southeastern coast.
When
Buenos Aires seasons are opposite to ours making Spring and Fall the best to times to visit…
While it is great that Buenos Aires has a four season climate year-they are on opposite ends of the spectrum to us making fall and spring the best times to visit while winter months of June, July and August provide the coldest temps.
Snap
The famous Don’t Cry for Me Argentina scene from the 1996 movie Evita, with Madonna in the key role, was filmed in Buenos Aires.
Wonderful role for Madonna-enjoy!
See
The beautiful Casa Rosada Government House on Plaza de Mayo…
Buenos Aires has many different plazas; one of the most famous is the Casa Rosada on Plaza de Mayor where the 1996 hit, Evita, did some filming. It is a government building where The President works but is open for tours. You can hum along with Madonna on Don’t Cry for Me Argentina while looking around.
Plaza Intendente Alvear is in my favorite Recoleta neighborhood just down from the famous cemetery and is a lovely quiet place to sit and read or write in a journal. Parque Centenario is located in the heart of the city and is everything living in Buenos Aires is all about. Weekend markets, fun and a lake all work to create the outdoor lifestyle good weather permits.
Sun sets behind the Palacio Barolo in Argentina…
Built by Luis Barolo, the owner commissioned the construction of the Palacio Barolo with the idea of making a museum for the Italian poet Dante. Barolo believed, as many did at the time, that Europe would be destroyed by war and he felt it crucial to relocate important relics of history to where they would be safe. It is mainly an office building now with fabulous architectural details.
Buenos Aires is known for the most theaters and productions available to see of any major metropolitan city; more than London, Paris or even New York. The Colon Theater is perhaps one of the best known opera houses and the most visually stunning to visit and photograph.
Without a doubt you want to tour the 14 acre Recoleta Cemetery considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Row after row of graves and family mausoleums offer a day of exploring-take your comfy shoes for this one. Adam & Emily Harteau have spent a lot of time capturing some of the best photographs of this hallowed place.
Eva Peron, or Evita as she is known, is buried there along with her husband and other family members. Stray cats have become a thing and they are everywhere with care and feeding being provided by the kindness of the locals.
Volunteers help with feeding
Eat
The first two picks are on the top 20 for any foodie visiting Bueno Aires. You will want to put on your fancy stretch pants and bring a wheelbarrow full of money as well. They are not cheap but compared to tasting menus in other major cities you will think so.
An interior shot of Roux Restaurant…
Chef Martin Rebaudino is composing some fancy artistic plates at Roux located in Recoleta. The place is cozy and intimate and offers a beautiful extensive menu with really special wines. A new private dining room for 10 is on offer but the regular dining room feels just as nice if only a little more light.
i Latina was picked as the top restaurant in Argentina and second in South America in 2018 and Chef Santiago Macias has not looked back since. Reservation only with a tasting menu serving up Columbian seafood rich bites; this place is a welcome break from the BA meat rich menus in other spots. Chef is also using a sustainable business model while promoting the foods and culture of his region.
From left to right below, Mishiguene (loosely translated means a lovable crazy person) is serving up Jewish and Middle Eastern food in a more upscale way. “This ain’t your Bubbe’s” usual Friday night shabbat dinner”. The babaganoush is divine and don’t get me started on the bone in pastrami.
El Peron Peron is a little politically themed with a shrine set up for the power couple but it also happens to have some really good Argentinian dishes like polenta with osso buco. This dish is wonderful but don’t break into your best Madonna imitation here-it isn’t a thing.
One of the best all around things to eat in Buenos Aires is the Empanada, but not just any Empanada. It needs to have the repulgue fold as this one does from La Cocina in ….say it together…Recoleta. I know but it is one of my favorite neighborhoods to stay, play and dine in. The cheese and onion is fabu and it is a solid choice for a cheap meal as well.
Last, but not least, I am a fan of Gran Dabbang which is another inexpensive option offering up much needed relief from other heavy meat based restaurants. Latin fused with Asian, fresh ingredients and being open on a Monday night make this place a must do. BTW, many photo credits below go to Allie Lazar.
Stay
Said to be a number one pick for foodies (that would be me) is the Fierro Hotel located in Palermo Hollywood. This charming boutique hotel is located next to great dining and has it’s own Uco Restaurant; all-day-dining where the staff cure, smoke, dry, blend and bake everything in-house.
Fierro Hotel…a foodie pick in the glamorous Palermo area is a must stay…
Staff at the Fierro front desk are known for their friendly, courteous demeanor and willingness to give personalized recommendations. The rooms are fresh, modern and spacious with powerful showers, luxurious linens and an extensively stocked mini bar with wines. The rooftop pool offers picture-perfect views of the city and nicely positioned deck chairs for lounging.
Guides
The iconic 9 de Julio Avenue, a round about with the monolith, is instantly recognizable on the skyline. You do take your life in your hands with the heavily traversed intersection. Traveling up and down will find you in many nice shops, restaurants and bars.
The Río de la Plata is known for being the birthplace of tango, which is considered an emblem of Buenos Aires. The city considers itself the Tango World Capital, and as such hosts many related events, the most important being their annual festival and world championships.
Buenos Aires is composed of 48 different boroughs subdivided into neighborhoods. The subway is an easy way to get around and check them out. All have their own charm and architecture as well as colorful bars and hotels. Many are very walkable just like Paris.
The Argentina flag flying high in the wind…
Don’t miss the 2020 International Tango Festival & Championship held annually in August in Buenos Aires. Best way to learn the dance is to live it and practice it in the city of it’s birth. Enjoy this video highlighting a couple of super dancers.
Striking couple perform the tango
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