Travel to Argentina: Buenos Aires

Why travel to Buenos Aires

Visitors to the cosmopolitan capital of Argentina might think they’ve stumbled upon Europe and not Latin America. The ethnically diverse port city of Buenos Aires, which stretches along the southern shore of Rio de la Plata (Silver River), has a strong European influence with the majority of the population being of Italian, German, or Spanish descent. As a result, the city’s architectural style heavily reflects Baroque and French Neoclassical models, giving justice to the city’s nickname:  “the Paris of South America.”

The beautiful Porteños (people of the port), as are called the inhabitants of Buenos Aires, take pride in knowing that their city is the cultural hub of all Argentina. Here, travelers can try what are arguably the best cuts of meat in the world; dance the night away thanks to a thriving nightlife; visit some of the best art museums in all of Latin America; and see masters perform the world’s sexiest dance, the tango.

Football fans will appreciate that Buenos Aires is the home of the world famous Boca Juniors football club, the club that gave birth to legendary football player Diego Maradona. Extreme sport fans who wish to trek Patagonia and ski in Bariloche usually use this enchanting metropolis as the start-off point of their Argentina travel adventure.

What to do in Buenos Aires

City Tour. Known for their vibrancy and color, the streets of Buenos Aires beckon to be explored and admired with a complete tour of Buenos Aires. The lively downtown area is known as El Microcentro and is home to many beautiful 19th century buildings. One of the landmarks of Buenos Aires, the famous Obelisco, punctuates the gigantic and bustling Avenida 9 de Julio winding through the city. Don’t miss the Catedral Metropolitana, housing the tomb of Argentina’s most venerated figure, liberator Jose de San Martin, and the Casa Rosada, presidential palace, on the central Plaza de Mayo. Also visit the peaceful Cementerio de la Recoleta, the final resting place for many of Argentina’s richest families. Among those buried here are a number of Argentine presidents, as well as Eva Perón.

The Palermo Park. The large neighborhood of Palermo is not only known for its hip bars and restaurants, but also for a number of lush parks where weary visitors may rest. Cool off at the tranquil Jardin Japones, take a stroll through the lively Botanical gardens or relax near the lake of Parque Tres de Febrero.

Buenos Aires’ neighborhoods. Spend the day discovering little antique shops along San Telmo’s cobblestone streets or visit Plaza Dorrego on a Sunday for its peculiar crafts and antiques market. Then head to the neighborhood of La Boca and see El Caminito, where there are displays of tango memorabilia among colorful houses and pedestrian streets. Another important sight in La Boca is the football museum at the Boca Juniors stadium, named Museo de la Pasión Boquense. With some luck, football fans will be able to catch a game at La Bombonera, preferably the renowned Superclásico, played between Boca and its bitter rival River.

Tango Shows. A trip to Buenos Aires would be incomplete without checking out a tango show, the display of Argentina’s famous dance. Numerous opportunities exist throughout the city streets and dance halls to either observe or participate in this sensual dance. Those with a feel for rhythm may even decide to take lessons during their stay and hone their tango skills.

When to visit Buenos Aires

Being in the Southern Hemisphere, Argentina experiences its winters between the months of June and August and its summers between December and February. Buenos Aires is generally accessible year long, but the weather is most pleasant in fall (March-May) and spring (September-November).

Tango and Dance Festivals: The Buenos Aires Tango Festival is held in the city every year in February/March with close to 200 of the world’s finest dancers generally attending. The festival comprises shows, exhibitions, and performances, many of which are free. Buenos Aires is also the home city for the annual World Dance Championship in August and the week-long World Tango Festival in October.

Museum Night: The Noche de los Museos is an annual event which occurs on a Saturday in mid-November, and encompasses just about all of Buenos Aires’ museums, culture centers, and other art spaces and has become quite popular in recent years. The program includes numerous exhibitions, dance and theater performances, film screenings, conferences, multimedia events, and concerts.

Travel Testimonials

We were delighted with this trip to Argentina and will keep wonderful memories of it. If we ever decide to travel again to South America, we will of course contact you.
Best wishes,

Annie and Marcel Baraban, Paris, France, traveled to Buenos Aires in January 2011

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Staci we want to thank you and Argentina For Less, for your patience and knowledge of every aspect of our trip to South America, and for making easy for us all around. I will recommend Argentina For Less to whoever would like to visit South America.

Jenny & Mike Stabile, New York, USA, traveled to Buenos Aires in March 2011

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This adventure went off without a hitch! There is not enough words to describe how wonderful this trip was and I thank you for arranging it.

Sam DeGuilio, Canada, traveled to Buenos Aires in March 2010

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Buenos Aires Hotels

Hotel Emperador 5*

Avenida Del Libertador 420, Buenos Aires

The Hotel Emperador is similar to its sister institution, the Hotel Emperador Madrid. Located in the center of Buenos Aires, it offers a personalized service to maximize your comfort. Its rooms are modern in design, but feature classic details such as fine, exotic, crafted furniture. It offers cars with drivers, concierge service, 24 hour room service, 24 hour medical emergency service, laundry service, fully stocked business center, free indoor pool, fitness center, sauna, solarium and massage center, and a restaurant and bar.

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Hotel Esplendor Buenos Aires 4*

San Martin 780, Buenos Aires

Located just moments from Galerias Pacifico and Florida Street, El Esplendor holds up to its name and is truly splendid. The grand exterior and its warm lighting invite you to the stylish lobby featuring modern décor, ambient lighting and stylish artwork. There are very spacious and well-furnished en-suite bedrooms, some with balconies overlooking the streets of Buenos Aires. The professional staff is very helpful and friendly adding to the superior service offered by the hotel.

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Hotel Tribeca Buenos Aires 3*

Bartolome Mitre 1265, Buenos Aires

The stylish décor of the Tribeca Buenos Aires matches the timeless flair of Buenos Aires itself, with an attractive central courtyard providing a calming sanctuary in the heart of this thriving and exhilarating city. The spacious rooms are comfortably furnished and boast a stylish contemporary design with polished wooden floors and long linen window drapes that evoke a Spartan elegance. Meanwhile an excellent restaurant awaits, or if you prefer, your in-suite kitchenette offers you additional dining flexibility. The hotel's excellent location in Buenos Aires' city centre gives easy access to the city's world renowned cuisine and nightlife.

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