Best 10 Restaurants in Buenos Aires

Even while in a pandemic, Buenos Aires restaurants rallied to not only keep their doors open and staff paid but supplied locals with unforgettable meals. We’ve eaten at hundreds of establishments, and we have identified the best restaurants in Buenos Aires. In addition to the spots we already know and love (mentioned in former posts), here are 10 best restaurants to incorporate into your dining or take-out repertoire.

Don Julio

This buzzy steakhouse, located in the heart of Palermo district, is worth the hype. All the meat at Don Julio comes from grass-fed Aberdeen Angus and Hereford cattle raised in the fields outside of Buenos Aires. It is stored in a climate controlled refrigerator for at least 21 days to reach optimum maturity. Then, the grill master Bienvenido 'Pepe' Sotelo cooks all the meat on a traditional iron grill in the shape of a "V”.

What to order: The owner Pablo Rivero recommends ordering bife de cuadril (tenderloin steak) and entraña (skirt steak). As a starter, he opts for the deep-fried veal patties and crispy sweetbreads, which are lightly seasoned with just lemon juice and salt. Most plates are shareable and they can be paired with their excellent wine list.

Address: Guatemala 4699, Palermo,Buenos Aires.
Phone #: +54 11 4832-6058

Fervor

Fervor is a classic restaurant in the ritzy old-world Recoleta neighborhood. Frequented by locals as well as tourists, it serves excellent meats and fish accompanied by exceptional service. Chefs dry age all meat, allowing enzymes to break down, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and a more concentrated flavor. The fillets are then charcoal-grilled for a smoky flavor and thick crust that pairs nicely with a robust glass of Malbec.

What to order: The "star" cut of meat is undoubtedly the tender loin with rosemary and garlic, and barbecue of vegetables for four people. If you fancy fish, we strongly recommend the “parrillada de mar” which is also a barbecue of fish and seafood, and brochettes of prawns and squid.

Address: Posadas 1519
Phone #: +54 11 4804-4944

Fayer

The Fayer experience is based on modern Israeli cuisine, with a strong Mediterranean influence, using the best seasonal products from Argentina. Creative dishes such as beet root hummus, super home cooked bread and even the fries had a very original taste with home-made tomato sauce

What to order: Their pastrami with bone, unique in its way of preparation, is not to be missed.

Address: Cerviño 4417, Buenos Aires
Phone #: +541147743313

Roux

This quaint corner bistro ( only 30-seats) specializes in locally sourced seafood. Seasonal, market-fresh, young, contemporary, the Mediterranean-inspired menu consists of artistic plates that don't lose taste to texture and color. Some favorites: the shrimp risotto, llama carpaccio, couscous salad with seafood, ossobuco ravioli, Patagonian trout.

What to order: Try options like prawns with grilled melon, bok choy and almond sauce, or stick with the classics, which still come with a twist: ossobuco ravioli, for example, or chimichurri-seasoned basmati rice.

Address: Peña 2300 Phone #: +54 11 4805-6794

Casa Cavia

This immaculately restored 1927 mansion is the ideal place for breakfast, lunch, or a pre-dinner aperitif. Designed by London-based architecture studio Kallos Turin, it features white marble with green accents, antique mirrors, and mid-century Bertoia chairs; it all feels like you are a guest in a very elegant home. The mansion is a kind of store concept: the various rooms house a bookstore, a perfumery, a florist, a cocktail bar and a restaurant, La Cocina. It also serves as a social club - you'll see locals networking over coffee or mingling at independent film screenings and literary gatherings.

What to order: Grilled prawn sandwich, grilled flank steak and leek (with chorizo crumbs and caramelized onions) and Dulce de leche ice-cream, salted nuts and lemon. Drinks are varied and really good.

Address: Cavia 2985
Phone #: +54 11 4809-8600

Chila

Argentine gastronomy has found its highest representative in front of the docks of the port of Buenos Aires. Chila. Chef Pedro Bargero is responsible for innovation in the kitchen. His task begins by going to the Central Market to select the best products and producers, an absolute guarantee of the taste exploration of this vast country. The menus, both the tasting and the vegetarian, change every month. The key to success: traceability. Choosing between refined dishes will seem easy when they are presented in a way that is as wise as it is original: leeks, wild papaya or hake with pataca.

Address: Alicia Moreau de Justo 1160, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, C1107 AAT
Phone #: 54 11 4343 6067

Aramburu

Hidden away on a gritty, graffiti-covered street is one of the most beautiful, intimate, and romantic restaurants in the city. Night after night Gonzalo Aramburu turns out his exquisite 12-course tasting menu of seasonal dishes, each reinterpreted through the lens of what here is called cocina vanguardia, or cutting-edge cooking. Aramburu is the undisputed star of the nascent local molecular gastronomy scene.

Address: Salta 1050
Phone #: 11-4305–0439

Elena

Finally, last week Elena returned, the most successful hotel restaurant in recent times. When something works, you don't have to change too much, so the proposal continues to have the same concept.

Under the paradigm "from farm to table", this emblematic restaurant in the downtown area offers charcuterie and cheese tables - a tribute to the Argentine picada - within its extensive menu, which come from different producers, selected from the best of the country. The beef, part of the main spirit of the menu, uses the ancestral dry aged method, it is aged to concentrate its flavors and achieve the perfect texture.

Address: Posadas 1086, Buenos Aires. (Inside Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires).
Phone #: +54 11 4321-1200

Tegui

Its owner is Germán Martitegui, former Master Chef jury. It is one of the most expensive places in Buenos Aires. The proposal consists of choosing between two menus, one with 5 steps and the other with 10 steps. The way of treating vegetables is one of the strengths of Tegui: raw, in juice, pureed, among others. The way they are made is the purpose: to preserve the natural potential of vegetables on the table.

Address: Costa Rica 5852
Phone #: +54 11 4770-9500

Niño Gordo

The bar is one of the best places to sit, as it allows you to witness the show that takes place in the kitchen on the front line. From here come Asian delicacies inspired by Vietnam, Japan, China, Thailand and Korea, but with a Buenos Aires touch. Its star dishes include prawns with bacon, cauliflower and coconut, although the sweetbreads are also tempting. In addition, the menu can be washed down with an elegant cocktail served in peculiar glasses, including one with the face of a panda bear. There is no shortage of liquors and distillates from Asia such as Sake, Soshu, liquor with bamboo extract, Ginseng root distillate, makgeolli and Japanese whiskey.

Address: Thames 1810, Buenos Aires
Phone #: 54 11 2129-5028

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Places to visit in Uruguay

Uruguay ranks third among the smallest states in South America. However, a European country like Belgium fits six times in its territory and Portugal, two.
If you travel beyond the cities of Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento, you’ll discover beautiful beaches, breathtaking countryside and wildlife in their natural habitat. It is a fantastic destination for couples as well as family with kids.

Below you will find the most beautiful places that you should take into account on your trip to Uruguay.

Montevideo

Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay and it is located only 1 hour by plane from Buenos Aires. It is very common for both Argentines and foreigners to fly to Montevideo from Buenos Aires and spend a full day touring the city.

Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, combines modernity and tradition. La Rambla (River Walk), which gives access to more than 30 km of coastline, is one of the main attractions of Montevideo and an unforgettable walk for its inhabitants who frequently come to drink mate and go for long walks. In addition, the large number of green spaces, parks and gardens also provide numerous outdoor options. Montevideo also has an extensive cultural scene. For example, its theatrical productions are remarkably extensive and varied, including classic, modern, and alternative shows. In its museums, cultural centers and exhibition halls it is possible to appreciate the art of a wide range of internationally recognized artists.

Montevideo also has some excellent open-air markets selling everything from books to jewelry and the occasional antique. The capital also has some excellent art stores displaying the country's vibrant art scene.

TIP: For lunch, head to Mercado del Puerto, (old maket opened in 1868), which is full of restaurants specializing in meats and fish. Try Uruguay’s national sandwich Chivito (Anthony Bourdain’s favorite sandwich). At its core, the chivito contains cheese, a thin steak, and ham on toasted bread. But the sandwich can include all sorts of ingredients, like bacon, lettuce, tomato, and olives. It can now also be ordered without the bun or even without meat.

Punta del Este (The Uruguayan Riviera)

Punta del Este is the epicenter of Uruguay’s beach scene. The city comprises 40 kilometers of coastline, from Portezuelo to Jose Ignacio. The main attraction of Punta del Este are the beautiful beaches, upscale resorts and restaurants with a laid-back vibe and locally sourced menus.

Gorlero Avenue is a shopping street famous for designer label and haute couture fashion. One of the most interesting attractions in Punta del Este is the sculpture in the shape of a hand. It is a landmark in the town and is a mandatory stop to take a selfie and meet friendly locals.

If you seek pristine beaches and good surfing conditions, head to Playa Brava, one of Punta de Este's finest shoreline attractions.

Jose Ignacio

The town of José Ignacio is a sleepy fishing enclave reborn as South American Hamptons. It only has around 200 permanent residents, however, during the summer months (December to early March) this small town comes alive. People come from far and wide to organize parties, enjoy the carnival and see concerts in the lighthouse. However, relaxation is always a priority and many argue that there is no better place in Uruguay to relax.

The most popular restaurant in the area is La Huella. Designed to look and feel like a boathouse, it’s also the hardest table to score in the busy months of January and February. And the best beachfront resort and spa to stay in Jose Ignacio is Playa Vik.

Time magazine chose Jose Ignacio as one of the 100 best destinations of 2021.

Laguna Garzon

On the Uruguayan Atlantic coast and on the border between the departments of Rocha and Maldonado is Laguna Garzón. A place with sandy beaches, wetlands, native forests, minor lagoons and grasslands.

In the past, Uruguay’s interior meant sheep, cows, and very little else. In recent years, however, wealthy Argentines and Brazilians, along with the odd Uruguayan and American, have hired local and international architectural firms to build boxy, Brutalist-inspired dachas with panoramic views overlooking Garzon Lagoon.

You can enjoy good surfing and even kitesurfing at Laguna Garzon. It is also an attractive place to visit during the winter months between July and the end of October, as the weather remains mild. You will share this little paradise with a lot less people and also right whales, which rest on the way to the peninsula of Valdes in Argentina.

Colonia del Sacramento

Just an hour from Buenos Aires by ferry, and two hours from Montevideo by road, the charming Colonia del Sacramento makes for a perfect day trip.

Originally founded by the Portuguese in the 1600s, the city passed between Portuguese and Spanish rule for decades, and the influence of both nations is apparent in the resulting colonial architecture and vibrant streetscapes. Today, visitors come to explore the cobblestone streets of the historic district which is now under UNESCO protection, ensuring it retains its old-world charm.

La Paloma

For its beauty and popularity La Paloma is one of the most emblematic seaside resorts in the department of Rocha. Nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, its main attractions are its magnificent beaches.

The reason is that beaches in La Paloma cater to all tastes, from the calm waters of the small bay, to the great waves of La Balconada, La Aguada or La Pedrera beaches. Inlets, rocky tips, large extensions of white and fine sand, high dunes, plain or deep waters and an endless natural diversity provide a place of preference for everyone in La Paloma.

Piriapolis

It is a seaside town, its main characteristic is that it was founded by an Italo-Uruguayan, the entrepreneur Francesco Piria, in fact it is precisely from this that its name derives. In addition to having founded it, Piria has been able to manage it with great success, for example by building the huge Hotel de los Argentinos with 1,200 beds and the railway that connects Piriápolis to Montevideo, thus making it the best seaside getaway.

There are basically two beaches, Playa San Francisco and Playa de Piriápolis. Both long, white and very lively, flanked by the Rambla, or the promenade, great for walking or cycling.

Also, there are hills that can be reached by panoramic chairlift to admire the entire coastline. Not to be missed in Piriápolis, is the home of Francesco Piria, a majestic Renaissance castle in which the museum dedicated to him has been built.

Hot Springs

Hot Springs in Uruguay are very popular among lovers of relaxation and well-being who can pamper themselves in large natural pools. The most popular thermal springs are the hot springs of Salto, Dayman, Arapey and the Horacio Quiroga Water Park.

As for precious stones, on the other hand, they can be found in every shape and color even walking through the streets of Salto, from amethyst to rose quartz.

National Park Cabo Polonio (Protected Area)

Cabo Polonio National Park is an area of great natural beauty which still retains typical features of the Uruguayan Atlantic coast from prior to the transformation process that began in the mid-twentieth century due to the expansion of the traditional urban tourism model.

This coastal marine area possesses a great diversity of natural environments that include sandy beaches, dunes, native coastal forest, small wetlands and islands. The most prominent feature –for its uniqueness- is the Cabo Polonio dune system, which is the most extensive remainder of a sandy strip that once stretched along our coast.

The Cabo Polonio National Park is home to several species which are priorities for the National System of Protected Areas, including endangered and threatened species.

It also includes sites which are key for the annual cycle of crustaceans of commercial interest (such as pink shrimp, marine shrimp and prawns), and for the breeding and feeding of over 47 species of fish. On its islands you can find almost half of the fur seal and sea lion populations of Uruguay, and its areas are used for the breeding of these species. The rocky area of Cabo Polonio is home to the country’s only continental settlement of fur seal and presents a unique opportunity to observe these animals up close.

Punta del Diablo (Protected Area)

This beach spot in Rocha is ideal for family holidays. Its beaches cater both for relaxation and recreation, as well as fishing or the most varied water sports.

Its main beach is usually known as the Desplayado and is a great center of attraction during the summer months. On the south beach, visitors can see the last vestiges of the fishing vessel Cathay, stranded in 1971. Further south the Barrancas de la Pedrera offers the walker an amazing combination of nature’s textures and colors.

La Rambla is the perfect place to share a fascinating full moon landscape or to observe the incredible procession of the whales in the winter months.

Laguna de Rocha

This lagoon is an extraordinary ecosystem that is home to fish, birds and mammals in a beautiful natural setting.

It is located along the northern stretch of the Uruguayan coast where it extends for 70 kilometers separated from the sea by a one kilometer wide strip of sand, but its peculiarity is the low depth of the seabed. It has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

The lagoon is always open and the visit is free, unless you want to buy a guided tour which is still preferable if you want to know more about what you are visiting. One of the most popular activities to practice in the Laguna de Rocha is bird watching!

Bear in mind that If you are thinking of traveling during the high season, you need to start booking your trip with at least 10-8 months in advance.

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Places to visit in Chile

Places to visit in Chile

With one of the most diverse landscapes on the planet, Chile has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years, especially among nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here in this long and narrow nation on the west coast of South America, travelers will find a variety of impressive travel opportunities, from the high peaks of the Andes and endless beaches to lush temperate forests, ancient volcanoes and a spectacular coastline such as that. found at Cape Horn.

Chile also has magnificent national parks and conservation areas, which are ideal destinations for those who love hiking and trekking, as well as those who enjoy adventurous activities such as climbing, rafting, biking. mountain and horseback riding. .

To make sure you see the best points of interest in this incredible South American country, be sure to read our list of the best things to do in Chile.

Torres del Paine National Park

In this moment, Torres del Paine National park is an extremely popular destination. Located more than 62 miles north of the city of Puerto Natales in southern Patagonia, this area of incredible beauty encompasses mountains, glaciers and countless lakes and rivers.

The most important region of the park is the Cordillera del Paine, an area that marks the transition from the Patagonian steppe to the northern subpolar forests. Perhaps most notable of its many wonderful features are the 9,350 feet-high granite peaks of the Macizo Paine, which dominate this already impressive landscape.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park, with numerous well-marked trails, many of which offer overnight shelters with the basics needed for longer walks around the mountains. If you are planning more than just a day of hiking, professional guides are recommended and in some areas are a must.

One of the best guided treks of the park is the five-day W Trek, one of the best treks in Patagonia. This 45-mile route includes some of Patagonia's main landmarks, including the massive Gray Glacier and the Paine Grande Mountains.

The Atacama Desert and the Moon Valley

Some notable features of the Atacama Desert are the numerous caverns in the region, some with evidence of pictographs created by primitive man and where some of the oldest mummies in the world were found, preserved by the aridity of the area. The most famous of them, the Chinchorro mummies, are now exhibited in the archaeological museum of San Miguel de Azapa.

Also of interest is the Laguna Cejar sinkhole, famous for its turquoise waters.

The Valley of the Moon is located 8 miles west of San Pedro de Atacama in the extreme north of the country, near the border with Bolivia.

This rugged and inhospitable landscape in the heart of the Atacama Desert draws many visitors for its uncanny resemblance to the surface of the moon, an effect caused by the erosion of its sand and stone features by wind and water over countless millennia. Yet despite its remoteness, this strikingly beautiful landscape has sustained life for centuries, both human and numerous species of flora and fauna.

Among its most interesting features are the dry lake beds which are dazzling white from deposited salt and prone to producing fascinating natural saline outcrops.

Easter Island and Rapa Nui National Park

Despite being more than 2,174 miles from mainland Chile, this fascinating island with its remarkable stone sculptures remains the most recognizable attraction in the country.

Over 880 of these statues have been identified, known as Moai, created by the island's first Rapa Nui population, most of them now protected by the National Park National Park. The Island was declared an Unesco World Heritage Site.

In Rapa Nui there are the country’s best beaches including Anakena, a beautiful yet short stretch of white coral sand that's the perfect spot for a break from hiking.

Santiago: Chile's Cultural Capital

Santiago is not only the financial and business capital of Chile, it also serves as the country's cultural and entertainment center and is home to endless fun things to do, including its museums and art galleries, along with excellent shopping and dining.

Centrally located and the country's main transportation hub, Santiago is where most visitors begin their Chilean travels before heading to the Andes or other areas of outstanding natural beauty, such as Easter Island. The smartest travelers, though, will make time in their Chile travel itinerary to get to know Santiago.

Chilean Lake district

Stretching over 330 kilometers from Temuco to Puerto Montt, Chile's Lake District is worth exploring. This beautiful region of the Andean foothills boasts rich farmland at the base of its many snow-capped volcanoes, surrounded by thick forests and pristine lakes.

For adventure lovers, a typical Chilean Lake District itinerary includes endless possibilities for hiking and biking, fishing along with other fun activities like climbing a volcano; whitewater rafting; kayaking, canoeing; horse trips; and, if you visit during winter, skiing. Road trips to the region are also very popular and spectacular.

Valparaíso

Chile's third largest city, Valparaíso, sits between the sea and the coastal mountain range. It is a perfect city to visit from Santiago de Chile since they are 1 hour-drive away from each other. Valparaiso is popular due to its cobble stone streets, colorful houses, colonial architecture, its harbor and beaches.

Lauca National Park

Located in the extreme north of Chile, just 140 kilometers east of the city of Arica, Lauca National Park (Parque Nacional Lauca) covers an area of 1,300 square kilometers and made of of high plains and mountain ranges with an important presence of volcanoes.

Highlights include hikes around its many unspoiled mountain lakes, such as Cotacotani and Chungara, which reflect the surrounding landscape to stunning effect.

The park also features several important archaeological sites, as well as evidence of early European settlers who left their mark on the many old colonial buildings and churches in the region.

This national park is a dream destination for people who enjoy bird watching.

Pumalín Park

Pumalín Park has become one of the most important and popular conservation areas in Chile. Covering a vast area of more than 988,000 acres stretching from the Andes to the Pacific, the area boasts some of the most pristine coastlines and forests in the country and stands out for being almost entirely untouched by human development.

In addition to protecting the area's rich flora and fauna, including the Larch, the world's oldest tree species, the park, owned and operated by the US-based Conservation Land Trust, is easily accessible to visitors and offers one of the best experiences in the nature of the country.

Thanks to its extensive network of trails, campgrounds, and visitor facilities, Pumalín Park is a pleasure to explore, whether for a short nature hike or as part of a longer ecotourism adventure that includes a stay in cabin-style accommodations.

Los Pingüinos Natural Monument

As its name suggests, the monument is home to one of the largest penguin colonies in Chile, consisting of some 60,000 breeding pairs of Magellanic penguins. Accessible only by guided boat tours, the islands of Marta and Magdalena are also home to large colonies of seals and sea lions. Another of Chile's important natural monuments is El Morado, an easy drive from Santiago and the site of the San Francisco Glacier and the 4,674-meter-high Cerro El Morado mountain.

The Humberstone and Santa Laura nitrate works

Situated near the northern port city of Iquique in the remote Pampa desert and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, this fascinating ghost town was once home to a bustling community.

For more than 60 years beginning in 1880, thousands of Chilean, Bolivian, and Peruvian workers worked in the Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeters (Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeters), a hostile environment that included some 200 saltpeter mines. In the process, these workers formed a distinct culture and way of life that has been preserved here.

Although abandoned since 1960, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into the harsh conditions these "pampinos" face, with many of the site's largest structures still standing and ready to be explored. Professional guides are recommended given the remoteness of the area and the severe climate.

Chiloé Island and Chiloé National Park

Located on the island of Chiloé, the second largest island in the country, the Chiloé National Park is worth adding to your travel itinerary. While not as rugged as most of the country's most impressive landscapes, the island of Chiloé is quite unique. Chiloé National Park itself has become increasingly popular with tourists in recent years. The highlight of a visit to this area of exceptional natural beauty is the opportunity to observe wildlife as diverse as blue whales and dolphins (tourist excursions are available), and the large penguin farms at the nearby Islotes de Puñihuil Natural Monument. Available adventures include sea kayaking, hiking, and ecotourism.

Valle Nevado

Once a well-kept secret, the fact that Chile is home to some of the best skiing in the world is now common knowledge among skiers. By far the most popular ski area in South America, the tourist region of Valle Nevado (Valle Nevado) in the foothills of El Plomo de los Andes is well served by public transportation from the country's capital, Santiago, located just 46 kilometers west of the slopes. .

With mostly clear skies and heavy snow thanks to its high elevation (it's 3,000 meters above sea level and you can ski 112 days a year), the resort has 37 trails and 11 lifts, and is so popular with families as well as experienced skiers and snowboarders.

In addition to its three hotels, a variety of rental chalets and condos are available, suitable for short and long stays, and the resort also has eight restaurants. There is a snow school on-site, along with a ski shop and a tour company offering heli-skiing adventures. Other notable Chilean ski resorts close to Santiago include La Parva and El Colorado.

Mylodon Cave Natural Monument

As popular with tourists as with nature lovers, the Cueva del Milodon Natural Monument (Cueva del Milodon Natural Monument) is located in the heart of Chile's Patagonia area, a short distance from Puerto Natales.

The highlights of this fascinating natural wonder, part of the popular End of the World Scenic Walk, include a series of easily accessible caves located around a formidable rock formation known as the Silla del Diablo (Devil's Chair).

The main cave, known as the Cave of the Milodon, was where, in 1895, the well-preserved remains of a prehistoric Mylodon were discovered (a tall statue of this extinct creature marks the site where the discovery was made), along with the remains of other ancient animals and even human bones.

This impressive cave is about 200 meters deep and is fun to explore. If you have time, take the signposted path that leads to the top of the cave, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the nearby Eberhard Fjord.

Other fun things to do include exploring the park's many other hiking trails, which include a series of raised tree-lined sections that are fun to hike.

Cochamó Valley

Known as the "Yosemite of Chile", Chile's beautiful Cochamó Valley region is a delightful area to explore. Located in the Los Lagos de los Andes region and named after the Cochamó River, is a region that, like Yosemite, has become extremely popular with hikers and climbers, the latter drawn here by the opportunity to tackle its many 1,000-meter granite walls.

Hikers, meanwhile, can choose from a variety of trails of varying degrees of difficulty, most of which lead directly to popular tourist spots, including the beautiful waterfalls that dot the region.

Besides the varied flora and fauna here, people are also drawn to great fly fishing.

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park sits in the heart of Chile's Lake District. Easily accessible from the city of Puerto Montt, the great tourist attraction here is the spectacular Saltos del Petrohué (Petrohué Falls).

Here, the fast-flowing Petrohué River plummets down a volcanic rock slide into Todos los Santos Lake, an especially impressive sight during the rainy season. After descending the falls and rapids, the water is deposited into the crystal clear lake, a popular spot for fishing and bird watching.

The area is also known for its diverse wildlife, including deer and cougars, as well as its hot springs. Add to this picture-perfect location a backdrop of snow-capped volcanoes, and you've got the perfect selfie spot for that memory of your Chile vacation.

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Places to visit in Buenos Aires

Places to visit in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a walking city and it’s great to explore on foot. The places to visit in Buenos Aires that we mention below are adored by adults and children alike. Let’s venture into Buenos Aires' diverse neighborhoods and its essential attractions.

Monserrat

The oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires, Monserrat was the site of the first Spanish settlers in 1580. Around the Plaza de Mayo lies important public buildings, churches, museums and the headquarters of the National government, Casa Rosada. Its famous balcony is where Juan and “Evita” Perón addressed the masses during the late 1940s and early 1950s.

A must-visit is the Casa Rosada Museum which stands on the spot occupied by the original colonial fort of Buenos Aires. It explores the history of Argentina, from colonial times to the present, and houses the remains of the original walls of the former customs house, as well as an acclaimed mural created by Mexican artist David Alfaro Siquieros. The museum is open Wednesday - Sunday, and on public holidays, 10am - 6pm (last entry at 5,30pm). Free Entry.

A definite must is a visit to the famous “Grand Café Tortoni” on Avenida de Mayo. Order the churros and hot chocolate or just coffee.

La Boca

In the mid-nineteenth century, port activity grew and La Boca became a maritime district. Later, artists and bohemians came to live here, giving rise to this picturesque neighborhood, immortalized in the works of the artist Benito Quinquela Martín. The places to visit in La Boca are:

Caminito Street: Take a stroll through Buenos Aires' famously colorful street museum. Fundacion Proa: a contemporary art gallery which puts on exhibitions, concerts and seminars. On Proa’s terrace there is a very nice cafe (breakfast and lunch every day) with a panoramic view of the neighborhood.

Club Atletico Boca Juniors Stadium. Boca Juniors Museum invites visitors to relive the passion and success of the historic club through a multimedia tour, together with souvenirs and trophies.

San Telmo

San Telmo is the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires. It’s a perfect place to spend an afternoon admiring its colonial architecture, visiting art galleries, digging for treasures in an antique shop or watching locals dance tango.

Every Sunday, hundreds of stalls are set up along Calle Defensa and Plaza Dorrego. You can find bargains such as costume jewelry, handmade lace or copper pots. The stands spill out onto neighboring streets, so keep an eye out for a souvenir or two to take home.

MACBA ( Museum of Contemporary Art of Buenos Aires) Opened in 2012, this is one of the newest museums in the city. It has an important collection of works from national and international contemporary artists. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum organizes special exhibitions, events and educational workshops.

San Nicolas

Often known as El Centro, San Nicolás is home to a large part of Buenos Aires' financial district. With important streets such as Avenida 9 de Julio, Avenida Corrientes and Florida running through it, San Nicolas is a constantly lively neighborhood and offers many interesting attractions for visitors.

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN THIS NEIGBORHOOD:

Colon Opera House: It is considered one of the best opera houses in the world and is renowned for its acoustics and architecture. There are daily tours and you need the tickets in advance.

Corrientes Avenue Along this avenue are the largest number of bookstores, theaters, pizzerias and cafes in the city. Many of the cafés have been officially named ‘notable bars’, given their history, architecture or local significance, forming part of the city’s cultural heritage. Come to Calle Corrientes and order a slice of pizza at Pizzeria Guerrin. It is regarded as one of the best traditional Pizzerias in Buenos Aires, and definitely lives up to its reputation. Other great pizzerias of the neighborhood are Las Cuartetas, Los Inmortales, El Cuartito and Pizza Piola.

TIP: If you have time, visit both sides of the National Park. Over the Brazilian side you will enjoy jaw-dropping panoramic views of the falls. While on the Argentine side, you can literally walk into the heart of the falls and have the best frontal view of the “Devil’s Throat”, the largest jump in the Iguazu Falls.

Puerto Madero

Puerto Madero is the revived warehouse district and one of the most popular and expensive neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. Its red-brick docks, formerly warehouses, are now modern offices, hotel and residences which contrast to the architecture of the angular and fluid high-rise buildings across the waterway. Running the entire length of the four docks, this is one of the most exclusive dining scenes, in a unique setting along the city’s waterfront.

Te best place in Puerto Madero to visit is the 864-acre ecological reserve that sits between the high rises in Puerto Madero and the Rio de la Plata. It’s a very popular weekend spot for birdwatchers, walkers and cyclists. Very well-maintained trails wend their way through the reserve and lead eventually to the waterfront.

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN PUERTO MADERO ARE:

• Puente de la Mujer ( Bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava)
• Micaela Bastidas Park
• Ecological Reserve
• Fortabat Art Collection

Visit Kayla restaurant located on the 31st floor of the exclusive Alvear Icon Hotel for contemporary Argentine cuisine and for dazzling views of the capital’s skyline.

Palermo

Palermo is the largest neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Informally it is divided into several areas and for this reason you will hear about Palermo Soho, Hollywood, Palermo Chico, Palermo Parks or others. Two good ways to get around them are on foot or by bicycle.

Parks you should not miss are: “3 de Febrero Park” and “the Rose Garden”, “the Botanical Garden”, “the Japanese Garden” and “the Ecopark”. There is no better place in the city for lovers of the green and the outdoors. All the parks can be covered in one day and are very close to each other.

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN PALERMO ARE:

• MALBA Museum (Large collection of Modern Latin American Art)
• Evita Museum
• Galileo Galilei Planetarium
• Plaza Cortazar
• Palermo Soho: for street art, murals, graffitis and shopping.
• Palermo Polo Fields: Polo lovers will be instantly delighted when they arrive at The Cathedral of Polo which hosts the best polo in the world. The highlight of the year is the annual Argentine Open polo tournament, which takes place in late spring (November - December).

Recoleta

Recoleta is my favorite neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Recoleta concentrates large palaces and mansions of European styles, historic buildings, luxury hotels, restaurants and beautiful parks that make this area one of the most sophisticated and beautiful districts in the city. Architecture lovers, particularly of neoclassicism and Art Nouveau, will not want to miss this neighborhood.

PLACES TO VISIT IN RECOLETA

• Alvear Avenue
• National Museum of Fine Arts
• Plaza Francia
• Recoleta Cemetery
Enjoy lunch or just a coffee at La Biela café, the favorite meeting place for Portenos (Buenos Aires citizens). The outdoor cafe fills with locals and tourists alike, and it a great place to enjoy the good weather and watch the people go by. A must!!

We specialize in guided tours, walking tours and bike tours. Our tours are private and flexible. We customize each itinerary to meet your expectations and needs Contact us and let us know your preferences.

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Puerto Valle Hotel: A distinct riverside lodge with exclusive access to the rich biodiversity of Ibera Wetlands

Puerto Valle Hotel: A distinct riverside lodge with exclusive access to the rich biodiversity of Ibera Wetlands

Puerto Valle is a truly genuine estancia built in 1868 on the Parana River bank and the hotel offers its guests exclusive access to the rich biodiversity of Argentina’s largest conservation area and allow guests to enjoy many exciting activities and see nature in its purest state.

All of the 13 rooms have direct access to the Rio Paraná and its beaches. During the activities offered by the hotel, expert guides provide valuable information for the understanding and protection of the ecosystem.

From the moment one arrives at Puerto Valle the inspiring journey begins. The hotel sits by the majestic Parana River and serves up authentic local recipes (seasonal cuisine) with options available for those with special dietary requirements.

With an abundance of culinary surprises, wellness options and recreational activities, the hotel is the ideal holiday destination for families as well. The luxury all-inclusive hotel includes airport transfers, lodging with all meals (breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner), scenic boat excursions through the wetlands and on the river; kayaking, horseback riding and the opportunity to hike along the Monkey Trail in search of howler monkeys.

It’s a great destination to combine with Iguazu Falls

Just two hours away from Buenos Aires City by plane, Puerto Valle is the ideal destination to combine with a trip to the Iguazu Falls, stopping over at the San Ignacio Miní Ruins, which are conveniently located at a 1.5 hour ride from the hotel.

What we love of Puerto Valle:

• Great location: Puerto Valle is ideally situated for exploring the wildlife-rich Ibera wetlands of northern Argentina;
• The hotel restaurant offers both traditional and more unusual local cuisine, prepared using freshly caught fish and ingredients grown in the hotels organic gardens;
• The swimming pool overlooking the Parana River is perfect to relax after an active day in contact with nature;
• It’s great for families: It’s close to cultural attractions such as San Ignacio Ruins, Yerba Mate Plantation route and Wanda mines;
• The hotel is surrounded by a rich biodiversity, from brown-snouted caiman to neotropical river otter and maned wolf;
• Comfortable yet adventurous experiences paired with excellent service in a relaxed atmosphere.

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Let us know your interests and/or questions and we will help you plan an unique travel itinerary with cultural immersions that spark creativity for all ages.

Great Things to see and do in Buenos Aires

Great Things to see and do in Buenos Aires

These days, like Recoleta, Retiro is famed for its wealth which is noticeable in the wide leafy boulevards such as Avenida del Libertador and Avenida 9 de Julio. Furthermore, the architecture of this neighborhood defines an era of splendor and finesse.

Things to see and do

The barrio of Retiro is one of the nicest in the city for walking and offers some fantastic photo opportunities. At the barrio’s heart is Plaza San Martin, a popular hangout for local workers during their lunch breaks. The plaza houses two significant monuments; one dedicated to San Martin himself and another to commemorate the fallen heroes of the Malvinas War.

Within a short walk from Plaza San Martin are some of the finest examples of architecture present in Buenos Aires. Palacio San Martin on Arenales street is arguably the most celebrated and is today used as the offices of the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Relations. Originally home to the Anchorena family, tours are available of this Beaux Arts palace.

Brunch at Farinelli

The location is great: A bright, sunny corner of quiet Retiro with giant windows that are ideal for people-watching while you sit down and get settled. I like some booth action, but there are large tables in the middle that accommodate groups a bit better, though once the place is packed there isn’t a lot of room to spare. Fresh blooms from Florería Atlántico adorn the countertops and the day’s spread of fresh goodies – fruit salad, croissants, and the Bloody Mary bar (score!) – are poised to make your mouth water.

Lunch at Farinelli's

So here’s the deal: Sunday brunch takes place from 11am-4pm only, with reservations available only for the 1pm time slot. Let’s not even mention the scene at 3pm – Tables bursting with hipsters and families alike, and sad people outside being told that they couldn’t be guaranteed a table before things wound down.

Address: Arroyo corner of Suipacha Street.

Admire the fabulous San Martin Palace

Palacio San Martin was designed by architect Alejandro Christophersen and boasts marble staircases, grandiose dining rooms and a garden containing a chunk of the Berlin Wall. A small but good museum displays pre-Columbian artifacts from the northwest, along with some paintings by Latin American artists. Free tours happen at 3pm on Thursdays (bring ID), but can be suspended at any time.

Originally built for the powerful Anchorena family, Palacio San Martín later became the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry; today it’s used mostly for official purposes.

Address: Esmeralda 1231.

Cour d' honneur and Main Staircase - San Martin Palace.

Take a tour of the magnificent Paz Palace

It is a masterpiece of sculptor Lola Mora, who designed it in the city of Rome in 1902. Its first location was in the downtown area, but dueOnce the private residence of José C Paz – founder of the still-running newspaper La Prensa – this opulent, French-style palace (1909) is the grandest in BA. Inside its 12,000 sq meters are ornate rooms with marble walls, salons gilded in real gold and halls boasting beautiful wood-tiled floors. The pièce de résistance is the circular grand hall with mosaic floors, marble details and stained-glass cupola. Nearly all materials came from Europe and were then assembled here; there’s also a modest garden out back. Address: Santa Fe Avenue 750.

Magnificent Dome - Palacio Paz
Guided Tours: In Spanish: Wednesday to Saturday, 11.00 am Tuesday to Friday, 3.00 pm In English Thursdays 3.30 pm

Museo de Arte Hispanoamericano Isaac Fernandez Blanco

Dating from 1921, this museum is in an old mansion of the neocolonial Peruvian style that developed as a reaction against French influences in turn-of-the-19th-century Argentine architecture. Its exceptional collection of colonial art includes silverwork from Alto Perú (present-day Bolivia), religious paintings and baroque instruments. There’s little effort to place items in any historical context, but everything is in great condition and well lit, and the curved ceiling in the main salon is beautifully painted. There's also a peaceful garden.

Also known as the Palacio Noel, after the designing architect, the museum building and its collections suffered damage (since repaired) from the 1992 bombing of the Israeli embassy, which at the time was located at Arroyo and Suipacha. The space where the embassy was located has since become a small memorial park; you can still see the outline of the building on a neighboring wall.

TRY THE BEST PIZZA OF RETIRO

Filo

Filo Just off Plaza San Martin, this is a popular lunchtime haunt that fills up with workers from the nearby financial district who come to feast on pizza, pasta and salads. Opened in 1993 by six friends fed up with Argentina’s Italian cuisine, Filo has since succeeded in creating a cult following with those with a penchant for mushroom risotto, salmon carpaccio, tiramisu, and the like. Address: San Martin 975.

Pizza Piola

An Italian franchise, gone global, which first opened in Buenos Aires in the early 90’s. Pizza Piola claims to have revolutionized the Buenos Aires pizza scene and that local food critics talk of before Piola and after Piola pizza. Address: Libertad 1073.

FLORERIA ATLANTICO

Floreria Atlantico - Flower Shop and Bar

One of BA's hottest bars, this basement speakeasy is located within a flower shop, adding an air of mystery and likely a main reason for its success. Hipsters, artists, chefs, businesspeople and expats all flock here for the excellent cocktails, whether they're classic or unique – and the lack of gas lines means all of the delicious tapas and main dishes are cooked on the parrilla grill.

Dinner at Floreria Atlantico

If you're a gin lover, note that the owner, Renato Giovannonni, produces and sells his own brand – called 'Príncipe de los Apóstoles' – aromatically infused with mint, grapefruit, eucalyptus and yerba mate . Reserve ahead for dinner. Address: Arroyo 872.

Private Walking Tours

Private tours can be arranged for a weekday or weekend, day or evening. We can provide multiple in-house trained guides for a more enjoyable outing. Walking tours are great for team building, special events, and entertaining clients.

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Puerto Madero: One of the best walking neighborhoods of Buenos Aires

Puerto Madero: One of the best walking neighborhoods of Buenos Aires

Puerto Madero has become one of the most fashionable and expensive places to live in the city. It represents the largest wide-scale urban project in the city of Buenos Aires.

It is an ideal location for a relaxing walk, a romantic dinner at one of the many exclusive restaurants, or a tango show at the elegant and avant-garde Faena Hotel. The neighborhood offers beautiful views of the cityscape, particularly at dusk as the city lights start to shimmer.

The modern sophistication that now characterizes this neighborhood contrasts greatly with its origins. In 1880, the city’s government began to build a new port, which was later given the name Puerto Madero in honor of Engineer Eduardo Madero, its designer.

The project turned out to be quite similar to that of the docklands in London, with four closed and connected docks which are places parallel to the river. In 1910, the port was already too small for the needs of the city that had increasingly gained a greater commercial activity. It was then the so-called New Port (Puerto Nuevo) was built north of Puerto Madero.

As years went by, Puerto Madero was abandoned but, in the early 1990s, a renewal project was carried out and the port became one of the trendiest boroughs in Buenos Aires: the old red brick warehouses were transformed into elegant apartments, lofts, exclusive restaurants, offices and recreation areas.

There is a perfect balance between tranquility and proximity to downtown. It is also a very clean and the safest district of BA. Besides being under surveillance constantly by the Coastguards, all the apartments are well-equipped with the latest technology as regards self-protection.

The neighborhood's road network has been entirely rebuilt, especially in the east side. The layout of the east side consists of three wide boulevards running east-west crossed by the east side's main street, Juana Manso Avenue. The layout is completed with parks, some other avenues and minor streets, running both east-west and north-south, and by several pedestrian streets.

For this reason, Puerto Madero has become the preferred address for growing numbers of young professionals and retirees, alike. Increasing property prices have also generated interest in the area as a destination for foreign buyers, particularly those in the market for premium investment properties.

As you stroll through the neighborhood, there are some specific attractions to enjoy and that you should not miss:

MUST DO IN PUERTO MADERO

Puente de la Mujer

Designed by Santiago Calatrava, this spectacular footbridge has a single mast with cables suspending a portion of the bridge which rotates 90 degrees in order to allow water traffic to pass. When it swings to allow watercraft passage the far end comes to a resting point on a stabilizing pylon.

The Puente de la Mujer (Women's Bridge), by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, is the newest link between the east and west docks of Puerto Madero.

The Ecological Reserve

With over 200 species of birds, scuttling iguanas as well as joggers and cyclists, it is a multi-purpose green space. Here, you can join many visitors who descend here to run or to enjoy a spot of bird watching in peace.

Over time, sand and sediment began to build up and developed itself into a biodiversity sample of the native Llanura Pampeana ecosystem, the area now boasts a few trees, mostly willows, ceibos and acacias and is home to the city's only wild flamingos, egrets, ducks, parrots and nutrias.

The Nereids Fountain

It is a masterpiece of sculptor Lola Mora, who designed it in the city of Rome in 1902. Its first location was in the downtown area, but due to the scandal caused by the nude figures, it was moved to its current location in 1918.

The material used is Carrara marble. Tritons, Nereids and an Aphrodite – Venus make up a harmonious sculptural work.

The Faena Hotel

It was designed by the prestigious French artist Philippe Starck together with Argentine entrepreneur Alan Faena who named the complex after himself. The Hotel has a great Pool bar and and hip restaurant that is really worth visiting. This is one of the hottest places to have pre-dinner drinks in Buenos Aires. Just have a sip at the luxurious pool bar or the cabaret bar. Mixed, but dead trendy crowd meet every Thursday and Friday evenings.

Ideas South America organizes the best walking tours of Buenos Aires. We work with the best professional local guides and we are proud of the walking tours in neighborhoods such as Puerto Madero, Recoleta, San Telmo, La Boca and Palermo.

Contact us if you want to do a walking tour with an engaging and knowledgeable bilingual guide.

What to see in Puerto Madero in one day

What to see in Puerto Madero in one day

La Boca is the oldest, most colorful, and most authentic neighborhood in Buenos Aires. La Boca is mostly a working-class neighborhood aTo experience the full fabric-the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Buenos Aires neighborhoods, you must walk them. Puerto Madero is one of the most successful recent waterfront renewal projects in the world and it represents the latest architectural trends in BA.

We recommend a busy day that will take you across different sectors of this neighborhood, covering both classic highlights and contemporary culture zones.

Start your day with a Porteño breakfast (café con leche, croissants “medialunas”, toasts with “dulce de leche” and orange juice). Our favorite place in Puerto Madero is called “I Fresh Market” (1190, Olga Cossenttini street). It is a charming, clean deli that sells coffee, muffins, toasts, fresh fruits, sandwiches, salads, desserts to take out. Then, at around 11 am, you should make your way to the Fortabat Museum.

This Museum sits in a quiet sport in Puerto Madero. A long, low-rise structure, with a curved canopy for a roof that drops down on its dockside façade, this building is leading the port’s cultural renaissance, acting as a precursor to two planned centers designed by Norman Foster. It holds a substantial private art collection of one of Latin America´s richest women, Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat.

From here, we suggest a walk along the docklands and the Costanera Sur Avenue where you will find Las Nereidas Fountain, a masterpiece of sculptor Lola Mora and the Biological Reserve.

Buenos Aires Ecological Reserve is a 3.5 square kilometer tract of low land on the Río de la Plata riverbank located on the east side of the district of Puerto Madero. The entire walk around the reserve will take you more than an hour and that’s without stopping to peer through the reeds and to try and identify birds. The reserve offers several viewpoint stops that allow you a moment to pull out your binoculars and scan over the marshes that navigate through the wetlands.

The air here is cooler and cleaner than in the busy city and the grassy areas for sitting are a great place to settle down for a relaxing view.

After leaving the Ecological Reserve, we suggest a walk through Micaela Bastidas Park, the most exclusive residential area in the city. The works of landscaping in Puerto Madero also include, besides the specific works on parks and squares, others distributed in the boulevards and promenades that confer beauty to these sectors and contribute to add value to the public space as a place for walking by and recreation.

Calatrava´s Footbridge is the most symbolic monument in Puerto Madero. Opened in 2001, the Puente de la Mujer is a 102 meter-long sculptural walkway that spans the harbor and brings pedestrians from the city centre into Puerto Madero and back. The central part of the suspension bridge rotates 90 degrees to allow water traffic to pass underneath. We suggest a riverside dinner at Cabaña las Lilas (516, Alicia Moreau de Justo street). The tables on the terrace are the best and the restaurant’s specialty is the steak, which is the icon of Las Lilas. Steak has multiple forms: rib eye steak, baby beef and steak with or without ribs; all of them large and with the quality guarantee that only cattle raised in the pampas can give. Red meat there is privilege. Our experience is that Lomo and rib eye are the best cuts that you will have in the “parrillas” of the city. After dinner, if you still have energy and if you want to watch one of the best tango shows in Buenos Aires, head for Rojo Tango (445 Martha Salotti street). Located within the Faena Hotel + Universe, it offers the most exclusive tango show in Buenos Aires, featuring an intimate, top-notch tango show.

Contact us for further information and/or if you want to book a private tour of Buenos Aires. We offer different cultural tours which focus on different topics (Architecture, History, Urban Art, Graffiti and Jewish Tours) with the best local guides.

Things to do in La Boca Neighborhood

Things to do in La Boca Neighborhood

La Boca is the oldest, most colorful, and most authentic neighborhood in Buenos Aires. La Boca is mostly a working-class neighborhood and it is known throughout the world as the home of Boca Juniors, one of South America’s top football clubs.

Mass settlement in La Boca began in 1840, with an influx of immigrants from Genoa, Italy. Coming from a port city, it was natural for the Genoese to settle along the Buenos Aires waterfront. The new arrivals constructed tenements made of scrap metal and painted the shacks with bright leftover paint to liven up the one-time wasteland. The Genoese proudly brought their unique identity to La Boca, and one of their old traditions was to paint the outside of their homes with the leftover paint from the shipyard – as nothing else was available or could be afforded. Here are the main attractions:

La Usina del Arte

Dubbed “the new home of culture” by Mayor Mauricio Macri’s administration, the Usina del Arte, an abandoned red brick electric factory near the Riacheulo, has been scrubbed up and turned over to the arts.

And culture fans have plenty to be excited about: boasting Buenos Aires’ first symphony concert hall, music, art, dance and theatre are just some of the plans on the agenda for the centre, which will also be home to the Buenos Aires’ Philharmonic and National Symphony Orchestras.

The complex is just between Puerto Madero and La Boca district. So it is possible that this space will work as a cultural corridor between the two and it will enhance the neighborhood.

The complex, designed by Juan Chiogna, was built between 1914 and 1916 by Martignone e Hijos and continued to produce electricity until the early-1990s. This was when Carlos Menem’s administration privatised utilities, and after its doors closed, the building was abandoned. From outside, the building is quite spectacular, standing out from its run-down surroundings. From the clock tower where the bell would be rung to call electricity workers in for their shifts, to the Romeo and Juliet-like balconies where orders would be called to workers in the front courtyard, each and every historical detail has been preserved.

Inside the grand, luminous entrance hall, many original parts of the building were also restored, such as the iron-cast staircases that wrap round the side areas of the structure as well as some of the old tiled flooring on the ground floor.

The Usina del Arte is currently not open on a daily basis to the public. However, from now until December, free guided tours are carried out on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, highly recommendable for those who have yet to visit the building. It will also be open for specific performances until the end of the year.

The Usina is open at specific times for concerts, for details check the CityGovernment’s culture website.*

The Museo del Cine, created in 1971, is now located in the building adjacent to the Usina on Caffarena 49. It is open from Monday to Friday 11am-6pm and on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays from 10am-7pm.

El Obrero

Just across from La Usina del Arte, there is an old traditional restaurant where you can eat like a real “porteño”. You shouldn’t look for refined or exotic dishes but for plentiful and simple dishes of the porteño cuisine. This bar opened in 1954, used to feed workers who worked at shipyards and garages near it. Visit El Obrero for an authentic and memorable lunch. It is really worth it. Address: Agustín R. Caffarena 64.

La Boca Soccer Stadium

Visit the Legendary Boca Soccer Stadium and its Museum. Boca Juniors is one of the biggest soccer teams in Argentina and happens to be one of the clubs that the soccer great Diego Maradona played for. Club Atlético Boca Juniors was founded in 1905, and has been known as the club for the working class. Their official nickname is Los Xeneizes (The Geonese after the Geonese Italians that founded the club). Their stadium, La Bombonera, is not so surprisingly located in the La Boca district. It is possible to get tickets to most games and be a part of a truly Argentine experience. Everything is intertwined and indivisible: not only is La Bombonera a part of a neighborhood which witnessed its creation but it also defines its identity. It was on this port suburb that football and Argentina were born. Settled inside the football field building, this museum (with access through a gift shop with a wide variety of blue and yellow souvenirs) opens up through a long corridor where the pictures of all premier division players who have defended the T-shirt since 1931 are on display. This is how worship of the past begins. At the end of the corridor, inside a huge football ball-shaped room, we could live the 360-degree experience of going into the football field and stepping on the lawn of La Bombonera in a unique spectacular audio-visual event.

Fine Arts Museum of La Boca

Visit the Legendary Boca Soccer Stadium and its Museum.

Once a residence and studio of the artist Quinquela Martin, this museum has a collection of early 20th century Argentine artists.Benito Quinquela Martin, an abandoned orphan who was adopted by a Genoese immigrant couple in La Boca, was the man to take action. He had become the most significant painter in Argentina, with his dramatic paintings of the port of La Boca, and achieved worldwide recognition.

But as La Boca was his inspiration, and had provided him with family, friends and shelter after having been orphaned at an early age, he felt he owed the barrio something in return. Quinquela Martín is considered the port painter and one of the country’s most popular painters. His paintings show port activity, vigor and harshness of daily life in La Boca port. He had to work as a child carrying bags of coal and these experiences influenced his artistic vision obras.

The permanent exhibition consists of works of figurative Argentine artists from the late nineteenth century to today. Also includes a collection of figureheads, unique in Latin America, represented by interesting pieces from the late nineteenth century. In the room Sivori, temporary exhibitions of great masters of Argentine art, renowned contemporary artists and emerging artists perform; linking heritage with contemporary production works. The third floor is currently the House – Museum Quinquela where his great works and personal belongings are exhibited. Their stadium, La Bombonera, is not so surprisingly located in the La Boca district. It is possible to get tickets to most games and be a part of a truly Argentine experience. Everything is intertwined and indivisible: not only is La Bombonera a part of a neighborhood which witnessed its creation but it also defines its identity. It was on this port suburb that football and Argentina were born. Settled inside the football field building, this museum (with access through a gift shop with a wide variety of blue and yellow souvenirs) opens up through a long corridor where the pictures of all premier division players who have defended the T-shirt since 1931 are on display. This is how worship of the past begins. At the end of the corridor, inside a huge football ball-shaped room, we could live the 360-degree experience of going into the football field and stepping on the lawn of La Bombonera in a unique spectacular audio-visual event.

Museum of Fine Arts Quinquela:

Av. Pedro de Mendoza 1835/1843. Tuesdays - Fridays; From: 10 am to 18 pm, and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 11 to 18 hs. Closed on Mondays.

Quinquela Martin, the creator of “caminito” street

In 1959, Quinquela Martin and his artist friends created the street of Caminito, as a means of recreating the way old La Boca used to look – a reminder of where everyone had come from, not just in La Boca, but Buenos Aires, and Argentina, because this barrio and its port had been the gateway for many immigrants into this city and country (up until Puerto Madero & then Puerto Nuevo were built as replacements in the early 1900s), who then went on to make Buenos Aires and Argentina what they are today.

What Quinquela Martin did was to rescue bits and pieces of the original immigrant conventillos that were being torn down and replaced, and used them to create a concentrated conventillo community around this small street, in what is essentially an uninhabited open-air art and history exhibit, and officially the world’s first outdoor pedestrian museum. There are also Tango dancers in the street and you can pose with them and just give them ten to twenty pesos. . Many artists also show off their work on the sides of the main street.

Fundacion Proa

Once you tire of the fútbol at La Bombonera and of the Maradona impersonators at Caminito you can head over to Fundación Proa at Pedro de Mendoza 1929. It’s an excellent modern and contemporary art museum that hosts international art exhibitions and has a gourmet café with river views on the third floor. It’s open from 11am to 8pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

Handcrafts market

If you visit Caminito on weekends, you will also be able to go shopping at the Feria de la Ribera arts and crafts market, which starts at the front of Caminito and goes around in front of the Riachuelo river. Here you will find handmade crochet,scarves and shawls, traditional mate gourds and bombillas (the metal straws used for drinking mate), jewellery and lots of other interesting craft pieces, all at reasonable prices.

And if you work up a hunger after traipsing around Caminito and the feria, we strongly recommend an authentic Italian Pizzeria nearby in La Boca Banchero Pizzeria (Suarez 396 ). The restaurant also happens to have been a favorite of Benito Quinquela Martin, the architect of Caminito, so it is a fitting end to the outing – and delicious too!

Safety in La Boca

As in most places where a popular tourist attraction sits in the middle of an economically disadvantaged neighborhood, La Boca can be dangerous for visitors who stray off the tourist path. We strongly recommend you visit this neighborhood with a local guide who knows the neighborhood and where to go and walk without worries.

Contact us for further information and/or if you want to hire a local professional to tour La Boca neighborhood and/or other districts of Buenos Aires.

Why The Recoleta Cemetery is Worth a Visit

Why The Recoleta Cemetery is Worth a Visit

As weird as it may sound, the Recoleta Cemetery is a “must see” attraction and one of the most popular places visited by visitors in Buenos Aires. It is centrally located on some of the most expensive real estate in Buenos Aires and is the eternal resting place to some of the most important Argentines; including Eva Perón, Raúl Alfonsín, and several presidents.

Once inside, Argentina history comes to life at the mausoleums of the dead. Over 50 tombs and crypts are explained, including Evita Perón, revealing all of the legends, historical figures and celebrities of Buenos Aires history.

It gives people so much status to own a mausoleum here, that there is a waiting list of families who are dying to buy a crypt in this prestigious cemetery.

Together with Pere Lachaise in Paris and Di Staglieno in Genoa, Italy, this is one of the most astonishing burial grounds in the world. As you enter the Cemetery, you will soon forget where you are and I am sure you will feel you are in an open air museum, where you will not only learn about our history, but also about different architectural styles; and, above all, you will be amazed by the stories and legends hidden behind each monument.

The cemetery’s 14 acres are organized into squares, which are divided by wide, tree-lined avenues flanked by marble mausoleums of different architectural styles. Ba´s most illustrious sons and daughters (presidents, writers, scientists, artists, independence warriors) are all buried here. Among the most venerated tombs, is that of Eva Duarte, otherwise known as Evita Perón.

We never thought we would find ourselves promoting a cemetery as “a must visit” attraction, but the Recoleta Cemetery is a truly amazing place. The excessiveness and grandeur is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced.

Bear in mind that the Recoleta Cemetery is 14 acres large and a labyrinth of concrete, sculptures and amazing architecture. If you want more in-depth explanations behind the mausoleums, it is essential to hire a local guide to help you discover the best the cemetery has to offer.

Right outside the Cemetery you will find fantastic shopping opportunities and cafes with outdoor seating as well as excellent nightlife and five star hotels. You will find some of the best museums in Buenos Aires and you can explore the basilica Nuestra Señora del Pilar one of the oldest churches of the city.

Ideas South America walking tours combine Argentina history and Argentina present within a fascinating 3 hour stroll. On this walking tour in Recoleta you will see not only the cemetery but also the historical neighborhood of Recoleta and the beautiful mansions built by the city’s elite. You will discover countless sculptures and statues depicting the great leaders of history.

If you want to hire the best knowledgeable and engaging bilingual guide, contact us and we will book a private walking tour inside the Cemetery with the best local guide to show you this unique place.

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Hot Springs

National Park Cabo Polonio (Protected Area)

Punta del Diablo (Protected Area)

Laguna de Rocha

Bear in mind that If you are thinking of traveling during the high season, you need to start booking your trip with at least 10-8 months in advance.

Other recomended destinations:

Places to visit in Chile

Torres del Paine National Park

The Atacama Desert and the Moon Valley

Easter Island and Rapa Nui National Park

Santiago: Chile's Cultural Capital

Chilean Lake district

Valparaíso

Lauca National Park

Pumalín Park

Los Pingüinos Natural Monument

The Humberstone and Santa Laura nitrate works

Chiloé Island and Chiloé National Park

Valle Nevado

Mylodon Cave Natural Monument

Cochamó Valley

Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park

Discover destinations, find outdoor adventures, follow the journeys of our travel writers around the world and get inspired.

Other recomended destinations:

Places to visit in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a walking city and it’s great to explore on foot. The places to visit in Buenos Aires that we mention below are adored by adults and children alike. Let’s venture into Buenos Aires' diverse neighborhoods and its essential attractions.

Monserrat

La Boca

San Telmo

San Nicolas

Puerto Madero

Palermo

Recoleta

Other recomended destinations:

Puerto Valle Hotel: A distinct riverside lodge with exclusive access to the rich biodiversity of Ibera Wetlands

It’s a great destination to combine with Iguazu Falls

Just two hours away from Buenos Aires City by plane, Puerto Valle is the ideal destination to combine with a trip to the Iguazu Falls, stopping over at the San Ignacio Miní Ruins, which are conveniently located at a 1.5 hour ride from the hotel.

What we love of Puerto Valle:

Great Things to see and do in Buenos Aires

These days, like Recoleta, Retiro is famed for its wealth which is noticeable in the wide leafy boulevards such as Avenida del Libertador and Avenida 9 de Julio. Furthermore, the architecture of this neighborhood defines an era of splendor and finesse.

Things to see and do

Brunch at Farinelli