The largest neighborhood of Buenos Aires is great for walking, especially if you have an interest in architecture, parks and outdoor cafes.
The French-Argentine landscape architect Carlos Thays was handed the responsibility of designing an area known as “Palermo Chico”. It is split into two distinctive sectors with Avenida Figueroa Alcorta running through the middle. The northern side is characterized by its grand mansions and Tudor-style homes complete with private gardens. Whilst the south side also displays opulence, from the 1940s the barrio witnessed the development of large apartment blocks.
The streets around Plaza Republica de Chile are home to numerous embassy and government buildings that used to be magnificent residences of local wealthy families. Across Figueroa Alcorta, between Tagle and Ortiz de Ocampo, the spider’s web of streets is lined with some of the most lavish homes in the city. This is the area where local celebrities live today.
The neighborhood is also popular with art enthusiasts and has some notable galleries and museums. Check out MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinamericano de Buenos Aires) on Figueroa Alcorta to see the work of Rafael Barradas and Diego Rivera plus temporary exhibitions from the likes of Andy Warhol and Frida Kahlo. Come on Wednesday for half price admission (free for students). Whilst in the area, go to Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo to find weaponry, sculpture and antique furniture collections. Palermo is particularly enjoyable during La Noche de Museos when all the city museums are open to the public for free. Other venues in the area are Museo de Arte Popular Jose Hernandez, which is set in the former home of the prestigious Bunge family, and MAMAN Fine Art gallery.