RAVEL STEAKS Much more than meat to one of planet’s top cities
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BUENOS Aires may have one of the world’s most famous cemeteries, but it’s very much a city where life is for living.
Argentina’s capital is an energetic, bustling, vibrant, sprawling mash-up of cultures and scenes.
Stroll through the upmarket Recoleta district – home to the 14-acre cemetery named one of the most beautiful in the world – and you will be forgiven for thinking you’re in Paris.
Head to uber-trendy Palermo Soho and there is no doubt you’re in South America. Toss in the colourful Boca neighbourhood and you see why “BA” is regularly voted one of the planet’s top cities.
Argentina has had a turbulent past and continues to suffer social and economic problems. But make no mistake about it,
Buenos Aires feels as confident, hip, edgy and affluent as any European city.
As with most first-time visitors, I had preconceptions about what to expect before I made the long trip.
But “Portenos” – as locals are known – are equally, if not more, proud of the other sides to this city. And a tourism campaign called “Somos Portenos” (We are Portenos) is aimed at showing there is more to it than steak and tango.
For starters, in a nod to its immigrant past, it actually has more pizza restaurants than steak houses (parrillas).
It also has world-class museums and art galleries, huge parks and legendary nightlife and entertainment. And with the pound currently strong against the
Argentinian peso, now is a great time to visit. Granted, it is a long flight – my trip on low-cost Norwegian was a gruelling 13hrs 45mins.
But with just a three-hour time difference, there is little of the jetlag that can often put a downer on trips to other far-flung destinations.
Not surprisingly, given the city’s vast size, there is a mind-boggling choice when it comes to accommodation.
From high-end chain hotels to tiny shared Airbnbs, there is something for everyone and every budget.
I stayed at the sleek Palladio Hotel Buenos Aires MGallery. It is located in the heart of busy Recoleta, yet its pristine lobby and restaurant is an oasis of calm.
The hotel also boasts a rooftop pool and spa, which I used after my flight arrived early the morning before it was time to check in.
The top tourist destination is La Boca, with its narrow streets and brightly painted buildings. Located in the city’s south-east, it is a riot of colours, parrillas and tango dancers.
La Boca is also home to Boca Juniors football club, where national hero Diego Maradona began his career.
The team’s ageing yet majestic La Bombonera stadium is unlike any other in football – it’s right in the middle of La Boca and towers over the streets, on which hawkers sell replica shirts to the tourists.
The club runs popular tours of the stadium, allowing visitors a tantalising glimpse of Argentine football. The threetiered terracing is awe-inspiring and a