Outsiders have always been welcome

There are 48 neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires, but La Boca, where Italian immigrants settled from 1830, considers itself a republic. It’s home to the raucous Boca Juniors stadium Bombonera, where Maradona rose to fame, and colourful tourist magnet Caminito, a street of brightly-painted tenement houses now selling Diez football shirts (the position played by “the hand of God” and current star Messi), Gaucho-inspired souvenirs and chunky steaks.

Originally decorated by artist Benito Martin, who wanted “to bring art to the streets”, the row of buildings was named after a famous tango song. Yes, it’s tacky and busy – visit after midday to avoid the cruise-ship crowds – but its scruffy charm is irresistible.