Better Homes and Gardens (Australia)
Sway this way Buenos Aires
Make your holiday a colourful fiesta in the Argentinian capital!
First impressions of Buenos Aires, the Argentinian capital, can feel like a whirlwind full of bustling barrios and colourful milongas (tango salons).
Take a closer look and you’ll see a vibrant city filled with impressive architecture and a no-nonsense attitude. Downtown streets have the air of grand Parisian boulevards. This European influence extends to the major thoroughfare Avenue 9 de Julio which stretches more than 12 lanes across! The tree-lined avenue is an excellent vantage point to view the city and the 67m-high Obelisco Monument.
A short walk away, you’ll find one of the most famous buildings in South America, the Casa Rosada, or pink house. The official residence of the Argentinian president, the 19th century mansion became famous as a setting for the musical Evita.
LIKE THE NIGHT LIFE
Buenos Aires lives for the night. Cafes and restaurants typically begin to fill up at 9pm, with bars, clubs and the tango salons swinging well into the wee hours. Whatever sound you’re after, the late-night crowd gravitates to the live music venues all over the city.
Be sure to head to the San Telmo neighbourhood for tango lessons, excellent daytime markets and a distinct collection of historic buildings and churches. After dark, hang around and enjoy its many restaurants and cafes – the nightlife scene here is legendary. The energy infuses the animated city streets with a liveliness that lingers from evening till dawn.
CULTURE CAPITAL
Another popular barrio (neighbourhood) is Recoleta. This affluent area is home to beautiful French-style buildings, upmarket restaurants and inviting outdoor green spaces. The National Museum of Fine Arts is located here, as is the famous Recoleta Cemetery. While the appeal of a cemetery as tourist attraction might seem strange to some, its ornate monuments and the notable tombs of Eva Perón and other politicians, celebrities and artists are definitely worth a look.