From the sexy tango dancers to the succulent Argentinean meat, Buenos Aires in Argentina needs to be in everyone’s travel bucket. The contrast that this city can offer from the posh and pricey Puerto Madero to the brutally real Boca will offer something for everyone. The food is rich and you should forget to look after your cholesterol for a few days as, if you do not eat meat, you will become a fan of the provoleta, a filling and savoury cheese!
Discover now the 10 tips that will make you wish to book a flight to Buenos Aires
Argentina – Buenos Aires
1. Tango
What is the first thing you think of when someone mentions Argentina? Well, that’s tango for sure.
It is everywhere, as sexy and elegant and promised, and you can find dancers in the street or secure a table in one of the most famous spots where locals hang out.
I recommend Confitería Ideal, founded in 1912 and still one of the most traditional milongas located in the city centre:
2. Carne
Right, I think I know the second thing coming to your mind when you think of Argentina… Hell yes Ladies and Gentlemen, we are talking about asado, the tasty king of your culinary experience in this country.
Meat here is simply superb and quite affordable compared to our European standards (especially if you live in pricey London). Hence if you are meat lover, do take advantage of this proteic paradise.
Remember, asado is not a specific cut of meat but the cooking method itself. And it generally refers to a mixed barbecue where you will find fillet, chorizo, morcilla as well as entraña and vacio. These latter ones are traditional cuts in South America and better known as skirt steaks. And they all go very well with chimichurri sauce. And with a bottle of local Malbec, of course.
3. El Pelotero des Nivel
In the unlucky event you do not eat meat there is a delicious cheese alternative, the succulent provoleta to be also barbecued and accompanied with chimichurri. You can taste it in a gorgeous sandwich at El Pelotero des Nivel, in the city centre.
If you like and eat meat also make sure you try the milanesa, that as the name suggests is similar to our Milanese cotoletta (don’t trust the Austrian when they say they invented the Wiener Schnitzler!).
4. Puerto Madero
Fresh and modern area in Buenos Aires where you can find plenty of restaurants and bars. A bit pricey and more international than traditional, but a good choice for a top end meal.
Watch out for the Puente de las Mujeres, unique work of architect Calatrava in South America as you can easily guess from the style.
5. Boca
This is probably the most well-known area in Buenos Aires. Colourful and lively, popular but also dangerous – especially in the past, it is a true beauty you cannot miss out.
6. Boca – houses
The name refers to the location (boca means mouth), as the barrio sits where the Riachuelo river flows into the bigger Rio de la Plata.
Most people though say it originated from the inhabitants of the area, the Xenensis (immigrants from Genoa, Italy) that have forged it so similar to Boccadasse – where they came from.
Have a stroll around, look at the shops and small market stalls before stopping for a chilled Quilmes whilst you are watching tango dancers on the street.
7. Casa rosada
Probably the most famous historical landmark in Buenos Aires, it is not only the Argentinean Government House but sits in the well-known Plaza de Mayo – the political hub of the country for the last 2 centuries.
A visit to this square will bring back to memories images of Evita Peron as well as the mothers of Plaza de Mayo protesting for their children missing (the desaparecidos).
Many books talk about the dark years in the Argentinian history where alleged dissidents have been arrested, tortured and thrown still alive in the Rio de la Plata. Including Victoria Donda’s ‘My name is Victoria’, giving voice to all the kids who had been kidnapped and brought up by members of the regime as if their own.
8. Palermo
For sure one of the coolest areas of Buenos Aires, full of bars and nice restaurants. Come here for a drink and a nice dinner before clubbing. We recommend Osaka, a Peruvian – Japanese restaurant in the area. Quite pricey but worth it if you fancy something quite far from a traditional Argentinean steak house for a night.
9. San Telmo
If you miss Europe just head to San Telmo for a nice afternoon walk, stopping at one of the many antiques shops in the area. Followed by a sweet dulce de leche treat (Try it on Amazon), sitting outside at one of the many cafes.
10. Maradona
After tango and asado, Argentina also means football to some. And for all those supporting Napoli, Argentina still reminds them of one unique dream: Diego Armando Maradona.
Controversial personality outside of the pitch but football genius when on the pitch – he is in the heart of every Argentinean and considered the greatest of all times.
It does not really matter if you are a football fan, Diego in Argentina is considered almost a god and you should know his story if you wish to have an easy way to bond in casual conversations with locals. Maradona from Kusturica – Watch it on Amazon Video (US / UK)
Football lovers and nostalgic can try and book for a Boca Junior match at the famous Bombonera stadium, in the centre of La Boca.
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