TravelMuse, Inc. TravelMuse, Inc.

Imagine · Experience · Share™

A night view of the boardwalk at Disney’s California Adventure.

  • EXPLORE AND DISCOVER

  • RESEARCH AND PLAN TRIPS

  • MAKE RESERVATIONS

 

Destinations » South America » Argentina » Distrito Federal » Buenos Aires » City Guide: Getting There/Around

Buenos Aires, Argentina » Getting Around Tour Information

Destination Information

City Guide

 

Top Trips for Buenos Aires, Argentina See all Trips»

View and personalize popular Trips from the TravelMuse community

Actions

One discovers Buenos Aires through its various districts with their ever-changing and often surprising perspectives. This young city was brought to life by immigrants looking to create a New World in the promised land of America. Their cultural influences defined the city's creative identity and fascinating diversities. Put on your best shoes and prepare yourself for a stroll into Buenos Aires!

Tour One: Plaza de Mayo

The Plaza de Mayo is surrounded by four streets: Balcarce, Avenida Rivadavia, Hipólito Yrigoyen and Bolívar. Every side of the plaza contains an essential piece of history. You'll find the Government House, the Old Cabildo, the Catedral Metropolitana and the National Bank of Argentina. The beautiful building of the Diario La Prensa newspaper is also here, and the Palacio Municipal can be found on Avenida Roque Saénz Pena. Along busy Bolívar lies the historic Colegio Nacional de Buenos Aires and the San Ignacio Basilica.

Continuing down Calle Moreno, you'll find Manzana de las Luces “block of lights,” at the intersection of Calle Perú. While here, consider a visit to the city's underground tunnels, and if you need a rest, stop at the traditional Bar London City in front of the subway entrance or the world famous Café Tortoni, full of history and popular with both tourists and locals. For lunch, dinner and a tango show, El Querandí is highly recommended.

Tour Two: Historic Neighborhoods of La Boca And San Telmo

Walking down Avenida Pedro de Mendoza towards the port of La Boca, we reach the artsy Caminito and La Ribera Theater. Other sites of interest include the Bombonera, the soccer stadium for Boca Juniors; the Torre Fantasma, the Casa Amarilla, and the Paredón, a large painted wall made of recycled materials from the city's first convent. Also visit Galpón Catalinas where theatrical performances represent Buenos Aires past and present. Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo displays another side of the history of the city. There, one can enjoy the antique fairs, street art and good food in the many quaint eateries and cafés. To finish this tour, visit Bar Sur, a tango landmark and a great old venue where you can listen and dance to the sultry local music.

Tour Three: District of Palermo Viejo

Mentioned in various poems by Jorges Luis Borges, Palermo Viejo is an ideal neighborhood in which to embark on a cultural adventure. Start with a good espresso at Cafe Malasartes, and from there stroll to Plaza Julio Cortazar (named in honor of the exiled Argentinean writer). Here, you can pop into cafes and bars to view the creative decor and many painting exhibitions and book signings, or to play a game of chess.

Short, narrow streets like Santa Rosa hide spots full of magic like Salamanca or small art workshops. In addition, look for Papeleras Palermo, Desde Asia and Cat Ballou. Sastrería Buenos Aires holds an original library of old Argentine movies. Other streets of interest include El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras and Gorriti. At night, don't miss the bustling and charming Placita Serrano, a colorful cluster of outdoor cafes, restaurants, bars and discos, populated by all sorts of party animals. The outdoor, day market at Feria Plaza Serrano is worth stopping by here. Some names to remember are Brujas and República de Acá.

Tour Four: Cultural Venues

Begin at the Plaza Francia and visit the famous City of the Dead: Cementerio de la Recoleta. The remains of Evita and other celebrities lie here. Next door is the Centro Cultural Recoleta, an avant garde cultural center. Across the park in opposite directions you will find the Palais de Glace and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes.

Take a break in one of the outdoor cafes surrounding the plaza. La Biela and Café de La Paix both offer great people watching. In the evening, walk towards Avenida Corrientes along Calle Uruguay. There, visit the 24-hour bookstores and also check out the old coffee and spice shop El Gato Negro. Later, drop by the Teatro General San Martín, renowned for the quality of its shows and plays. To close the day, visit the underground theater Bululu. Or seek the Bohemian lifestyle in Retiro district bars such as Seddon, Barobar and Filo. Also keep in mind the permanent free exhibits, classes and shows at Alianza Francesa, British Art Centre, Centro Cultural Borges, Centro Cultural del Sur, Centro Cultural General San Martín, Centro Ricardo Rojas, and at the Instituto Cultural Iberoamericano.

Tour Five: Districts of Flores and Caballito

These two neighborhoods lie well away from the tourist traps. Start this tour by taking the subway Line A to the Primera Junta station. In the Parque Rivadavia, you'll find sellers of old magazines and books, and other stands selling everything from crafts to computer CDs. Later, visit the historic Tramway and the Luis Perlotti Museum. The San José de Flores Museum displays murals by Castagnino, Policastro, and Urruchua. Visit the San José de Flores Church or wander through one of the newest ethnic districts: "Coreatown," between Cobo, Curapaligue and Carabobo streets.

Copyright © 1999-2008 wcities.com All rights Reserved - Contact Wcities

Plan a Trip to Buenos Aires

Organize your travel research in one place!
Invite friends and work together on your plans.