Buenos Aires in English means “Good Airs” and it certainly lives up to its name. It is by far one of my favorite cities in Latin America. First and for most, it is a very walkable city, a rare quality of a large metropolis in this part of the World. It is also a city that never sleeps and I really mean it. Sometimes it seems that the concept of week days and weekends does not exist or matter at all, which can be pretty dangerous for an office rat like me.
“Los Porteños” or otherwise the Argentines leaving in Buenos Aires (make no mistake mixing them with the provinces) looove to talk and will talk your ears out on literary any topic you may raise so be careful what you ask for. I once went into Freddo, a popular ice cream place, and couldn’t leave the place for 20 minutes as I was listening to the history of the Polish kings and the Prussian invasion…I really only wanted an ice cream. Though I do recommend getting into at a few lively conversations as it can be very entertaining.
There are a few interesting touristic sites in the city; however, Buenos Aires is a place you have to feel. It’s an experience rather than a mere check list of monuments and museums. Here goes your one-week adjustable itinerary. I am providing a Mon-Sun schedule as some places and attractions are best on specific days of the week.
“Los Porteños” or otherwise the Argentines leaving in Buenos Aires (make no mistake mixing them with the provinces) looove to talk and will talk your ears out on literary any topic you may raise so be careful what you ask for. I once went into Freddo, a popular ice cream place, and couldn’t leave the place for 20 minutes as I was listening to the history of the Polish kings and the Prussian invasion…I really only wanted an ice cream. Though I do recommend getting into at a few lively conversations as it can be very entertaining.
There are a few interesting touristic sites in the city; however, Buenos Aires is a place you have to feel. It’s an experience rather than a mere check list of monuments and museums. Here goes your one-week adjustable itinerary. I am providing a Mon-Sun schedule as some places and attractions are best on specific days of the week.
Where to Stay:
Budget: choose between a hostel in San Telmo or Palermo Soho
Boutique: just stick to Palermo. Here are your options:
High-End: Faena Hotel in Puerto Madero, a beautiful creation of Philip Stark.
Martha Salotti 445
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tel: +54 (11) 4010-9000
Monday:
Start in Microcentro. This is the business center of Buenos Aires, a home to office rats like me and headquarters of major banks, consulting companies and other slaves. You can walk around the Florida street, which is for pedestrians only. Make sure to visit Galerias Pacifico. It’s a shopping mall but it is famous for its design and picturesque roof.
Walk towards Puerto Madero, an area which was supposed to be a port but due to insufficient capacity developed into an upscale and well protected neighborhood with high skyscrapers and overpriced apartments. Visit the Fortabat Art Museum, which has the art collection of Ms. Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat, Argentina's wealthiest woman. Then take a stroll along the riverside and the string of many restaurants, all with water view and outside sitting.
Lunch: Puerto Madero has countless number of restaurants to choose from; however, here are the more noteworthy ones. Also, here I say go for either steakhouse or Italian so there you go:
Cabana las Lilas – the most famous stake house in the area, way overpriced I believe but if money is no issue please be my guest.
La Cabana – the moderate price option steak house. Equally good.
Bicie – Italian. Good pastas and I do recommend Merluza Negra if you feel like fish.
Sottovoce – Italian. Same standard and cuisine as Bicie.
As far as wine goes, I am still learning and exploring but if you want to try a good Malbec with your meat, go for Luigi Bosca or Rutini.
Heading back, walk towards Retiro and Plaza San Martin. From there go to Recoleta. Recoleta is the classy and rich neighborhood which will remind you of Europe with somewhat French style architecture and antique looking buildings. The main attraction there is The Cemetery, the home for the rich and famous Argentine families with distinguished tomb stones the size of little houses. It’s like a little mini grave town from the past.
Dinner: uffff my favorite part :) You are tired…stay in Palermo. It’s Monday and you can take it easy. One thing you need to know is that Argentines go out for dinner at around 10pm so chilax, the restaurants are closed at 7pm anyway. You had big lunch so shoot for the lighter option. I say Peruvian and your three choices are:
Paru: Bonpland 1823, Palermo Hollywood, Tel 4778-3307
My favorite. It’s a delicious Peruvian fusion. Any ceviche you order will melt in your mouth.
Osaka: Soler 5608, Palermo Hollywood Tel: 4773-4165
Very good as well and has a lovely terrace if you are there during the summer.
Ceviche: Costa Rica 5644, Palermo Hollywood, Tel 4776-7373
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