Top Things to Do in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is a city like no other; a city of tango, food, shopping, and
nightlife. A city that inspires to greatness, that gets under your skin and is
confident and cool, sexy and fabulous. An oasis of European splendors tucked
away in South America.
Any true Porteños (the city’s residents) will tell you how they are far closer to
their European brothers than the rest of the continent. And while the
relationship might be rather one-sided there is no doubt that Buenos Aires is
the lovechild of old-world European grandeur and sexy, hot, smoldering Latin
passion.
Here are the top 5 things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
1. Boca Juniors:
BA’s number one soccer team, once home to the legendary Diego Maradona,
plays out of the talismanic Bombonera stadium in the La Boca neighborhood.
Visiting BA without embracing its soccer is like heading to Paris and eating only
McDonalds: a crime. Throw on a bit of blue and yellow (Boca Juniors’ team’s
colors), take in a match and, no matter how engaging the game might be,
wonder at the excitement and mayhem of the most passionate fans in the
world.
2. Buenos Aires’ Recoleta Cemetery:
Pay your respects to the cities fabulously rich and wealth are deceased and
marvel at their opulent tombs; surely one of the world’s most extra-ordinary
graveyards.
3. El Ateneo Grand Splendid:
Originally a grand theatre, then a grand cinema, it’s now a grand bookstore. In
fact, the 99-year-old Grand Splendid is one of the grandest stores in the world.
Reveling in its own history, the frescoed ceiling, elaborate theatre boxes and
even the bold red drapes are all intact, casting an eye-wateringly opulent
backdrop for the books. Take the time to sip a coffee and listen to some live
piano on the original stage, with sweeping views of the Grand Splendid in all its
splendor.
4. San Telmo’s antique market:
Every Sunday the city’s largest market comes to life, extending across 5km of
city streets. Every treasure, trinket, and trophy you could possibly imagine is
on display here, and then some.
No Buenos Aires sightseeing expedition would be complete without a good
bargain hunt! Venture along from the main square and you’ll find another mile
of markets selling all sorts of handicrafts and souvenirs. Bargain hard, and
ensure you have plenty of luggage space to take it all home with you!
5. Milonga & Tango:
The life and soul of Buenos Aires is Tango. In grand halls and on street corners,
everything moves to the beat of the tangoing feet. A Milonga is the place to
see this in action, and, if you’re brave enough, join in.
To mix with the locals and get a real feel for how tango intoxicates the crowds.
Head to La Milonga del Indio on Sunday evenings to dance al fresco with
energetic septuagenarians in the historic Plaza Dorrego, or for a younger
crowd, get ready to sweat at La Viruta.