Advice

We'd like to take a moment to briefly introduce you to other parts of Buenos Aires that we weren't able to squeeze into our itinerary. The two guided tours we have planned for you will take you to the capital's must-sees. But there's more to the city than its history, and it's up to you to venture beyond the beaten path. You see, to really feel the vibe of Buenos Aires, you’ve got to hit the streets and explore its many neighborhoods! Let's start with San Telmo, the city's bohemian district. This is where it all began. Where, in 1536, the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Mendoza founded Buenos Aires, and where wealthy colonists settled in sumptuous mansions. Here, you'll find antique shops, cobbled streets, quaint little bars like craft breweries or alternative cafés, and squares where you can dance tango. Every Sunday morning, there's also a massive arts and crafts market, where streets come alive with stalls of all kinds. Here's your chance to buy gifts and souvenirs! San Telmo is also where you'll meet the famous Mafalda, the iconic Argentinian comic strip character created by Quino. Her sharp and witty lines have charmed readers of all ages ever since 1973. Palermo is yet another must-visit district. It's home to the upper middle class, boasting wide, tree-lined avenues, private schools and prestigious universities. Palermo Hollywood, true to its name, is a hub for film, TV, and radio studios. But above all, since the 2000s, it's been known for its incredible restaurants, making it a gastronomic heaven for all foodies. The same goes for Palermo Soho, home to a myriad of bars, cafés, restaurants, terraces, boutiques and workshops. It's a culinary and cultural crossroads giving off both European and Latino vibes – a testament to the area's immigrant past with roots in Italy, Spain and Armenia. Now, if you have the classic Buenos Aires postcard in mind, the one with the colorful tin houses, head to Caminito, in the La Boca district. This historic port is where European immigrants, mainly Italians, first landed and settled. This cosmopolitan neighborhood might have its struggles, but it's truly a feast for the eyes. In the 1830s, the newcomers, drawn by the job opportunities on the shipyards and docks, built their homes here from scrap metal and painted them with leftover paint they had used on their boats. FYI, a few hours are enough to explore this now-touristy area. Football fans can visit the legendary Bombonera stadium, home to Boca Juniors, and the fascinating Museo de la Pasión Boquense right under the stands to learn more about the club's history. Then there's Puerto Madero, the city's most modern district, just a short distance from downtown. Here, poshness reigns supreme. In just a decade, it's become the most expensive area in Buenos Aires, boasting luxury lofts with canal views. Don't miss the stunning Puente de la Mujer, the Woman's Bridge, by architect Santiago Calatrava, which moves to allow passage for boats. You'll also see the impressive Presidente Sarmiento frigate, the Argentine Navy School's first ship, which has traveled around the world 40 times and is now a museum! Don't miss out on a visit to the Boedo and Almagro districts. Here, you'll get a taste of the authentic Argentinian way of life. These residential neighborhoods are packed with traditional cafés and hidden alternative bars, where you'll get to mingle with the locals. They are the cultural and intellectual stomping grounds of Buenos Aires! It's where the city's brilliant minds made their mark. Tango fever runs high in this neighborhood, making it the perfect spot to give this sensual dance a go in one of the many milongas, aka tango dance parties. If you're feeling shy, just grab a drink and watch the pros spin and twirl – it's mesmerizing! Another iconic spot is the KONEX cultural center, famous for its electrifying Bomba del Tiempo, a permanent percussion show held every Monday night. Like any self-respecting capital, Buenos Aires is full of great museums. Let's face it: unless you've decided to spend at least a week here, you won't have time to see everything AND visit all the city's museums. If you had to do just one, I'd recommend MALBA, an ultra-modern museum where you can learn all about Latin American artistic culture. Well, with all this, you've got plenty of things to do, if you feel like staying in the area for a while.