Overview
Buenos Aires is an amazing place to visit, with a large variety of things to see and do. It boasts a colorful history, elegance and traditions that the people of Buenos Aires are very proud of. Visit the old cafes, enjoy the nightlife, food and friendly atmosphere.
Pedro Porqueras: Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Pedro is a certified professional guide in Argentina. He accompanied Samantha to the area around the port, known as La Boca, to show her his town.
Web: www.fallinlovewithba.com
Hotels
Loi Suites Recoleta: Loi Suites offers very spacious rooms in one of the city's quieter neighborhoods. It's also a safe area for travelers on the road by themselves. A locally owned hotel, it is located close to Recoleta Cemetery, shops, outdoor cafes, restaurants, bars and parks.
Web: www.loisuites.com.ar
Shopping
Uru Recoleta (Leather Store): If there's one thing to bring home from Buenos Aires, it's a leather jacket. Samantha went shopping at Uru Recoleta and discovered this store can make a custom-fit jacket in five hours! From hundreds of selections you pick the style, the color and the leather. The quality is wonderful, and the price can't be beat!
Web: www.us-cueros.com.ar
Sights/Landmarks/To Do
La Boca: Samantha strolled the colorful streets of La Boca (The Mouth). You could say La Boca is the Ellis Island of Argentina. Immigrants, mostly Italian, started arriving here in the 1930s. Because they arrived at the port, these individuals soon began to call themselves Porteños. La Boca is also the birthplace of the tango; you'll see dancers on every corner! La Boca is located just south of the center of town. For safety's sake, it's best to tour this neighborhood during daylight hours.
Daniel Horacio Aguirre: During a visit to La Boca, Samantha stopped into the gallery of local artist Daniel Aguirre. Specializing in collages, he derives his inspiration from the wood and metal materials and structures that surround him in La Boca.
Web: www.aguirreart.com.ar
Mansion Dandi Royal (Tango Residential Academy): When you think of Buenos Aires, you immediately think of the tango. Samantha discovered a unique restored turn-of-the-century hotel dedicated to the sexy dance. Now, you don't have to take lessons to stay here. And like Samantha, you don't have to stay here to take lessons. Sam learned the tango from the Mansion's artistic director, tango legend Hector Villalba.
Web: www.hotelmansiondandiroyal.com
Food/Restaurants/Bars
Las Nazarenas Argentine Restaurant: Buenos Aires and Argentina on the whole are known for steak! Steakhouses here come in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. Samantha chose Las Nazarenas, one of the most traditional grills in Buenos Aires. Located in the Retiro neighborhood, this family-run restaurant has been in business here for 25 years. Las Nazarenas is named after the spurs gauchos (Argentine cowboys) use on festive occasions. Below the restaurant is an incredible wine cellar specializing in Argentine wines.
Web: www.lasnazarenas.com.ar
La Peña del Colorado: Country music isn't just popular in the U.S. While in Buenos Aires, Samantha met up with some friends at La Peña del Colorado, to listen to Argentine folk music. You won't find this popular club on the tourist maps - it's a real local place. The music and dancing don't get started here until midnight.
Web: www.delcolorado.com.ar
Café Tortoni: The café culture in Buenos Aires is pretty serious, and there's one café in particular that all Porteños (people of Buenos Aires) have a soft spot for - Café Tortoni. Built in 1858, it's the oldest café in Buenos Aires. Through the years, Café Tortoni has been a popular hangout for intellectuals and artists. Samantha joins Pedro Poqueras for some afternoon snacks.
Web: www.cafetortoni.com.ar
Nightlife
Confiteria Ideal: It's 11 p.m., and the city of Buenos Aires is just getting its nightlife started. Samantha decided to do something she'd never done before and headed to Confiteria Ideal. Opened in 1912, this beloved ballroom is what locals call a milonga - a dance hall for tango! You can take lessons during the day and then come back at night to try out your steps. Confiteria is old-fashioned in every sense of the word - dimmed lights infuse the room with the sepia tone of a vintage photograph, and gentlemen still ask ladies to dance.
Web: www.confiteriaideal.com
Romina Verón & Carlos Sosto: Romina are Carlos are tango dancers and instructors. You can see them perform around Buenos Aires, often at Confiteria Ideal.
Web: www.nuestromundotango.com.ar
RSS Feeds