The 10 best attractions in Buenos Aires
The first Europeans who tried to inhabit Buenos Aires were devoured by the natives in 1516. This affected the tourism industry for centuries to come. But in the late 1700s, immigrants from Spain and Italy arrived and created much of the city that exists today. Buenos Aires has survived dictatorships, democracy, inflation and devaluation during the last 200 years, but it is still one of the most interesting and friendly cities in the world.
There is a lot to do in Buenos Aires. Here is a list of the top 10 tourist attractions in Buenos Aires.
1. Buenos Aires Tango is the greatest cultural contribution that Argentina has made to the world in the last 100 years and it is currently enjoying a comeback. There are hundreds of tango shows in Buenos Aires to see, as well as great nightly tango dances called “milongas”. Tango lessons can be found in a variety of different forms and the history of tango is in almost every corner and cafe in the city. A tango tour in Buenos Aires is the ticket to make the most of the number 1 attraction in Buenos Aires.
2. Plaza de Mayo has always been the center of the city. Impromptu demonstrations still take place here on a weekly basis, including the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo who still mourn their children from the “Dirty War”. This public space is located in front of the Casa Rosada, or “pink house,” where the president has his offices and Evita gave her speech to millions. The old Cabildo and the Metropolitan Cathedral also border the square and are worth a tour. The best way to see this attraction is on the daily walking tours of Buenos Aires.
3. Recoleta Cemetery in the elite neighborhood of Recoleta brings the history of its country to life like no other cemetery in the world. Presidents, dictators, legends, heroes and scoundrels are buried side by side in a beautiful display of sculptures and architectural masterpieces. Evita Perón is buried here after her corpse was stolen, copied and stolen again. The cemetery is 13 acres and it can be easy to get lost, so a knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide is a must.
4. San Telmo is the most exclusive neighborhood in Buenos Aires with old Spanish architecture, interesting restaurants and nightlife that includes tango shows. Along these cobblestone streets you will also find antique shops and the history of Tango. On Sunday, Plaza Dorrego fills with craft stalls, and at night this historic square turns into a giant tango dance called a milonga. This is the arts district and the bohemian area of Buenos Aires and although there are many tourists, it is a good idea not to dress too flashy.
5. Caminito is the world’s first open-air museum and is located in the working-class neighborhood of La Boca, which is anything but a museum. Caminito has a strong tango theme in the middle of the coventillos, or former homes of Italian immigrants who came to the city and worked on the docks. An artist named Jaun Quinquela Benito painted these small houses in many colors making this a vibrant and fascinating area of the city. Here you will find tango cafes, handicrafts and many tourists. This area closes early at 6pm and can be a bit rough after dark.
6. The Teatro Colón remains one of the best opera houses in the world and has held that title for 100 years due to the acoustic design and beautiful built interior. The Teatro Colón also houses one of the most extensive costume collections on the planet. Currently, tours of this Buenos Aires attraction are Monday through Friday starting at 11 a.m.
7. Buenos Aires restaurants offer some of the best meat and wine in the world. There is an entire district along the old port called Puerto Modero specifically for great restaurants. Befe de lomo and befe chorizo are the best cuts of the cow and go very well with a Malbec from Mendoza. Buenos Aires also has a coffee culture and the oldest and most interesting of all is Café Tortoni.
8. La Boca Soccer Game: La Boca soccer is more than a religion and should not be underestimated. The fans you’ll find here really give the word “a fan” its full meaning. The cheering section alone is worth it, however, tickets can be difficult to acquire on your own. Be sure to cheer on the home team and confirm if your seat is actually a seat or just a standing spot. Also, you have to be careful when the game ends because there has been a tradition of riots. But if you manage to live this experience you will never forget it.
9. Florida Street is a pedestrian street located in the center of the city center and is always full of beautiful people. There are countless shops for just about anything you can think of, including Argentine leather, souvenirs, clothing, and electronics. You can also watch free Tango demonstrations that create huge crowds. You will also find gigantic shopping malls on this city street, including one of the most beautiful in the world called Galaria Pacífico. Be sure to hold onto your purse or wallet as you stroll through this attraction, and be prepared to trip up several times.
10. The nightlife of Buenos Aires is famous for lasting until dawn and in fact it will do so on weekends. There are some amazing nightclubs with laser light shows like the Museum. You can also find great trendy bars located in the trendy district of Palermo. A safe bet for people-watching is in Recoleta, near the cemetery. And, of course, you must enjoy at least one tango show in the unique neighborhood of San Telmo.