Buenos Aires Travel Guide
Located on the vast flood plain of the Rio de la Plata in the east of Argentina, Buenos Aires is famed for its tango, football, European-style architecture and laid-back atmosphere, making for an exciting holiday destination.
Getting There
International flights arrive at Ezeiza International Airport and shuttle buses and unmetered taxis run to the city; Jorge Newbery Airport handles domestic flights. Travelling by train is not really an option as services are unreliable and involve lengthy journeys. An extensive network of good roads provides access to the city, while driving within Buenos Aires is not recommended.
Key Attractions
Split in two by Avenida Rivadavia, the southern part of the city is one of cobbled streets and leafy neighbourhoods and considered more pleasant and atmospheric. San Telmo, with its array of colonial buildings, boutiques, tango parlours and cafés, is the most picturesque part of Buenos Aires; while La Boca and Caminito street is a colourful mish-mash of brightly painted, low- rise houses.
The Plaza de Mayo is the city centre and is surrounded by the Government House, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Cabildo (town hall). Recoleta, Retiro, Palmero and Belgrano lie to the north and are loaded with elegant mansions, as well as beautiful parks and plazas. Recoleta is the most fashionable place in Buenos Aires to dine and lies opposite Evita's final resting place.
Out and About
If you have a car, there is some wonderful countryside not far away from the city worthy of exploration, including the beautiful Parani Delta area, with its lush vegetation and pretty houses. Nature lovers should head for the Isla Martin Garcia Nature Reserve by boat from Tigre to discover the varied flora and fauna.
Leisure Options
The city offers an endless variety of boutiques, galleries, and antique shops from its grand boulevards to the winding streets of Arroyo, while the best restaurants and nightlife are situated downtown. Teatro Colon is one of the world's foremost opera houses and hosts famous shows. For water sports and fishing, Tigre is a wonderland consisting of numerous rivers and streams and an ecological reserve. The Navy Museum and the Sarmiento are also worth a visit.
