Landing in Buenos Aires, you may not immediately appreciate the blended charms of the city. The taxi ride into town seems determined to hide the city's charms behind soccer practice fields for the national team and indeterminate billboards. Once you arrive in the city however, the different tugs may have you wondering what to do first.
Price level
The nice thing about Argentina in general is that you can afford to do it all. After their currency collapse a few years ago, the peso has recovered, but still provides significant purchasing power to European and American tourists. The local shops are also quite familiar with tax exceptions for foreigners, so don’t be surprised if they accept foreign bills and freely instruct you on how to fill your tax exemption claims for cashing in at the airport!
Things to See and Do
Naturally, you will want to take in the history of the city. This mandates a stop at the elaborate and well-known Recoleta cemetery. Most famous for being the place where Eva Peron is buried (turn left at the main gate and head for the far column), it also houses all of the past presidents and notables of Buenos Aires in an elaborately landscaped home. From miniature Notre Dames to abstract art tombs, it is also a unique bit of insight into the local flair for showmanship.
Next, you may be hunting a bit of tango action. Tourist depots will send you to the usual spots and you can enjoy some wonderful shows on the official circuit. However, keep your eyes peeled for the street performances that spring up throughout the city. Buenos Aires is famous for its performance art culture, and having your eyes open and a camera ready is the best way to catch it.
Other key attractions you will want to see are the Madero Port, the Plaza de Mayo, the National Museum of History, and the iconic Obelisk. All have their own story, and help you travel between the zones of the city. If you are a photographer, the colorful San Telmo neighborhood needs to be a daytime stop, but don’t let its mixed reputation keep you away from the lovely architecture.
Keep your Coins
One tip that many tourists miss is to hang on to their small change. As metal prices have shot up, a serious coin shortage has hit the country. Many suspect that petty thieves are melting down the copper and brass for scrap, but that hasn’t made buses, small shops, or taxi drivers any more willing to serve as change agents. Exact change will be expected, especially on the buses.
Hotels
In the evenings, you can stay out all night, but exploring can be overwhelming so you may wish to avail yourself of the legendary Argentinean hospitality at one of the hotels in Buenos Aires. All classes of hotels are widely available here, but the boutique offerings are particularly lovely. Be sure to look for bed and breakfast combinations so that you can mix the generous hospitality of the locals with some hand-prepared samples of the local cuisine in the mornings!
Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder to find top accommodation and cheap hotels in Buenos Aires.
(Photo:Fotolia/pablo_hernan)
