Buenos Aires is the perfect destination for foodies, for those of you who want to see much and experience even more. And don't even try to go there without an idea what to see and what to do because you'll be lost in its landmarks, attractions and events.
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Buenos Aires has countless elegant and sophisticated cafes and abundance of romantic places to enjoy mouthwatering beef from the Pampas. It has the highest number of bookshops per person than any other city in the world. It boasts stunning architecture in an array of old world styles, wines of excellent quality and some of the great historical sights. But the first thing everyone will recommend you to visit is Recoleta Cemetery. Before you jump and say "What the heck?!" hear us out.
Cemeteries in the Latin America are not as cemeteries in the U.S., just a simple white stone with a name, these are extremely elaborate with big houses you could live in. Thanks to it European roots, Recoleta Cemetery is home of 6,400 statues, stone houses and small churches where souls are resting in peace. Among them, Evita Peron is probably the most famous among Argentina’s most celebrated persons. Recoleta is also residential zone for the city’s most affluent families and - it has one of the priciest real estate in the city.
For something completely different and full of earthly life, the walk along the river and Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve is a perfect opportunity to enjoy calm nature while still seeing the skyscrapers in the background. There are numerous food stands around this ecological reserve and we know that nature plus good food equals a fantastic experience. When you head back to the city, it's time to enjoy its history and culture.
Every city has its own main street that's unique but Buenos Aires has El Caminito, the "little street" which is in fact a colorful street museum. Located in the historically Italian La Boca this brightly-painted street grew from a work of two artists back in 1950 into one of the most famous tourist attractions in the Latin America. And there it is: the Colón theatre. With beautiful architecture and great acoustics, this theatre stands shoulder to shoulder to Milan La Scala, Paris Opera Garnier, and the Royal Opera House in London.
Since we are in Argentina, excellent food, good wine, religion and churches are something that can't be avoided. Pope Francis, a native of Argentina, used to perform mass in the Metropolitan Cathedral facing the Plaza de Mayo. Now it houses the Pope Francis Museum. Its 41-metre high vault and floors covered by Venetian mosaics are something you can't see often. The smell of mouthwatering asado, the Argentine style barbecue, lingering in the air, would remind you of a lunchtime. With a full and happy belly you are ready for your next walk.
A walk to the Palermo neighbourhood is for art fans, shopaholics and nature lovers alike. People in South America love nature but Parque Tres de Febrero is something special; here you can find 18,000 roses surrounded by a lake and acres of land. The park designer was French landscaper Charles Thays (who'd say?) but the work was so immense it had to be finished by another designer Benito Carrasco. If you come here in July the gardeners will give flowers to take them with you for free.
Now, when we are full of history and great sights, it's time for fun. Buenos Aires has its own spectacular shopping center but again with a twist. GalerÃas PacÃfico is a shopping centre indeed, but not a modern glass-and-steel building, it was the Museo de Bellas Artes with spectacular murals and architecture that has been declared a national historic monument. Located downtown, at the intersection of Florida and Córdoba, from 1990 you can find here well-known shops, great food, children playgrounds and - a tango school.
That's all fun but the Feria de Mataderos is the best fun of them all. Imagine farmers market plus gaucho crafts plus traditional cuisine and you'll get the idea why 15,000 people jump onto 700 stands every weekend. Here you can find people from the countryside selling traditional ponchos, excellent local chefs with spectacular empanadas, singers and dancers performing - and you can enjoy gaucho horseriding and games of Argentina's national sport pato. So, every Sunday and public holidays, from March to December, this is the place to be in Argentina. ■
