Buenos Aires Travel Guide: Taxis

With almost 13 million inhabitants, greater Buenos Aires is a huge city and though there is quite an efficient bus and subway system, it can be overwhelming for newcomers, making a taxi the preferred option for most tourists during the best vacations in Buenos Aires.

Within the Buenos Aires city limits a regular taxi is the easiest way to get around. Always painted in black with yellow roof and door pillars, they are impossible to miss and there are literally tens of thousands roaming the streets 24 hours a day. Though most are very friendly and reliable towards tourists, many locals like to choose one from one of the bigger firms that have radio links to their base as these are seen as more reliable. Though painted in the same black and yellow, they are easily identified by a big circle on the front doors with the term “Radio Taxi” and an identifying number below.

All taxis are obliged to have a sign with a photo identifying the driver as well as the owner and brand and model of the taxi hanging from the front seat with its identifying number which you can always write down if you think you were treated unfairly and want to register a complaint with the city government. A sign hanging from the other chair has the latest prices, whereby you pay a combined fee per mile as well for time spent waiting in traffic along the way. Remember that with inflation, prices go up around 10-15% every 6 months, so check the latest tariffs online just before leaving your home country for one of the best vacations in Buenos Aires.

A Remis delivers the same service as taxis but they are private cars, mostly without specific identifying marks and you can not catch them directly on the streets. Almost every street has one or more local “remiserias” where you can order one in person or by telephone. They have no meter, so you agree upon a fixed price beforehand and they will also take you outside of city limits. They calculate their prices from their starting location, so try always to select a remiseria that is close to either your location of departure or your final destination. It is normally a bit cheaper than taxis and very safe and preferred by many locals over a “real” taxi, especially for longer distances.

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Travel to Argentina with your dog or cat

If you are only thinking about spending a few weeks in Argentina, most people will be able to find someone to take care of your beloved pet. Many people however come down to South America for longer periods these days either for work, extended vacation or as part of their sabbatical and do not want to spend that much time separated from their dog or cat. Below we give you all the tools to make sure you can bring your pet on the greatest tours to Argentina.

The first important precaution is that all animals must be vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before you travel to Argentina. A few days before traveling, an accredited veterinarian in your home country must then fill out the Argentina Veterinary Certificate. Each country has its own special certificate, so make sure to ask one, through the Argentinean Embassy in your country for example, with plenty of time in advance.  

Your airline must notify the Argentine airport at least 24 hours prior to landing (normally Ezeiza Airport, near Buenos Aires for most international flights),  giving notice of pets on board in order to ensure attendance of a local vet for inspection of your pet on arrival. There is a $25 USD customs fee that will be added to your airway bill if you are traveling in or out of Argentina. 

Remember also that even if it’s only a small cat or dog, the local airline, Aerolineas Argentinas, does not allow pets to travel in the cabin under any circumstances, unless they are medically certified service animals, such as guide dogs for blind passengers. You will therefore always have to make arrangements in advance for transport in the live cargo section. Your pet must also be traveling in a crate that is in accordance with the rules set by the international airline organization IATA, amongst others: adequate ventilation, waterproof bottom, a spring loaded door and no handles on the crate. Keep these simple rules in mind and there should be absolutely no problem on bringing your pet on the greatest tours of Argentina.

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Buenos Aires Travel Guide: The BA City Tour Bus

Following the example set by many cities around the world, since May 2009 Buenos Aires has its own Hop On Hop Off tour bus run by the city government.  Affordable and with an open upper deck, it makes for a great way to see the highlights along a 3 hour loop it follows through downtown. Running every 20 minutes and with 25 stops in all, here are 4 stops to certainly visit during the best tours to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Stop 0: Diagonal Norte & Florida

On the corner of the most important shopping street in Buenos Aires and mere yards away from the Plaza de Mayo with its many monuments including the Casa Rosada, the Cabildo and the Cathedral, it’s no wonder it’s the first stop on the tour.

Stop 8: Caminito

La Boca’s cultural and touristic heart beats on the few blocks around Caminito. This small street on the waterfront has managed to preserve some of its original houses with their different bright colors for almost every wall. This tradition dates back to the dockworkers bringing back left over ship paint from the shipyards they worked at to use on their walls, normally not being enough to paint the entire house in one color

Stop 18: Barrio Chino

Buenos Aires’ Chinatown is the perfect place for lunch. Even more than in other cities around the world it’s the place in Buenos Aires to get some spicy food. Argentines normally do not eat spicy food and the Barrio Chino has by far the best options for those missing food with a bite to it.

Stop 23: Recoleta Cemetery

The number one attraction in Buenos Aires is this cemetery. Most visitors come for the tomb of Eva Peron, but a host of famous Argentines and members of the most important families in town have found their final resting place here. Directly outside the burial grounds is the church of Our Lady of Pilar, built in 1732 and with beautiful silver ornaments inside and certainly an important stop during the best tours to Buenos Aires, Argentina 

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Argentina Travel Guide: The Old Patagonian Express

Made famous by Paul Theroux in his 1978 book, the Old Patagonian Express is described as the railway almost at the end of the world. Though no longer running the entire route it did in its heyday, a journey with this train is still a great addition to any of the best vacations to Argentina.

Officially the Patagonian Light Railway and named La Trochita by the locals, because it runs on narrow gauge tracks, the line opened in 1935 to link the 400 kilometers separating  Ingeniero Jacobacci in Rio Negro from Esquel in Chubut. This line also completed the railroad going all the way up to Buenos Aires.

In the 1960’s the roads improved ever more and faster and more comfortable long distance buses and trucks led to the slow and steady decline of the former popular railway, especially after lines connecting to it also started to shut down because of economic difficulties. When Paul Theroux first rode the train in the late 1970’s the line itself was already making great losses and on the verge of closure, with may of its locomotives and wagons in a perilous state.

The first waves of backpackers discovering the train around this same time however and especially the tourists coming after the publication of Theroux’ book, made the line continue on until the government in 1992 finally decided to close it down because it could not afford the huge investments needed to bring the line up to current safety and economic standards. Almost all rolling stock by this time was over 70 years of age.  

Luckily an international outcry made the two provincial governments think of a plan to keep the line open in a different form. It now runs shorter trips on part of the former line as a so called heritage railway on two touristic sections in Chubut between (a) Esquel and the settlement of Nahuel Pan and (b) between El Maitén and Desvio. It still uses the original steam engines and period wagons and is a great way to spend a part of the best vacations to Argentina.

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Buenos Aires Travel Guide: Plaza de Mayo

There are many monuments and landmarks in Buenos Aires, Argentina and the Plaza de Mayo is undoubtedly home to some of the most important. The heart of the city since 1661 and in its current form since 1884, here are the 5 most important sights to visit on the square during the perfect tours to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Casa Rosada

The “pink house” is based on the remaining annex of the former demolished city fortress from 1713 and underwent many extensions and modifications during the 19th century before getting its not so subtle paint of coat in 1882 under president Sarmiento, supposedly to merge the red and white colors of the two main opposing political parties. It’s been the work palace of the Argentine president ever since independence. 

Piramide de Mayo

Put up to commemorate the newly independent "Provinces of the Rio de la Plata" in 1811, it’s the oldest surviving monument in the city of Buenos Aires. 

Banco de La Nacion

Built between 1940 and 1955, the headquarters of the biggest bank in Argentina also houses an art gallery and a numismatic museum which are both open to the public.

Cabildo

The Cabildo was the original seat of the city government and dates back to 1610, making it one of the oldest buildings in the city. Though half of it was destroyed on purpose in the early 20th century to make room for the new Avenida de Mayo, in 1940 the remaning half was reconstructed with its original colonial features.

Catedral

The Roman temple you see on the corner of the Plaza de Mayo is actually the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires. Rebuilt several times since its humble origins in the 16th century, the present building is a mix of architectural styles. The interior has more to offer with impressive statues and silver altars. It’s also the final resting place of Argentina’s national hero Jose de San Martin, better known as El Libertador, and certainly an important stop during the perfect tours to Buenos Aires, Argentina 

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Buenos Aires Travel Guide: History

Buenos Aires has an impressive history and knowing a bit more about it will help you even more to enjoy all the sights and monuments you will likely visit during the best trips to Argentina.

The city of Buenos Aires was first established as Ciudad de Nuestra Señora Santa María del Buen Ayre(literally "City of Our Lady Saint Mary of the Fair Winds") after Our Lady of Bonaria (Patroness Saint of Sardinia) on 2 February 1536 by a Spanish expedition led by Pedro de Mendoza. The settlement founded by Mendoza was located in what is today the San Telmo district of Buenos Aires, south of the city center. The nearby Lezama Park in La Boca is often seen as the place where Pedro de Mendoza first landed and apart from a monument houses the worthwhile Museum of History in the former Lezama family mansion.

Attacks by natives, disease and hunger drove the original settlers away upriver towards what is now Paraguay and only in 1580 was Buenos Aires founded permanently. Even then, it was still an outpost in the Spanish empire and with gold and silver from Peru being transported towards Spain overland via Panama, the city inhabitants were forced to live from smuggling which lead to strained relations with Spain. During the run up to independence from Spain, English forces saw their opportunity and invaded Buenos Aires twice and even managed to hold the city for a short period in 1806.

When Independence was finally complete in 1816, conflict continued almost directly though this time internally between a rapid succession of different dictators and between the city and the surrounding provinces. Only towards the end of the 19th century and especially with the invention of the cool ship that could bring Argentine beef unspoiled to Europe, did Buenos Aires enter its period of greatest riches. You will notice this next time you stand on the impressive 9th of July avenue on one of the best trips to Argentina and realize that for its creation the width of a city block was razed over it’s entire length destroying many historical buildings just to make the city more like fashionable Paris.

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Top 5 best cafes in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has a century old tradition of coffee houses with writers, artist and regular inhabitants discussing life, love and politics for hours over a cup of hot brew or a drink. With nightlife a very important part of Buenos Aires, you might well be in need of some strong cups yourself the morning after, so here’s our guide to the most important cafes to visit during the best tours to Buenos Aires.

Tortoni

Voted one of the ten most beautiful cafes in the world. Pricey and overrun with tourists, but by far the most famous of them all. If you can avoid the lines that often form outside this former hangout of Borges and Einstein, it’s well worth a visit during the best tours to Buenos Aires.

(Avenida de Mayo 825 - Microcentro)

Confiteria Ideal

Founded in 1912, one of the oldest tearooms in the city, its second floor houses a grand ballroom that hosts tango lessons and milonga’s almost every afternoon and evening. Various days the dancing is accompanied by live musicians and on Friday and Saturday evening they host tango shows as well.  

(Suipacha 384 - Microcentro)

Las Violetas

An unchanged classic since 1884 with beautiful gilded interior, high ceilings and waiters in complete uniforms. The place to go for an old fashioned high tea named after opera singer Maria Callas in the afternoon that includes enough food to leave you filled till well after even Buenos Aires dinner time.

(Rivadavia 3899 - Almagro)

La Biela

Named after the piston in an engine, it started out as the hangout for Argentina’s aviation pioneers and in later years became the unofficial club house for some of the most famous race car drivers in Argentina, including 5 time Formula 1 world champion Juan Manuel Fangio.

(Quintana 596 - Recoleta)

Bar Plaza Dorrego

One of the oldest bars in the city dating back to the 18th century. Original wooden iceboxes en tables and a bar people have been carving their names in for many decades, make this the perfect location to rest up from visiting the sunday antique and crafts market that occupies the street out front.

(Defensa 1096 - San Telmo)

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Argentina Travel Guide: Skiing

Winter's coming again in a few months, so it seems like a good time to take a closer look at the best ski resorts in the country. Argentina’s share of the Andes has the highest mountains outside of the Himalaya, offering a long ski season from Mendoza all the way down to Ushuaia. If you’re looking for a new winter sport experience and some fresh powder snow whilst the Northern Hemisphere is enjoying summer, then read up below on the best ski and snowboard possibilities in Argentina.

Penitentes

A smaller resort with varying difficulties, suitable mainly for beginners. Located directly on Ruta 7 from Mendoza towards the border with Chile, which makes for great access and a perfect day or weekend trip from Mendoza in combination with visits to Aconcagua or Puente del Inca.

Cerro Catedral

The biggest ski resort in the country with the most facilities including some first class restaurants and bars. Located close to the city of San Carlos de Bariloche in the Argentine Lake District and with 1,500 acres of skiing, by far the most popular winter sport destination in Argentina. Catedral offers good off-piste and a special park with rails and ramps for free style and snowboard skiing. Slopes rise up to 6,000 feet offering great snow from mid June to the beginning of October.

Chapelco

Snowboarding heaven at only 15 miles from San Martin de Los Andes in the province of Neuquén. Not only does it have a snowboard area with a half pipe, big air, fun park and a parallel slalom, it also offers winding trails through giant forests of moss covered Lenga trees, making for a spectacular and exhilarating ride. Big drops up to 40 feet and the views  coming down from the top of the mountain at 6,500 ft over beautiful Lake Lakar complete the picture.

Cerro Castor

The southern most ski resort in the world, located only a few miles from Ushuaia. The geographic location means of the longest ski seasons in the world and also one of the lowest in altitude with the resort itself lying below 1,000 feet above sea level. It’s unique setting attracts skiers from all around the world.

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Top 5 most beautiful estancias in Argentina

Most visitors to Argentina dream about spending at least a few days in the country side during their stay and with historical farms or estancias across the country, the possibilities can seem endless. Let us help you out with this short guide to the most beautiful estancias to visit in Argentina.

Villa Maria

Only half an hour from downtown Buenos Aires and close to Ezeiza airport, this is one of the most luxurious choices. Built in English style by a wealthy landowner on almost 200 acres, it consists of 11 suites and houses a billiard and cigar room as well as a library. Polo lessons are on the menu as well

(Ezeiza - Buenos Aires Province)

Candelaria del Monte

A favorite of both Travel + Leisure and National Geographic Traveler magazine, this estancia dates from the 1800’s and was completely rebuilt in the original style in 2004. Most food they serve is produced on the estate itself.

(San Miguel del Monte - Buenos Aires Province)

La Paz

The most beautiful estancia in Cordoba Province, built in 1830. Lovely main house in a park designed by Charles Thays, the man responsible for both the Botanical Gardens and huge 3 de Febrero park in Buenos Aires.

(Ascochinga - Cordoba Province)

Bahia Bustamante

An bit of an anomaly, this estancia/tiny village on the southern Atlantic, as it used to be a farm for seaweed harvesting, not raising cattle. In the midst of an amazing part of nature with the old worker homes converted to cabins and a central kitchen with an award winning chef, this place truly makes for one of the most beautiful estancias to visit in Argentina, if not the world. 

(Bahia Bustamante - Chubut Province)

Huechahue

In Argentina’s Lake District at the foot of the Andes, this is a real farm with a herd of almost  a 1000. The chance for horse riding aficionados to participate in some real gaucho cowboy work. You sleep in simple but comfortable wooden cabins. British female owner.

(Junin de los Andes - Neuquén Province)

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Buenos Aires Travel Guide: Outlet Shopping

Argentineans love shopping and Buenos Aires especially is filled with a huge number of shops that cater to every possible wish. If you want to save some of your hard earned cash to enjoy other aspects of Argentina as well, a visit to the best Outlet Shopping districts in Buenos Aires is well worth your time.

Shopping in Buenos Aires is normally fairly straightforward. You have the busy central pedestrian mall of Florida street in the center of town, the designer labels in Palermo Soho and the huge shopping malls spread around the city, such as Abasto, Alto Palermo, Dot, Unicenter and all other goods are often confined to one street or a few blocks where shops that sell the same products group together.

A lot of people know of Murillo street in Villa Crespo where you have around three blocks of door to door shops that sell leather goods, but there is also Avenida Warnes where all autoparts vendors group together or Puerreydon between Avenida Corrientes and Avenida Rivadavia where you can get cheap imitations of almost any famous brand in the world from Lacoste and La Martina to Ray-Ban sunglasses.

At the intersections of Gurruchaga and Aguirre streets (on the borders of the Palermo and Villa Crespo neighborhoods) however is the heart of a few blocks that house outlet shops of international brands such as Nike, Puma, Lacoste and A&F but also most of the local favorites from Ona Saez to Rapsodia and from Bensimon to Kosiuko. Here you will find high end clothing without breaking your bank.

A second large outlet center is located around the intersections of Herrera and California streets in the southern district of Barracas, almost below the 9 de Julio highway. This one houses stores from brands such as Levi’s, Cardon, Hush Puppies and Christian Dior among many others. Enough to keep you happy for a few hours on one of those rare cloudy days and of course all are open on Sunday afternoon as well. Enjoy!

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Argentina Travel Guide: San Miguel de Tucuman

Often ignored by the throngs of tourists heading to Salta, San Miguel de Tucuman is the capital of the small northern province of the same name and has a lot to offer both in culture, history, gastronomy and landscape. It’s a hidden gem that offers some of the nicest atmosphere and friendly people in Argentina in an intimate setting and well worth your time to visit. Read on for all information on the best tours to Tucuman, Argentina.

Located about 800 miles from Buenos Aires, it’s actually the fifth biggest city in Argentina after the national capital itself, Cordoba, Rosario and Mendoza and by far the most important city in Northern Argentina with some 800,000 inhabitants in the greater urban area. Lying in a climatic transition zone, summers are hot and long and winters are extremely dry and pleasant

Founded in 1565 and moved to its present site in 1685, the city is home to a number of sights including the House of Tucuman where the Argentina declared independence from Spain in 1816, the baroque styled Government Palace and the Timoteo Navarro Museum of art that houses more than 600 works by some of the most important Argentine artists such as Berni and Spilimbergo

The prestigious National University has made Tucuman into one of the most lively and cultural cities in the country as well with very good restaurants and nightlife. Il Postino (25 de Mayo and Cordoba streets) is a local favorite for Italian fare, but the city is also known for its spicy empanadas and locro and has some of the best ice cream stores in the country, thanks to the ever warm weather.

Good hotels include the Amerian and Metropol, both very close to Independence Square and the 4 star Hotel Presidente that’s not much further away and has a great outdoor pool, that may be very welcome during your visit as part of one of the best tours to Tucuman, Argentina

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Argentina Travel Guide: Beaches

With almost 5,000 kilometers of coastline, it’s no wonder that Argentina has some of the nicest beaches around. Most of them are located in the southern half of Buenos Aires Province, combining the clear waters of the Atlantic with warmer temperatures. Why not enjoy sun and sea for a few days with our guide to the best beaches and seaside resorts in Argentina.

Mar del Plata

The biggest of them all and the main tourism destination for Argentines. Every January more than 2 million visitors descend on the beaches in Mar del Plata. La Feliz as the city is lovingly known offers affordable and sometimes noisy entertainment if you’re not afraid of the crowds. The huge number of accommodation on offer means that outside of January some very good deals on hotels and apartments can be had. 

Cariló

The upper class destination. Argentina’s answer to Martha’s Vineyard, Cariló is a small village with beautiful cabins surrounded by pine trees and some first class restaurants. Founded by a wealthy land owner and then expanded by later generations, until some years ago access to the town was restricted to approved guests only. Tranquil and with a world class golf club, this is the place in summer to meet the Argentine political and financial elite and their families.

Villa Gesell

Affordable and with a lively nightlife, but without succumbing to the mass development of Mar del Plata, this is a popular choice with younger visitors. The city itself is filled with some innovative buildings and good bars and restaurants, but very quiet beaches are to be found just outside of town as well. Also known for its great quad and 4x4 possibilities.

Punta del Este

Uruguay’s main beach resort is also a very popular choice with Argentineans, as there are very good connections by both plane and ferry. This summer hang-out for the rich and famous attracts stars from all over South America and is host to all the hot summer parties.

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Race cars on the streets of Buenos Aires

Next month, Sunday the 31st of March, the noise, flames and all around excitement of Super TC2000 race cars will come to downtown Buenos Aires again. While last year the inaugural city race was held on and around the famous Avenida 9 de Julio, this year the organizers have chosen the nearby neighborhood of Recoleta for the race.

Starting in front of the main offices of the Argentine Automobile Club (ACA) on Avenida Libertador, the cars will race a broad triangle with a total length of around 2 miles. The circuit layout actually has great historic significance as this is the same street circuit that was used for the first Argentinean F1 GP's in the 1950's with such legendary pilots as Ferrari legend Froilan Gonzalez and 5 time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio.

The exact layout of the track can be seen on the Google Map below.


Super TC2000 is one of the most popular race series in Argentina. The cars are lightweight widebody look-a-likes of popular local production cars not unlike series such as the DTM in Germany and Australia's V8 Supercars. The cars use V8 engines developed by British sportscar maker Radical that are loosely based on Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle technology. This allows the engines to produce around 430 horsepower whilst weighing only around 90 kilos/200 pounds. Motorcycle technology also means the engines can rev to around 10,500 rpm, making for a more than spectacular sound on passing. Earplugs come recommended ;-)

Here is some video from last year to give you an idea:


Should you be in or near Buenos Aires next month, make sure you visit this unique event. Entrance is free to all spectators, but make sure you get there very early or to get access to a VIP lounge. Autosport is very popular in Argentina and last years' edition drew almost a million visitors, so you have been warned.

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Buenos Aires Travel Guide: Airports

On first arriving in Argentina most visitors will land on the larger international airport of Ministro Pistarini, commonly known as Ezeiza after the small town it’s closest to. Buenos Aires has a smaller airfield in the city itself as well however and here most national flights land and take of from. In this article we tell you all you need to know to make sure no airport stress can ruin your perfect vacation in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

On landing at Ezeiza and after passing customs your first goal will probably to get transport to the city. The fastest, safest and most expensive way is to book a taxi from the official stand you will see in front of you as soon as you enter the main arrival hall where people wait for their friend and relatives arriving. Somewhat slower but still relatively fast and safe as well is to make a u-turn to the right and buy a ticket from the Manuel Tienda Leon window. Easily recognizable by their lion head logo, they offer shared minivans and buses to the city center at affordable prices which leave when full. 

If you are on a very tight budget, public buses 33 and 45 in front of the airport exit will take you to downtown as well for little over 1 Argentine peso, but be aware that the trip takes over 2 hours and passes through some decidedly dodgy neighborhoods. Probably best reserved for Spanish speakers as is the common practice of walking directly outside of the terminal and making a deal with a BA city taxi. These can drop people off at the airport but not get in line to pick up a passenger towards the city as this is reserved for the Ezeiza taxis. As they have to drive back towards the city normally anyway, you can often negotiate a friendly rate. 

Jorge Newbery, the smaller airport in BA itself, is so close to the city center that a taxi is relatively inexpensive and probably your easiest option, though if you absolutely want to at least 10 different bus lines service the airport from different parts of the city. Remember that most flights towards famous destinations like Iguazu and El Calafate leave from this airport, so always make sure to check which airport your flight is actually leaving from to avoid ruining the perfect vacation in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

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Buenos Aires Travel Guide: Panoramic Views

In such a large and sprawling city, it can sometimes be hard to get your bearings. To get a better feel for the layout of the city and just to enjoy the views in general, nothing beats a vantage point up high when first getting to know the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires. Here are 4 places that grant you a wider view of the city during the best vacations to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Sky Bar

One of the only open-air rooftop bars in the city. Located on top of the luxury Pulitzer Hotel in the heart of downtown with nice views but also beautiful people and very good cocktails. DJ’s on most Thursday nights. A great place to spend early summer nights before heading into town. Open to non-guests as well.

(Maipu 907)

A222

This good and not too expensive restaurant with fixed 3 and 4 course lunch and dinner options is located on the top floor of the historic Comega building in the Microcentro. It offers spectacular views, especially towards Puerto Madero, the Ecological Reserve and the Rio de la Plata beyond.

(Corrientes 222)

Palacio Barolo

A unique office building, inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy. When completed in 1923 its 22 floors made it the tallest building, not only in the city, but also in the whole of South America. The lighthouse at the top of the building can be seen all the way from Montevideo, Uruguay and regular tours give you the opportunity to get up there yourself. An integral part of the best vacations to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

(Avenida de Mayo 1370)

Palacio Barolo, photo from Wikipedia

Panamericano Hotel

Just a block from the Obelisco, the 23rd floor of this luxury hotel has a nice bar with a 270 degree view of the city towards Recoleta and Barrio Norte plus all the landmarks along Avenida 9 de Julio.

(Carlos Pellegrini 551)

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Buenos Aires Travel Guide: Monuments and Landmarks

There are many monuments and landmarks in Buenos Aires, Argentina and many of those are of considerable historical or artistic interest. Here are 5 unmissable sights to visit during the perfect tours to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The Obelisco

Built in May 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first founding of the city, the Obelisk is nowadays certainly the most recognizable landmark in the city. Hard to imagine now that in 1939 it was almost demolished for aesthetic and public safety reasons, only a few years after its construction.

(Avenida 9 de Julio and Corrientes)

Teatro Colon

The Teatro Colon was heavily inspired by the Scala in Milan and is one of the foremost opera houses ever since its official opening in 1908. It took twenty years to build and has almost 2,500 seats. Daily tours take you behind the scenes

(Cerrito and Tucuman)

Club de Pescadores

Opened in 1937, the Fisherman’s Club is located on a pier stretching out into the Rio de La Plata. It also houses one of the best seafood restaurants in the city, El Muelle, with romantic views over the river

(Costanera Norte)

Cabildo

The Cabildo was the original seat of the city government and dates back to 1610, making it one of the oldest buildings in the city. Though half of it was destroyed on purpose in the early 20th century to make room for the new Avenida de Mayo, in 1940 the remaning half was reconstructed with its original colonial features.

(Plaza de Mayo)

National Library

The National Library is the largest library in Argentina and one of the most important in the Americas. Founded in 1810 in an old Jesuit mansion, since 1971 it’s been housed in one of the most controversial buildings in the city. A Brutalist design in concrete and glass from 1961 that was heavily influenced by the then director, Argentina’s most famous writer, Jorge Luis Borges. Love it or hate it, the National Library is certainly an important stop during the perfect tours to Buenos Aires, Argentina 

(Austria and Libertador)

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Buenos Aires Travel Guide: Shopping Malls

Buenos Aires is a huge city and with inhabitants who rank shopping among their main hobbies, it’s no wonder the city can boast on having some impressive shopping malls within its territory, ranging from intimate to huge and from mainstream to upscale luxury. Here are 5 of the most impressive shopping malls to visit during the best vacations to Buenos Aires.

Galerias Pacifico

Upscale shopping mall in the middle of downtown on Florida shopping street in Microcentro. All the usual brands plus a flagship store for the local high end clothing brand Etiqueta Negra. Housed in former Pacific Railroad offices with amazing frescos on the ceilings by Antonio Berni amongst others

(Florida and Cordoba streets)

Patio Bullrich

Most expensive of the shoppings, located in Recoleta. Not that big, but makes up for it in exclusivity of the shops

(Libertador and Montevideo streets)

Alto Palermo

One of the oldest and most representative of the 'shoppings', but with one of the youngest crowds. Popular with families, it contains most of the Argentinian favourites, including Chocolate, María Vazquez and Rapsodia.

(Santa Fe and Coronel Diaz streets)

Abasto

One of the bigger shopping malls in BA with all the usual brands available, a newly renovated Hoyt's Multiplex with 3D screens and the only kosher McDonald's outside of Israel, because of it's location close to a big Jewish community. Housed in the former central market, so architecturally more interesting than most of the other shopping malls. It’s also home to the Children’s Museum making it a perfect destination for the whole family.

(Corrientes and Aguero streets )

Unicenter

A little bit outside of the city, this is the biggest shopping mall in Argentina with over 300 shop as well as a 14 screen multiplex with one of the most advanced sound systems in South America and a big food court, making it well worth the trip during the best vacations to Buenos Aires.

(Panamerican Highway, km 25, Martinez)

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Buenos Aires Best Clubs and Disco's

Buenos Aires has a world-class selection in nightclubs (or “boliches” as they are called here) and from Wednesday through Sunday, people go out to dance and listen to music all over town. Here we give you the lowdown on some of the best clubs and nightlife in Buenos Aires.

Apart from Wednesdays' so-called After Office parties, where things start up around 21:00, you normally do not enter a club before 1:30 in the morning, so take time for dinner and some drinks first to avoid being alone on the dance floor. Remember that people dress to impress in BA so get yourself a smart shirt and avoid Nikes.

Asia de Cuba: Lounge restaurant that turns into a club later at night. Very close to the new Hilton Hotel in Puerto Madero and popular hang-out for BA's rich kids and a lot of tourists. Pierina Dealessi 750.

Bahrein: Dancing in a monumental former bank. Big name DJ's and good crowds. Multiple places to chill out and a VIP room in the vault. Drum & Bass night on Tuesdays, making it one of the few spots for the beginning of the week. Too many kids on weekends, so best avoided then. Lavalle 345, between Reconquista and 25 de Mayo.

Boutique: Formerly known as Museum and still the best club for Wednesdays after office nights from 21:00 till 03:00. Beautiful old building designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, the guy from that tower in that other city). Peru 535 between Venezuela and Mexico in San Telmo.

Crobar: Famous for their clubs in New York and Miami. Crobar opened a spot in BA in late 2005. Nice place and the biggest competitor for famous DJ's performing to Pacha. Especially popular on Fridays. Av Infanta Isabel & Av Marcelino Freyre.

Pacha: Based on the Ibiza club of the same name. Still going strong on Fridays and Saturdays with international superstar DJ's once or twice a month. Fantastic view from the roof terrace over the Rio de la Plata when the sun comes up in the morning. Located at Costanera Norte, directly across from Jorge Newbury Airport on the waterfront.

Caix: Like Pacha, very close to the city airport Jorge Newbury, this is the BA club for people with serious sleep disorders. They try to attract people on other nights and times as well, but the place is really at its best from 9:00 on Sunday morning until the DJ pulls off his headphones at 15:00. The ultimate after party. Costanera Norte, Complejo Costa Salguero. 

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Top 10 best bars in Buenos Aires

The second biggest city in South America is indeed a city that never sleeps. Since clubs normally don’t open before midnight, what better way to start your evening with a visit to one of the 10 best bars in Buenos Aires.

Gibraltar

This classic English bar in San Telmo has the ideal mix of expats and locals, a billiard room and a patio out back for smokers. Good Indian food as well. Friday is the night to be here.

(Peru 895)

Jack the Ripper

80’s English music, good cocktails and comfortable couches in the heart of Recoleta. Watch carefully or you will pass by without noticing the entrance up a few stairs 

(Libertad 1275)

Milion

Beautiful bar and restaurant in an old city mansion with multiple floors and a garden for warm summer nights.

(Paraná 1048)

Unico

The most popular bar in Palermo Hollywood, almost always packed and a great place to mingle outside in front with a drink meeting some new friends.

(Honduras 5604)

Puerta Roja

After hours place on second floor in San Telmo. Good mix of people. Watch the steep stairs on your way out after a nights drinking

(Chacabuco 733)

Ocho7Ocho

Slick bar hidden behind a closed door in traditional speak easy style. The coolest bar in town.

(Thames 878)

El Punto

Popular pub in Caballito with a young crowd, good music and very edible food as well.

(Directorio 702)

Shamrock

Most popular of the Irish pubs and a dancefloor in the basement. Packed on Thursday nights.

(Rodriguez Pena 1220)

Carnal

Hipster bar in Palermo Hollywood with surprisingly friendly clientele and great roof terrace. Directly across from Niceto Club so you can move straight onto the dance floor afterwards

(Niceto Vega 5511)

Sky Bar

An outdoor bar with wood flooring on the 13th floor of the Hotel Pulitzer in downtown. Beautiful views across the city on summer nights.

(Maipu 907)

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The 5 best pizzas in Buenos Aires

Almost 40% of Argentines trace their ancestry to Italy, so Italian food is very important in the lives of the locals. There’s probably no bigger discussion then on who bakes the best pizza in town, so here’s our take on the tastiest and best pizzas to eat during your visit to Buenos Aires.

Kentucky

Named after the Kentucky Derby by the horse race loving owner and an ubiquitous choice in numerous outlets across town since 1942. Maybe not the best pizza in town, but still pretty good with giant tiled stone ovens and fresh ingredients. The low prices and almost round the clock opening hours, make this the place to satisfy your late night or early morning cravings. 

(various locations across Buenos Aires)

El Cuartito

Founded in 1934 and chef and writer Anthony Bourdain’s favorite, this is the reliable choice in downtown. Today new generations still keep flocking to this small and cosy restaurant. They do a mean empanada as well. Best pizza winner in the Guia Oleo food guide. Located at only 2 blocks from the central Avenida 9 de Julio. 

(Talcahuano 937)

La Mezzetta

A bit out of the way in Chacarita, a few blocks from the cemetery where tango singer Carlos Gardel is buried, this neighborhood favorite is rated 28 out of 30 by Guia Oleo. Their Muzzarella cheese and Fugazzeta (an Argentine invention with baked onions and cheese on a thick crust) are worth the detour.

(Alvarez Thomas 1321)

Guerrín

Around the corner from the Argentine supreme court, so a popular place with lawyers, judges and cops as well as the public at large. Often full, but offers the option to eat standing at the bar at a discount as well if you’re in a hurry. A Buenos Aires institution.

(Corrientes 1368)

Siamo Nel Forno

A higher end take on pizza with more modern variations as fresh spinach and potato plus some great calzones as well. Known for their perfect and light pizza dough. A favorite of some of Argentina’s most renowned chefs. 

(Costa Rica 5886)

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The 5 best steaks in Buenos Aires

With more cows than inhabitants and each Argentine eating up to 60 kilos of prime beef annually, steakhouses or parillas, as they are called in Argentina can be found on almost every block. Because quality can differ wildly however, here’s our guide to the best parillas to eat that juicy steak in in Buenos Aires.

Las Lilas

Pricey and overrun with tourists, but with their own private cattle farm outside of Buenos Aires that apart from Argentine beef also raises their own bloodlines of fantastically marbled Japanese Wagyu, there’s still no denying that Las Lilas keeps on serving some of the best steaks in town

(Alicia Moreau de Justo 516 - Puerto Madero)

Juana M

Almost hidden in the basement of a former orphanage, only blocks away from Avenida 9 de Julio and Avenida Libertador. Great steaks and reasonable prices in combination with a very good salad bar and live music on weekends, make this a favorite with younger Argentine couples. 

(Carlos Pellegrini 1535 - Microcentro)

Gran Parilla del Plata

Popular both with locals and tourists, this classically decorated parilla in the heart of San Telmo is housed in a former butcher shop to which the half tiled walls still attest. Fresh meat, friendly service and fantastic provolones and chorizos on the side combine into one of the great steakhouses in the city.

(Chile 594 - San Telmo)

La Cabrera

Reserve a few days before, unless you don’t mind waiting in line for an hour or two. This is the one. Voted best parilla by almost every guidebook on Argentina, Guia Oleo and countless food critics, this restaurant and its sister outlet on the next block are without a doubt the best parillas to eat that juicy steak in Buenos Aires

(Cabrera 5099 - Palermo)

Pobre Luis

The choice of Argentine families on weekends. Located on the edge of Chinatown and decorated with football shirts and actually owned by a chef from Uruguay, the only country in the world to eat more beef than the Argentines. Here they serve the classic gran parilladas, so local favorites like liver, sweetbread and tripe are all on the menu as well.

(Arribenos 2393 - Belgrano)

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Argentina’s Top 5 Best National Parks

Argentina covers an enormous area and therefore has some of the most diverse landscapes and climates in the world within its borders. Here are 5 of the most impressive national parks to visit in Argentina.

5. Talampaya

Think of a smaller version of the Grand Canyon, almost without visitors blocking your views and you get why this is a must see. Impressive ancient petroglyphs and natural rock formations that have been shaped by the centuries to resemble the forms of giant turtles and monks make these 830 square miles a very worthwhile visit

(La Rioja Province)

4. Ischigualasto

Though technically only a provincial park, this UNESCO world heritage site with it’s eery landscape and petrified trees, better known as the “Valley of the Moon”, is the world’s finest location for fossil hunting with some of the oldest known dinosaur remains known to man. Close to Talampaya (see above) making for a great combination trip

(San Juan Province)

3. Nahuel Huapi

The oldest national park in Argentina, founded in 1934, surrounding the biggest and deepest (1,400 ft) clear water lake in the country. A popular hiking and boating destination, it’s also one of the main winter sport destinations with perfect slopes surrounding the lake, especially near the city of Bariloche, located on its southern shore

(Rio Negro and Neuquen Provinces)

2. Los Glaciares

The second largest park in Argentina, named for the 47 glaciers that are fed by the largest icecap outside of Antarctica. The most famous is the Perito Moreno glacier that is reachable over land and a popular place for hiking. The park also houses more than a 1,000 different species of birds.

(Santa Cruz Province)

1. Iguazu Falls

The most famous of them all, the Iguazu waterfalls (“cataratas”) are by most definitions the largest in the world, lying amidst the tropical rainforests on the borders with Paraguay and Brazil. Easy and short daily flights from downtown Buenos Aires make this one of the most popular side trips for people visiting Argentina’s capital

(Missiones Province)

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The 5 best wineries to visit in Mendoza

Argentine wine is rightfully famous around the world and most visitors who come to Mendoza try to visit at least one vineyard to see the intricate process of making (and tasting) first class wine with their own eyes. In this article we take you to the 5 best wineries to visit in Argentina.

The most impressive: Salentein

Built by its Dutch owner at a cost of several hundred million dollars, including it’s own gourmet restaurant, exclusive inn and a private art museum with work by both Argentina contemporary artists and Dutch masters. With it’s Malbec rated at 90 points out of a possible 100 by renowned wine critic Robert Parker, this amazing winery has to be near the top of any listing of the best wineries to visit in Argentina.

(Ruta 89 - Los Arboles, Tunuyan, Mendoza)

The largest: Norton

Bodega Norton produces more than million bottles annually from vineyards all around Mendoza in a huge number of varieties, be it red, white or sparkling. They also offer special activities, such as lunch with one of their enologists.

(Ruta 15, km 23,5 - Perdriel, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza)

The best sparkling wines: Chandon

Owned by the luxury brands corporation LVMH, Bodegas Chandon counts with the centuries of experience in champagne making of their famous French sister Moët et Chandon. Be sure to visit the Chandon Bistro for a 4-course gourmet lunch accompanied by their different sparkling wines. 

(Ruta 15, km 29 - Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza)

The most immersive: Familia Zuccardi

Apart from just offering visits to their cellars, the winery and its Casa del Visitante visitor center offer a host of activities allowing you to participate in the harvest, help prune the vineyards, follow a tasting course and even to tour the estate in a classic car or from the heights of a hot air balloon.

(Ruta 33, km 7,5 - Maipú, Mendoza)

The personal experience: Bodega Caelum

Purposely kept smaller than most, this winery focuses on a small number of high-end wines and more often than not your tour guide will be a member of the family that actually owns the winery, making for a very special visit. The also produce some of the best pistachio nuts in the world, right alongside the vines. Highly recommended.

(Ruta 7, km 1061 - Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza)

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