Attracting tourists from all over the world, the passion for the Argentine capital goes beyond its borders and makes no difference in terms of nations. Walking along its streets is a revealing experience in terms of seeing its culture and identity.
"Travel + Leisure" readers have chosen, in 2007 and 2008, Argentina´s capital the second best touristic city in the world.
Throughout the year, as its many attractions and its wide range of hotels make Buenos Aires a city ready to receive tourists in any season.
Weather:
Is mild throughout the year, with hot summers, cool winters and an average annual temperature of 18 º C. The seasons are wetter autumn and spring.
How to get there:
By land: From the Provinces of Salta, Jujuy and Tucumán, National Route Nº 9 and Nº 34, from the provinces of Formosa, Chaco and Santa Fe National Routes Nº 11 and Nº 9, from Cordoba, National Route Nº 9 or Nº 36 and Nº 8. By air: Flights from all major cities in the world to the international airport, Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini, and cabotage flights to Aeroparque Jorge Newbery.
Buenos Aires is the capital city of the Argentine Republic, covering an area of 203 km2. Its natural borders are the River Plate and the Riachuelo, on the east and south of the city; the rest is surrounded – from north to west – by the huge General Paz Avenue. Today, it has a population of approximately 3 million people that makes it one of Latin America’s main cosmopolitan urban centers. Including the brand new acknowledgement of Puerto Madero and Parque Chas, Buenos Aires has officially 48 neighborhoods .
History of the city Buenos Aires was founded on February 3rd, 1536 by the Spanish Pedro de Mendoza, under the name Nuestra Señora del Buen Ayre, in honor of the virgin of the sailors. It was completely destroyed in 1541, leaving no trace of the original fort. On June 11th 1580, Juan Garay –leader of a hundred-men expedition from Asunción – re-founded the city under the name Santísima Trinidad y Puerto de Nuestra Señora de los Buenos Ayres. Unlike the first, this foundation was built on high ground, and is therefore believed to have taken place near the actual Plaza de Mayo. The access to the Atlantic, the shallow waters –preventing the disembarkation of enemy ships – and the gullies next to the River Plate were some of the reasons why the Spanish crown established a permanent settlement in the region. In time, its port’s intense commercial activity boosted its growth, becoming the capital of the Viceroyalty of the River Plate in 1776.
Buenos Aires was under the domain of the Spanish crown up to 1810, finally declaring its independence – and national sovereignty - in the year 1816. Around the mid 19th century, Buenos Aires became a destination for many European immigrants, who came searching for prosperity. Buenos Aires was finally declared Federal Capital city of the Argentine Republic by President Nicolás Avellaneda in 1880.
The economy
The tourist flow favored the construction of luxury hotels in the city’s more traditional and exclusive areas. The arrival of international hotel chains and the real estate boom in neighborhoods like Palermo and Puerto Madero are turning construction into one of the economic pillars of the city.
Buenos Aires breeds at a 2x4 rhythm, offering countless tango shows. Considered to be the Tango capital of the world, it has many tango salons, with live orchestras and dancers, where one can enjoy an Argentine beef dinner or an international menu. It is also possible to learn how to dance in tango academies and release your passion for tango dancing in its famous milongas.
Theaters
There are many theater complexes in Buenos Aires, among them the outstanding Colon Theater, built in 1908 and dedicated mostly to opera. The world’s finest musicians and dancers usually perform on its stage, praising its remarkable acoustics. Although is now closed for repairs, its permanent artistic staff continues to perform on other stages.
Buenos Aires’ museums gained international recognition exhibiting the work of outstanding local and foreign artists. The Fine Arts Museum, the City Museum, the Buenos Aires Latin American Art Museum (MALBA), the Decorative Art Museum, the Isaac Fernandez Blanco Hispanic-American Art Museum and the Recoleta Cultural Centre are some of Buenos Aires’ prestigious and attractive art locations.
The Old Quarter
Downtown, between the San Telmo and Monserrat neighborhoods, is the Old Quarter, the area where the most historically significant buildings and palaces stand. Surrounding the Plaza de Mayo, the Pink House – official seat of the national government –Cabildo and Cathedral are some of the old buildings still standing which have been witnesses of the area’s past times.
Design
The Palermo neighborhood is famous for its design shops selling remarkably original objects and clothes. Visitors can see the picturesque fair around the Plaza Serrano – on Saturdays and Sundays – as well as the luxury shops featuring outstanding and diverse Argentine design products.
City Tours
Walking freely is a good option for seeing Buenos Aires’ tourist sites. The Selfguide maps that are distributed by the City’s Tourism Office point out 18 possible city tour routes. On the other hand, those who prefer seeing the public buildings, churches, museums and neighborhoods conducted by a city guide can take part in the tours organized by that same office.
Nightlife
Buenos Aires is well-known for its busy nightlife, which offers a wide range of choices for those who resist going to bed early. The San Telmo, Monserrat and Palermo neighborhoods are among the most visited by locals and tourists: the live music bars, Argentine food restaurants – the so-called parrillas- , and tango dance halls are the main attractions.
Soccer
It is the sport that Argentine people love the most. Twice a year, Buenos Aires is a privileged witness of the most important match in local soccer: the classic Boca vs River. These are Argentina’s most popular teams, both over a hundred-year old. The huge enthusiasm for this sport makes it one of the world’s most important sporting events.
That's great that people are able to get the personal loans and that opens up completely new possibilities.
sully said:
October 21, 2009 20:43:00
soy venezolana salgo pra la Argentina el 25 de oct.2009 estoy anciosa por conocerla. desde niña escuchaba el tango ya que en mi casa Carora estado Lara, funcionaba una peña tanguera; me se los tangos q cantaba Gardel y luego como a los 13 años mi cantante favorita era Metrcedes Sosa me entrenteció mucho su partida; siempre me identifique con ella y con el Ché VIVA ARGENTINA
shayra ribeiro said:
October 07, 2009 16:29:00
nossa a argentina me fez chorar de emoção com suas culturas lindas e moderna,principalmente o tango com evita peron sua historia é linda e muito emocionante amo muito a argrntina e toda europa beijos
claudia sampaio said:
August 10, 2009 14:46:00
Gostaria de saber se já há previsão para que as temperaturas comecem a subir afastando a gripe A.
