Buenos Aires is the capital of the Argentine Republic. The name means fair winds, or literally good airs in Spanish. It is one of the largest cities in Latin America, with a lot of cultural offerings, and is the point of departure for travelling to the rest of the country.
Inhabitants of Buenos Aires are called portenos, "people from the port", implying that many of the inhabitants are immigrants in some ways or another. Buenos Aires is a singular, open, and integrating destination that allows the visitor not only to view the city but also to have an exceptional urban adventure.
The city is geographically contained inside the province of Buenos Aires, but it is politically autonomous.
The city extends on a plain covering 19.4 km (12 mi) from north to south and 17.9 km (11 mi) from east to west.
Approximately three million people live in the City of Buenos Aires (the Federal Capital of Argentina with 202 km² [78.3 mi²]). The City is divided into 48 districts or barrios (neighborhoods). Its metropolitan area, Great Buenos Aires, is the 22nd most populated urban center in the world with over 14 million people. Most of the country's activity is highly concentrated in this single city and its surroundings.
Buenos Aires constantly receives tourists from all over the world and offers a large choice of cultural events, nightlife, restaurants, and pubs. So you can expect good services and a wide range of options.
Buenos Aires also has one of the largest homosexual communities in Latin America and there is a receptive attitude towards gay society in the federal law, same sex marriages are legally performed and recognized in Argentinian federal law. In recent years there has been an increase in gay oriented businesses such as real estate, apartment rental, travel agents, language classes, tango classes, bars, restaurants, hotels, and guesthouses.
Since 2007, the city has seen the arrival of more gay cruise ships, the opening of a gay five-star hotel and a general increase in gay tourism.
The City of Buenos Aires has 48 districts called barrios (neighborhoods). The most important and visited are:
Microcentro- downtown, an ideal location for visitors to be near to the main historical spots of the Argentinean capital. Florida Street is located downtown and is a famous pedestrian street of the city, where visitors can do window shopping and buy clothes and other usual city goods. Many tourists came here, so it's well catered for tourists, though it's not an exact representation of the living area for the average citizens.
San Telmo- this district preserves colonial-style houses along narrow cobblestone lanes, illuminated with pretty wrought iron lanterns. In San Telmo, one breathes the history of Buenos Aires. There is also a very exciting, underground nightlife scene.
La Boca- considered Buenos Aires's most colorful neighborhood with a very outgoing personality. Tourists favor this picturesque district for its rich history and vibrant colors: greens, yellows, reds, and purples highlight the urban scenery.
Palermo- hip residential neighborhood of tree-lined streets and intersections packed with restaurants, bars, and boutiques. There are several "sub neighborhoods" such as Palermo-Viejo, Palermo-SoHo, Palermo-Hollywood.
Recoleta- one of the finest and most expensive areas of the city. It boasts many French style buildings, large green spaces, and first class restaurants. The famous Recoleta Cemetery is well worth a visit.
Belgrano- a residential and peaceful neighborhood with silent streets that lead to different shops, restaurants, architectural relics, and large green spaces. Belgrano's one of the most distinguished districts, and it's ideal for day walks along the wooded tile sidewalks.
Almagro- An original middle-class neighborhood, Almagro is a barrio located in the very center of the capital, with cheap empanadas, Chinese supermarkets, and greengrocer's, the smell of grilled meat from plentiful parillas, and a very big circular park that transforms into a market on Sundays. Also, home of Pierino, one of the most traditional pasta restaurants in the city.
Boedo- one of the main Tango and historical spots in the city, the streets of Boedo offer to native and tourist public a huge variety of cafes in the best “porteno” style, cultural centers , Tango houses, libraries, theaters, nice pubs, and restaurants. Places that please people from all ages and tastes.
Caballito- an average, middle-class neighborhood, the barrio has both plentiful amenities, spacious parks, and a good selection of shops and cafés including the well know Las Violetas, one of Buenos Aires' oldest and most grandiose establishments . On the other hand, there are cluterred, very busy, and unpredictable areas of Caballito that should require more thought for the average travellers to go there. Overall, it is a pleasant residential and commercial hub.
Congreso- a dense downtown area that houses the legislative branch of government, it resides at the opposite end of Avenida de Mayo from the Casa Rosada (Rosy House, or "pink house" as some would called it) seat of the executive branch.
Puerto Madero- just like the London docklands, the antique port of Buenos Aires has been renewed and now represents the latest architectural trends of the city. It has a mixture of restaurants, ranging from high end to U.S.A. chains such as Hooters and TGIF. It also has apartment buildings and a few expensive hotels. The Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, an excellent alternative for nature lovers, lies nearby.
Once- a large immigrant population, mainly from Argentina's neighbors Bolivia and Paraguay, call Once home. The streets are always busy with people, markets, and outdoor sellers.
Retiro- hosting the main train station in the city, a busy area filled with commuters, but also home to some of the most luxurious restaurants, shopping, and partying, in the expat-friendly border of Microcentro. Retiro has attracted people from various kinds of lifestyles, without any strong attraction for any specific group of people.
Tribunales- this part of town has many theater shows, especially on Avenida Corrientes. On Libertad street there is the astounding huge Colon Theatre, one of the most prestigious in the world.
Coghlan- is the smallest barrio in the capital, it is also unusual in that it does not have any public squares. It was named after a railway engineer of Irish origin, John Coghlan, which is also the name of the colonial era railway station. The area next to the rail station has become a defacto park, the only park in the neighbourhood. Housed within the station building is a one room library. The suburb is predominantly residential, with many large houses.
Villa Urquiza- Is located between the barrios of Villa Pueyrredón, Belgrano, Villa Ortúzar, Coghlan, Saavedra, and Agronomía. Its limits are the streets and avenues Constituyentes, Crisólogo Larralde, Galván, Núñez, Tronador, Roosevelt, Rómulo S. Naón, and La Pampa.
It is a residential neighborhood of both old houses and apartment buildings, quiet streets, and a few fast-traffic, crowded avenues. It has several parks that make it very pleasant. During the summer, it is not uncommon to see neighbors talking to each other, comfortably sitting on their chairs on the sidewalk.
It is also home of several institutions of importance to the Buenos Aires culture, such as the tango and milonga ballrooms Sunderland and Club Sin Rumbo, Argentine rock pioneer Litto Nebbia's Melopea Records, and the winner of the last three futsal metropolitan tournaments, Club Pinocho.
Visiting Buenos Aires
Travellers from many countries, including all EU/EEA citizens, as well as,amongst others citizens of New Zealand, Japan, and the United States of America may enter Argentina for up to 90 days without a visa.
Citizens from Australia and Canada must register prior to travel at and must pay a "reciprocity fee". Since December 2012 this also applies for arrivals overland. The fees/validity periods are as follows:
Country Fee No. of entries Validity
Australia $100 multiple 1 year
Canada $93 USD multiple 1 month before passport expires
By air
Buenos Aires is Argentina’s international gateway and easily accessible from North America, Europe, and Australasia, as well as other capital cities in South America.
The main airport used for international flights to travel to and from Buenos Aires is Ezeiza International Airport, about 35 km (20 mi) south of Buenos Aires. Most domestic flights, as well as many flights to and from neighboring countries (Uruguay, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay) use the smaller but more convenient Aeroparque Jorge Newbery airport, a short distance from downtown Buenos Aires. Flight information for both Ezeiza International Airport and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, is available in English and Spanish at 5480-6111. Buenos Aires also has a lot of small airports dedicated to chartered flights and private aircraft.
Flights from Buenos Aires and the rest of Argentina are usually more expensive for foreigners. This can pose a problem for short-term travellers who do not have time to take a bus to places like Iguazu Falls, Bariloche, Ushuaia, etc. These travellers are often advised to find smaller travel companies/agents that can help them find lower prices on lower flights, deals that larger online travel sites would not have access to.
Ezeiza is a modern airport with good services such as ATMs, restaurants, and duty-free shops.
Most international and some domestic flights use the Ezeiza International Airport (officially referred to as Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarini / Minister Pistarini International Airport), located in the suburban area named Gran Buenos Aires, c. 30-45 min from downtown by highway (can be much longer in rush hours). Planes fly from and to most countries in South America, Europe, North America and Oceania.
Some flights from Aerolíneas Argentinas to Río Gallegos and Ushuaia leave from Ezeiza during peak season, so check to see on which airport you fly into or leave from. There is a daily flight from Ezeiza to Mendoza and Córdoba, which connects with most Aerolíneas Argentinas International Arrivals and Departures.
From South America
There are flights from Ezeiza to most South American cities like: Caracas, Quito, Bogotá, Lima, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Cochabamba, Santiago de Chile, a dozen of Brazilian destinations, Montevideo, and Asunción. However, many flights to/from neighboring countries (Uruguay, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay) now use the smaller but more convenient Buenos Aires City Airport-Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), very close to downtown (see below). Service from Montevideo, in particular, is almost exclusively to Aeroparque, with only one daily flight to Ezeiza as of October 2012, contrasting with several throughout the day to Aeroparque.
From Europe
Direct flights to Europe are available with British Airways to London-Heathrow, Lufthansa to Frankfurt, Iberia to Madrid, Air France to Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Alitalia to Rome-Fiumicino, KLM to Amsterdam three times each week, Turkish to Istanbul - Ataturk and Aerolíneas Argentinas to Madrid, Barcelona, and Rome Fiumicino.
From North and Central America
Non-stop service to the US is available from Atlanta (Delta Air Lines), Dallas (American Airlines), Miami (American Airlines, LAN Argentina, and Aerolíneas Argentinas), Houston (United Airlines), and New York-JFK (American Airlines and Aerolíneas Argentinas).
For Canada, Air Canada flies from Toronto via Santiago, Chile.
There are also flights from Mexico City on Aeromexico and from Panama City on Copa Airlines.
From Asia
Qatar Airways flies daily to Doha (Qatar) vía Sao Paulo and Emirates has a flight to Dubai vía Rio de Janeiro.
From Australia
Qantas used to fly thrice weekly to Sydney non-stop. However, since March 2012, Qantas flies into/from Santiago, Chile instead. Connecting flights with LAN from Santiago are available to get to Buenos Aires when coming from Australia to Argentina.
From New Zealand
Beginning 1 December 2015, Air New Zealand will begin a direct flight from Auckland to Buenos Aires (EZE). With connections to other major New Zealand and Australian cities available.
Into town
From the airport, there are taxis, private cars (remises), buses, and minibuses.
There is also a railway station near Ezeiza International Airport named Ezeiza Station. Unfortunately, due the location of Ezeiza International Airport's main entrance and exit, getting to and from the station itself would at least take around a third of the trip between Ezeiza International Airport and Buenos Aires itself. It is not advisable to go there if your final destination is central Buenos Aires.
By Bus Coach
Trips on coaches such as Manuel Tienda León from Ezeiza International Airport to Retiro cost 200 pesos. The coaches leave every half hour between 5 am and 21 pm; every 45 min. between 21 pm and 24 am; and every one hour between 24 am and 5 am. From their terminal in Retiro (Terminal Madero, corner of San Martin and Av. Madero), a smaller van will deliver you to the address you´ve reported previously, when you got the ticket. Manuel Tienda León also offers transfers between Ezeiza International Airport and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery Airport, which costs 200 pesos. Tickets can be purchased from their booth just outside of customs.
If you miss it in customs (European, Australian, and U.S. travellers are probably more used to such services being located not inside customs), then walk outside. Keep walking for about 200 meters heading towards Terminal B, turn left, go to Terminal B departures, and there's an outside booth there. Ensure you go to the 'Manuel Tienda León' desk for the coach,the first desk on your right as you leave the Customs screening area but before you exit into the main arrivals hall.
People at other desks would happily say there's no coach to your hotel and will try to persuade you to take a taxi. Alternatively, follow instructions above and go to Terminal B for the coach. The signage for terminal B is somewhat lacking but it's between terminal A and C so if arriving at A just follow the signs to C and you will find the kiosk. Coach has free Wi-Fi but it is very slow.
The coach costs 240 pesos from Ezeiza to your adress, as long as it is inside they coverage area (Palermo, Recoleta, San Telmo, etc). Remember to report it when you get the ticket. The coach does not go to your hotel if it is outside their coverage area, so they will tell you where they could drop you off near-by.
By Own Car
Private driving services to and from the airport are more expensive but more personalised. Some offer English speaking drivers. SilverStar Transport is an excellent option. They have English-speaking drivers and can be booked online. . It costs US$170 from Ezeiza International Airport to the city, and US$100 from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery to the city. Other option is with John Boyle, a Trip Advisor Winner, at his page Buenos Aires Taxis.
By Taxi
Prepaid taxis (remises) from Ezeiza International Airport to downtown cost 600 pesos with tolls included.They are your simplest and safest transport from the airport. As you exit customs there are booths on either side of the receiving area of the airport. Some of the prepaid remises will provide you with a 20% discount coupon for your airport return. If you manage to hold on to this coupon, dial them directly to come and collect you and save yourself 20%.
You must also present the original receipt to receive the discount. There are other established companies, such as Manuel Tienda León and Go Airport Taxi Buenos Aires, which allow for a pre-reservation online in order to guarantee your car/driver prior to your arrival. This may be essential in the morning hours, when the bulk of the long-haul flights arrive to the airport. Manuel Tienda Leon costs 755 pesos and Go Airport Taxi costs around 1000 pesos (US$69).
Hailing a curbside taxi is not recommended for tourists that are only newly acquainted wth Buenos Aires, but if one does, one should select a taxi that is dropping someone off. It will cost approximately 30% less than a remis. The cab driver will tell you a fixed price beforehand, if not, you should negotiate the price before leaving the pickup area. You should have some familiarity with Buenos Aires and speak Spanish fairly well, as your cab driver will likely not speak English.
By Public Bus
The cheapest way to get downtown is to take the number 8 bus. The stop is just outside terminal B arrivals, and you need to walk 100 m to just across from the Petrobras Station. The bus will take almost 2 h to get to the Plaza de Mayo, going straight on Rivadavia Avenue and then on Hipolito Yrigoyen street. A SUBE card is required to use this bus but one card can be shared between several people. If you can't buy a card in the terminal you could always try asking a local rider to swipe you aboard with their card for a dollar or so. This is not advised for someone unfamiliar with the city. Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid the common scam mentioned in Stay safe.
Back To Airport
If you are returning to Ezeiza International Airport from downtown, be sure to ride the 8 bus that says AEROPUERTO (AIRPORT) in a red label, as there are several 8 buses that go to other places. The bus stops all along Mayo Avenue and then Rivadavia Avenue. It can take more than two hours to get to the airport from downtown (longer than the trip in from the airport), and the bus can get extremely crowded.
Also, the route is not direct, so do not be alarmed when the bus seems to be heading elsewhere. If you are pressed for time or short on patience, it is highly recommended that you skip this bus and take a taxi or remise. Alternatively, you could catch a coach from the 'Manuel Tienda León' coach station in Retiro (near Sheraton), Ramos Mejia & Av. Del Libertador (and not the main Omnibus station). The cost to EZE is AR $190 as of August 2016.
If you would like them to collect you from your hotel,assuming it's within the area they cover - mostly central Buenos Aires, you have to call the day before. They will collect and take you to the above coach station and then on to EZE. The cost is AR$ 240. Unfortunately, you have to call them on the above number to book a collection! Total journey time is likely to be 20 mins (local), up to 15 min wait for the main coach and then about 45 mins.
If you are going from the Cruise port to the airport, the ARbus costs $10 USD per person and a reservation and ticket can be purchased at the ARbus booth in the terminal.
Located in the Ave. Rafael Obligado. Very close to Retiro Omnibus and San Martin railway stations. Nearly all domestic flights and from/to Uruguay, as well as many flights from Brazil, Chile and Paraguay, use Jorge Newbery Airport (referred to as Aeroparque, the Spanish for Airpark/Airfield). Aeroparque is smaller and less modern than Ezeiza, but it is also much more convenient, as it is only 20 minutes away from the downtown area by car. You can take a taxi, airport bus (ArBus) or city bus from there.
Into town
Taxi could be ordered from the travel desks in the AEP and it will costs about ARS 250 depending on the neighborhood (http://trasladosbuenayre.com.ar/index.html#pricing-table). Taxi just outside of the building of the airport will cost you a little bit less (actually it is a standard city metered taxis); in March 2014 it costs me about ARS 120 to get from AEP to Florida street in the rush hour.
Manuel Tienda León provide a service into town and then possibly to your hotel. You could access their desk either from the Baggage Collection area or from the main hallway outside. Buses leave every hour between 0800 and 0030. The coach would take you to their central depot in Retiro and then on a local coach to your hotel. The cost is AR$85 to Retiro and about AR$55-AR$65 per pax for both the main coach into Retiro and the local shuttle. Note that the main coach then continues onto EZE so ensure you get off at the central depot in Retiro (about 2o mins from airport).
ArBus (airport bus) is a new scheduled service with ticket booths located at both ends of the terminal (domestic and international arrivals). For $AR 45 one way, the bus will take you to one of six main points in the city (Retiro, Centro/Obelisco, Belgrano, Puente Saavedra, Alto Palermo). Note that these points are on different routes so pay attention to the electronic readout on the front of the bus (Retiro and Centro/Obelisco is one of the routes).
Purchase tickets online or at the airport booth (cards only, no cash) or use SUBE card if you have one. English website lists destinations, fares, and timetables. Public bus, nos 33 & 45 also go from outside AEP to Retiro or bus No 37 to the center of the city. The ticket machine will not accept notes and you'll need a SUBE card to board. The SUBE card can be shared between several people and if you don't have one you could try asking a local rider to swipe you aboard with their card for a dollar or so.
Returning to airport
You could use 'Manuel Tienda León'. See 'returning to airport' note under EZE above. ArBus can be used from five predefined points in the city (Retiro, Centro/Obelisco, Belgrano, Puente Saavedra, Alto Palermo) as described above (AR$ 45 as of August 2016). Tickets are not available on the bus and must be either prepurchased online (or at the airport on arrival) or use SUBE card. Alternatively, you could catch bus numbers 33 and 45 from outside Retiro Omnibus station. However, finding the right bus stop is not easy!
Imagine you are coming out of the Omnibus station. The buses arriving immediately outside go from your left to right. You need 33 or 45 going in the opposite direction; i.e. from your right to left. So, cross the street and when you reach onto the pavement by the park, go to the last bus stop on your left. You should be almost opposite the Retiro Omnibus station now. The fare is AR$6.5 and the machine on the bus will only accept SUBE card.
By Train
There are national railways, but they are very few in numbers. There are some long distance domestic services. Buses are usually faster and more comfortable, but also three times as expensive. There are several main stations in the Buenos Aires area (see below).
Retiro - Córdoba (overnight): departs Mon. & Fri. 20:10, arrives 10:25
Córdoba - Retiro (overnight): departs Thu. & Sun. 16:30, 07:33 (25 pesos - tourist class)
Retiro - Tucumán (overnight): departs Mon. 10:05, arrives 10:40
Tucumán - Retiro (overnight): departs Wed. 18:00, arrives 19:20 (35 pesos - tourist class)
Federico Lacrosse - Posadas : departs Tue 10.50 and Fri at 20:00, with 54 stops and taking at least 30 hours.
By car
You can get to Buenos Aires from any of the neighboring countries by car, but it is far away from most of the borders. It is really common to travel there only from Uruguay and southern Brazil.
There are four main highways entering the city which connect to suburban areas and other national routes. As with the trains, the bigger and more frequented routes are centered in Buenos Aires, so you will have no problem driving to and from the rest of the country.
Heading to Rosario city, you can travel by highway all the way (north access highway, then route 9). From here you can keep heading north on a good route (Panamericana), or turn right about 150km from Buenos Aires and go to the Mesopotamia region.
To the west, you can drive to the Cuyo region using the north access highway, then route 8. Traveling out of the city on the west access highway, you can follow routes 7 and 5, which will lead you to the west and southwest, respectively. If you want to visit western Patagonia, route 5 is a good choice.
Finally for visiting the Atlantic shore of Buenos Aires (province), you need to head to the southeast access highway and then take route 2, a very good highway to Mar del Plata city.
As a tourist is is possible to rent a car while in Buenos Aires, in the zones of Centro, Retiro, Versalles,Nunez, and Ezeiza.
By Bus
Argentina boasts an outstanding short and long-distance bus network. Since regional train service is limited and plane tickets are more expensive, bus travel is the most common way to travel from city to city within Argentina. There are very good services departing from Retiro bus station, covering the whole country. Generally speaking the more expensive the ticket, the more comfortable the bus will be. The most expensive tickets will get you seats that fully recline and you will also be served meals and drinks by an attendant on board.
Almost all the long-distance buses use the huge and well-organised Retiro bus station on the northern edge of the city centre. You can buy the tickets online to most of the destinations using the website Plataforma 10 but if you have a tight budget, you better go to the retiro bus station and shop around as you can save a lot doing that. The buses are mostly relatively new, however the roads they will travel through are relatively old; there are frequent services to most parts of the country and international bus services to neighbouring countries. A second bus terminal is situated in the Liniers neighborhood, but it is much smaller and not connected to the subway.
The bus classes can be somewhat tricky. Usually they are called "Servicio Común" (seats that do not recline at all) , "Semi-Cama" (seats recline partially), and "Cama" (seats that recline horizontally into beds). You may find some other names as "Cama-Vip", "Cama-Suite", when in doubt just ask in the agency, in the ticket office or in webs about bus companies or argentinian buses websites.
You may catch taxis from Retiro bus station, and the subte (underground) also stops there. There are many local buses that stop outside the station as well. You may visit the Buenos Aires government official web .
There are numerous operators. The basement level is for cargo and package services. The ground level holds waiting areas, cafes, shops and services including a barber. On the upper level you find a large number (close to 200) of ticket offices, or boleterias. The upper level is conveniently divided by color into geographic areas for companies which serve the place you want to go, including an international area. Look for the signs.
Cama Suites or Dormi Camas lie completely flat and some have dividing curtains. With these services, the seating arrangement is one seat one side and two seats on the other side. Semi-Cama services are laid out two and two, and do not recline as far. Companies usually have photographs of bus interiors. Make sure the journey you choose has the service you want. Most of their buses are double decker.
Bus travel times to/from Buenos Aires:
Mendoza: 12-14 hours
Córdoba: 9 hours
Bariloche: 22 hours
Iguazú: 20 hours
Rosario: 4 hours
Santiago de Chile: 20 hours
Terminal de Omnibus de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires
Address: Antártida Argentina Avenue and Ramos Mejía
Phone: +54 11 4310-0700
Subte: Retiro (Linea C)
You can buy a ticket to practically anywhere in Argentina and departures are fairly frequent to the most popular destinations. Reservations are not necessary except during peak summer and winter holiday seasons (January, February, and July).
To find out which companies are available for a specific destination you can consult the official webpage of the terminal Retiro and an online information system for buses from Buenos Aires to the main national and international destinations.
By Boat
There are daily journeys to and from Colonia and Montevideo in Uruguay.
Three companies operate this service.
Colonia Express - Puerto Madero terminal - Córdoba avenue & Madero avenue.
Buquebus - Puerto Madero terminal - Córdoba avenue & Madero avenue.
Ferrytour - Dársena Norte terminal - Viamonte & Costanera Sur
The services are now coordinated by Buquebus. The ferry tour ship is the slower one, used for Colonia. You may still make a fast trip to Colonia, at a higher price. Certain boats are nicer than others, but for about 36 pesos ($10) you can upgrade to first class both ways, which includes VIP lounge access and a free glass of champagne. Highly recommended on the nicer boats,you can upgrade on board.
From the official city site: The City is an important destination for the maritime and fluvial cruisers industry of South America. The Benito Quinquela Martín Passenger Terminal, a few blocks away from downtown, at Ramón Castillo street between Avenida de los Inmigrantes and Mayor Luisioni street, has a surface of 7,100 square meters, a boarding room for 1,000 passengers and baggage facilities with capacity for 2,500 suitcases. Additional features include tourist information, handicrafts shops, snack bars as well as the offices for Migration, Customs, Interpol and Prefectura Coast Guard.
You may also take a boat from nearby Tigre to Nueva Palmira in Uruguay. Trains leave from Retiro Station to Tigre frequently. Boat services to Nueva Palmira also connect to Colonia del Sacramento by bus. As always, be careful of leaving your belongings at a station
There is also a service from Montevideo-Carmelo-Tigre-Buenos Aires . It costs around 36 pesos($10) one way for the whole thing. Get the tickets and depart from Tres Cruces in Montevideo. The price includes a bus to Carmelo, boat to Tigre, and another bus to the center of Buenos Aires. They often have very good special offers that include some nights in hotels in Buenos Aires.
By Freighter
Grimaldi Lines - Freighter Travel operates a bi-monthly freighter link from Europe to South-America via Africa. Five freighter ships do the rotation and each accepts 12 passengers. The journey lasts about 30 days (60 days for a round trip) and port calls include: Hamburg, Tillbury, Antwerp, Le Havre, Bilbao, Casablanca, Dakar, Banjul, Conakry, Freetown, Salvador de Bahia, Vitoria, Rio de Janeiro, Santos Zarate, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Paranagua, Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Dakar, Emden, and back to Hamburg.
Only the stops in Europe and at Buenos Aires permit passengers to either embark or disembark. However, passengers are allowed to visit all of the visited ports. All the port calls are subject to change depending on the loading and unloading needs of the ship. Tickets for a cabin on a Europe to Buenos AAires trip start at €1450/pp for a double cabin and €1890 for a single cabin (more expensive luxury cabins are available).
Luggage Storage in Buenos Aires
There are several options where you could leave your luggage. One option is StorageBA, which will pick up your luggage and storage it. Some airports have "per day" storage. Train and bus stations do not usually have places to leave your luggage, nor are they safe enough to do so.
Moving Around
The public transport in Buenos Aires is very good, although crowded during rush hour. The metro here is called the Subte, which is short for Subterraneo (underground). The network itself is not very large, but reaches most tourist attractions of the city, and there is a large range of bus routes and several suburban railways used by commuters. You can use Google Maps to plan your route.
You must use a card called SUBE to pay for public transport. The card works with every bus, metro and commuter train. Incredibly, you cannot buy this card at the stations and you cannot buy single tickets. You must find a place that sells the cards. Frustratingly some places only sell the card and don't let you add credit. Others can only add credit and don't sell the card. So you might have to wander around a bit.
Finding your way around is relatively easy. Most of the city grid is divided into equal squares with block numbers in the hundreds, using a grid system similiar to Manhattan, New York. Most streets are one way with the adjacent parallels going the other way, so beware that the bus or taxi won't follow the same route back. If traveling by taxi, you simply need to tell the driver the street and block number, eg. "Santa Fe 2100"; or two intersecting streets, eg. "Corrientes y Callao".
City maps are issued by many different publishers (Guía T, LUMI) and the local tourist authority. They are indispensable for those wanting to use public transportation, since they include all bus routes. As always, check ton which direction the map is pointing, because some maps are bottom up (South on the top of the map). This is true for the maps at the official taxi booth at Ezeiza airport.
On Foot
Walking is a great way to get around Buenos Aires during the day. With the grid system it is relatively easy to get around and because of the traffic it may even be quicker than a taxi or bus. The larger avenidas are lined with shops so there is plenty so see. In the Micro centro calle Florida is a pedestrian shopping street where you can walk from Plaza San Martin to Avenida de Mayo near the Plaza de Mayo. It crosses Lavalle (also pedestrian only) which takes you to the Plaza de la Republica and the Obelisk.
By Taxi
Taxis are not the quickest way to move around the more congested parts of the city, especially during rush hour, as traffic jams are common. Still, you will find that taxis are usually rather inexpensive, convenient, and exciting (in a white-knuckled, classic-wooden-roller-coaster kind of way). Make sure to take the "radio taxi", as some taxis do not turn on the meter and will ask for a very expensive fare.
It's relatively quite safe to travel by taxis. For details refer to Stay safe. If you are uncomfortable hailing a taxi on the street you can have your hotel or restaurant call a taxi for you. You should always check the driver´s personal information is legible in the back part of the front seat, and make sure they turn on the meter after they set off, to avoid any disagreement over the fare later. It is suggested to use small bills and exact or almost exact changes with taxis, since as with many large cities around the world, it sometimes can be quite problematic of getting changes back from a taxi driver.
By Bus
The principal means of public transportation within the city are the buses (colectivos). All rides inside the city border are the same very low price, as long as you are moving inside the city borders.
You must use a card called SUBE to pay. You cannot pay on the bus with cash. You must first find a place that sells these cards, purchase one and add credit to it.
There are more than one hundred lines covering the whole city. They work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, but run less frequently on holidays and late at night. For each route the bus is painted differently making them easy to distinguish. The best way to figure out the bus system is to buy a Guía "T".
It's essentially a little book with a directory of streets, which corresponds to map pages, and has bus listings on the facing page for each map. Once you get your hands on one, it's very easy to figure out, but give yourself fifteen minutes the first few times you use it to plan a route. These can be bought at many kiosks around the city, or subway stations.
If you have internet access, Google Maps is the easiest way to plan a route. You can also use the website provided by the city government. You can enter two addresses and it will show you routes by bus or Subte.
Otherwise, visitors who are comfortable with speaking a little Spanish can call 131, a toll-free free telephone number from any phone, to help you find which colectivo to take. You just have to tell the corner (or the street and the number) where you're at and the one you want to get to.
On most services, board the bus and tell the driver your destination ; he will press a button instructing the coin machine to take a certain amount of money for you, which will then appear on the machine as the amount to insert. Step a bit further back into the bus and insert coins into the machine which now knows your destination and has calculated your fare because the driver punched it in.
You will receive change and your ticket automatically, collect it at the bottom of the machine. If you do not have a SUBE card you will now be charged 3 pesos minimum within Capital Federal. The old MONEDERO card that tourists could use has been deactivated.
When entering the bus, show your SUBE card to the the driver and your destination. Wait for the driver to select your destination on the panel. The amount to be paid will be shown on a screen. Place your SUBE card on the reader. Do not use the card before the driver selects your destination, since he may still be in the processing of processing your order and say "No, todavia" ("Not yet").
If you see a little metal knob on the coin machine, it's not for dispensing your ticket like the candy/toy machines in grocery stores. It's the service panel to the inside of the machine to change the paper and so on. Don't turn it! It's meant to be used for service only.
You can also use buses to move in and around the suburban area (Gran Buenos Aires), but the fares are higher (up to 5,50 Pesos, depending on the distance and service). The suburban-only lines (you can differentiate them because their line numbers are above 200) have less comfort, and many of them don't run after 11PM.
By Commuter Train
Commuter trains connect Buenos Aires’ center to its suburbs and nearby provinces. They are mostly catered for local commuters and not tourists. The terminal stations are the same from suburban transportation. From Retiro station you can take the train to the Tigre Delta. There you can do a boat cruise and see the wetland and recreational area of the portenos.
You must use a card called SUBE to pay. Incredibly, you cannot buy this card at the stations and you cannot buy single tickets. You must find a place that sells the cards. You can recharge the card at the stations.
The city has a subway network ("subte", short form of "tren subterráneo", which means "underground train"). It is very efficient and you can save a lot of time by using it. It is cheap,7.50 pesos for unlimited transfer as long as you keep underground travelling throughout the network. If you need to be somewhere by 9AM or 9.30AM on a weekday, however, the Subte will be incredibly crowded and depending on where you are catching it from, you may have to miss several trains in a row before there is space for you. Once on board, during peak hours it can get very crowded. Factor this into your timing arrangements to make sure that you make your meeting on time.
You must use a card called SUBE to pay. As of 2017, you can buy and recharge the card at the stations. The cost of a new card at the station is 25 pesos. Another place to get this card is at the tourist information centers where they will likely have staff that speak English and other foreign languages. They will take your passport number (in lieu of a DNI, which only Argentines have) and sign you up for and issue the card. You will then have to go to a station and fill the card. A fee of 25 pesos is deducted upon first fill to cover the cost of the card. Note that you can run a negative balance on the card to -7.50 pesos. Some businesses (convenience stores mostly) can recharge SUBE cards as well.
The subte runs approximately from 5AM to 10PM, except on Sundays, when service starts at 8AM.
Many subte stations have interesting murals, tiles and artwork. The "Peru" station is the oldest subway station. Transferring between lines is indicated by combinación signs.
The current network comprises six underground lines, labelled "A" to "E" and "H" which all converge to the downtown area and connect to the main bus and train terminals.
In the southeast branch (the E line), the service is extended by a trainway known as premetro, but beware, it goes to some of the least desirable places in the city. Premetro is 0.60 pesos, or 0.70 with a Subte Transfer.
The subte and premetro services are under Metrovias S.A. authority. You can reach their Customer Service personnel by calling -toll free (within Argentina)- on 0800-555-1616 or by sending a fax to +54 4553-9270.
For specific lines:
Ferrovias (Belgrano line; 0800-777-3377; www.ferrovias.com.ar) To Villa Rosa and the northern suburbs.
Trenes de Buenos Aires (TBA, Mitre line; 0800-333-3822; www.tbanet.com.ar) To Belgrano, San Isidro, Tigre, Rosario.
Transportes Metropolitanos (San Martín line; 4011-5826) To Pilar and the northern suburbs.
Metropolitano (Roca line; 0800-1-2235-8736) To the southern suburbs and La Plata.
Ferrobaires (4306-7919; www.ferrobaires.gba.gov.ar) Bahía Blanca and Atlantic beach towns.
Trenes de Buenos Aires (Sarmiento line; 0800-333-3822; www.tbanet.com.ar) To the southwestern suburbs and Luján.
By Train
There's a good deal of railway connections to the suburban area laid out in such a way that it resembles a shape of a star. The quality of the service ranges from excellent to not quite so desireable, depending of the line; ask before using them at night time.
The main railway terminals are Retiro, Constitucion, Once and Federico Lacroze. From all of these you can then use the metro and bus network to get right into the center. The suburban fares are very cheap.
More information:
Metrovias : Urquiza trainway and metro - Good service, safe for traveling at any hour.
Metropolitano : San Martín, Roca, Belgrano Sur and other trainways - Currently not at its peak condition.
TBA : Sarmiento and Mitre trainways - Good service and mostly good trains. The Sarmiento line is the most used one. It is however overcrowded and can be very difficult to use in rush hours; also covers less desireable places. Don't be surprised in summer to see people standing holding the sliding doors open to try to keep the train cooler in the rush hours. The Mitre line, in one of its branches (which covers the richest zones) and has the best trains seen in Latin America, featuring air conditioning, internal heating and fairly comfortable seats. Note that the air conditioning is often inadequate in summer, especially when the train is full.
This branch takes you to some really beautiful places like "Tigre", a very picturesque small town with old french-style little houses and a beautiful walkside by the river near a theme park, Parque de la Costa in the north of the suburban area. Be careful as every line has its own branches, so be sure you are boarding the correct train (there are displays on each plataform, and a huge display oncentral hall).
Trenes del Litoral: From Posadas (neighboring Paraguay) to Estacion Frederico Lacroze throught Paso de los Libres (neighboring Brazil) and Concordia (neighboring Uruguay) - Fair service, depending on the price. All cars are a little bit dirty and the train is very slow (20 hours). The tourist class has a bad service, but first class or the dormitory class are fairly comfortable. It is better to go by bus, using the "coche cama" service which takes about 11 hours from Posadas to Buenos Aires.
Tren de la costa: It's a small touristic cosy train which runs from Maipu st (change from TBA's Mitre Line, Mitre Branch, Mitre station) to Parque de la costa in Tigre, with stops in very exclusive zones such as San Isidro which is worth a couple of hours walk. As a tourist attraction, tickets are far more expensive than regular trains: one way daily ticket costs 16 pesos for non-residents and allows you to hop on hop off as many times as you want. Be sure to check their website as it offers a brief description of each station and its attractions.
If departing from Retiro station, it's a good idea for a whole day journey (specially in summer where daylight lasts much more) to buy a one way ticket at Mitre station, stop for a small walk at some of the stations and arrive to Tigre where you can find lots of attractions, and in then go back to Retiro using the Tigre branch of the Mitre line.
By Car
If you are truly adventurous and a bit of a risk-taker, cars are available to rent in Buenos Aires. There are several things to keep in mind before renting a car in Buenos Aires. First, Buenos Aires is such an excellent city for walking that if something is within 20 or 30 blocks, it is often worth the extra effort to go on foot and get to know the city on a more intimate level. The terrain is flat, so it can be easily walked on. Second, if you aren't much of a walker, the public transportation system in Buenos Aires is cheap and efficient. It can get you anywhere fast! Third, and perhaps most important, the traffic in Buenos Aires is extremely unpredictable.
Stoplights, signs, traffic laws--for many porteno drivers, are mere references. Picture yourself trying to get several thousand heads of cattle to move down the street and stay inside the lanes, and you have a decent idea of driving in Buenos Aires. It's also very difficult to find where to park your car in many neighborhoods, and close to impossible in downtown.
Do NOT leave your car parked where you're not supposed to because it will be towed away, and the recovery fee is VERY EXPENSIVE. Many hidden speed control cameras have been installed lately (specially in avenues), so be sure to stick to the speed limit, even in routes outside the city. DO fasten your seat belt and have your lights turned on or you will be fined.
If driving outside the city, you should not only stick to the speed limit,which varies a lot depending on where you are, but have your identification and driving license with you, as it's possible that you get stopped by traffic control policemen. National routes are in a good state of manteinance, but be careful in province only routes as there may be unexpected and dangerous potholes in the pavement.
There is also the option to do private car tours. One (fun) option is to go for Buenos Aires Vintage Tours, which offers original Citroën 3CVs to do the tour. Check Buenos Aires Vintage for details on available tours.
By Private Car
A diference of taxis, private transfers offer the possibility of establishing an exact point of retrieval, or to sign a specific amount of time. Here you can find some companies that offer this service:
- TaxisDelAeropuerto
- Buenos Aires Airport Transfer
- MejorTaxi
By Bicycle
Traffic is dangerous and hardly respectful toward bicycles. Still, some spots call out for two-wheeled exploration, such as Palermo’s parks and the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur. On weekends and some weekdays you can rent bikes at these places. Most of the city is flat which makes biking easy, even with bikes that only have one gear. There is a network of bike lanes and it's expanding.
It can be a hectic experience, but by no means impossible if you have ridden a bike in traffic before.
Tips:
In Buenos Aires, traffic is really good at anticipating the green light: some cars/buses start going when it's still red, knowing that it will turn green in the next second or few.
Indicators and head lights seem to be used randomly, don't be surprised if a car suddenly cuts into you without indicating first.
On one way streets, stick to the left lane to avoid the buses which go really fast and stop all the time as well as the taxis that go at a snail's pace and stop or change direction suddenly to pick up a fare.
It is not uncommon for tourists to be mugged at gunpoint while riding a bike in the city, so stick to populated areas and avoid areas with few people.
There is a free public bike system called EcoBici. There is an online signup page, but since it requires you to go to one of several offices anyway, you could probably just go to one of the offices marked on the map at the bottom of the signup page. The hours for each office are listed in the dropdown menu. You just need to take a photocopy of your passport. The system is so so.
Stations often randomly stop working, so make sure to check the status of the station with the app or website before you go to get a bike. If you return a bike late, you are not charged a fee, but your card might get suspended. It's not stated on their website, but if you call them they'll tell you the first suspension is one week, the second one is a month and the third is forever. If you try to return a bike and the station is full, there's no way to extend your time to go to another station. You might be able to call them and ask them not to suspend your card if this happens.
You can get a helmet for about 26 USD at this bike shop. It's one of the few places you can find a reasonably priced bike helmet near the city center.
Bikes, even used ones, are expensive in Argentina compared to North America. Sites like Craigslist are not popular here so you can't just buy a used bike for $50 when you arrive. If you like biking, it may be worth bringing a folding bike, lock and helmet on the plane with you.
Speaking
The Spanish in Buenos Aires is pronounced differently from elsewhere. "Calle" and "pollo" sound very different and the ll sound like English sh instead of Spanish y or h. The difference in pronunciation probably reflects the influence of Italian traders in the port in the 19th century--many of the words that Porteños pronounce differently from the rest of the Spanish-speaking world are pronounced identically to a Italian word for the same thing.
Much has been written on Spanish language in Buenos Aires. It was influenced by the many nationalities that immigrated here as well.
If you have studied Spanish, you will find these differences enormous. Also, vocabulary and some pronouns differ a lot from Iberian Spanish or other Latin American varieties of Spanish, so may be useful to get an Argentinian dictionary or take some lessons of Argentinian Spanish before getting there. Despite these differences, any person who is fluent in Spanish should have no difficulty navigating through conversations with Portenos or with any other Argentinians, although sometimes they tend to speak very fast and you may have to ask "hable despacio, por favor" ("speak slowly, please"). Anyway, most of "Portenos" (inhabitants of Buenos Aires City) speak a little English but it is very easy to find people who are very fluent, especially if you stay near the tourist areas.
Attractions
Buenos Aires is a big city, so check the districts section for detailed listings.
If you are a fan of walking in green open spaces and parks in big cities like Buenos Aires, be sure not to miss a promenade in Palermo, a beautiful area in the northern part of the city. Here you will find not only open spaces to walk in but also a large lake where you can rent paddle boats and an huge flower garden that is free to enter! Although the Japanese and the botanical gardens and the surroundings are very nice, they are also very noisy as several major roads traverse the area. For a quiet, shady walk or jog head to the golf course north of the railway tracks.
Another great place to walk along and experience Argentine street life is El Puerto de Buenos Aires. Its personality however is quite contrasting during the day and during the night.
La Boca has the Caminito pedestrian street with arts and crafts. There is also a river cruise you can take from there where you can see a huge picturesque metal structure across the river. You can try and catch a rowboat to Avellaneda on the other side of the water for 0.50 pesos, but you will have to try your luck as the rower may not allow you on citing that it's dangerous. La Boca is famous for Tango and you can often catch glimpses of Tango dancers practicing in the streets. If you fancy having a picture taking with a tango dancer you can but expect to pay a small fee. In addition to tango, La Boca is famous for its football, and you can take a tour of the La Bombonera Stadium where the buildings are painted in bright colors.
The prices for almost everything in La Boca tend to be 2 to 3 times higher compared to the rest of the city. It's very touristy since it is an enjoyable place with some authentic Argentine sights. La Boca is probably best to be enjoyed during the day when the streets are crowded and there are other tourists around, it is generally advised to be avoided at night.
There is no Subte to La Boca, but many buses go there.
The Cementerio de la Recoleta: This is where all the rich families in Buenos Aires have their final resting places. Expect to see big ornate tombs. Be sure to visit the tomb of Eva Perón, the daughter of an aristocrat and beloved First Lady who, despite having the most visited tomb in the cemetery, is considered by many to be too close toward the people for eternal interment in Recoleta.
The Palermo Viejo district: This is a trendy neighborhood with charming cobblestone streets, bookstores, bars, and boutiques; definitely better than the touristic San Telmo area for a nighttime excursion. The Palermo station, on D line, is the closest metro stop.
San Telmo: Best visited on Sundays when tourists and locals alike flood in to attend the weekly street fair and flea market. Be watchful for good deals, and bring in your own water, as it's quite expensive here. On Sunday nights, there is a tango performance in the lovely plaza, which is specifically for tourists. (Visit an underground tango club for the most amateur experience. If there is advertising, or disco ball, then it's not an amateur)
Football
Argentina has a renowned football reputation and the sport is very popular throughout the whole country. Buenos Aires and the surrounding suburbs are home to more than 15 Primera league teams, the two most international known being Boca Juniors (which resides in La Boca) and River Plate (which formerly resided in La Boca, but now resides in Belgrano). A game between these two legendary teams is called the Superclásico. Other popular teams that draw big crowds are San Lorenzo, Independiente and Racing Club just to name a few. When any of these "big five" clubs (Boca Juniors, River Plate, San Lorenzo, Independiente and Racing Club) teams play against one another it is a clasico or derby match.
Argentinian fans are known for their passion and the songs (which are practically love songs) which they sing to their teams. Even if you are not a huge football fan, going to a game just to take in the atmosphere and to observe the fans singing and cheering is a great, unique experience. While this is something you don't want to miss while visiting Buenos Aires, it can also be dangerous for travelers to go to on their own depending on the stadium. San Lorenzo and Boca Juniors stadiums are both located in so-so neighborhoods for example, standing sections at most stadiums can get rambunctious and hooligans will be present at all stadiums in certain sections.
Travelers are often advised to go with organized groups. This ensures that you can watch the game in peace and still have a great time. If you want to see a match on your own, check the club official web site to see when tickets go on sale and to who. Many stadiums do not sell tickets on game day.
Tickets for River Plate are mainly limited to season ticket holders and can possibly be purchased online through the River Plate official website. Season tickets holders and dues paying club members are given priority in the ticket distribution system (Sept 2016) so often non-members will not get a chance to buy tickets.
Argentine Tango
A trip to Buenos Aires is not complete without some sort of experience of the Tango, the national dance of Argentina. A good place to go and watch some authentic Tango is at the Confiteria Ideal Suipacha 384 (just off of Corrientes, near Calle Florida. However Tango is best experienced not in La Boca and on Calle Florida, but in the Milongas. A milonga is both a place where a Tango dance will take place, as well as a specific type of tango dance.
Milongas take place either during the day or late at night. "Matinée Milongas" usually start in the early afternoon and go until 8-10PM. They are popular with tourists who may struggle staying up until 5AM every night. Inside a milongas, you will find many locals who will be more than willing to show you how to dance. The night Milongas officially start at around 11, but don't fill up until around 1:30. They may go on until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some Milongas to note are: Salon Canning, El Beso, Porteño y Bailarin and Maldita Milonga.
There are many milongas held in different parts of the city every day. There's a free distribution guide called TangoMap Guide which contains all the information of the milongas day by day, including times and location. This guide also informs about tango teachers and tango shops, so it's the best reference for any tango lover. It it edited by Caserón Porteño, a Tango Guest House in Buenos Aires that also gives free tango lessons every day for its guests.
You can start learning tango through the group lessons offered at many studios. Some popular schools are at the Centro Cultural Borges, on the very top floor. It can be very hard to find the actual place as there are some stairs you have to go up, and then you have to go through a museum. Ask the security officer where the "Escuela de Tango" is.
Take note that in the summer time the rooms can get very hot. The Centro is within the Galerias Pacifico, the American-style mall near Calle Florida on San Martin. The best way to learn, and the quickest, even if you do not have a partner, is with private lessons. You can find instructors who charge as little as US$40 per hour, all the way up to ones that will charge US$100 per hour.
If you want to try the authentic style that the Argentines dance socially in the milongas, look up some of the milongueros who teach tango, like Alejandro Gee, Juan Manuel Suarez, Jorge Garcia, Jorge Kero. They will not only teach you traditional tango or milonga, but you can also find out a lot about the culture by hanging out with them. You can google them up for videos or in order to find them.
Many of the more 'famous' instructors command a premium price. Be warned if you start taking tango lessons it will seduce and consume your life and you will then be force to make many pilgrimages back to Buenos Aires to dance.
If you prefer to start taking lessons in reduced groups and have personal attention, there are two tango oriented hotels with professional tango teachers who offer group tango lessons every day (free for their guests). One option is Caserón Porteño and the other one
Tango Lodge. You can check the complete schedule for the tango lessons at their websites.
Bike Tours
Buenos Aires is quickly becoming a haven for urban cycling. The city government has installed over 150 km of cycle lanes in the last 5 years. The city is very flat, which makes navigating by bike very easy for any level of cyclist. Biking Buenos Aires organizes daily bike tours for those travelers looking to learn more about the city. There are also numerous bike rental shop places in BA.
Street Art
Buenos Aires has a reputation as one of the street art capitals of the world with huge murals covering tall buildings. The best street artists in the world come to Buenos Aires to paint due to the freedom the city offers.Buenos Aires Street Art Tours leads tours to see the biggest murals in the city in some of its lesser-known neighborhoods. Tours are in small groups with expert guides.
Gaucho party
Spend a night seeing what it is like to be a real gaucho. Live the life of an Argentine cowboy; ride horses, eat traditional gaucho foods, drink traditional gaucho wines, and dance like they used to do back in the day. A great way to get out of the city for a day and see another side of Argentine culture. Great for adults, kids, or anybody who ever wanted to be a cowboy when they were younger.
Skydiving
Buenos Aires hosts exhilarating skydiving activities within its clear blue skies. You can experience a 20 minute flight, followed by a 35 seconds freefall, and a slow descent of nearly 7 minutes to enjoy a breathtaking view. Discover a unique bird's-eye view of Buenos Aires and its expansive pampas as you dive through 3,000 meters (9,000 feet) of open air. There is no better place to feel the adrenaline of a Tandem Skydiving Jump.
Football Tours
LandingpadBA is a well known football tour group who organize trips to see the most popular teams in and around Buenos Aires like Independiente, Boca Juniors, Racing Club, River Plate and San Lorenzo. They provide tickets, transportation, and bilingual guides who are well informed about the teams' history, players, songs and stadiums.
Food Tours
Parrilla Tour Buenos Aires leads food tours around different neighborhoods several times a week. During the tours, participants visit and taste traditional foods at 4 restaurants, as well as learn about the history and culture around Argentine cuisine. Tours are small groups and very social. The stops chosen are hole-in-the-wall, locals only, establishments not in guidebooks.
Wine Tours
Argentina is renowned for its excellent selection of wine. The most popular being Mendoza which is rated amongst the worlds most popular regions due to its high altitude, volcanic soils and proximity to the Andes Mountains. The terrain seems to complement the European grape varietals with interesting notes not present when produced in other climates, this allows the Argentine wine to be positioned in a league of its own.
The best way to experience and understand the selection of Argentine varietals is a wine tasting, which is offered by quite a few companies and bars around the city.
Wine Tour Buenos Aires is a guided wine tasting tour in Palermo Soho. During the tour you visit 4 interesting spots, taste 4 high end wines from across Argentina, enjoy some small appetizers and learn about the wines tasted and the wine industry in Argentina. The tour is educational, but designed to be fun and relaxed.
Anuva Wines is one of the best wine tastings in Buenos Aires. They offer you 5 different wines to taste, 5 different food pairing to go with those wines, a general chat about wine culture in Argentina, and much more.
Check Wine Tour Urbano for information on wine tasting events. Usually they are organized in Recoleta or Palermo, and consist of several design and fashion stores along a street that open their doors to wineries who want to offer their wines. Very nice atmosphere, sometimes with jazz and classic live musicians playing in the streets.
Polo
Argentina is well known for having one of the best polo teams and players in the world. The largest tournament of the year takes place in december at the polo fields in Las Cañitas (Buenos Aires). Smaller tournaments and matches can also be seen here at other times of the year. For news on tournaments and where to buy tickets for polo matches, check Asociación Argentina de Polo.
Around Buenos Aires there are a few well-known polo programs. A great option is Argentina Polo Day, which runs professional polo games every day of the year as well as polo lessons for beginners and pros. Its full day program includes also a typical argentinean BBQ with unlimited wine and refreshment. The Polo Clinics includes also accommodation, they are very popular for its friendliness and professionalism. Transportation is provided, for the 45min drive from downtown to their polo ranch.
Gay Travelers
In recent years, Buenos Aires has become a popular destination for gay travelers. For international gay travelers, the "Paris of the South" has also become the gay capital of South America. Same sex marriage is legal in the country and you will find the people helpful and amiable. There are many gay oriented services to help you make the best of your stay.
Helicopter Tours
The city of Buenos Aires and its suburban surroundings cover a tremendous expanse of land that cannot be easily and quickly walked, biked, or driven. That is what helicopter rides are for. You can discover Buenos Aires from a unique perspective: see the skyline of Puerto Madero's skyscrapers, the grid of concrete streets filled with taxis and colectivos or buses, the tourist attractions including the Obelisco, Casa Rosada, and Cementario Recoleta. Tour the skies above the human traffic on an exciting helicopter ride, a different way to explore the city.
Golf
You might not think of it as you walk around this big city of skyscrapers, but there is some very good golfing very close by. There are many trips to the golf courses that make it easy and relaxing for tourists to enjoy a day on the green. . Packages include any greens fees, equipment and a caddie who you can blame when you hook that shot into the woods!
Jewish travelers
Buenos Aires is home to one of the biggest Jewish communities in the world and the biggest in South America. There are many sights and activities specifically for Jewish people. There are museums, beautiful synagogues, monuments, barrios and history for all travelers to soak up and enjoy. Tours are given around the city to hit all the major Jewish landmarks. This is a great way to see a different side of Buenos Aires that most people wouldn't think about seeing. Kosher Restaurants are available in Palermo, Once (or Balvanera). There's even a Kosher Mc Dondald's (the other is in Israel) at the Abasto Shopping Mall.
Spas
Recently, more urban spas or day spas have flourished, some of them at large hotels such as the Alvear, Hilton, Hyatt among others. Furthermore, some green spas have opened shops and offer a great range of eco-friendly treatments.
Medical Tourism
Making medical procedures part of your overall vacation package is a growing trend, and since Buenos Aires is relatively affordable for Westerners, it is at the forefront. If you decide to go the medical vacation route, there are a number of firms that have established relationships with local medical clinics who can deliver a total package. Make sure you check out the credentials of the doctors and other healthcare professionals before making your decision; that said, Buenos Aires is home to plenty of well-trained doctors with excellent reputations.
Festivals
Buenos Aires City Festivals And Events
Pope Francis
Buenos Aires is the birthplace and former home of Pope Francis, where he was the Archbishop at the Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires (Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral). The Cathedral overlooks Plaza de Mayo and is open to the public daily. There are also many historic markers in the city denoting where he was born, lived, grew up and carried out his work. The city sponsors a free narrated bus tour with stops at these sites. The tour is in Spanish and booking online in advance is recommended. English website Spanish website
Education
Foreigners have been flocking to Buenos Aires to take advantage of the great deals. For those who come to Argentina, it is essential to know, for themselves and their children, that the country's education is considered one of the best in Latin America.
The University of Buenos Aires - The Universidad Nacional de Buenos Aires is the most important school in Argentina and one of the most prestigious in Latin America. Founded on August 12, 1821, it depends financially on the State but it is autonomous, open, secular, and completely free. Furthermore, the only condition for entry is completion of the Ciclo Básico Común (also free, and part of the University).
Photography
Buenos Aires is a great photography destination, offering a huge array of locations that provide something for everyone, whatever you like photographing, Buenos Aires has it all, an exciting street art scene, gritty culture, beautiful architecture, an intriguing and visually exciting food culture and inhabitants that generally, dont mind being photographed.
Brush up on your photography skills at the following events and collages:
Foto Ruta photography experiences - A great way to experience the real Buenos Aires and learn how to take more creative photos. This is a sociable photography experience that will get you exploring the city's lesser known and more genuine barrios. Group tours like Foto Ruta Clue are good for novice photographers looking to explore the city on their own. Experienced photographers looking to enhance their skills while exploring BA with a personal guide should consider a custom tour.
EAD - A photography school offering academic courses and workshops to help you hone your skills
Spanish
Many people interested in learning Spanish choose Argentina as an inexpensive destination to accomplish this. You will hear Argentines refer to Spanish as Castellano more often than Español, which betrays the county's individuality when it comes to the language, though there is logic behind their use of Castellano. Spain has several languages. The dominant language is Castilian or Castellano, which is the primary dialect spoken in Spain, and the language of communication for all of Spanish-speaking Latin America. Spanish in Buenos Aires is Rioplatense Spanish.
The Spanish of Argentina uses the verb form of voseo instead of tu. While the Spanish of Argentina is beautiful, it is slightly unusual sounding to the rest of Latin America. You might also pick up a little of the slang of Buenos Aires known as Lunfardo, and is influenced by several other languages.
There are several options for studying Spanish. You can attend one of several fine schools, study individually with a tutor, or there are social groups where people get together for the purpose of talking in each others languages to improve their skills.
There's one Spanish School that is specialized in the language for tango and addressed at tango lovers (even when they teach anyone interested in their lessons). It is called LyCBA and also has teachers who can attend to the place where the person is staying. For more information, see: http://www.tangospanish.com
Employment
Employment is available for Spanish-speaking visitors in Buenos Aires. Many foreigners work as translators, or English teachers. There's also a recent trend for technology and recruiting companies hiring English-speaking or bilingual employees.
Call centers
It is very common for foreigners to work in call centers. There are companies that provide customer care and technical support services to many big American and European companies like Microsoft, Verizon, Vodafone, Motorola and others. If you speak just a bit of Spanish, you can get this kind of job. It should be noted that wages in call centers are much less than in countries like the USA, far lower than the difference in the cost of living. In 2007, typical wages were 1/5 of the typical rate for the same work in the USA, while living costs were between 1/3 and 1/2. Many foreigners from "richer countries" find it very hard to survive in Buenos Aires for very long unless they have other funds.
Work permit
If you wish to work, remember to obtain proper immigration status so as to be able to work legally. It is possible to convert your tourist visa into a work permit, but you need to bring with you a letter of good conduct for your country of residence and a birth certificate. Both documents has to have apostille and a certified translation to Spanish if they are not already in this language. You may find the latest requisites at "Dirección Nacional de Migraciones". Some employers may still offer you work under less than formal terms, but be reminded that if you accept this sort of employment you may not receive the full benefits that are mandated by law and are actually 'helping' that employer break a good number of local laws. Also you could receive assistance form a good immigration advisor, who could get your legal residence approved in days and also find you a job.
Shopping
Shops at shopping malls and Supermarkets are usually open from 10:00 to 22:00 hrs, 7 days a week. Non-chain, small stores usually close around 20:00 and stay closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays except on big avenues and touristic areas. All of the main avenues are full with kiosks and very small convenience stores that stay open 24 hours. You will find no less than 2 for each 100 meters you walk. In the Recoleta area, several bookstores and record stores close as late as 2:30AM daily.
Exchanging money
UPDATE: At present, exchanging money is no longer an issue as currency restrictions have been lifted with the new government from President Macri. There is still a "blue rate" but the difference to the official rate is minimum. You can obtain pesos by using your ATM card at any bank.
In October of 2011 the government implemented currency restrictions making the the purchase of foreign currencies in Argentina nearly impossible. This created an unofficial exchange rate, called the "Dolar Blue," that has varied from 25-40% more favorable to foreign currencies than the official rate. Although the parallel market is technically illegal, it is extremely common, and the major newspapers publish both the official and blue exchange rates every day. The current rate, along with a litany of other rates that correspond to different types of transactions that apply only to Argentines, can be found on "DolarBlue.net".
You will find many places to exchange money in the "microcentro", more specifically along Florida and Lavalle. There you will find banks and "Casas Cambio" who will be happy to buy your foreign currency at the official rate. You will also find people on the street shouting "Cambio". These criers represent the unofficial exchanges that are referred to by locals as the "Arbolitos", but there is a greater risk of getting counterfeit bills. Argentines with contacts go to what are called "cuevas" (caves), which exchange at the "dolar blue" rate, but as a tourist, you are less likely to have this option. Cuevas are disseminated by referral.
Some tourists use "Xoom". There you will get an exchange rate that's somewhere in between the official and the blue rate, but requires some paperwork to prove origin of funds.
Warning: Converting pesos back to another currency is currently not possible through official channels as a tourist, and exchanging your Argentine pesos in neighboring countries like Uruguay will result in a 50% loss in value, as they have a very unfavorable exchange rate. Therefore, plan to spend all your pesos before you leave Argentina.
Traveller's Checks
Traveller's Checks are rarely used and may actually be difficult to exchange, but there is an American Express office at San Martin Plaza. They don't cash their Traveller's Checks, but they will provide information about locations that do. Traveler's checks are cashed into pesos, not dollars. Banco Frances will cash them with proper identification, and are located all over B.A., including around tourist attractions such as El Obelesco.
Banks
Banks open from 10:00 to 15:00 and only on weekdays. Banelco or "Red Link" ATMs can be found around the city, but banks and ATMs are few and far between in residential neighborhoods like Palermo. Try major roads near metro stations. ATMs are the most convenient source of cash but should be used only in banks or ATMs that acted as the banks' branches.
ATM
ATM limits and fees| Some ATMs strictly limit withdrawals on foreign cards. You may be able to only get out around $2,000 Pesos (Sept 2016) per withdrawal with a limit of 2 withdrawals per day, so plan to visit the ATM often or hunt around for a more relaxed limit. Each bank has different rules, some accepting your debit/credit card with higher withdrawal limits and others with lower limits or declining foreign card. Most ATMs will have a $5-6 USD fee per withdrawal and will notify you before you attempt to complete the transaction. There are two different ATM systems in Argentina; Link and Banelco networks.
As these are the only two ATM networks to be found in Buenos Aires, plan accordingly. ATMs use the official exchange rate, but keep in mind that a "dolar blue" (parallel rate) with a slightly more advantageous rate of exchange for USD exists and it may be advantageous to simply bring a sum of US currency to avoid ATM fees and withdrawal limits.
Banking Fees
Fees for banking may be from both your bank and the Argentinian bank. Specific fee amounts depends on your bank and the ATM you use; most ATMs will charge foreign travellers around US$5-$7 per transaction, which will be added to your withdrawal amount. Sometimes the machines also dispense US Dollars for international bank cards that are members of the Cirrus and PLUS networks. Visitors from Brazil can find many Banco Itaú agencies all over the city.
Change
Change is no longer a problem in Buenos Aires, as almost everyone uses a rechargeable fare card, called a Sube, for bus fare as well as the subway. Before instituting fare cards there was a shortage of coins. You will still find, in smaller stores and kiosks, that people will round up or down by if the amount is off be less than 20 cents from a peso. Coin values are 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents as well as 1 and 2 pesos.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are very widely accepted in the city center and Recoleta, and it is not an issue to use a card for a small purchase such as lunch (though there will be a fee for using a card).
Credit cards are used less commonly in Argentina than in the USA or Europe. However, most tourist-oriented businesses accept credit cards, although sometimes with an additional handling fee to offset the fee that the merchants have to pay to the credit card networks.
When making purchases with your credit card, in many cases you will be required to show some ID. If you are a tourist, a photocopy of your passport will suffice (that saves you carrying your passport around). You will need to write down your passport number on the credit card slip when you sign it. Some stores also require a phone number.
Chip readers are beginning to appear in some large grocery chains, cafes and restaurants, but are far from a certainty.
Souvenirs
The mate: It is a sort of cup made from different materials, commonly from a dessicated vegetal core (a gourd), sometimes with silver or gold ornaments; which is used to drink mate, the most traditional social non-alcoholic beverage. The mate is drunk in Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, and southern Brazil.
Other gaucho items: Traditional clothes, knives, etc.
Leather items: The cow is totally used here: meat, milk, sausages, and leather; all high quality. You can find coats and other leather products on Murillo street though the quality of the goods here varies widely. The best place to find high quality leather goods may be the malls and other major shopping streets.
Alfajores: These traditional cake/cookies, often containing dulce de leche, are delicious.
Football Jersey: Football ('soccer' for Americans) is a huge part of Argentine culture, so it is normal to bring home a jersey to represent your time there. Shirts from River, Boca or the Argentine National Team are always very popular and make great gifts.
Tango Shoes The zona de calzados is just Past Diagonal Norte on Suipacha. You will see many shops grouped together that sell tango shoes. As with many things in Buenos Aires shop around and make sure you are not getting the gringo price. Men can buy excellent hand made leather shoes for around US$50. For those of you with time on your hands you can ask them to make you a pair. They will draw your foot on a piece of paper and you can design your own shoe for the same price. Be aware that if they tell you that it will be ready in a week, that probably means about 10 days (or around 7 business days).
Handmade Ponchos: The Native Americans in Argentina wear ponchos made of handwoven materials, usually distinct from other regions of South America. Some are seasonal, many are considered unisex. A good deal can be found, especially on the outskirts of the city.
A Bottle of Malbec: Argentina is famous for its wine, and Malbec is the signature grape of the land. A fine quality Malbec can be had for 8-10 US Dollars per bottle and makes a fine gift. If you know nothing about wine, go to a liquor store and look for the same brands/years found in nice restaurants.
Shopping Districts
Florida Street and Lavalle Street (from 500 up to 1000) are for pedestrians only and is the place to find the majority of tourist's shops in MicroCentro. At the intersection of these two pedestrian streets, there is often some sort of interesting street performance going on, especially at night.
The Palermo Viejo in Palermo has many shops that will appeal to young or artsy people (think New York's SoHo). Nearby is Murillo Street, a block full of leather houses.
Markets And Fairs
Saturdays and Sundays are great days for the outdoor markets, especially in the summer.
Recoleta: The Feria Recoleta (in Plaza Francia) is an assortment of all sorts of artisan products, from jewelry to shawls.
Palermo: Plaza Serrano in Palermo viejo comes alive in the afternoon with more artisan's handiwork and freelance clothes designers. Another nearby Plaza (in Palermo viejo) between Malabia, Armenia, Costa Rica and Nicaragua streets has stalls with items for sale. The Último Taller at Jorge L. Borges 1975 (between Soler and Nicaragua streets) sells funky candles and street address plates and markers; there are charming cats, and photos can be etched onto these plates as well. The shop is open Monday to Saturday 10AM-9PM;
San Telmo: On Sundays, Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo offers tango and antique products. Defensa street from Chile to San Juan comes to life with live performers and vendors. The crowds are thick, so keep an eye on your possessions.
San Isidro: Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, the "Feria de Anticuarios" at the train station of Barrancas has a nice athmosphere. It offers nearly 70 stands of antiques, from toys to books and stuff for your home. Check their website for pictures and more info.
San Fernando: Saturdays from 10 to 18 hs., and Wednesdays from 10 to 16 hs. This is a market where you will be buying items directly from producers, with the condition that goods are produced with social and environment ethics in mind. You'll find books, vegetables, hand made clothing, musical instruments, etc. If you plan to buy things, remember to bring your own bag. The market is located at San Fernando train station, in Madero and Rosario streets (between Sarmiento and 9 de Julio).
Dining
While the primary consumption of Argentinians is beef, there are other options in this cosmopolitan city. Italian food is pervasive but in neighborhoods like Palermo, pizza joints are seeing heavy competition from sushi, fusion, and even vegetarian bistros. Just about everything can be delivered - including fantastic, gourmet helado (ice cream).
Meat
You will want to try asado (beef/steak barbecue) at a parrilla, restaurants specializing in roasted meats. There are expensive parrillas, and more simple and cost effective ones. In either case you will likely have some of the best meat you have ever tasted. The bife de lomo (tenderloin) is unbelievably tender.
As matter in fact, the first regular |Refrigator ship is the Steamers Le Frigorifique and Paraguay, that carried frozen mutton from Argentina to France.
Jugoso means rare (literally "juicy"), however the Argentine concept of rare is very different from that of someone from the States ,perhaps its a tourist thing, but an American ordering rare is likely to get something between medium well and hockey puck. Argentines cook their meat all the way through, and they can only get away with this method because the meat is so tender that cooking it well does not necessarily mean it's shoe leather.
For Westerners, don't be afraid to order "azul" ("blue"), you will not get a blue steak, more like an American Medium Rare. If you like your meat "bloody", or practically "still walking" it might pay to learn words like "sangre" ("blood"), or to make statements like "me gusta la sangre" ("I like the blood"). Don't be afraid to spend two minutes stressing how rare you want your steak to your waiter- this is something no one talks about in guidebooks but every other American and Brit once you arrive will tell you the same thing, if you want it rare, you have to explain exactly how rare.
Only the most old school parrillas (grills) don't offer at least one or two pasta dishes and pizza is everywhere.
Pizza
Italian and Spanish food are almost native here, as the cultural heritage heralds in great part from these two countries. Other popular meals are pizzas and empanadas,small pastries stuffed with a combination of cheese and meats. They are a popular home delivery or takeaway/takeout option.
Pizza is a strong tradition in Buenos Aires. It comes al molde (cooked in a pan, usually medium to thick crust), a la piedra (baked in a stone oven, usually thin to medium crust), and a la parilla (cooked on a parilla grill, very thin, crispy crust). Best places: "Los Inmortales", "Las Cuartetas", "Guerrín", ·El Cuartito", "Banchero's", "Kentucky", "La Mezzetta" , "El Fortin".
"El Cuartito" in Recoleta has a delicious "Fugazzeta rellena" pizza. This restaurant can be packed with families and friends even at midnight.
"La Mezzetta" also sells "Fugazzetta rellena" and is a very traditional place at which in Fridays you may finde a queu that starts outside the restaurant.
In "Guerrin", ask for a slice of pizza muzarella with a glass of Moscato.
Yo Soy Vegetariano
In Buenos Aires, as in the rest of the Argentina, beef is served everywhere. However vegetarians need not despair in Buenos Aires. No less than a dozen vegetarian oriented bistros have popped up in the last few year,notably in Palermo and many spots popular with tourists offer inventive vegetarian versions of traditional meals.
Vegetarian
Vegan food is available at these restaurants:
Artemisia - 3877 Cabrera
Bio Restaurant - Humboldt 2199
Bodhi - Chile 1763
Granix - Florida 165 2nd floor
Green Life - Paraguay 2743
Los Sabios - Corrientes 3733
Lotus - Cordoba 1577
Prana Cocina Vegetariana - El Salvador 5101
Sattva - Montevideo 446
Siempre Verde - Arribeños 2127
Bio Restaurant - Humboldt 2192
Sweets
One incredible and typical Argentinian kind of "cookie", is the alfajor, which consists of two round sweet biscuits joined together with a sweet jam, generally dulce de leche (milk jam, akin to caramel), covered with chocolate, meringue or something similarly sweet.
Restaurant Guides
Guía Óleo , a local restaurant guide, includes a listing and rating of almost every restaurant in the entire city (in Spanish). For a fun restaurant guide and Buenos Aires food blog in English, follow all the foodie finds at Pick Up the Fork.
Service
Do not expect service to be comparable to large cities in Europe or in the USA. Don't expect your waiter to take your drinks order when the menu is delivered and don't expect the menu to arrive very quickly. If you want service, attract the waiters' attention, s/he will never come over to take your empty plate etc, unless they want to close.
Patience is the key. Argentinians as so accustomed to the relaxed service that they don't bother to complain directly to the waiter, but only commented toward fellow Argentinans. Speak out to the waiters if you feel it is appropriate.
Many restaurants charge an extra called "cubierto" or "servicio de mesa" (table service), so don't be surprised if you see this item in your bill. Tips are NOT part of the "servicio de mesa" and should be added separately.
A 10% tip is usually perfectly fine, but it can be more or less than that, if you consider the service was exceptionally good or bad.
Budget
There are a lot of al paso (walk through) places to eat; you eat standing up or in high chairs at the bar. Meals vary from hot-dogs (panchos), beef sausages (chorizos, or its sandwich version choripán), pizzas, milanesas (breaded fried cutlets), etc. Don't forget to indulge in the perennially popular mashed squash - it is delicious and often comes with rice and makes a full meal in itself. It is perfect for vegetarians and vegans to fill up on.
If you like to eat cheap while enjoying the flair of one of the buildings of the huge university of Buenos Aires you should hop of Línea D (verde/green) at Faculdad de Medicina and enter the building of UBA - Ciencias Económicas. The student's restaurant in the inner courtyard has a variety of very cheap breakfast and lunch offers. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives available! It is possible that other faculties offer restaurants as well.
Medium-range
You can go to a huge variety of small restaurants, with cheap and generous servings, most notably the ones owned by Spanish and Italian immigrants. There are also many places which offer foreign meals, mostly Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Arabic, Spanish, and Italian.
Siga la Vaca. , several locations throughout the city, notably in Puerto Madero and Costanera, offers buffet-style asado fresh off the grill and includes a well-stocked salad bar. Including wine, approximately $135 per person for lunch.
Las Cholas, Arce 306.Great parrilla specializing in Northern Argentine found in Las Canitas. The rooftop seating upstairs is a great environment. Don't expect to see many tourists here, just a lot of Porteños out for a three hour weekend meal. Try the Humita (made with mashed corn, cheese and spices) and Tamales (a sort of flour with minced beef) or anything off of the parrilla is great. Do not skip dessert.
Guerrin (pizza), Corrientes 1368. Go for a great pizza in a really noisy environment
El Farol, Estado de Israel 4488 (y Rocamora)."Typical argentinian food": spanish + italian + meat. Very high quality.
La Biela, (near the Recoleta cemetery). Very nice cafe just outside of the cemetery, shaded by an enormous rubber tree. In very ancient times, it was a saying: If you are not greeted at La Biela, you do not exist. When the bill comes, remember that the largest part of the cost was not the meal, but the right to show yourself there.
High Class
The most expensive and luxurious restaurants are found in the Puerto Madero zone, near downtown, heading to the River Plate.
But the nicer places in terms of decoration, food and personality are in Palermo.
The Grill at the Marriott Plaza Hotel. Acknowledged as a five star restaurant it offers the finest international cuisine and is considered among the best restaurants in Buenos Aires.
Primafila Av. Puyerredon 2501.Classy Italian restaurant where you will find thin crust pizzas due to their brick-oven (dinner only, not available during lunch hours). Extensive menu including salads, pasta, pizza, meats and seafood. Expect to pay around 20 dollars for a pizza.
Drinking
The main areas to go out are: Puerto Madero, close to the Casa Rosada. Safe during the day and night, due the obvious reason (Casa Rosada). At Recoleta area (close to the famous cemetery) there are also plenty of restaurants, bars and a cinema complex. This area used to be trendy but it is now mainly for tourists. Palermo SoHo and Palermo Hollywood are full of trendy stores, restaurants, and young and trendy bars. Palermo Las Cañitas is another nice area close to the Polo stadium. Also, San Telmo has a very bohemian, and very fun, nightlife scene. Buenos Aires has a popular cafe culture.
Cafe Tortoni Avenida de Mayo 829 between Piedras and Tacuari. Opened in 1858. The hot chocolate is incredible.
La Biela Quintana 596 and RM Ortiz. Luxurious. You can sit outside underneath a huge ancient ficus tree for a little extra cost.
Las Violetas, Av. Rivadavia 3899 (Esquina Medrano). A lovely cafe, a bit off the beaten (tourist) path but you can take the oldest subway line in the city, Line A, to get there. Well worth the trip.
Krakow Café Bar (Krakow Bar), Buenos Aires, Venezuela 474, San Telmo/Monserrat (betw.Defensa & Bolivar). 6pm-3am, F,Sat to 5am. This popular pub offers the best selection of tap beers in San Telmo, a huge variety of cocktails and top shelf liquors in a beautiful period location. Great European menu includes moderately priced tapas, picadas, pizzas, hamburgers, mains and Polish specialties. An international crowd enjoys a large projection screen for sport events, Nintendo Wii, board games, free WiFi and comfortable sofas in the living room/club section of the pub. The staff is multilingual and modern music is kept at the right volume. Happy Hour is every day till 10PM.
Confiteria Ideal is ancient and less modified but full of character; located at Suipacha 380.
Night Life
Buenos Aires has a great variety of clubs and discos that are open until late hours (6AM or 7AM) and bars that stay open 24 hours a day. Have in mind that at closing times the streets will be swarmed with people trying to get home, so it isn't easy to get a taxi and the public transportation will be very busy.
Young teens are used to staying out and by-passing the little security, so be cautious when engaging girls in provocative clothing. They might try to hit off with foreigners as part of a dare with their friends. The famous Palermo Barrios (SoHo, Hollywood, Las Cañitas or simply "PalVo") have many hip restaurants that turn into bars as it gets later.
Pacha Av. Costanera Norte y Pampa.A world renowned chain of club has a franchise in Buenos Aires showcasing local and international DJ's.
Casa Bar - Rodríguez Peña 1150 Recoleta. Popular Recoleta bar with a fantastic international beer and liquor selection, excellent American-style bar food, DJs and live music and all international sporting events on several large flat-screen TVs on the first floor and a huge projection screen on the second floor. Happy Hour specials seven nights a week from 7PM until 11PM and other drink and food specials are announced daily.
Fiesta de Piso Compartido Only once a month Piso Compartido Buenos Aires hosts the "International Party", in a great disco in Palermo. Not just normal nightclubbing, this special party includes games, surprises and a lot of fun with a warm charming athmosphere. A distinctive night in which around 1000 foreigers and locals meet in Buenos Aires. If you are lucky like me maybe you are in the city for the date. They also organize one Special Edition for the New Years Eve!
Bahrein - Lavalle 345, Microcentro. Metro Line B, station Florida. One of the trendiest clubs in Buenos Aires with a good selection of electronic music. Tuesdays are popular among locals, with accelerated drum & bass rythms. Thursdays are also a good option. The club is located within an old bank building, check the vault in the bottom floor.
El Alamo - Uruguay 1175, Recoleta,. Free beer for girls M-F until 11PM and cheap prices all the time. Satellite quality feed on 10 large flat screen TV's.
Jack the Ripper - London style pub in the heart of Recoleta. Libertad 1275.
Late Night Tango Late night tango shows are also very popular among tourists and locals alike. They often include dinner, a great show, dance lessons, and a few complimentary drinks. The dancers are all professionals and bent on putting in their best shows every single night. These shows start around dinner time, but can go well into the night. They can be a great starting block for the rest of your crazy night in Buenos Aires.
Magdalena's Party 1795 Thames y Costa Rica.A social bar with an "indie" crowd in Palermo SOHO with live DJs on weekends. They serve american style brunch on weekends.
crobar Paseo de la infanta, Palermo. A large night club located near the Palermo lakes. Known for their international DJs and electronic music.
Rock Concerts
Buenos Aires has a tradition of rock concerts going on all the time. Most of the time top international artist include several dates on their tour in Buenos Aires. Football stadiums are frequently used for the concerts.
Accomodation
You will be able to find a good selection of budget and mid range options as well as more luxurious and expensive hotels. Accommodation is scattered around the city; some places to look include:
San Telmo - budget hotels and hostels on the edge of downtown.
Palermo - chic boutique hotels on the higher end.
Recoleta - the fancy residential neighborhood is also home to the four-star and up crowd including the Park Hyatt.
Puerto Madero - an old port area which has been renovated and now hosts the best and most famous restaurants in town and multinational companies. Due to the fact that it is the most secure zone of Buenos Aires, lots of foreign travelers prefer to stay at hotels in Puerto Madero, such as the Hilton.
There are hundreds of apartments, ranging from economy to deluxe, and the prices are very good. As well as going through an agency keep an eye and an ear out for individuals who rent their upscale apartments by the day, week, or month. Many times these apartments are three times the size of a hotel at half the price.
It is worth noting that there are many short-term rental agents in Buenos Aires,a online search will bring up most of them. However the availability calendars can be misleading, since that apartments are often advertised by multiple agents and the agents don't communicate with each other. Photos can also be misleading and street noise can ruin an otherwise beautiful apartment so do some research off and on the field before signing up. If you are flexible on the area it may be better to wait until you arrive before looking - it is also easier to negotiate discounts face-to-face.
Budget
There is an enormous number (more than 150) of hostels. In the more famous hostels, booking in advance might be necessary, but you'll always find a dorm bed if you need it. There are many budget hotels where you can get your own room for no more than US$15 or US$20 per night. As of May 16, a dorm bed will cost you from ~140pesos. You will not find them advertised on the internet. They can be hard to find, but there are many. Walk down Avenida de Mayo near Café Tortoni. Start from Avenida 9 de Julio (the giant, wide one) and make your way towards the Plaza de Mayo. Look on the small side streets plus or minus two blocks and you will find many of these places.
Unlike most South American cities, the better Buenos Aires hostels will be fully booked at weekends. You can always find something, but if you want a specific hostel, book in advance.
Amable Buenos Aires Hostel Boutique, Avenida Corrientes 4965. Their hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires offers cable television, individual wardrobe with keys, heating and air-conditioning. Some of its facilities and services are Wi-Fi internet access, terrace solarium with grill, luggage storage, 24-hour security and tourist assistance. Rates start at 50.50 USD.
Sandanzas Hostel. Balcarce 1351, San Telmo. Breakfast, wifi, movies, the receptionnists are very friendly and have a lot to offer in tips to visit the city, places to go out, history of Argentina, etc. Very good atmosphere.
Los Patios de Montserrat B&B. Piedras & de Mayo Ave. Set in a superior 19th Century building, Los Patios de Montserrat invites you to enjoy a true bed & breakfast experience in their prestigious new home. Just steps away from Avenida de Mayo in the historical center of Buenos Aires, you can relax in classic style with large entryways, private balconies, high ceilings, detailed moldings, original hardwood floors and more at their always affordable rates. Free in-room Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast served everyday.
Giorgio's House Bed and Breakfast Guesthouse. Avenida Rivadavia 5012. In front of the subway and next to the park. Furnitures in wood, large rooms common kitchen, free tango classes,Breakfast, wifi,tours and cooking classes.
Casa de Papa. Avenida de Mayo 1460 Located in the very center of Buenos Aires, Casa de Papa is a small, cozy hostel for those looking for more personal attention. The owners are very friendly and love to help make your stay the best it can be. They offer discount bus and plane tickets to their guests, have a fully equipped kitchen, hot water, wifi, and delicious breakfast. Minihostels.com members get 10% off every night they stay.
El Sol Hostel. Marcelo T. de Alvear 1590 Located in the Recoleta on the corner of Alvear and Montevideo, El Sol Hostel is a friendly hostel with nice staff. It is close to many tourist attractions and only one block away from Avenida Santa Fe where it is easy to catch many different bus lines. It is a 20 minute walk from Retiro Train Station and Bus Terminal as well. There is free wifi, free breakfast, a common room, a kitchen, and dorm rooms or private rooms are available. This hostel hosts a mainly younger crowd.
Hostel Suites Florida (Downtown), Florida 328. checkin: 14PM; checkout: 11AM. Located in the most central spot of Buenos Aires, over Florida Street, the major tourist pedestrian road of the city. A few meters from the famous Corrientes Avenue, heart of the “Porteños” culture. A few blocks away from the 9 de Julio Avenue and just steps from main transportation. Buenos Aires Hostel Suites Florida has the best location possible at downtown. All our rooms possess private bathrooms, heating and air conditioned.
Hostel Suites Obelisco (Downtown), Corrientes 830. checkin: 14PM; checkout: 11AM. Surrounded by the tumult of the city, Hostel Suites Obelisco offers a calm and relaxed atmosphere in the heart of Buenos Aires. Located on Avenida Corrientes. The hostel is located near the major subway stations, lines A, B, C and D which connect to the entire city of Buenos Aires. The neighborhoods of Puerto Madero, San Telmo, Palermo and Recoleta are only a short walk from public transport lines.
Hostel Suites Palermo, Charcas 4752. checkin: 14PM; checkout: 11AM. Hostel Suites Palermo offers an innovative way of accomodation that includes new design and comfort in Buenos Aires. It is located 15 min away from Buenos Aires downtown, in Palermo Soho, a neighbourhood full of cool designers, craftsmen, museums, fabulous restaurants, top bars and great nightlife, it is also close to public transportation.
Kilca Hostel, Mexico 1545. Located in the upcoming Montserrat neighborhood, where there are few tourists and more local activity going on. This casual hostel also has an awesome vibe; it's in an early 1900s house, there's a funky kitchen and the small leafy courtyard is prime for relaxing.Rooms are lined around a small central patio, and some dorms have lofts. There are 30 beds, so it's pretty intimate, and occasional barbeques help stir the social scene further. Outside, a hammock or two are great for hanging around, and there's even a small bar area in the dining room.
Che Lagarto, Venezuela #857. South America's first private hostel chain with hostels in different locations throughout South America, including Buenos Aires. Located in the area of Plaza de Mayo-San, Telmo, the hostel offers inexpensive and good quality accommodation Rooms from 44 pesos ($12).
La MeNeSuNdA Hostel, Av. Boedo 742 Boedo Buenos Aires. This hostel is in a quiet area, away from the downtown noises, in the traditional tango neighborhood. You can still get to downtown quickly though as it is only 10 minutes away as well as being near to Almagro and Palermo Neighborhoods. It offers: breakfast, free internet and WiFi, shared kitchen, dvd room and free dvd movies, solarium and BBQ, linen included, housekeeping, lockers and security box, transfers, tours and bus-flights tickets.
Recoleta Guest House. Clean, spacious ensuite rooms in the Recoleta (Shopping) district of Buenos Aires. With hearty breakfast and good advice on where to go and what to do from hosts.
Milhouse Hostel, Hipólito Yrigoyen Street 959.Backpackers' favorite right in the center. This huge hotel has internet facilities, and shared kitchen; also organizes many tours as well as tango and Spanish lessons. Definitely a party place though and the atrium reverberates sound, making it very noisy and not an ideal place to sleep. Has a fingerprint door entry system and surveillance. Dorm: 34/38 pesos members/nonmembers (note that you have to pay your stay in advance and they do not give refunds if you decide to leave earlier than planned).
Versalles Palace, Dr. E. Finochietto. If you're looking for a simple, clean and affordable place, this is the one. Don't expect the services of a full hotel, it's much simpler, but much, much better then a hostel, including private clean bathrooms. It's not far away from downtown, with easy bus, cab or subte(subway) access.
The Clan, Alsina 912 (San Nicolas). A lively YMCA youth hostel. If you're looking to see the nightlife of Buenos Aires this is the place for you. The parties last all night in this international environment. Very affordable with very laid back staff. Full breakfast provided. Information on excursions and spanish classes can be found. Located 1 block from 9 de Julio and 2 blocks from Avenida de Mayo, it is in the center of all the action. Way better than the nearby Milhouse Hostel.
Travel - Fuera de Ruta, FueraDeRuta , San Martin 424 6°18 Buenos Aires. If you are looking for the best trip in argentina, this is the place you have to go. They offer all the best places not only in buenos aires, in all argentina. From south to north.
Teresita B&B, Spiro 456 Adrogue. Charming brick wall, ground floor unit with exposed cypress beam high-ceilings and Mexican terracotta-tile flooring. Rustic furnishings with South American indigenous art accents. Antique bathrooms fixtures. Designed to provide the ultimate in privacy, blending rustic beauty with modern amenities for a truly comfortable experience while in Buenos Aires.
Arahaus hostel, Calle Mexico 1482 (second floor), Congreso. A sweet home located on Calle Mexico, Congreso (at the south end of centro). This is a converted apartment with just a few nice rooms. Free internet and a TV in the front room. It is run by a really nice chica called Hebe, who will make you feel at home, and it is cheap (current prices are: US$20/ARS$100 per night for a double room as of Feb. 2011). Hebe actually prefers to host students who will stay for several weeks or months (prices then get cheaper) but is open to one or just a few nights. Anyway, it is definitely worth checking out for a tranquil stay in Buenos Aires.
El Firulete. Great spacious hostel in the Microcenter (Maipu 208). Large lounge with TV and projector, Free internet, helpful staff, average breakfast. $14 USD for a private room.
La Posta del Barto. A rather calm hostel in a nice old house. free internet, kitchen, breakfast included. dorm: 18 pesos.
Hostel San Telmo Only 14 pesos per person per night. However, it is a bit cramped but this creates the feel of a real family atmosphere, It is located in the middle of San Telmo close to restaurants, its a cheap place to hangout and get to know some interesting people!
Gran Hotel Espana (not to be confused with the Hispano), Tacuari 80. Across from there is Hotel Uruguay. 45 to 50 pesos for a single room. Rooms are nice, but typically will not have air conditioning.
Hostel Belgrano (your home in Buenos Aires), Moldes 1785. New hostel with official government certification opened in 2008. Clean, comfortable, private and shared rooms available for short term and long term stays. Airport transportation (check schedules), WiFi and breakfast included in price. Spanish classes and City Tours also available. $25.
Lo de Costa B&B, Gaspar Campos 1550 - Vicente Lopez. Located in the renowned neighborhood of Vicente Lopez , this family house offers ample rooms and a quality service in a quiet street just 20 minutes away from Buenos Aires.
V&S Hostel Club, Viamonte 887 (Capital Federal) (500 meters from the Colón Theater, the Obelisco, pedestrian and commercial streets Florida and Lavalle, and Corrientes Avenue). The V&S Hostel Club is in a beautiful refurbished house whose history dates back to the 19th century. It is located in the heart of Buenos Aires and combines both the old with the new. The rates include daily maid service, luggage storage facilities, breakfast buffet style, sheets/blankets, individual bathrooms, heat and ceiling fans in all rooms.
Play Hostel (Hostel in Palermo, Buenos Aires), Guatemala 4636, Palermo. Just 6 blocks from Serrano Park and nearby Palermo Soho's chic cafes and shops, the hostel offers pop music-themed décor in a renovated colonial-style house. Massage session are available. Wi-Fi is free. A continental breakfast with regional jams and treats can be enjoyed at the patio, decorated with traditional colonial-style painted glass. Guests can also make use of the common kitchen to prepare their own meals. Rates start at 12 USD (Dorm for 10 people).
Hostel Estación Buenos Aires (Hostel in Buenos Aires), Solis 458, Congreso. A short walk from the Obelisk, Estación Buenos Aires Hostel offers budget, shared and private accommodations with a 24-hour reception desk. Wi-Fi is free. A continental breakfast is served every morning at the Estación Buenos Aires. There is also a bar for evening drinks. Rates start at 11 USD (Dorms for 4 and 6 people.).
Middle Class
Godoy Cruz Suites, Godoy Cruz 2459, Palermo Soho. checkin: 14 hs.; checkout: 12 hs. 380 dollars weekly.
Alpino Hotel, Cabello 3318, Barrio de Palermo. All rooms have wardrobe, television, safe, minibar, heating, air conditioning and complimentary Wi-fi. Some of its facilities and services are cafe, garage, valet parking, crib or cot for kids, laundry and dry cleaning service.
Centuria Hotel, Suipacha 30, C1008AAB. All rooms are equipped with desk, television, Wi-Fi, minibar, wake-up service, bathroom and safe. Some of its facilities and services are bar, elevator, restaurant, gym, business center, medical assistance, laundry/dry cleaning, Wi-Fi, room service, 24-hour front desk and safe. Rates start at 117.37 USD.
Tres 65 Concept Buenos Aires, Tucumán 900. This hotel in Buenos Aires offers room equipped with cable television, microwave, minibar, internet connection, room safe, air-conditioner with individual control, electric kettle, electric stove and dining ware. Some of its facilities and services are laundry service, dry cleaning, room service, transfer service, car rental parking and travel agency.
Hotel Diplomat, San Martin 918. All rooms equipped with Air-conditioning, TV with cable channels, Work desk and American breakfast. Some of its facilities and services are Room service, Bicycle rental, Airport transfer, car rental, Currency exchange Cafe and bar. Rates start at 85 USD.
Alma del Plata, Santiago del Estero 727. Superior room, plus room, premium room and suite, all equipped with air-conditioning, 26-inch LCD TV, and Free Wi-Fi Internet connection. Facilities and services are room service, Espacios del Alma business center, Cocina del Alma Restaurant. From USD 95.59.
Reserva La Juana, Rio Carabelas y arroyo Toledo, Islas del Delta. Superior Double, Standard Quadruple and Superior Quadruple all equipped with fan, heater, television and mini-bar. Facilities and services are Private beach area, Outdoor swimming pool and Water sports facilities. From ARS 700.00.
Gaia Anderson Hotel, Sánchez de Bustamante 447. Great location, modern and fresh rooms. Restaurant with a star chef that prepares a magical breakfast buffet and a la carte dining experience. The hotel facilities include gym, sauna and swimming pool. Rates start at $80 USD in low season.
Tesorito B&B. Ecuador y Charcas. A nice B&B located in safe, central of Buenos Aires.
Nunez Suites Hotel, Nunez 2129. All rooms amply furnished with modern comforts to complete a lovely stay such as air-conditioner, cable TV, and Internet connectivity. Some of the amenities they offer are airport transfer, laundry service, and wake-up call. Rates start at USD 60.00.
Hotel Boutique Racó de Buenos Aires, Yapeyú 271, Buenos Aires, Cod. Surrounded by a nice and quiet atmosphere, historical cafés and buildings keeping their original facades. Every room is delicately decorated with style and unique vanguard design. They are all equipped with a private bathroom, air conditioner and a 32” LCD cable TV.
La Acacia. In the middle of beautiful Belgrano, a very nice B&B, with nice owners who make a lovely home-made breakfast. Close to metro (green line) and divers bus lines.
Art Hotel [131] Award winning and well-decorated yet simple hotel located at Azcuenaga 1268 in Recoleta. Prices from 315-463 pesos($85-125. The neighborhood is safe and has the Subte less than five minutes away. Internet terminal and free WiFi are available in the lobby. Staff are kind and helpful but the breakfast is only average.
Atlas Tower Hotel.Modern hotel, well situated in Corientes/Callao, almost in front of Callao underground station. Rooms: 222- 259 pesos ($65-70). Staff are very kind and helpful. Free internet access from hotel's PC.
Ayacucho Palace Hotel.Three star hotel with an excellent location, on a relatively quiet street in upscale Recoleta. Three blocks from the cemetery, and walking distance from several of the city's best museums. Very helpful staff. Rooms: 185-259 pesos (US$ 50-70).
BA City Residencial Hotel, Besares 1840, Nunez, Cod. BA City Residencial Hotel is in Nuñez, a commercial neighborhood on the banks of Rio de la Plata, north of Buenos Aires. The area is known for its bustling activities, especially along Libertador Avenue and Cabildo Avenue. Due to its proximity to the commercialized avenues surrounding Nunez and the rest of Northern Buenos Aires, this bed and breakfast type of inn is an ideal spot for tourists who want to witness more of the city's active life.
Babel Boutique Hotel, Balcarce 946, (1064), Buenos Aires, Argentina. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 11:00. Hotel Babel is a smart boutique hotel set in an historic mansion in San Telmo, the bohemian colonial quarter of Buenos Aires.
The Cocker. From the look of their website, you'd think it would sit in the 'splurge' section, but at US$80-105 per room they're definitely mid-range. The place has been getting rave reviews everywhere, is right in the middle of San Telmo and run by a male English couple!
Giorgio's House Buenos Aires Bed and Breakfast, Avenida Rivadavia 5012,Buenos Aires, Argentina. Very nice Bed and Breakfast with a helpful staff. Next to the park, restaurants,cinemas, supermarkets and in front of the subway. Hand-made furniture in wood
International Nest, Ciudad de la Paz. many different options in the most popular neighborhoods of Buenos Aires : San Telmo, Recoleta, Puerto Madero, Palermo Soho & Hollywood. Options starting at US$45 to $180 per night per person.
The Gran Hotel Hispano on Avenida de Mayo, near Cafe Tortoni is per night. Rooms are arranged around an interior courtyard and there are three floors of rooms. You can use the gym on nearby Piedras if you stay here. There are some triples available, which overlook the Avenida de Mayo. Other rooms have doors overlooking the interior courtyard where you have the option of closing and locking your shutters, still allowing the air to flow through whilst maintaining privacy. Shutters also block the light and allow you to sleep in late if you wish. The hotel comes equipped with showers but no bathtubs.
Hotel Goya. Located at Suipacha 748, in the heart of the microcentro this three-star hotel is a few blocks from the Florida pedestrian mall, a short walk from the central Retiro railway station and frequently has passing taxis where you can take a cheap cab ride to the surrounding suburbs. The superior rooms are 120 pesos and are worth the extra 30 pesos more than classic rooms by virtue of a larger, newly renovated bathroom. Friendly and helpful staff. Breakfast offers a large selection of very good pastries and cakes.
Hotel Niken. Hotel Niken is located at Buenos Aires, Argentina. It offers standard rooms, premium double rooms, executive suites, and master suites, all of which have mini-bar, cable TV, and Internet connection. Some of its amenities include swimming pool, fitness room/gym, and beauty parlor. Best rates on official website start at ARP 185+.
Ribera Sur. Small boutique hotel, complete with wheelchair access and a swimming pool at Paseo Colón 1145 in San Telmo. Prices are around 450 pesos (US$90). It is close to the market on Defensa and has friendly reception staff who help you with translations if you need them. Dinners served in its restaurant are priced the same as a normal parilla place but the food is up a notch. Free WiFi and computer at the lobby.
Spot BNB Boutique Hotel, Guardia Vieja 3532, (1192), Buenos Aires, Argentina.Spot BNB Boutique Hotel is in the heart of the lively Abasto neighborhood just 10 minutes from the Casa Rosada. This boutique hotel enjoys access to many of the city’s key places. These include the famous Florida Street and the nearby shopping mall.
Le Vitral Petit Hotel Boutique hotel located in a historic house in downtown Buenos Aires. It has 9 rooms on two floors. All rooms have large windows and some have a balcony or terrace, hot tub or jacuzzi. Its architecture and ambience, along with the personalized service that is provided will make your stay an unforgettable experience.
BuenosAires-Rents - Short Term Rentals. It's a good temporary rentals agency with a lot of apartaments in the city that you can rent for all the time you need. There have cheap and expensive apartments.
Rochester Hotel M, Esmeralda 556, Buenos Aires. It's located in downtown Buenos Aires. It's suitable for both business trips and vacatioanls trips. It has a big restaurtant, a bar and a fitness center.
Rochester Hotel Concept, Maipú 572, Buenos Aires. Hotel for business travellers. All rooms are equipped with Led TV with cable, mini-bar, business desk, safe and have access to high speed internet. The hotel has a business center and fitness center.
Rochester Hotel M, Esmeralda 542, Buenos Aires. It's located in downtown Buenos Aires. This hotel has a gym, a restaurant, a bar that offers cocktails drinks and high end drinks. The rooms have independent climate control.
High Class
Palermitano, Uriarte 1648, Palermo. All rooms have minibar, safe, Wi-Fi, LCD television, Ipod dock, telephone, Private toilet and bath. Some of its facilities and services are bar, restaurant, swimming pool, room service, 24-hour reception, Wi-Fi, car rental, nursery/child care and concierge. Rates start at USD 156.00.
The Regal Pacific Hotel ,Beautiful 5 star boutique hotel, fantastic location. 25 de Mayo 764, Buenos Aires 1002 ABP, Argentina.
The InterContinental is on Piedras and Moreno streets, close to the San Telmo and Montserrat areas. Other international-class hotels are the Alvear Palace Hotel (said to be the most luxurious hotel in South America) in Recoleta, the Hilton in Puerto Madero, the Marriott-Plaza, the Sheraton in Retiro, and the Park Hyatt Buenos Aires - Palacio Duhau in Recoleta.
There are also many suites-only hotels like the Broadway Suites which are very close to the Obelisk. The stylish and Bohemian Palermo Soho and Palermo Viejo neighborhoods are home to some of the trendiest small boutique hotels in Buenos Aires. These hotels offer the amenities of their larger international chain counterparts, plus a more personal style of service, often at a fraction of the cost.
725 Continental Hotel, Av.Roque Saenz Pena 725, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentinia. The building, built in 1927 with a distinguished French style became a symbol of Buenos Aires architecture. Today the Hotel Continental is reborn under a new name and a modern and contemporaneous style. Best rates on official website start at US$230.
Alvear Palace, in Recoleta. Up scale 5 star hotel, with traditional and timely furnishings. It is considered the best and most luxurious in Buenos Aires, and one of the top destinations in South America.
Broadway Hotel and Suites, Av. Corrientes 1173. It offers 110 rooms that comprises 56 junior suites, 6 executive suites, 4 deluxe suites, 38 duperior rooms and 6 corner superior rooms. Some of its amenities include outdoor swimming pool, LCD screen television with cable channels, and wireless high-speed internet connection. While staying here, you can visit some interesting places like Obelisco, Broadway Theater, and Puerto Madero. Best rates on official website start at USD 176.00.
Design Suites Hotel, Marcelo T. de Alvear 1683. Luxury boutique hotel with the ultimate expression of design, blending magically with the green spaces of Buenos Aires. Located near the Obelisco close to all the most important places. Best rates on official website start at US$115.
Espacia Suites, 1135 Amenabar St., ZIP (C1426AJS). Espacia Suites is in the residential neighborhood of Belgrano. Some of its services includes swimming pool and solarium, Wi-Fi in public areas, Cable TV, electronic locks with chip technology cards, safety box in all suites (laptop size), bilingual personnel, and luggage room. Room rates starts at 407 pesos (US $110).
Faena Hotel, in the Puerto Madero district. Brand-new hotel with lots of bars in the lobby and a pool at the front.
Four Seasons Hotel. Has a walled garden.
Hilton Buenos Aires, Avenida Macacha Güemes 351, C1106BKG Buenos Aires. Situated in Puerto Madero, the trendiest area in town, just like the London dockland, Hilton Hotel in Buenos Aires is a short walk to the financial district, tourist attractions, more than 70 restaurants and amazing nightlife, with quick access routes to both the domestic and international airports.
Hotel 562 Nogaro, Avenida Julio A. Roca 562, Capital Federal Argentinia. The Hotel Nogaró Plaza de Mayo is in the historical, commercial and financial heart of Buenos Aires. It was originally built in 1930 and it has been recently renovated in keeping with its classic French style. Many of the city's major attractions are within 200 meters, and a ten-minute walk will bring guests to shopping areas and entertainment venues. The Hotel Nogaro Plaza de Mayo is convenient for the business, as well as the leisure traveler. Best rates on official website start at US$110.
Hotel de Diseno, Marcelo T. de Alvear 1695. Designed by renowned architect Ernesto Goransky, this spectacular new 28 suite hotel with patio and plaza rooms, plaza and balcony suites, and balcony lofts. Best rates on official website start at US$110.
Hotel Plaza Francia, E. Schiaffino 2189 esq. Av. del Libertador, (1129 ACC). American buffet breakfast, bar and lobby lounge, dry cleaning and laundry, business centre, gym, and bilingual personnel.
Imperial Park Hotel, 101 Lima St. (C1073AAC). Imperial Park Hotel provides standard rooms, junior and executive suites with air-conditioning, mini-bar, high-speed internet and breakfast. Restaurant, fitness room, room service and dry cleaning.
Marriott Plaza Hotel Buenos Aires, Florida St. The place has not been kept up well and falls short of a 5 star hotel. It's still a very convenient location.
Melia Recoleta Plaza, La Recoleta. 5 star, within walking distance from the financial and commercial centre.
Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt, Avenida Alvear 1661, (C1014AAD). Opened in 2006, 5 star hotel, situated in a restored Palacio (built in 1934). The hotel is also home to the Ahin Spa, one of the leading spas in Buenos Aires.
Pestana Buenos Aires, Carlos Pellegrini. High end hotel with helpful staff. There is also a butler service.
Piedras Suites, Piedras 906. 15 condominium units with A/C, kitchen and buffet breakfast. Terrace, conference room, travel agency and airport transfer.
Tailor Made Hotel, Arce 385. 5 comfortable rooms with common and private terraces and a "Salon" on the ground floor. Offering drinks and bar snacks.
Your Safety
Emergency numbers
General Emergencies Line - Toll free call 911
Emergency - Ambulance emergency service SAME (Immediate Health Emergency Service), Toll free call. 107
Fire department - 100
Tourist Ombudsman - Communicate with the Tourist Ombudsman, phone number: +54 (11) 4302 7816.
To contact personally, can go to Ave. Pedro de Mendoza 1835 ("Benito Quinquela Martin" Museum) in the neighborhood of La Boca. From Monday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Tourist Police Station - As of August 2016, it is closed permanently. No one bothered to update the websites or even leave a note on the door of the building. You must go to a regular police station. Corrientes 436. 0800 999 5000 (toll free)/4346 5748 (turista@policiafederal.gov.ar). Provides information in English, Italian, French, Portuguese, and Ukrainian.
Crime
Many people travel in Buenos Aires without incident, but as with any large city crime is an issue for tourists and residents alike. Conduct yourself intelligently as you would in any large city. Be especially careful at night, and stay away from squares.
The most frequent incidents of crime involve distraction theft, bag and cellphone snatching, and armed robberies in the street, in taxis and in restaurants. Distraction thefts commonly occur in public areas such as internet cafes, train stations, and bus stations. You should keep a close eye on your personal possessions and bags at all times. In some public spaces you will find chairs with webbing and clips to clip to your bag or purse to the chair. An aid in avoiding problems is, dress to blend in and avoid carrying lots of items. It is safer to travel with just the bare necessities in your front pocket.
While using public transportation or walking around common sense should be used as in every big city.
Avoid using your cellphone and other electronics close to the curb or while riding public transportation. Cellphone snatching is most commonly perpetrated by bike or bicycle riders on people waiting at bus stops or crossing the street, and by "jumpers" who jump to reach into a bus or metro window or who are actually riding said transport and snatch your cellphone and run off when the doors open. Is possible, stop inside a shop to check your phone, and carry it inside your bag or inside pockets at all other times.
In a common scam one person sprays something on the victim like hand cream mustard or the like. Another person tries to help the victim. There can be several people at once working in coordination. The object is to distract you from your belongings and, in the chaos, steal from you. Avoiding confrontation is their object so do the same. Ignore their 'help', just focus on your belongings and extracting yourself from the scene.
Another common occurrence is the slitting of handbags in crowded places. Be particularly attentive in popular tourist areas, such as San Telmo. You should avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing ostentatious jewelery.
Be aware of a guy claiming to be a Dutch/Belgian traveller (blond/brown hair, Overweight, Blue Eyes, about 40 years old, who got 'mugged' at the station (or in a taxi, or a similar story), having everything including his passport and backpack taken and with nowhere to stay that night. He will engage you in conversation at length and is a con artist who is VERY persuasive and convincing. He will use every trick in the book to win you over. Do not help him out, he has been doing this for 8 years or more and systematically targets travellers. If he approaches you and there is a police officer nearby report him. He last successfully conned someone this way in Buenos Aires in late June 2017.
The dangers of hailing a taxi has received lots of press but is not common. Petty crime continues,like taking indirect routes or incorrect changes during payment. Taxicabs that loiter in front of popular tourist destinations like the National Museum are looking for tourists, and some of these drivers are less honest than others. Do things like the locals would be a good choice, like stopping a cab a block or two away on a typical city street.
If a woman or even a man apparently normally calls you on the street to see a "presentación" and earn massage girls for free, without commitment, the first time, do not pay attention and leave! In fact, they are agents of brothels. Once taken "inside", they do not let you out, physically preventing you, until they disburse a large sum of money. This type of scam is relatively common in the center, especially in Corrientes Avenue, Florida Street, and Lavalle Avenue.
Counterfeit Money
Counterfeit money is frequent, especially from a regular exchanger of currencies from people of various lifestyles like taxi drivers giving you 5$ fake change, so be on the lookout for counterfeit bank notes being given with your change. Some counterfeit notes are very well done and may even have what appears to be a watermark. Get to know the notes and exactly what they look and feel like, also identify the water marks and serial numbers. When exiting a taxi, hold up your notes to the light to check them before final exit, or better yet, use exact change in taxis.
Be careful of counterfeit money. There have been occasions where genuine bills have been exchanged for counterfeit ones. Counterfeit bills are mostly fifties, given as changes. Hundreds are frequently given back to tourists by deceiving exchangers claiming that counterfeit bills were given to them, after they have switched the bill given to them with a fake one. Using exact or almost exact changes will pretty much solve most of this kind of problems.
Don't accept torn or damaged bills, as they are difficult to use.
Characteristics of good currency can be found at the Argentine Central Bank web site.
Ezeiza International Airport
As any large airports in many countries, there are records of airport staff stealing from the passengers.
In July of 2007, Argentina's TV network "Canal 13" conducted an investigation revealing that several security operators at the airport are stealing valuable objects such as iPods, digital cameras, cellular phones, sun glasses, jewelry, laptops, and other valueables while scanning the luggages of passengers.
According to the special report, security operators at the airport are supposed to check each luggage before putting it into the plane; however, some operators take advantage of the scanner machine to detect valuable objects and steal them. The report states that this event occurs every day. The stolen items include anything from electronic devices to perfumes and works of art or even expensive clothes such as football jerseys or leather coats.
Travelers and residents are strongly encouraged to place high-value items in your carry-on luggage to prevent any incidents. However, since these carry-on luggages will be scanned too before being carried into the plane, their insides are also at risk of being stolen. With the staff or accomplice distracting the passengers,usually when the staff is searching for any metal or other item on the passenger, while another staff or accomplice steal the items. Another extra accomplice from outside the airport will usually pick up the items later.
Wrapping your baggage and carry-on luggage when leaving and arriving is an idea, since for only around US$16,50. you can discourage robbers from opening and probably breaking it. However for checked-in baggage, it can not be used for passengers exiting and entering the U.S.A., since the T.S.A. demanded that all checked-in baggage to be easily accessible. While wrapping a carry-on luggage will pretty much also denied you of quick access to the carry-on luggage.
Before and after check-in, It would be better to carry only 1 carry-on item and place all of your items,including tickets, wallets, handphones,any metal such like a beltbuckle, and so on securely inside and not easily accessiblle, requiring the entire carry-on item to be stolen and only 1 item to be watched upon. Travelling in groups will also allow you to divide the task of minding your belongings, one person or more can guard the belongings, while another one is being scanned by the metal detector.
Health And Hygiene
Water - The plumbing water in Buenos Aires, unlike in many Latin American cities, is drinkable straight from the tap.
Hospitals - Public hospitals are available for tourists, with 24 hr emergency service, without charge.
Animals - There are many stray animals in the city. They usually do not cause harm, but be careful not to touch them as they may harbor diseases and you may not be aware of their temperament.
Getting Out And Around
La Plata - located 56 kilometres south of Buenos Aires, La Plata is easily accessible with buses running from Retiro, trains running from Constitución station much more reliable, fast and cheap service than the buses and various other points in the city multiple times per day. A medium-sized, student-centered city, La Plata is known for its array of plazas, its Central Park-like Bosque, and its vibrant music scene.
Capilla del Senor - a quaint old town filled with memories of colonial times, it is ideal for a weekend visit. You can complete your day out with a bicycle tour, a hot air balloon ride or a trip on an old historic steam train.
Tigre - a town up the river delta where people can go shopping or take boats to go further up river to explore the habitat, with a quaint amusement park, a great crafts fair on the weekends, a multi-storied casino, and a beautiful river to walk along. A popular choice is to take a boat ride through the Parana Delta, ideal on a sunny day. It is an easy 45 minute train ride from the Retiro train station in the north east of Buenos Aires. There are many tours that go to Tigre, and it's a great place to get out of the city for a day and get some fresh air. The most popular day to go is Sunday, but there are things to do all week long.
Parana Delta, Tigre
Lujan - famous for its incredible (although controversial) zoo and its world famous cathedral. Other than that, it is just a great place to go for a day if you want a break from the city. There are tours all the time that can help you get there and show you where to go once you arrive.
San Antonio de Areco - located 113km from the city of Buenos Aires, Areco is an old-fashioned village with quaint colonial architecture. Exploring the streets you will discover ancient houses with colonial fences and narrow footpaths that speak of historic times.
Montevideo - a major city in Uruguay across the Rio Plata. You can get there by ferry that departs from the ferry terminal in Puerto Madero, at the bottom of Avenida Cordoba.
Colonia del Sacramento - a historic town in Uruguay that can be reached from the same ferry terminal.
Carlos Keen - a small, magical town, stopped in time somewhere in the 19th century. A gastronomic haven, Carlos Keen is full of restaurants and tea houses.
San Isidro - an upscale neighborhood which consists of the old city zone, with colonial houses in front of the Río de la Plata, the area behind the famous Cathedral, whose gardens take over the tracks and lead to an open view of the river, as well as the areas around Plaza Mitre where time seems to have stopped. San Isidro is still the oldest and most traditional neighborhood in the area.
La Candelaria, Provincia de Buenos Aires
La Candelaria - You can spend a weekend in this old castle, which corresponded to the Pineiro family. It is only about 1 hour by car from Buenos Aires.
Iguaçu Falls - too far for a day trip but close enough for a 2-3 day trip and one of the world's most amazing natural wonders. Accessible via air (1:40h flight) or bus.
Tomas Jofre - Very very small town, 12 km from the city of Mercedes, it is a nice place to go for eating.
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