I recently wrote about an amazing trip I took to Mendoza with my husband last year. On that trip, we also explored Buenos Aires, and beyond, capturing some of the best sights of Argentina Here is some information on where to go, what to do, and of course, what to eat!
Exploring Buenos Aires
Where to Stay: Hotel Bobo. Buenos Aires is divided into many different parts, with Palermo being the super hip, trendy part of town. Hotel Bobo is in Palermo, which means you are close to plenty of great restaurants and shops. The hotel itself is modern and clean, with a restaurant that offers a great breakfast as well as coffee and pastries in the afternoon and dinner in the evening.
What to Do: While exploring Buenos Aires, I recommend first and foremost wandering around the city. Buenos Aires is a wonderful, cosmopolitan city. Palermo is filled with cafes and bars where you can have coffee, and then transition to evening cocktails and late night dinner (no one eats before 9pm at the earliest in Argentina!) Once you are acclimated to your neighborhood, there is much to explore:
• Centro: Exploring Buenos Aires would not be complete without visiting the center of the city. See the Obelisk, built in 1936, the Plaza de Mayo, where the President’s pink mansion is, and the Opera House, which is just an amazing work of architecture. The Opera House is located on the widest avenue in the world: Nueve De Julio.
• La Boca: This neighborhood is where the huge influx of Italian immigrants settled early in Buenos Aires history. They brought with them the colors and flavor of the Mediterranean, and the buildings reflect every color in the rainbow. Very funky, fun to wander around.
• Recoleta Cemetery: This is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world. Eva Peron is buried here, as is one of Napoleon’s granddaughters. It has been in existence since the 1700s. The Recoleta neighborhood is like the Upper East Side of Buenos Aires, feel free to take a stroll after you visit the cemetery.
• San Telmo: When exploring Buenos Aires, don’t forget about San Telmo. The oldest part of the city is characterized by colonial buildings. Check out one of the area’s open air antique markets!
• El Tigre: This is where the rich and famous have their summer homes. You can take a boat trip up the Delta River to El Tigre, where you will board another boat to see the gorgeous delta and its islands.
Where to Eat: When exploring Buenos Aires, one of the highlights is indulging in all the great eats throughout the city. Some of my favorites:
• Café Tortino: This French style bistro is wildly popular with tourists and locals, for good reason. The fare is simple, sandwiches and salads, but the pastries are fantastic, as is the coffee. Treat yourself to a crispy croissant, lemon pie, or black forest cake. The venue also hosts tango shows in the evening, which is an absolute must if you are in Buenos Aires. See their website for a schedule of shows.
• Freddo: The best gelato in town! Be sure to sample the dulce de leche flavor (dulce de leche is the famous caramel sauce of Argentina!).
• La Cupertino: It’s a homey spot where empanadas are an art, and the owner, Cecilia Hermann, is a legend. La Cupertina’s empanadas are half the size of street versions but much more delicious; try the humita y cebolla y queso empanada, which is corn, onion and cheese.
• Quimbobo: Located in the heart of Palermo, this charming venue has a great rooftop where you can have an awesome dinner highlighting dishes from around the world. Sample housemade ravioli, wok fried vegetables, an Indian thali, or a cheese quesadilla.
• Pizza Morelia: Pizzas are different in Argentina than in Italy and the US; they have thicker, chewier crusts, are super cheesy, making them quite delicious. The ones at Pizza Morelia are typical of the country. In addition to pizza, they have pasta, and of course, empanadas.
Exploring beyond Buenos Aires:
EL CALAFATE
Where to Stay: Hotel Esplendor. This gorgeous hotel has an upscale bar, a wonderful restaurant, and a cozy heated indoor swimming pool. Service is impeccable, and the views from the hotel are gorgeous. It is also walking distance from the main town, where you can enjoy food, drinks, and shops.
What to Do: You will have to fly to Patagonia from Buenos Aires, but it is well worth the trip. El Calafate is named after a berry that is native to the area; so be sure to sample el calafate gelato, liquor, and syrup!
• Glaciar Perito Moreno: This massive glacier, located in the Parque Nacional Glaciares, is one of the most beautiful sights you will ever see in your life. Once you arrive at the National Park you will take a boat around the glaciers, for a close up look. It is an absolutely unforgettable experience.
• The Glaciarium: The world’s only museum dedicated to the study of glaciers is not only interesting and educational, but it also has an ice bar! Put on a cape and treat yourself to a beverage in this below-zero bar.
• Off-Roading: Take advantage of the stunning Patagonian scenery by going off-roading.
Where to Eat:
• Restaurante La Cocina: Argentina is known for their great Italian food because of the high number of Italians who immigrated to Argentina. At this cozy spot enjoy housemade pastas, salads, great bruschetta, and plenty of wine.
IGUAZU FALLS
Where to Stay: La Cantera Jungle Lodge. With a focus on protecting the environment, this lodge is right next to the famed Iguazu Falls. The lodge has a pool and a restaurant.
What to do: Visit the waterfalls! These gorgeous waterfalls are the 5th biggest in the world. Your hotel can arrange a guide to take you to the falls via a small open-air train. At the waterfalls you can walk and hike all day. Be sure to bring your camera!
The Verdict: There’s plenty to see, do, and eat when exploring Buenos Aires and beyond. Have you been to Argentina? What are your recommendations? Leave them in the comments!
Planning a trip and your blog is really useful
Thanks for the feedback!
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