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NAME: Lauren

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CITY: Buenos Aires

 

COUNTRY: Argentina

 

YEAR OF TRIP: 2015

 

HOW LONG WERE YOU THERE? 4 months

 

BEST TIME TO GO: I was there in the fall and loved it! Keep in mind its in the southern hemisphere so seasons are different

 

GREATEST CHALLENGE: Language Barrier. Distance from airport. Theft is common.

 

WHAT MAKES THIS PLACE SPECIAL? The culture of the country is pulsing through the city, the people are incredible and king. Great public transport, food, nightlife. A very cultural experience and authentic Spanish language.

 

MUST EAT:

• Empanadas - from any empanandaria anywhere!

• Libros del Pasaje - adorable book store cafe

• Parrilla Don Julio - traditional steakhouse

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MUST SEE:

• Teatro Colon

• Recoleta Cemetery

• La Casa Rosada

• El Ateneo

• Floralis Generica

 

MUST DO:

• La Bombda del Tiempo, Mondays only

• Feria de San Telmo, Sundays only

• Drink some Malbec and lay in a park

 

Other Recommendations:

• Trip to Mendoza

• Trip to Patagonia - most amazing place. Hike El Perrito Moreno glacier, while it's still around!

 

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NAME: Olivia

 

CITY: Buenos Aires

 

COUNTRY: Argentina

 

YEAR OF TRIP: 2017

 

HOW LONG WERE YOU THERE? 4.5 months

 

BEST TIME TO GO: October/ early November

 

GREATEST CHALLENGE: Language (even though most people speak at least some English) and use of the bus system if you don’t know the city well

 

WHAT MAKES THIS PLACE SPECIAL? Incredibly diverse culture of the city both in the people who live there and in the different neighborhoods

 

MUST EAT:

•  Milanesas (El Club de la Milanesa): Flat pieces of meat, breaded and fried with things on top

•  Italian food (Il Quotidiano on the corner of Callao and Juncal): with a lot of Italian immigrants living in the city, the italian food is to die for

• Empanadas (little pies with different fillings including beef, chicken, cheese, and vegetables)

 

MUST SEE:

•  Plaza de Mayo (this includes El Cabildo, Catedral Metropolitana where the pope used to be the priest, and Casa Rosada which you can get tours of on the weekend)

•  El Centro (this includes the Obelisco and the giant BA, shopping, and restaurants)

• Puerto Madero (this includes la Puente de la mujer, restaurants, and the ecological park)

 

MUST DO:

•  Tour the Recoleta Cemetery

•  San Telmo Fair on Sundays

• Walk around Palermo (including the Bosques de Palermo, the Rose Garden, and Floralis Genérica which is a giant metal flower)

 

Other Recommendations:

• Walk around Palermo Soho/Hollywood. On the weekends there are craft fairs and there is always shopping and delicious restaurants. A lot of street art on the walls throughout the cobblestone streets, and this is the area where all of the nightlife is- whether that be in restaurants, bars, or clubs

• Each neighborhood or “barrio” has its own vibe. If you have time, it’s great to explore these different areas of the city

• Helado (ice cream) is a popular treat in all of the neighborhoods. Each barrio is proud of their ice cream store and the flavors are all incredible. Definitely recommend Nicolo, Freddo and Volta, but there are also a lot of smaller store unique to each barrio

• You didn’t come to Buenos Aires if you didn’t eat and buy Dulce de Leche. There is a store in San Telmo that lets you taste a bunch of different brands of dulce (called Casa de Dulce de Leche). Salamandra is my favorite

• The subway (also known as the Subte) is very convenient and easy to use! You can purchase a Sube card at almost any Kiosco or in the entrances to the subway stops.

• La Boca: This is a very popular tourist attraction in Buenos Aires. It has a bunch of colorful buildings and a very old fashioned culture (including lots of TANGO). However, this neighborhood can be very dangerous ESPECIALLY outside of the tourist areas. Only visit this neighborhood by bus or taxi that will drop you right at the tourist area and do not leave this section (El Caminito). Only visit on the weekends and be cautious while there. Many websites will not warn tourists about this aspect but as someone who is living here, it is very important to know. It is certainly a cool experience as long as you take safety precautions seriously!

• The only big safety issue in the city is pick-pocketing, especially in crowded touristy areas and on public transportation. Bring a bag that zips all the way shut and keep it secure on your body (I recommend a cross-body purse or a backpack that you can keep on your front). This includes in restaurants where your bag should stay in your lap or in one of the bag clips that are often on the tables

• Take a tango class or go to a tango show! There are places called milongas where you can go to a beginner class and learn the dance that originated in Buenos Aires! This is fun for people of all levels.