Buenos Aires Vacations Tips

The seasons in Argentina are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere. Buenos Aires is ideal in the fall from March to May and in the spring from September to November. High season generally runs from December through February, while low season is from June to August. In January and February, much of the city is abandoned by locals who flock to beach resorts in Mar del Plata or Uruguay.

Buenos Aires has a packed calendar of cultural events. Among those are the trendy Buenos Aires Fashion held twice a year in February and August; the ten-day international film festival, known as the Festival International de Cine Independiente taking place in April; the Buenos Aires Querible in July, celebrating the history and neighborhoods of the city with events throughout town; the Buenos Aires Tango Festival, which is the world's most important tango festival, in August; and the Argentinean Polo Open in November and December.

Home to nearly 12 million inhabitants, Buenos Aires is a gigantic megalopolis offering countless attractions that could keep you busy for years. As a traveler, you are likely to find the most interesting activities in the area around Plaza de Mayo, near the city's historic center. To make sure that you don't get lost, here is a brief overview of Buenos Aires' various districts which you may want to explore.

The historical and political heart of the city, located around Plaza de Mayo, was laid out by Don Juan de Garay in 1580 during the second founding of the city. The plaza is surrounded by city and national government buildings, among which the impressive Casa Rosada (Presidential Palace) and the Metropolitan Cathedral, which dates to the late colonial era.

The city's bustling downtown part is located in Mirocentro, home to the large majority of Buenos Aires's hotels, banks, shops, restaurants, bars and cafés. Mirocentro features a lovely pedestrian street, Calle Florida, which is generally crowded with shoppers during the day, and party-goers and street artists at night.

When you think of Buenos Aires, tango and sensuality pop into your mind. San Telmo is the city's oldest neighborhood, filled with tango bars, as well as rustic and authentic restaurants, and antique shops.

Historically known as Buenos Aires's Little Italy, La Boca was the main point of entry for Italians at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. Many of the immigrants here settled into haphazardly built boarding houses with metal sheeting called conventillos, painted in various colors creating a patchwork of colors on each building. Stroll along El Caminito, a pedestrian roadway adorned with plaques and statues explaining the neighborhood's history.

With marble buildings reminiscent of Paris and green leafy streets, La Recoleta, dating back to the late colonial period, is one of the most exclusive districts of Buenos Aires with high class hotels and designer shops lining the streets.

Palermo, divided in several sectors is a neighborhood filled with parks, and one of the trendiest districts to experience the city's exciting nightlife. Myriads restaurants and bars await you in Palermo Hollywood, Palermo Viejo and Las Cañitas.

If you want to get away from the car fumes, honks, and hustle and bustle of the streets, head to the beautiful and tranquil Palermo Park, the true lung of the city. Here you can enjoy some quiet and fresh air, surrounded by beautiful green scenery and thousands of flowers.

On weekends, the park fills itself with locals coming here to chill on the grass, jog, cycle, rollerblade, have a picnic among other activities. There are even free aerobic lessons if you feel like moving your body! It's a great place to relax when the weather is particularly hot, and also perfect for people watching.

You can also rent little boats and take a mini cruise on the park's lakes, passing under beautiful bridges. Perfect for couples trying to get away from it all and enjoy an intimate moment on their vacation. With Valentine's Day coming, if you happen to be in Buenos Aires, this might be a great way to impress your loved one with an original outing!

Several excellent museums are also located in the park, such as the Planetario and the Sivori Museum. The Park also features a stunning Japanese garden, a rose garden, the Buenos Aires Zoo, and even a hippodrome, so you will not find yourself short of things to do here!

After a long day of exploring this amazing city, you will no doubt want to unwind and take advantage of the unique nightlife of Buenos Aires. Discover why Argentineans are known as one of the most sensual and glamorous people in the world.

Tango shows, myriad bars, cafés and restaurants fill the city. Discover some of the most exclusive tango houses, and head out to Palermo to enjoy the trendy bar scene and mingle with the crowds of young locals.

Buenos Aires is one of the most eclectic cities in South America, and as such, boasts a vibrant art scene which attracts millions of visitors each year. Some of the continent's best museums can be found here, as well as trendy galleries featuring contemporary art. Make sure to check out Buenos Aires' International Art Fair held every year in May, where the most talented emerging artists display their work. No comment on the art scene in Buenos Aires can be complete without mentionning the myriad graffitis that ornate the walls of the city and make for exceptionnal works.

As anywhere in Argentina, beef in King in Buenos Aires. Don't miss out on the best meat of your life and bite into a large red steak!
There are plenty of restaurants offering all types of fare in Buenos Aires. Excellent international cuisine can be found throughout the city, particularly Italian and Mediterranean, reflecting the ethnic heritage of many Argentines.
The most popular meal is "el asado" or "parrillada", a mixed grill of steak and other cuts. A traditional parrillada includes meat, sausages, chinchulines (small intestines), riñones (kidneys) and morcilla (blood sausage).

You cannot leave Buenos Aires without drinking mate with the locals. This medicinal drink of ancient origins was introduced by the Guarani Indians, and is widespread throughout South America. In Buenos Aires particularly, it is a real cultural phenomenon, as Portenos carry around their own mate all day long. Its herbal ingredients are believed to hold energetic and healthy powers.