Pulsating with life, from tango to football
Buenos Aires, Argentina
You may wake up late here. It’s likely you’ll have been watching some sultry tango or lingering over a steak and a bottle of Malbec well into the early hours. When you do venture out, take in the atmosphere in this passionate place. As passion is everywhere, in the love of football, of tango, of conversation. The capital of Argentina is also a city of contrasts waiting to be discovered, from La Boca’s brightly-coloured houses to La Recoleta’s refined streets.
Try the nightlife
The sultry sound of tango defines Buenos Aires. You will see it performed in the parks and pretty much everywhere. Let’s begin your evening at a traditional restaurant, followed by a trip to the best tango show in town. Or, you could head off to a ‘milonga’, a venue where you can put on your dancing shoes and take to the floor yourself.
Life in La Recoleta
This elegant part of Buenos Aires contains a cemetery with thousands of mausoleums, including the final resting place of Eva Peron. It’s truly astonishing. Take a private tour with a guide who’ll explain more about the architectural styles of these above-ground graves, the families that built them, and the people they honour.
The colours of La Boca
La Boca means mouth in Spanish and it’s here at the mouth of the river that immigrants established themselves in the late 19th century. The houses they built are painted in a rainbow of colours. This district is also home to La Bombonera, the stadium of La Boca Juniors, Maradona’s football team. We can guide you around the area.
Take time in San Telmo
Pick up artisanal goods or hunt for treasure in the antique stalls of San Telmo’s famous market, set in a characterful old barrio, or neighbourhood, of Buenos Aires. Catch a free tango performance in the street. Visit the public square of nearby Plaza de Mayo and learn about important events in the city’s history.
Essential Buenos Aires
During the late 1800s, Buenos Aires went through an economic boom. The wide streets, grand plazas and elegant properties of this period led to the city being nicknamed the ‘Paris of South America’. Argentina and its capital have more recently been through fluctuating economic circumstances; nevertheless, the energy of this exciting city remains constant. You will see that the Porteños (inhabitants of Buenos Aires) have a love for life – from football to food, café culture, art and dance.
Where it is
South America
When to go
April to May
August to February
Why go there
Tango shows
Colourful neighbourhoods
Café culture
What to see
La Recoleta
San Telmo
La Boca
