top 10 buenos aires
My time in Buenos Aires is coming to a close and I wanted to share a list of my Top Ten Buenos Aires with you all.
By juanpol
10. Belgrano
As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been staying with my cousin’s friend, Sarah who is a teacher here. She lives in a largely residential area that I've had 3 lovely weeks to explore. Belgrano is certainly off the beaten tourist path, and that's part of the appeal. For a "where am I?" experience check out Belgrano's "barrio chino" or Chinatown (see number 8).
9. Shopping
Porteños, as people from Buenos Aires call themselves, are a fashion-conscious bunch and this is especially evident in neighborhoods such as Recoleta and Palermo.
I’m not much of a shopper myself, but I did enjoy shopping for food in the city. Unlike the US, grocery shopping is not a one-stop affair. It’s all about stopping at the fruit vendor, then the vegetable vendor. Need some eggs? That’s the next stop, right by the fish vendor. And of course, we can’t forget a visit to the cheese and sausage man, can we?
Of course, there are supermarkets here if you’re interested. I frequented one called Disco. Yes, that’s really it’s name. But in general, the products were fresher from the various vendors, and if you don’t have to do it every day, it’s more fun that way.
By teipsum
That’s right. Chinatown. Bet you weren’t expecting a Chinatown in Buenos Aires, were you? Well, there definitely is one, albeit a small one, Chinese gate and all. Immigrants from mainland China and Taiwan arrived after World War II and have been arriving in waves since.
If you ever find yourself in Belgrano, head over to Arribeños right by the train station. Chinatown has established itself as the place to go for Chinese restaurants (of course), stores selling produce, spices and foods a little different from the traditional Argentine, as well as one of my all time favorite things, street food. Oh, and while we’re on the subject, Happy Year of the Rabbit!
By blmurch
7. Dog Walkers
The Argentines love their dogs. There’s no doubt about that. You’ll see professional dog walkers walking down the street with anywhere from three to fifteen dogs on leashes. They are hired by families who have neither the time nor inclination to walk their beloved pooches themselves. It’s quite a sight to see!
The Argentines love their dogs. There’s no doubt about that. You’ll see professional dog walkers walking down the street with anywhere from three to fifteen dogs on leashes. They are hired by families who have neither the time nor inclination to walk their beloved pooches themselves. It’s quite a sight to see!
By gatiusse
6. The Night Life
Jeez. What to say about the night life? It’s legendary. They have this thing called a “disco nap” without which you wouldn’t be able to dream of keeping up with the Argentines. This nap usually takes place anywhere from 10pm to 12am so you can be well rested for the night ahead. After that, take a swig of your Vodka Speed (the equivalent of Vodka & Red Bull) and be on your way. You should have everything you need to enjoy your time in the clubs until around 7am, when you’ll grab a quick bite to eat and finally head home to crash. Or head to the office if you’re Argentine. No really, I have no idea how they do it.
Jeez. What to say about the night life? It’s legendary. They have this thing called a “disco nap” without which you wouldn’t be able to dream of keeping up with the Argentines. This nap usually takes place anywhere from 10pm to 12am so you can be well rested for the night ahead. After that, take a swig of your Vodka Speed (the equivalent of Vodka & Red Bull) and be on your way. You should have everything you need to enjoy your time in the clubs until around 7am, when you’ll grab a quick bite to eat and finally head home to crash. Or head to the office if you’re Argentine. No really, I have no idea how they do it.
5. Free Wi-Fi
One thing I caught onto and came to appreciate very quickly is all of the free wi-fi to be had around the city. Granted, that’s free with a coffee or something to eat, but still it was reassuring to know that in my first few weeks in Argentina, I was sure to be connected. I know this won’t be the case so much as I move on to other parts of the continent.
One thing I caught onto and came to appreciate very quickly is all of the free wi-fi to be had around the city. Granted, that’s free with a coffee or something to eat, but still it was reassuring to know that in my first few weeks in Argentina, I was sure to be connected. I know this won’t be the case so much as I move on to other parts of the continent.
4. The History
Now, I realize that Argentina has had its share of dark and violent times, but despite that, there are some parts of the country’s history that they make the effort to remember. Be it the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo as they march around the historic square every Thursday at 3:30 determined to remind us of their children who were kidnapped and tortured and they will not be quieted, they will never forget. Or maybe it is the fierce devotion of some to Evita or even the tango singer Carlos Gardel. Gardel’s fans still maintain that even though he died tragically in a plane crash, “he sings better everyday”. Whether it is a monumental effort or a simple case of denial, the porteños keep the past with them.
Now, I realize that Argentina has had its share of dark and violent times, but despite that, there are some parts of the country’s history that they make the effort to remember. Be it the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo as they march around the historic square every Thursday at 3:30 determined to remind us of their children who were kidnapped and tortured and they will not be quieted, they will never forget. Or maybe it is the fierce devotion of some to Evita or even the tango singer Carlos Gardel. Gardel’s fans still maintain that even though he died tragically in a plane crash, “he sings better everyday”. Whether it is a monumental effort or a simple case of denial, the porteños keep the past with them.
3. Buskers
Every city has buskers. But it’s not on every city that you’ll see some of the most sensual and passionate dance take place on the streets. And it’s not only tango, the musicians are something to write home about too. From the kid with his accordion to the old man in his gaucho attire strumming on a guitar, a stroll through San Telmo on a Sunday will satisfy the listener in all of us.
Every city has buskers. But it’s not on every city that you’ll see some of the most sensual and passionate dance take place on the streets. And it’s not only tango, the musicians are something to write home about too. From the kid with his accordion to the old man in his gaucho attire strumming on a guitar, a stroll through San Telmo on a Sunday will satisfy the listener in all of us.
2. Beef
I will avert Elvie’s eyes for this next part - she’s a vegetarian after all. Oh man, the beef! Ever since I was a little girl I’ve had very carnivorous tendencies. I’m sorry if hearing this upsets my vegetarian friends. But so it is: I love my meat. So what better place to visit than Argentina? You can get an amazing steak dinner for $10. I was reading somewhere that Argentine’s eat fifty percent more beef a year than the average American. That’s a lot of beef.
I will avert Elvie’s eyes for this next part - she’s a vegetarian after all. Oh man, the beef! Ever since I was a little girl I’ve had very carnivorous tendencies. I’m sorry if hearing this upsets my vegetarian friends. But so it is: I love my meat. So what better place to visit than Argentina? You can get an amazing steak dinner for $10. I was reading somewhere that Argentine’s eat fifty percent more beef a year than the average American. That’s a lot of beef.
And last, but not least:
1. The expat community
Perhaps one of the things I’ve enjoyed most since coming here is getting a chance to hang with the expat community. Sarah has introduced me to her friends, a fun and wacky group of expats living in the city. I’ve enjoyed hearing about what Buenos Aires is to them - the good, the bad and the ugly.
Quite possibly this that I love most about traveling. It makes you shed your defenses and get to know people you wouldn’t have the chance to meet otherwise and in turn teaches you something about yourself.
Well, that's it for my list. There are of course countless wonderfully unique things about Buenos Aires that I left out. Have you been to Buenos Aires? What are your favorite things about the city?
2 comments:
I liked your Top 10 Picks. It gave me a feel for the city or a "good aire" for it's pulse and rhythm. Safe trip on South.
After our world wind tour in BA with you, may I add Quilmes, alfajores, dulce de leche ice cream, the cemetery of Recoleta, the colors of La Boca and the lovely parks and elegant avenidas!
Maravillosa ciudad!
Mom
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