Culture
Buenos Aires is the world capital of tango, located on the banks of the Rio de la Plata. According to Fodor’s, Buenos Aires is the ninth-largest city in the world. Portenos (as the residents of the city are known) have a grand and rich cultural identity similar to that of Europe, and the city is often compared by visitors to Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, and Rome.
The city is broken up into neighborhoods, each with its own personality: the beautiful and prestigious Recoleta, trendy Palermo, tourist- and business-minded El Centro, authentic San Telmo, picturesque Puerto Madero, and colorful La Boca. The architecture is well worth exploring in its own right, and the city’s theaters and museums are as grand as anything you’ll find in Europe. See our Art, Culture and Tango page for more on the museums, architecture, and folk art that make this city more than a dance floor.
Food
Argentina is famous for its wine and beef – “great wines and truly the best beef,” as one of our travelers put it. Wine remains one of the best buys in Buenos Aires, alongside leather, fur, and antiques – and it’s worth pairing a good Malbec with a slower afternoon at one of the city’s cafes (see Highlights below).
Tango
There is so much more to do in Buenos Aires besides tango – but tango is where the city’s soul is. Beyond the milongas, the city has one of the best entertainment and nightlife scenes in the world: tango shows, theaters, sports, polo, bars, and clubs, all with Latin American flair. See our Tango Shows and Tango Lessons pages for ways to experience it yourself.
Travel Tips
Buenos Aires has lodging options for every budget, from your average hostel to 5-star luxury hotels – pricey, as in other countries, but still good value for what you get. Many visitors combine the city with a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay (just a few hours away by ferry), or a side trip further into Argentina – see Travel Around Argentina for Iguazu Falls, Patagonia, Mendoza, and more.
We have access to all types of accommodation and standard tours to help you discover Buenos Aires and Argentina in the best way possible. Contact us for any assistance you might need: info@argentinatango.com
Source: Fodor’s Argentina, 2003.
