Sights and Spices of Buenos Aires, Argentina

Planning on a getaway to Buenos Aires?  The city is known as the “Paris of the South," and for good reason.  The city is very heavily influenced by European culture, but lately has been taking a more diversified turn.

To prepare for your trip, watch Evita.  You will realize when you get to Buenos Aires that her memory still lies in the hearts of the residents there.  From Evita Museum to La Casa Rosada, you will definitely feel better equipped having watched the musical before you get there!

Make sure to visit the Recoleta cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta).  It is the graveyard of some of the most influential and controversial people in Argentina.  The cemetery is mixed with eerily ill-maintained graves among tombs that are well-kept and very intricately designed.  This cemetery is like no other I’ve seen: in South American tradition, caskets are not placed underground but instead are left above ground, which means that you can simply stick your head into a large chunk of the graves to see who lies therein. 

During the day, you should also check out San Telmo, a barrio (or neighborhood) laden with antiques markets.  At night, the tango bars, cafes, and very-late-night discos will keep you on your toes until sunrise. 

Travel tip: Argentina is an excellent place to visit during the American summer (it’s winter there)—the weather varies from 50-65F and there’s plenty of sun. 

Also, when you’re there, make sure to check the Incan delights at the local restaurants, such as De Olivas i Lustres in Palermo Viejo.  Sample the meats from the ñandú.  If the food of the 15th and 16th century people is not your fancy, you should try the bread and beef at Cabaña las Lilas.  If you’re up for a delicious dessert, try the caramel cream dessert at the El Querandi Restaurant.

Argentina is sophisticated, cheap, and a great place to visit, so book your trip today!

Posted by on 11/02 at 03:18 PM

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