Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, often called the “Paris of South America,” is home to around 3 million residents, with over 15 million in the metropolitan area. Its European-style architecture, grand boulevards, and café culture reflect strong influences from Spanish, Italian, and French immigrants. The city blends tradition with modernity, serving as a hub for art, literature, and gastronomy. From elegant Recoleta to colorful La Boca, each neighborhood has its own distinct charm. With a deep passion for tango, fútbol, and nightlife, Buenos Aires pulses with energy day and night.
From El Chaltén to Buenos Aires
There is no airport in El Chaltén, so first, I had to take the 3-hour bus back to El Calafate, where I spent another night and caught one of the many daily flights to Argentina’s capital the next morning. The flight took a little less than 3 hours and cost about 220 USD.
Where to stay and how to get around Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is huge, and some areas are more suitable for tourists than others. Palermo is considered the safest area and is in close proximity to the airport too. It has great eateries and is generally safe to walk around, even at night. Other safe areas are its neighboring Palermo Hollywood and La Recoleta.
Moving around Buenos Aires is pretty easy. Ubers are cheap, and the wait time is never long. Buenos Aires also has a few subway lines, although the network is not very extensive – it doesn’t reach La Boca, for example. The city has a rechargeable public transport card called “SUBE,” which can be acquired at kiosks or subway stations. You can use the subway either with this card or simply by swiping your credit card (each entrance has at least one gate that accepts credit cards). However, if you want to use buses, you’ll need to buy a SUBE card beforehand.
Things to see and to in Buenos Aires :
- Palermo Street Art: Wander through Palermo’s streets, famous for vibrant, large-scale murals and street art. Free to explore.
- La Boca: Explore the vibrant, colorful neighborhood and its pedestrian street, Caminito, filled with street art, tango performances, and shops. Free to visit.
- Guided Walking Tour: Join one of many walking tours of neighborhoods like Recoleta, Palermo, or the city’s historic center to learn about Buenos Aires’ culture, history, and hidden gems
- Recoleta Cemetery: The final resting place of famous figures like Eva Perón, this grand cemetery is a peaceful, atmospheric spot to walk through.
- Plaza de Mayo: Visit the historic square, surrounded by landmarks like Casa Rosada and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Free entry.
- Teatro Colón: Take a guided tour of this world-famous opera house to admire its grand architecture and learn about its history.
- Museums: Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, MALBA, or Museo de Arte Moderno to explore Argentine and international art collections. Most museums offer free entry or minimal fees (around 150-500 ARS).
- San Telmo: Stroll through this historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets, tango bars, and an antique market. Free to wander.
- Botanical Gardens & Parks: Visit the beautiful Botanical Gardens, Parque Tres de Febrero (Rose Garden Park), or Eco Park (with free roaming capybaras!) in the northern part of the city, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
- Tango Show: Experience a live tango performance at venues like La Ventana or El Querandí.
Enjoy some pictures of colorful Buenos Aires:
