Guide You to the top 10
Your guide to the top 10 things to try during your time in Buenos Aires – many are already well known but we’ ve thrown in a few more unusual options for those looking to stray away from the guidebook terrority (you will note that we’ ve left out the classic Tango show and football match!).Moreso, all of our options are budget-friendly! So Enjoy Buenos Aires.
1. VISIT THE LOCAL MARKETS
– San Telmo’ s Sunday market is the most famous but there is a second market indoors (Defensa/ Estados Unidos) that runs all week. Plaza Francia in Recoleta is open weekends and sells crafts, leathers and artwork.
– Plaza Serano in Palermo comes alive at weekends and is the best place to pick up clothing & accessories by young designers. Parque Rivadavia has a local market best for picking up cheap Cds/ DVDs/ Books.
2. EAT LIKE AN ARGENTINIAN
– Argentina is famous for its wine and its steak, best served as part of a traditional asado (a barbeque with different cuts of meat). Empanadas (meat/cheese pasties) are perfect for those on a budget. If you get chance try Locro, a traditional meat stew from the north. –
– For something more sweet, head to a Panaderia and buy some facturas (pastries)- make sure you buy some with dulce de leche (a special caramel made in Argentina), washed down with some Mate.
3. WATCH SOME ARGENTINE FILMS
– The Gaumont cinema (Rivadavia 1651) shows Argentinean films with regular performances. Test out your Spanish & support the film industry!
4. LISTEN TO SOME LOCAL MUSIC
– Fiesta Clandestina runs regular parties featuring local bands & musicians. Find them on Facebook (see the sections “This Month” and “Live music”).
5. STEP AWAY FROM THE TOURIST TRAIL
– Hire some bikes or take a picnic & relax in some of Buenos Aires’ natural spaces- Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur is a great place to cycle or visit the Bosques de Palermo, where you can hire pedal boats on the lake or just sunbathe with the rest of the city.
6. GET SOME CULTURE
– Visit the MALBA art museum (Figueroa Alcorta 3415) the city’ s most cutting edge gallery with collections by Latin American artists.
7. ENJOY A DIFFERENT KIND OF NIGHTCLUB
– La Bomba del Tiempo is a group of the most prominent percussionists in Argentina who play an improvisational set at Konex (Sarmiento 3131) each Monday.
8. PET A TIGER
– Travel outside the city to Lujan and experience a different kind of zoo: http://www.zoolujan.com
9. VISIT A BOOKSTORE WITH A TWIST
– El Ateneo (Santa Fe av. 1860) is a bookstore built inside an old theatre. There’s an English section but it’s worth it just to sip a coffee and admire the view.
10. DANCE TO A DIFFERENT BEAT
– The pena is a folk dance from northern Argentina, with live music, dance & food. Los Cumpas organises one in Buenos Aires every month or so.
