Buenos Aires is the capital and the largest city of Argentina. It is situated on the western bank of Rio de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of South America. The population of this city is around 3 million inhabitants. Buenos Aires is the most sought tourist attraction in South America and is popular for its European architecture and brimming cultural life. It is sometimes called the Paris of South America due to the strong European influences found in the city. Argentina is the birthplace of the famous Tango dance.
1. Plaza De Mayo
Plaza De Mayo has been the integral part of this city since 16th century. The influential Presidential Palace, Casa Rosada, is at the Western end of this plaza. The main balcony has served as the venue of public addresses by many Argentinian presidents. As an important center of the city, protests and gatherings have taken place here all through history, including the Madres de la Plaza de Mayo which is a protest still staged regularly by mothers to mourn the disappearance of their loved ones during the Dirty War. The Metropolitan Cathedral and old Cabildo are also situated along the border of the Plaza which is worth visiting. Best way to explore the historical center is to take a walking tour.
2. The Recoleta Cemetery
The Recoleta Cemetery is perhaps the most unique cemetery in the world, which brings out the history of the country before your eyes. Strange as it may sound, this cemetery is the most visited attraction in the city. All the important personalities such as presidents, dictators, legends, country heroes and scoundrels are resting side by side in this majestic cemetery which tells the tale through sculptures and architectural monuments. The huge cemetery is spread on 13 acres of land and to prevent getting lost, it is advisable to take a guide with you. The burial ground of Evita Peron attracts a huge crowd.
3. La Boca
This unique area which belonged to Italian Dock workers is now a fascinating attraction which will delight your eyes. The colorful houses, shops and restaurants all make up a large creative piece of art giving a refreshing change from other parts of the city. All this started as house owners did not have enough money to buy paint, so they would use donations and for this reason it was hard to find the same color. Years went by and it became a tradition to use different colors, making this part of the city popular for its colorful aura. There is also an Art Museum in La Boca where you can check out some excellent paintings.
4. Teatro Colon
Whether you are into opera or not, this magnificent seven story Opera House is bound to impress you with its stunning grandeur. Built in 1908, the Opera House is regarded as one of the best in the world and has kept this prestigious title for 100 years due to its beautiful design and tasteful interior. There is an extensive collection of amusing costumes within its interiors. You can take tours of small museum, basement workshop, rehearsal rooms, stage and seating area with a guide in the mornings. For opera and ballet fans, nothing is better than to sit inside the famous Opera House and enjoy the best of music and dance.
5. Obelisco
The Obelisk is the most famed Buenos Aires monument built to honor Argentina’s Independence Day celebrated on 9thJuly, and is located on the widest street in the world. The best time to visit this monument is at night when frantic traffic lights along with street lights create glamorous photo opportunities. You can also enjoy climbing up the 67 meter tall Obelisk which offers stunning views from the top through its four observation windows.
6. Caminito
Caminito is the world’s first outdoor museum and it’s located in the colorful neighborhood of La Boca. The main theme of Caminito is the Tango. In this area you will find lots of tango cafes, arts and crafts along with the colorful painted houses which make up the masterpiece art work by Juan Quinquela Benito.
7. Floralis Generica
Floralis Generica is a lovely metal sculpture to visit in the city. It is located in the United Nations Square and was developed by mastermind architect Fernando Catalano who produced it as an environmental sculpture. The most fascinating feature of this stunning sculpture is that it opens and closes itself through solar power. Visitors will find the large petals all in full bloom if the sun is shining high on the sky but at night when it becomes dark, the petals would be closed. The genius and ultimate artistry presented by the mastermind architect is worth a watch when you are in Buenos Aires.
8. Abasto Shopping
This is the largest shopping mall in Buenos Aires. There are more than 230 shops in this gigantic shopping mall along with a huge food court for your delight and a movie theatre. If you are accompanying kids, they will enjoy the educational kid’s museum located within the shopping mall while you can explore the long list of shops comfortably.
9. Buenos Aires Tango Tours
Tango is the most important cultural contribution Argentina made to the world. The famous dance was introduced 100 years ago and is still going very strong. There are hundreds of Tango shows to attend in Buenos Aires and you can view nightly tango dances named milangos. You can also get Tango lessons, information about its history and its various forms from all corners and cafes of the city. Without enjoying Tango, your visit to Buenos Aires will futile.
10. Carnal
The bar and club becomes very crowded at night so it is best to arrive early. The rooftop terrace is where you will find stylish people and locals. There is quite little room on the terrace so you will have to display your social side and make friends in this lovely place.
The city presents lots of attractions and entertainment options to explore in all its corners. Apart from the stunning architecture which is a mix of Colonial, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Neo-Gothic and French Bourbon styles, the nightlife of Buenos Aires is breathtaking and is famous for lasting from evening until dawn. Tango experts will keep you entertained with their moves in all corners of the city.
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