S is for San Telmo
San Telmo is rapidly transforming into one of B.A.s trendiest barrios, perhaps second only Palermo. It still maintains its old-world charm, along narrow cobbled streets running beneath Parisian and Spanish-style buildings. It’s a bohemian enclave, attracting tourists, locals and performers. By day, one of the largest attractions is the San Telmo market, opened in 1897 […]
R is for Recoleta Cemetery
Recoleta Cemetery is something quite distinctive, for when Argentina’s wealthy and powerful rest for eternity, they do it in style. This most extraordinary graveyard has an astonishing 6,400 grandiose mausoleums resembling Gothic chapels, Greek temples, fairytale grottoes and elegant little houses. Many of the masterpiece mausoleums and statuary were hand-carved and brought over from Italy. […]
Q is for Queso
Queso (cheese) is the culinary event that comes before your bife de chorizo (sirloin). And the star attraction of that first course is provoleta, a popular Argentina appetizer that is barbecued in chunks and often seasoned with chili and oregano, served with chimichurri sauce. When quesos share the plate with cold cuts during wine tastings, […]
P is for Polo and Palermo
Polo, introduced by British immigrants in the 19th century and boasting today the highest number of ten-goal players in the sport, Argentina has long been hailed as home to the best polo in the world. It is played throughout the year; however, the elite season is the Triple Crown (La Triple Corona), which runs from […]
O is for Orchestra and Opera
Orchestra and Opera Greats generously dot the list of guest performers who have played to audiences at the Teatro Colon. One of the earliest of the legendary tenors was Enrico Caruso, followed by singular appearances of the now famous trio: Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras and Luciano Pavarotti; over the years, guest sopranos ranged from Maria […]
N is for National Museums and More
National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes) is a must-see because its outstanding collection of outstanding Argentine artists. A whole room is devoted to Antonio Berni’s work, accompanied in other galleries by native-son artists such as Xul Solar and Eduardo Sivori. (Worthwhile free tours in English focus the Argentina art). Additionally the […]
M is for Malls and Much More
Mall-Mania: Visitors can learn a lot about a city by dropping in at local grocery and liquor stores, patronizing a neighborhood laundromat or beauty salon. Malls too can be places to not only shop, but to mix and meet with the locals. (Many malls operate free shuttle from hotels for mall-bound guests.) ♦ Alto Palermo, loaded […]
L is for La Rural and La Boca
La Rural, founded in 1878, is Argentina’s biggest country fair and one of the most important agriculture and livestock fairs in the world. It’s a two-week event that has been taking place every July since 1886. Organized by the Argentina Rural Society, La Rural is hosted at its Belle Epoque showground and exhibit center, spread […]
K is for Kids
Kids will not be bored in B.A. For kid-friendly attractions outdoors, head for the Zoo de Buenos Aires, a 43-acre home to some animals kids may not have seen before: pumas, tapirs, llamas, cayman, anteaters, howler monkeys, coatis. Additionally, here reside red pandas, polar bears, six white Bengal tigers (four of them born here), and […]
J is for Jacaranda Trees
Jacaranda time comes in springtime in Argentina, and in October and November, Jacaranda trees blossom and paint the whole city purple. B.A.’s at her beautiful best in such locations as Plaza San Martin (Retiro), Avenida Libertador near Plaza Francia (Recoleta), Plaza de Mayo, and the the Palermo parks.
