The first Europeans who tried to inhabit Buenos Aires were devoured by the natives in 1516. This affected the tourism industry for the following centuries. But in the late 1700s, immigrants from Spain and Italy arrived and created much of the city that exists today. Buenos Aires has survived dictators, democracy, inflation, and devaluation for the past 200 years, but it remains one of the most interesting and friendly cities in the world.
There is a lot to do in Buenos Aires. Here is a list of the top 10 tourist attractions in Buenos Aires.
1. The tango of Buenos Aires is the greatest cultural contribution that Argentina has made to the world in the last 100 years and is currently making a comeback. There are hundreds of tango shows in Buenos Aires to see, as well as great nightly tango dances called “milongas”. Tango lessons can be found in a variety of different forms and the history of tango is in almost every corner and café in the city. A tango tour in Buenos Aires is the ticket to make the most of Buenos Aires’ number 1 attraction.
2. The Plaza de Mayo has always been the centerpiece of the city. Impromptu demonstrations are still held here on a weekly basis, including the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo who still mourn their children for the “Dirty War.” This public space is located in front of the Casa Rosada, or “pink house,” where the president has his offices and Evita delivered his speech to millions. The old Cabildo and the Metropolitan Cathedral also line the square and are worth a tour. The best way to see this attraction is on the daily Buenos Aires walking tours.
3. The Recoleta Cemetery in the elite neighborhood of Recoleta brings its country’s history to life like no other cemetery in the world. Presidents, dictators, legends, heroes and scoundrels are all buried side by side in a beautiful display of sculptures and architectural masterpieces. Evita Perón is buried here after her body was stolen and copied and stolen again. The cemetery is 13 acres and it can be easy to get lost so having an English speaking tour guide is a must.
4. San Telmo is the most unique neighborhood in Buenos Aires with classic Spanish architecture, interesting restaurants, and nightlife that includes tango shows. Antique shops and Tango history are also found along these cobbled streets. On Sunday, Plaza Dorrego fills with craft stalls and at night, this historic square turns into a giant tango dance called a milonga. This is the arts district and bohemian area of Buenos Aires and, although there are many tourists, it is a good idea not to dress too flashy.
5. Caminito is the world’s first open-air museum and can be found in the working-class neighborhood of La Boca, which is anything but a museum. Caminito has a strong Tango theme in the middle of the coventillos, or old houses of the Italian immigrants who came to the city and worked on the docks. An artist named Jaun Quinquela Benito painted these small houses in many colors making this a vibrant and fascinating area of the city. Here you will find tango cafes, handicrafts and many tourists. This area closes early at 6pm and can be a bit rough after dark.
6. The Teatro Colón continues to be one of the best opera houses in the world and has held that title for 100 years due to its acoustic design and beautifully constructed interior. The Colón Theater is also home to one of the most extensive costume collections on the planet. Tours of this Buenos Aires attraction are currently from Monday to Friday starting at 11 am
7. Buenos Aires restaurants offer some of the best meats and wines in the world. There is a whole district along the old port called Puerto Modero specifically for excellent restaurants. Beef tenderloin and befe chorizo are the best cuts of beef and go very well with a Malbec from Mendoza. Buenos Aires also has a culture of cafes and the oldest and most interesting of all is Café Tortoni.
8. La Boca soccer game – La Boca soccer is more than a religion and should not be underestimated. The fans you will find here really give the word “a fan” its full meaning. The cheers section alone is worth it, however tickets can be difficult to acquire on your own. Make sure to cheer on the home team and confirm if your seat is really a seat or just a place to stand. Also, you have to be careful when the game ends because there has been a tradition of riots. But if you manage to live this experience you will never forget it.
9. Florida Street is a pedestrianized street located in the center of the city center and it is always full of beautiful people. There are countless shops for just about anything you can think of, including Argentine leather, souvenirs, clothing, and electronics. You can also witness free tango demonstrations that create huge crowds. You will also find gigantic shopping centers on this city street, including one of the most beautiful in the world called Galaria Pacifico. Make sure to hold your purse or wallet while strolling through this attraction and be prepared to bump into it a few times.
10. The nightlife of Buenos Aires is reputed to last until dawn and will in fact do so on weekends. There are some amazing nightclubs with laser light shows like Museum. You can also find great trendy bars located in the trendy Palermo district. A safe bet for people watching is in Recoleta near the Cemetery. And of course, you must enjoy at least one tango show while in the exclusive San Telmo neighborhood.
