Day and night, the city of Buenos Aires is alive with activity. The cosmopolitan metropolis’ irresistible charm lies in its mix of European heritage, Latin passion and old world and modern-day cultures.

Often described as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is a unique corner of South America. After two centuries of independence, the city has developed its own unique identity, characterized by a passion for tango, football and meat, a thriving café culture and a nightlife that carries on until dawn, not to mention the friendly spirit of the porteňos (locals).

Lying along the Rio Del Plata, the city is also perfect for those interested in water-borne activities. If that’s not enough, there’s magnificent architecture, art galleries and museums, lush green parks, a thriving theatre scene and a growing fashion industry, all of which make the city one of a kind.

The sprawling city is dominated by traditional Spanish colonial-style buildings and is divided up into a series of old barrios (districts) and modern, downtown areas.

The city centre, known as “centro” is the oldest area and features beautiful old churches, grandiose public buildings as well as the city’s financial district. The must-sees include the iconic Obelisco monument that towers over Avenida 9 de Julio (reportedly the widest avenue in the world) and Plaza de Mayo, which is home to the President’s Casa Rosada (Pink House), the Cathedral and the Cabildo (the famous spot where the Argentine people first gathered to demand independence in 1810). Other attractions include the Palacio del Congreso and the magnificent Teatro Colón.

To the south you´ll find San Telmo whose charming cobbled streets, vintage shops and famous Sunday market based around Plaza Dorrego and Defensa draw crowds of visitors. A little bit further south, lying on the Riachuelo River, is La Boca, a working-class barrio that’s famous for its namesake football team, colorful buildings and impromptu tango performances in the streets.

Lying north of the center is the sophisticated barrio of Recoleta, where the rich rub shoulders and famous figures such as Evita are buried in the famous old cemetery. Just next door is the trendy Palermo district, home to a string of independent designer boutiques, stylish bars and restaurants.

Buenos Aires’ Marinas

If you plan to visit Buenos Aires by boat, the Yacht Club Argentino and Yacht Club Puerto Madero are the best located and equipped marinas. Yacht Club Argentino, situated in Dársena Norte in the port of Buenos Aires, has a clubhouse, moorings, haulout and repair services. The more up-market Yacht Club Puerto Madero, situated in Puerto Madero’s Dique 4, offers 24-hour security, launch service, satellite TV, fuel and Internet access. The bridge over the marina is opened at your request or on the hour, every hour.
There is a large, friendly sailing community in the north of the city in San Isidro and Olivos. Club Nautico Sudeste, Club Nautico San Isidro and Yacht Club Olivos all offer free marinas and excellent facilities for foreign yachts.

Club Nautico Sudeste, offers a travelift for up to 30 tonnes, electricity, a bar/restaurant and a wide range of nautical activities while Club Nautico San Isidro offers more basic services. Yacht Club Olivos is ideal for medium size boats and has moorings for boats up to 30 metres in length with a maximum draught of 2.03 meters. The marina caters to boats wishing to stop for shorter periods of time. Just outside of the city in the south, Club Nautico Quilmes is another small yet well-equipped marina.

Yacht Club Argentino
Yacht Club Puerto Madero
Club Nautico Sudeste (website under construction)
Club Nautico San Isidro
Yacht Club Olivos
Club Nautico Quilmes

Where to Stay

The city has a wealth of accommodation options from luxury five-star establishments to unique boutique hotels. The Marriott Plaza Hotel is housed in a historical 99-year-old building overlooking the famous San Martin Plaza in Retiro while in the heart of Recoleta, the Alvear Palace Hotel is reminiscent of old Buenos Aires in a Belle Epoque mansion with a high-tech spa.

For something even more glitzy, look to Faena Hotel and Universe. Located in Puerto Madero, the Phillipe Starck-designed boutique hotel features rooms lined with red velvet and other decadent trappings as well as a pool (available for drinks), spa and famous Cabaret show.

Other noteworthy design hotels include 1555 Malabia House, housed in a former convent in the heart of Palermo Viejo and Bo-Bo Hotel with its seven exclusive themed-rooms with names such as “pop,” “classic” and “minimalist”. 248 Finisterra in Las Cañitas is another trendy boutique hotel with 11 rooms that are small but elegantly furnished with dark wood furniture and lashings of top-quality Argentine leather.

Bo-Bo Hotel
Malabia House
Marriott Plaza Hotel Buenos Aires
Alvear Palace
Faena Hotel + Universe
248 Finisterra

Getting there

British Airways flies direct from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires and the flight time is around 14 hours. There are also a number of airlines operating indirect flights.
British Airways
Air France
Iberia
Lan
United Airlines

Visa requirements

Nationals of the UK, Western Europe, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand don’t need visas to visit Argentina and can stay for up to 90 days. After that, you can extend your stay for another 90 days by visiting the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones in Buenos Aires. Alternatively you can overstay your visa and pay a fine of AR$50. Another option if you’re staying more than three months is to take the boat to Uruguay’s Colonia or Montevideo for the day and re-enter Argentina with another 90-day tourist stamp.
www.migraciones.gov.ar

Source image Floralis Generica: Murilo78