Buenos Aires: diverse metropolis worth exploring

Quick facts

• Name: Buenos Aires
• Founded: 1536
• Population: 3 million (metro: 14.5 million);
• Area: 203 km²
• Known as: Capital of Argentina, ‘Paris of South America’

The name of Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina, means fair winds or good air in Spanish. It is one of the biggest city in Latin America and one of the main points of entry into Argentina. Its inhabitants are nicknamed porteños, or people front the port, as Buenos Aires was initially founded as a port to defend land from pirates, all the way back in 16^th century. Today, it is a modern cosmopolitan city with unique charm and beauty.

Buenos Aires is a center of trade, art and fashion in South America and it is diverse melting pot of different cultures and ethnic origins. Mostly originating from Italian and Spanish descendants, emigrated from Europe since foundation of the city, Buenos Aires also has largest Jewish population in Latin America.

City’s diversity is shown in its neighborhoods: from Microcentro, the main business area, high end shopping in Florida Street, through Recoleta with its posh shops and restaurants and home to unique La Recoleta Cemetery, to San Telmo and La Boca, with its colorful streets and vintage fairs.

Read more:Argentina country spotlight

Famous tango originated in Buenos Aires and can be enjoyed (and danced) in many places around city, together with nice Argentinian steak and Malbec wine. Enjoy your trip to Buenos Aires!

Main attractions in Buenos Aires

There are plenty of attractions in Buenos Aires, both inside the city and in immediate surroundings. We are listing here only top 20-25 of them.

La Boca. Neighborhood near the Riachuelo River, famous for Caminito, artistic alley, and La Bombonera, football stadium of Boca Juniors. Casa Rosada. Famous presidential palace in Buenos Aires. Pink colored mansion offers guided tours. Cementerio de la Recoleta (La Recoleta Cemetery). Unique cemetery site, located in Buenos Aires Recoleta neighborhood, full of art statues and mausoleums or famous people. Some of them include Eva Perón, presidents of Argentina and Nobel Prize winners.

Obelisco. Iconic landmark in Buenos Aires, this white obelisk dominates Plaza de la República and it is popular meeting and photoshoot place. Installed in 1936. Plaza de Mayo. A 19th-century square, commemorating Argentinian fight for independence. Central area of Buenos Aires and popular for walks and taking photos.

Teatro Colón. Great theater in Buenos Aires, founded at the beginning of 20th century, featuring classical performances of music, operas and ballet. Offering guided tours.

Parque Tres de Febrero. A massive park in Palermo district in Buenos Aires, also known as Bosques de Palermo. Featuring lakes, gardens and rare tree species. Jardín Japonés (Japanese Garden). Located in the heart of Buenos Aires, Japanese garden is an urban oasis featuring koi ponds, cultural center, restaurant, and a greenhouse. El Ateneo Grand Splendid. Founded in 1919, a large theater converted into a bookstore. Considered by many as a most beautiful bookstore in the world.

Plaza Dorrego. Central square in San Telmo district in Buenos Aires. Dates back to 19^th century and it is famous for cafes, antiques markets and Tango dancers. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. A 19^th century National museum, located in Recoleta district in Buenos Aires. One of South America’s largest public art collections, featuring local and international exhibits. Belgrano. Famous neighborhood in Buenos Aires, comprising of several iconic areas, including Avenida Cabildo, famous for upscale shopping and Chinatown. Popular with tourists.

Some notable attractions in Buenos Aires also include: Palacio Barolo, Catedral Metropolitana, MALBA, Plaza San Martín, Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays, Floralis Genérica, Congressional Plaza and many more.

Top things to do in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is large city and exploring all the neighborhoods and attractions will certainly take a while and above listed attractions are a must. We also recommend walking and cycling tours, tango shows with traditional dinner and day trips to nearby places such as San Isidro and Tigre Delta, Colonia and La Plata.