Guest Post by Gustavo Averbuj
About Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, is a vibrant blend of European elegance and Latin American passion. Often referred to as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires boasts grand boulevards, neoclassical architecture, and a thriving café culture. My husband and I travelled to Buenos Aires in February 2006 and fell in this with this magnificent city that is brimming with energy, a dynamic arts and sports culture, and of course, fantastic food and wine (hello, Malbec!). In fact, I still dream about the Dulce de Leche ice cream we would eat every day!
While in Buenos Aires, you can wander through the cobblestone streets of San Telmo, known for its antique shops and lively tango performances, or explore the upscale neighborhood of Recoleta, home to the famous Recoleta Cemetery where Eva Perón is buried. The city’s culinary scene is a highlight, with parrillas (steakhouses) serving some of the world’s finest beef, and an array of world-class restaurants offering everything from traditional Argentine dishes to international cuisine. Buenos Aires is also a hub of cultural activity, with numerous theaters, museums, and galleries. The Teatro Colón, renowned for its acoustics, is a must-visit for opera and ballet enthusiasts. Whether you’re sipping a glass of Malbec in a cozy wine bar, dancing the night away in a milonga, or simply soaking in the vibrant street art of neighborhoods like Palermo, Buenos Aires offers an unforgettable blend of sophistication, culture, and passion.
Q&A Guest Post with Gustavo Averbuj: Argentina 🇦🇷
Q: Provide a brief overview on why it is so wonderful to visit Buenos Aires.
A: Food & Wine (Malbec, Beef, Dulce de Leche), friends, LGBTQ+ super friendly, as many theatres as in Broadway, London or Madrid, beautiful museums, a city that is a mixture of Paris & Madrid with the crazy traffic of Rome and a wonderful cosmopolitan population that will help you (and host you) any time.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit?
A: Either Spring (September-November) or Fall (March-May). Avoid the summer at all costs (humid, hot dirty) and winter (gray, rainy).
Q: Do you need a Visa to visit?
A: Not from most countries including Europe and the U.S.
Q: What should you not forget to pack when visiting Buenos Aires?
A: A pair of trousers one size more than your usual (yes, you will eat too much!)…
Q: What is the best airport to fly into?
A: Ministro Pistarini (Ezeiza) is the international airport (think JFK); Aeroparque (AEP) is the local/regional one (think LaGuardia). Easier/cheaper/closer to arrive at Aeroparque but most times you don’t have a choice.
Q: Once you arrive at the airport, best to take a taxi or Uber? Do you recommend renting a car?
A: Taxis are a mafia. Try to arrange for a car pick up or an Uber or Cabify or take a Tienda Leon bus (think Supershuttle) that will bring you to the city and then an uber. Public transport from the airport is really not available.
Q: What area(s) of Buenos do you recommend people stay? Any favorite hotels to mention?
A: Recoleta, Palermo, Barrio Norte are my favorites. Many people stay in San Telmo (not my area) or in the center of the city (to be avoided if possible). All Five Star Hotels are really good but the Alvear Palace Hotel in Recoleta is definitively THE place (if you can afford it!).
Q: What are the best neighborhoods to visit? 👀
A: There is a tourist bus (Hop On/Hop Off) that takes you to most of them. Key sights to visit include:
- La Boca/Caminito (the Italian, turn of the past century typical)
- San Telmo (go on a Sunday to the Fair at Plaza Dorrego)
- Recoleta (again, artisans fair on Sundays)
- Puerto Madero (for lunch or dinner with a view to the river)
- The museum mile around Libertador Avenue including the Museum of Latina American Art (Malba)
- Palermo Soho (small cafes, restaurants, design and fashion)
- Palermo Gardens just to stroll or exercise
- El Tigre (Delta) for a day on the river on a boat
Q: What are some must-do activities in BA?
A: Tango class and Tango show, a soccer game, Malba museum, eat asado (barbecue) with a nice glass of Malbec wine, Dulce de leche everywhere (alfajores, Ice cream, spoonful), Colon theatre (if there is a show, go, if not a tour).
Q: What are the best shopping spots for boutique local stores, artisan vendors?
A: Shopping malls usually have global brands. Palermo Soho is the design district. Fairs (San Telmo, Recoleta, Tigre) mainly for little gifts to bring back home. San Telmo for antiques.
Q: Let’s talk food! What are some must-eat dishes? Must-eat desserts?
A: Did I mention meat? Asado, Chorizo, entraña, Patagonian Lamb… we also have great fish and deserts like ice cream and Dulce de Leche…and our dairy and cheese is great (and very tasty!).
Q: What are your favorite restaurants in Buenos Aires?
A: My favorite restaurants (none are touristy!) are:
Q: Argentina is also well-known for its wine. What are must-try varietals? Any specific wine brands that you recommend? Or special wine bars?
A: Wine (Yes, Malbec but also Cabernet Sauvignon or a great white one). My personal favorites are Late Harvests (Cosecha Tardia), sweet dessert wines that you can have any time. Any Navarro Correas but there are a lot of great wineries here…
Q: Any additional insider tips or recommendations for visiting Buenos Aires?
A: Save some time to just wander around. Be careful, Buenos Aires is a great city but as with any metropolis, there are robberies, there are safety issues, don’t look like a tourist with your expensive camera hanging from your neck while talking on your latest iPhone on the street! Ask the Argentinians (myself included) for things to do according to your tastes (I am a Theatre guy, no soccer). Read a bit of history, politics (not too much) to try to better understand our crazy country. If you can, go to the Iguazu Falls, or Patagonia or Mendoza (Our Napa Valley) or Tilcara and Humahuaca… combine your trip to know more of Argentina. Or add a one day tour to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay (just an hour away by boat). Enjoy!
