9 must see places in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is one of the richest cultural hubs in the world. Here are the best places to visit in the capital city of Argentina to make the best of your stay
Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, and known as the Paris of Latin America, because of its architecture and culture. This city has a different vibe than many other Latin American cities, and it has become a dream for many to visit it.
Here are nine highlights of my most recent visit to Buenos Aires.
La Boca
The central port is mostly famous for the football stadium La Bombonera (officially named Alberto José Armando), home to the famous local team Boca Juniors. It is also known for the unbelievably colourful local places which were mainly set for the first immigrants coming into the city. One of the best ways to enjoy La Boca is to join the walking trip through which you can experience all the historical places through incredible graffiti, enjoy the breathtaking football stadium, and understand the heritage of Diego Maradona who once played for Boca Juniors at that very stadium! At the end of the day, you can visit one of the excellent local restaurants where you can try one of the best beef steaks in the world at a surprisingly cheap price.
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Villa Ocampo
Villa Ocampo has been the centre of Latin American literature for many decades. Poet and Editor Victoria Ocampo's father's residence was an attraction for writers worldwide. While many renowned writers visited the residence, it holds special significance for us Bangladeshis because Rabindranath Tagore was one of them. He was in Argentina for three months just 100 years ago in 1924, and Victoria Ocampo was his host. This house was also the centre of probably the most important Latin American literature magazine ever, called SUR.
Villa Ocampo is in the suburb of the capital and one can easily visit by train and get out of the station San Isidro. This colonial building is full of historical artefacts, well-designed furniture and memorable items belonging to the Ocampo sisters. For me, another attraction was just one km away from the villa, on a small road named Rabindranath Tagore Road where the poet lived during his stay in Argentina.
It was amazing to see that somebody from Bengal visited the place 100 years ago and his memory is still cherished by the local people.
San Telmo
Sal Telmo is another area in the capital city of Buenos Aires, full of exquisite colourful buildings, cafes, and happening places. There are free walking trips starting from the Parliament building held for the tourists everyday which one should join to know the local history and take in the brilliant architecture.
Cafe Tortoni
Argentina has long been famous as a cultural hub, and several of its cafes, bookshops and theatres have played a key role in attracting people to the city, especially the places that teach Tango. Cafe Tortoni is the most famous cafe of the city where you literally have to queue for quite a while to take a seat.
Cafe Tortoni was once visited by legends like Jorge Louis Borges and Albert Einstein!
Natural History museum
Bernardino Rivadavia Museum of Natural Science, the Natural History Museum of Buenos Aires has one of the finest Dinosaur fossil collections in the world including the extinct giant, flightless terror birds! I was overwhelmed by the design and presentation of the natural specimens collected from all over this diverse land.
The museum opens at 2:00 PM only, which is a bit unusual for a museum, so it is best to check the time before visiting.
Art museum
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the art museum, is one of the best in Latin America and it has a world-class painting collection. I was very happy to catch a great exhibition by the sculptor Augusta Rodin.
It has a superb collection of Impressionist painters like Renoir, Van Gogh, Gaugain, Manet, Monet, Pissaro and also of painters of later periods like Picasso. It also has a grand collection of historical objects. This museum entry was free of cost, which will be helpful for travellers who wish to visit more than once because it is not easy to enjoy everything the museum has to offer in one day.
Recoleta cemetery
Built in 1822, this statue-rich cemetery features mausoleums of many notables, including Victoria Ocampo, almost all the presidents of Argentina, Nobel laureates and Eva Peron, who was probably the most popular and controversial female character in the history of Argentina. For people looking for something different, the labyrinth of unique graves and mausoleums may have a special appeal.
Ramsar site
Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur is a marvellously well-designed and greatly conserved Ramsar site just by the river Plata in the city area. This iconic natural place can be a lesson for any metropolitan in the world on how nature can be conserved in such a busy city.
I was tremendously overwhelmed by watching so many different kinds of birds and most importantly, visiting so many different habitats, while at the same time. Being able to see the skyscrapers in the background. For any nature lover, this is a must-visit.
Nightlife
Puerto Madero is the heart of the city during the day and night. Both sides of the canals are busy with cafes, pubs and nightclubs. You can also participate in Tango dancing. This is a charming city to visit time and again.
Staying here for a few weeks will let you take in the vibe that makes so many people consider it as the best city in the world to visit.
