Travel Guides > Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires Travel

Probably the most European city in South America, Buenos Aires has long been proud of its roots that connect it to the "old country." Their pride shows throughout the city; in its spectacular European-style buildings, the importance of Mediterranean culture, and even in the surnames of the residents of this capital city of Argentina.

But while there's plenty of old world charm in Buenos Aires, this is nevertheless a bustling city of ten million which boasts plenty of things to keep tourists happy, from fine performing arts to museums to fun activities for the whole family.

The Plaza de Mayo, located in the center of the city, is where you'll find many of the cultural and architectural attractions that make Buenos Aires such a splendid city to visit. Very colonial in nature, this plaza boasts grand buildings like the Old City Hall and the regal Metropolitan Cathedral.

Casa Rosado is one of the city's most visited tourist attractions for it was on the balcony of this building that Eva Peron, known to the world as "Evita", addressed the people of her nation in a stirring speech that made her a national icon. (Madonna actually stood here as well to film the movie.)

This building is no longer home to Argentina's presidents but it does house the president's office. There's a museum in another section of the city that's devoted to telling the story of the life of Eva Peron, called Museo Evita but for a broader look at the country and its origins, the National History Museum offers information and fascinating exhibits on the history of Argentina from about the 16th century to the 19th century.

The visual arts are revered in Buenos Aires and the city is home to many fine art museums. The National Museum of Decorative Arts is housed in a stunning French-style mansion and is home to not only paintings and sculptures but also elegant furnishings. The National Museum of Fine Arts is home to an impressive collection of local and regional art as well as many wonderful pieces by European masters such as Rodin, Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso.

If performing arts are a must on your vacation itinerary, secure some tickets to a performance at the Teatro Colon, the second-largest performing arts venue in the Southern Hemisphere (after the Sydney Opera House). Opera is performed here as well as ballet and many wonderful instrumental concerts. It took nearly three decades to build this theater and the acoustics are world-renowned.

The Palermo Gardens Complex and Zoological Park is a fun place to stop and spend a little time outdoors. This expansive park includes a pretty, romantic Botanical Gardens with a greenhouse which is home to traveling art displays; a Japanese Garden, landscaped in tradition style, with an accompanying Japanese Cultural Center that offers workshops on all things Japanese; and the La Rural stadium, where visitors can enjoy a performance of Opera Pampa, the story of the history of Argentina in drama and song.

The zoo is especially known for its unique architecture. The animals here don't roam around in just any old habitat. You may actually find elephants carousing among Indian temples or flamingos strutting through Byzantine ruins.