Places you can’t miss!

There is so much to do and see in Buenos Aires, but if you are short of time and push came to shove, the two places I recommend visiting before you leave the city are Palermo and San Telmo.  Both barrios boast different characteristics and each I love in their unique ways.

San Telmo 

San Telmo is Buenos Aires’ oldest Barrio and can be recognised by its cobbled streets and colonial buildings.  It is almost impossible not to stumble upon some tango dancers in Plaza Dorrego as San Telmo contends with La Boca for the number one tango hot spot.  Alongside its vibrant tango scene, it has in recent years been a central focus for the world of art.  Only recently, The National Museum of Modern Art (MAMBA) held a Picasso exhibition displaying a collection of some incredible sketches.  In conjunction with its booming art scene, the uprising of gastronomy cannot be ignored, an eclectic mix of restaurants with diverse cuisines makes it an exciting place to explore for any foodies out there like myself.  If you like oriental food and fancy a break from the world of bife de chorizo I highly recommend ‘Saigon’, it does a sensational Pho Bo noodle soup, ‘Pho-nominal’!  The infamous Sunday market is always top of every visitors list and it will not disappoint.  It’s a fabulous place to pick up a typically Argentine souvenir, I could easily spend the day strolling through the market.

Palermo

Palermo, it would be a real shame to miss this buzzing neighbourhood, with its bohemian flare and its omnipresent café culture its impossible not to love it.  Palermo is also well known for its fantastic nightlife; you will always find somewhere to have a casual beer or a fancy cocktail as there are countless ‘boliches’ everyday of the week.  There are also a number of speak easy bars such as Franks which I would highly recommend.  Bosques de Palermo is arguably my favourite part of Buenos Aires as it instils the feeling of tranquillity and space amidst the bustling lifestyle of a city centre.  Its vast green parks are beautifully kept and it’s prime for spotting the ‘paseador de perros’ who walk ten or more dogs at a time!  Also the city’s largest barrio, it is home to Polo Campo Argentina which brings the lifestyle of the rich and the famous.  For me Palermo is its own little town with trendy shops and popular restaurants, it is a tourist hot spot and understandably so.  On a Wednesday night there is a fabulous little jazz bar in Palermo Soho which is pretty ‘tranqi’ and typical of the barrios culture.  Oh and if you like ice cream, ‘Luciano’s’ is the best I have come across, try the basil and mint, que rico!

I would recommend a couple of days at least to explore each barrio.  Its difficult to narrow it down but for me not visiting these places would be a mistake as they convey the excitement and vibrancy that is Buenos Aires. Although these are my two must do’s, there is so much more to do and see in the city so get exploring, there is something for everyone!