24 hours is definitely not enough to explore all that bustling Buenos Aires has to offer – but for those who are short on time, here’s the best way to spend an afternoon in Buenos Aires.
Hang out in La Boca
From the Recoleta Cemetery hop in another cab and be ready for a twenty to thirty minute ride to La Boca ($9 USD). The driver will drop you off in the tourist area of La Boca called El Caminito. The streets are always busy with snap-happy tourists and pseudo tango dancers willing to take a sultry photo for a few dollars. The vibe is lively and the colourfully painted houses bring a smile to your face.
There is a charm to La Boca, but all the more reason to keep a close eye on your belongings. La Boca has seedy areas circling El Caminito and tourists are occasionally victims of theft and assault once out of the main restaurant strip. Walking around, you’ll know when the tourist trap ends and the real neighbourhood begins. Head back into the crowd and sit down for some seafood or a mix of grilled meats at La Barrica, one of La Boca’s oldest restaurants. La Barrica has arguably the best tango dancers among the restaurant circuit so enjoy the free tango show while you eat.
Downtown BA
Once you’ve had enough of La Boca, take a taxi towards downtown for some sightseeing and shopping ($6 USD). Ask the driver to drop you off at the Puente de Puerto Madero – the new hot spot for waterfront walks and after work cocktails. Restaurants in Puerto Madero are more expensive than traditional parrillas or grill houses, but the business crowd has no problem paying the extra dollar or two just to see and be seen in the new trendy neighbourhood of Buenos Aires.
From Puerto Madero walk up the hill towards the Casa Rosada at 50 Balcarce. The Casa Rosada is the Argentine version of the White House and sits at the end of Plaza de Mayo. Surrounding the plaza are some of Buenos Aires’ most important buildings including the grand Catedral Metropolitano. Entrance is free and you may take a walk through the cathedral if you are wearing long pants and an appropriate shirt – or risk getting ushered out by the wandering security guard.
From the Catedral Metropolitano, Avenida Florida is only a few blocks away. Avenida Florida is a pedestrian only street lined with stores, cafés and ice cream shops starting at Avenida Rivadavia ending at Marcelo T de Alvear. Along this popular shopping district at Avenida Córdoba you will find the beautiful Galerías Pacífico Shopping Centre. This mall is unlike any North American mall. The architecture and murals are reminiscent of a theatre or cathedral – and best of all, all Argentine products are tax free for international visitors. Visit the information booth for more information on the tax refund.
Continue to Part 3 of Buenos Aires in 24 Hours: An evening of tango.
Mari Suyama (www.marisuyama.com) is a freelance writer from Toronto, Canada who is currently on a one-year journey working and volunteering in South America.
She is tripatlas.com/new’s South America Expert – go to our South America Trip Guide for more.