Buenos Aires, Argentina is a cultural, culinary and architectural marvel that is best enjoyed as a leisurely weeklong vacation or a three to five night getaway.
This “Paris with palm trees” deserves more than a day to take in the sights – but for the many hurried backpackers, schedule-tight business travellers, or cruise line passengers who only have one day to discover Buenos Aires, here’s how to make the most of it.
Start off slow in Palermo
Palermo is the perfect place to start your day in Buenos Aires. The streets are just getting busy and polished waiters loiter anxiously by the door awaiting their first customers. The sweet smell of fresh baked pastries and coffee wafts through the open doors of the chic cafés and pulls you in.
Palermo’s most unique eatery is the Muu Lecheria (1810 Armenia). This bubblegum and baby blue retro milkshake bar serves up mouth-watering pancakes and waffles, full American breakfasts, as well as the traditional Argentine coffee and pastry for those wishing to save their appetite for later.
After breakfast, take a five minute taxi ride ($3 USD) to the well-manicured Japanese Gardens at Avenida Casares and Avenida Berro. The small gardens complete with waterfalls, koi ponds and bonsai trees will infuse your mind and body with a sense of serenity before rushing into hustle and bustle that is Buenos Aires.
From the Japanese Gardens, walk down the residential street of Lafinur until you reach the Evita Museum, 2988 Lafinur. The museum chronicles Evita’s life and accomplishments, and does so in a stylish and sophisticated way. After being blown away by Evita’s dynamic personality, head to the end of Lafinur where you can pass through the Botanical Gardens and exit onto Avenida Santa Fe.
Now turn to the dark side
From Avenida Santa Fe, hail a ride from the sea of decrepit and rattling taxis whizzing past ($5 USD). Now off to the Recoleta Cemetery for a not-so-morbid walk among the dead. The entrance to the cemetery is more like an ornate village of marble houses and granite statues. Gold and bronze decorative leaves adorn the tombs and placards honour the once rich and famous who are now resting beneath the lavish memorials. Follow the crowds to Evita’s grave or purchase a map at the entrance.
Continue to Part 2 of Buenos Aires in 24 Hours: Spend the afternoon downtown.
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.