Travel Tips | Buenos Aires (Eng.)

TRAVEL TIPS

BUENOS AIRES

OVERVIEW

ATTRACTIONS

TRANSPORTATION

SHOPPING

WHERE TO EAT

WHERE TO STAY

OVERVIEW Known as the world capital of tango, the

and the proximity between neighborhoods

modern Buenos Aires entices even more

are an invitation to explore the city on foot.

tourist each day, not only for due to the characteristic rhythm, but also for its var-

The colorful windows and walls of the Cam-

ious attractions. The capital of Argentina

inito give the tourists the impression that

has an intense nightlife with bars and pubs

they are inside an actual roofless museum. As

that begin their activities at 2am. The cozy

for the cozy cafes scattered all over the city,

cafes, the irresistible alfajor (small round

they mix sophistication and nostalgia. The city

cookie, filled with dulce de leche and

lights reflected in Rio de la Plata turns any

covered by chocolate), the great gastro-

dinner into a romantic set in Puerto Madero.

nomic variety, the rich cultural life and the boasting architecture make the city

The intensity of the passionate fans of

even more charming!

teams River Plate and Boca Juniors, the dedication of the dancers on stages and

Visiting Buenos Aires is to reach different

streets and the crowded parties that start

cultures and leisure options to please all

late at night show the intensity of the citi-

distinctive tastes. The flat, tree-lined streets

zens of Buenos Aires.

DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS BUENOS AIRES

With about 2.8 million inhabitants, Buenos

fore, if you choose to travel at this time,

Aires is the largest city in Argentina. Its offi-

you should not forget to take your coats in

cial language is Spanish, or, as the Argentin-

the suitcase.

ians say, Castilian.

If you plan on traveling during high season, As the city has well-defined seasons, a

from July to the second half of January, you

good time to go to Buenos Aires is during

should make hotel reservations in advance,

Spring (September to December) or Au-

since the capital is one of the major touris-

tumn (March to June). In these seasons, the

tic highlights in Latin America.

temperature tends to have more balance: the weather is pleasant during the day and

PASSPORT AND VISA

the nights are frisky.

A visa is not required from Brazilians and from residents in Bolivia, Chile, Colombia,

Summer (December to March) is usually

Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela,

hot, with temperatures oscillating between

only a passport or an ID card in good con-

23째 C and 25째C. As for the Winter (June

ditions is required. Tourists from countries

to September), the days are cold and the

other than the above need a valid passport.

temperature can drop even more during the night, varying from 14째 C to 11째 C. There-

ATTRACTIONS Considered one of the best touristic destina-

independence of some of the South America

tions in both South and Central America, the

colonies. From the 1970s to the present

Argentinian capital abound attractions and

day, mothers whose children were missing

options of things to do, whether during the

during the dictatorship gather at the location

day or at night. Whether for those who enjoy

to claim their rights, and are known as the

activities during the day or for the nightlife

Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo.

lovers, there are many options: the streets of Buenos Aires are busy almost 24 hours a day.

Located across from the Plaza de Mayo, the Metropolitan Cathedral is also worth vis-

In order to know a little bit about the histo-

iting. It is the headquarters of the Catholic

ry of Buenos Aires, the visitor cannot leave

Church in Argentina, has a collection of per-

without paying a visit to Plaza de Mayo.

sonal and liturgical objects of Pope Francis,

The center of Argentina’s political life, its

who has been in command and conducting

name was given in honor of the May Revo-

the Archdiocese until he was consecrated as

lution of 1810, which started the process of

Pope in 2013.

DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS BUENOS AIRES

Also in central Buenos Aires, tourists can

in the La Boca neighborhood, this street

see the Casa Rosada, headquarters of the

has gained great cultural significance for

Argentinian government, and the Obelisk,

inspiring Juan de Dios Filiberto to write the

the city’s emblematic monument, which is

famous tango “Caminito”. As well as several

67.5 meters high, near the 9 de Julio Ave-

bars and restaurants, visitors will also find

nue. Late in the afternoon, a great option is

the “Caminito Visual Artists Fair” in which

to try the delicacies of Café Tortoni, located

many contemporary artists exhibit and sell

in the Montserrat neighborhood, watching a

their works.

beautiful tango show. The El Viejo Almacé and the Esquina Homero Manzi cafe are

A few steps away, there is the Ecological

also quite sought after by those who want

Reserve, the largest green space in the city

to know this traditional dance form and

of Buenos Aires. With 864 acres, it is ideal for

have fun with it.

long walks, cycling, running or spending the day with the family. Along the trails leading

Buenos Aires also has a large variety of mu-

to the river, there are several species of birds,

seums. The Latin American Art Museum of

mammals, amphibians and reptiles.

Buenos Aires, (in Spanish: Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires, MALBA),

Known as the “street that never sleeps”,

has a collection of works by major artists

Corrientes Avenue has the highest con-

such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Tarsila do

centration of bookstores, theaters, pizza

Amaral, among others.

parlors and bars in Buenos Aires. The place is ideal for those who want to enjoy a good

Travelers who want to know more about

tango night. In December, the location has

the works of Argentinian artists must visit

a “Night of the Libraries”, an event in

the Museum of Fine Arts. However, if

which every bookstore remains open until

you are traveling with children, a very cool

dawn offering discounted prices, Round Ta-

activity is visiting the Science Museum.

bles and books presentations by writers.

Despite being intended for niños (children, in Spanish), it appeals to visitors of all ages.

Those who want to know Buenos Aires’s

With many interactive rooms, its doors

busy nightlife must go to Puerto Madero.

were open in 1988 and, since then, has

Located at the riverbank, this formerly

already been visited by more than 2 million

abandoned neighborhood now attracts par-

people. Both are located in the Recoleta

tygoers from everywhere. Pubs and night-

neighborhood.

clubs and host international DJs and promise to close only when the sun is up. The best

Another option for a cultural tour is to

parties that go on all night in the Argentini-

walk by the famous El Caminito. Located

an capital happen there.

DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS BUENOS AIRES

Anyone who likes soccer must check out a

of Buenos Aires usually go there during the

match at the Boca Juniors stadium, near El

weekends and relax taking a pleasant boat

Caminito, or at the famous River Plate sta-

ride along the Paranรก River delta. There

dium, which holds the greatest capacity in

are many streams and islands in the area.

Argentina, which can accommodate a public

The flower-adorned streets, parks, several

of 76 thousand people.

picnic areas and delicious restaurants charm any visitor.

Another must-go tour is San Telmo, more precisely on the corner of Chile and Defensa

Another very interesting place to visit is the

streets. The place has the statue of Ma-

Lujan Zoo, the only one of its kind, located

falda, the famous character immortalized

in Buenos Aires Province, 75 km away

by cartoonist Quino. You will take great

from the Argentinian capital. There, visitors

pictures there!

can interact with tigers, enter a cage with a lion, feed elephants and take a ride on

Travelers who have some extra time in

dromedaries. To preserve the nocturnal hab-

their hands can also visit the city of Tigre,

its of the animals and so that they can rest

35 km north of Buenos Aires. The citizens

too, the zoo does not open at night.

TRANSPORT

BUS With more than 180 routes, it is a quick and affordable option for getting around the

In Buenos Aires, there are several options for

Argentinian capital and its surrounding cities.

you to explore the city without spending too

Most buses operate regularly until midnight.

much: subway, bus, train, bicycle and taxi.

From this time on, the frequency is reduced.

The public transportation is efficient and serves both the population and the visitors very well.

SUBWAY It is the quickest and easiest way of get-

A convenient and affordable way to get

ting around the capital. The six routes are

around Buenos Aires and the nearby cities

connected to the main avenues and train

is to acquire the SUBE: a prepaid ticket

and bus stations. The service operates from

accepted in buses, trains and subways. With

Monday to Saturday, from5 am to 10:30pm

this card, the visitor pays half the cost of

and on Sundays and holidays from 8 a.m. to

the bus ticket, has discounts on subway

10 p.m. The ticket can be purchased inside

tickets and partner stores. Check out for

the subway stations.

more information and points of sale at the website: http://www.sube.gob.ar.

TRAIN It is the best option for those who want to visit neighborhoods farther from downtown or nearby cities, such as Tigre and Delta. The price varies, according to the distance.

TAXI With affordable prices, taxis tend to be widely used by visitors. You can easily call one from restaurants, hotels and hostels.

The official taxis are painted yellow and black.

BICYCLE Cycling is a pleasant way to get to know the city. The “Ecobici� program is free and operates 24 hours a day. On weekdays, the maximum use time is one hour, and on weekends and holidays, two hours. To use the service, simply register online and search for a bicycle in the nearest station.

DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS BUENOS AIRES

SHOPPING Buenos Aires is a shopping paradise! The Argentinian capital offers the most diverse shopping centers, from the most remote areas to downtown. Most stores are open during the weekends and the busiest ones stay open until 10pm. The many outlets offer items for very cheap prices. In Buenos Aires, there are many options and different schedules in which to go shopping.

One of the main shopping centers in the city is located in Palermo Viejo. There, tourists can find a wide variety of luxurious clothing, household appliances, leather goods and the irresistible Argentinian alfajor at very affordable prices. Fashion lovers must visit the surroundings of Plaza Serra-

with famous stores, are also located on this

no, in which there are cool clothes and that

street. Due to its beautiful architecture, the mall

hosts the Urban Fair, where visitors can find

is considered a National Historic Monument.

items with a great cost/benefit ratio.

Travelers will also find many markets and Those who want to save money should also

craft fairs in the city, which are usually

visit the Cordoba Avenue. Considered the

open on weekends and holidays. One of the

“outlets” avenue, it features a hall almost

most famous is the Feira de San Telmo, a

1 km long with a wide range of products

great place to buy souvenirs and gift for rel-

and designs. In Villa Crespo’s outlets, tour-

atives and friends, as well as antiques, and

ists will also find various types of stores.

is very busy on Sundays.

Another very popular place to go shopping is Calle Florida. Located in one of the central spots of Buenos Aires, it has all kinds of shops, especially leather shoes shops. The charming El Ateneo, one of the most traditional bookstores of Buenos Aires, and the sophisticated Galerias Pacífico mall, filled

LOCAL CURRENCY AND TAX

Foreign tourists can request a refund for

The currency is the Argentinian peso, rep-

the Value Added Tax in purchases equal to

resented by ARS$. There are 2, 5, 10, 20,

or above 70 pesos held in the country. For

50 and 100 pesos bills and of 5, 10, 25 and

receiving this refund, you need to shop in

50 cents coins and 1 peso coins. Despite

one of the stores that have the “TAX FREE

not being the official currency, dollars are

SHOPPING” identification. Along with the

widely accepted in most commercial estab-

purchase billing, request the Global Refund

lishments.

Check (refund check).

Walking the streets of Buenos Aires, the

Before leaving the country, tourists must go

presence of several scalpers, known as “ar-

to Customs, present the purchased items,

bolitos” (small trees), can be noticed. They

billings and the check so it can be stamped.

exchange money at the parallel market

With the refund check stamped, just go to

(illegal) price. Tourists must be careful not

one of the Reintegration Stations, located

to accept counterfeit bills; therefore, we

in airports or terminals, and choose to re-

recommend that you exchange your money

ceive your refund in different forms: cash,

only in official currency exchange houses

credit on your card or a bank check to be

and in banks.

sent to an address of your choice.

DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS BUENOS AIRES

WHERE TO EAT

referring to cutlery and napkins used during the meal. In Buenos Aires, it is unusual for

With huge gastronomic variety, Buenos Aires has several sophisticated restaurants and cuisines from many different countries. You can find specialties from India, France, Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Armenia, the United States and several other countries can be found in Buenos Aires. However, the

restaurants to charge 10% for service as in Brazil, but many customers leave a tip for the waiter in the tipping box. The restaurants are usually rather crowded at 10pm.

Therefore, ideally, you should make a reservation or arrive a bit earlier. Before that time, they are usually not busy.

city’s specialty is meat. That is why the cho-

The Palermo neighborhood is one of the

rizo steak, often served with papas (potato

main gastronomic centers of the city.

chips), is a must. The parilla, a traditional

Known as Palermo Hollywood, the area

dish that combines chunks of meat roasted

delimited by Avenues Juan Justo, Santa

on charcoal or wood and the choripan, a type

Fé and Córdoba brings together the most

of sausage served on bread, usually please

sophisticated restaurants in Buenos Aires.

the most demanding palates.

In the famous fashion center Palermo Soho,

When it is time to pay the bill, it is common to find a charge for the “cubiertos”,

there are also many options of good places to eat.

Another place that features good restaurants is Las Cañitas. The most traditional

WHERE TO STAY

gastronomic area of Buenos Aires gathers several restaurants, bars and pubs that stay

In Buenos Aires, tourists can find lodgings

open all night until dawn, especially on

to suit every budget. The city is prepared

weekends. It is perfect for those who like to

to accommodate 10 million visitors a year.

go out at night and enjoy the Buenos Aires

Therefore, there are numerous options:

nightlife.

from major international 4 and 5 star-hotel chains to humble apartments and hostels.

With an impressive architecture, Puerto Madero is one of the nicest places to have

Located between Downtown and Palermo

meals outdoors. Located along the river-

neighborhood, Recoleta neighborhood is

sides, the revitalized neighborhood has

a good option for those looking for peace

plenty of options of restaurants, bars and

and quiet, those who wish to escape the

cafes. It is a place worth visiting at night as

downtown hustle, have more comfort and

well, as its nightlife is quite busy.

a closer contact with the daily life of the Argentinians. The residential neighborhood

Known for the famous cemetery where the

has a refined ambiance and quite charming

tomb of Eva Perón is located, Recoleta is

streets, which are perfect for walks. Those

the first and the oldest gastronomic center

looking for a beautiful, well located and

of Buenos Aires. With belle époque-style

with good lodging options can stay in Re-

buildings, the tree-lined avenues are an

coleta. Highly sought after by tourists, the

invitation to take a nice walk during the day

neighborhood accommodations are cozy

followed by a delicious lunch.

and sophisticated. There, it is located one of the city’s most famous hotels: the Hotel

Those who look for an afternoon stroll must

Alvenar, which is quite luxurious and has

visit San Telmo. Apart from the restaurants,

unique architecture.

the visitors will also find the Notable Cafes, known as the best cafes in town. The grace-

With a high number of hotels, Buenos Ai-

ful architecture and the cozy atmosphere

res’s Downtown is one of the locations that

attract several tourists.

are sought after the most by those visiting the city for the first time. As it is located very close to the main sightseeing spots, it is possible to know the capital of Buenos Aires on foot. Downtown there are many options for lodging, from the cheapest to the most expensive.

DUFRY TRAVEL TIPS BUENOS AIRES

Located close to downtown, Puerto Madero features some of the best hotels in Buenos Aires. With higher daily rates, they are perfect for those looking for luxury, sophistication and good food, since there are many options of restaurants in the surroundings.

A great option for those looking for more affordable lodging is Palermo. With many options of hostels, it is a neighborhood filled with stores, restaurants, bars and is really sought after by backpackers who visit the city. It is also ideal for those have more of a bohemian lifestyle and like to stay out all night. Palermo Soho is the area where most of the hostels are located.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

54 11 911 100 107

COUNTRY CODE CITY CODE POLICE FIRE BRIGADE EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (TOLL-FREE)

MINISTRO PISTARINI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

5480-6111 4480-0224