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