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Attractions and things to do in Buenos Aires

The famous multi-colored houses in the La Boca neighborhood, Buenos Aires

Plaza de Mayo

An indispensable tourist attraction, the Plaza de Mayo situated in the Montserrat Barrio in the city of Buenos Aires has been a major landmark since the revolution of 25th May 1810 which marked the beginnings of the nation's fight towards independency from Spain. Apart from this, the Plaza de Mayo is filled with vital landmarks and symbols both political and religious from paintings on the ground to monuments and buildings. At the centre point of this famous square is the May Pyramid standing since 1811 and erected to celebrate the May Revolution of the previous year. Surrounding the Plaza is an array of beautiful structures of striking architecture such as La Casa Rosada (Pink House), the executive mansion and office of the President of Argentina; the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires; the Hacienda Palace; the Buenos Aires City Hall; the Cabildo, the city council during the colonial era; and the Equestrian Monument to General Manuel Belgrano. Connecting the Plaza de Mayo to another important landmark of the city, known as the Congressional Plaza, is the 1.5 km Avenida de Mayo lined with further architectural treasures in the form of the Palacio Barolo, and the London City Café for instance.

 

La Recoleta Cemetery

A Cemetery may seem like a peculiar place to visit whilst on holiday but La Recoleta Cemetary in the Recoleta neighbourhood of Buenos Aires is a top attraction for its uniqueness and exquisiteness. Spread out over 14 acres are literally thousands of graves, tombs and vaults belonging to celebrated people such as famous Argentines, Presidents of Argentina, Nobel Prize winners, and even a grandchild of Napolean. Out of the 4691 vaults on site, a total of 94 are declared National Historic Monuments. From Art Deco to Art Nouveau and Baroque to Neo-Gothic styles, the décor of vaults is varied and highly notable incorporating many refined statues and sculptures as well as some unusual designs. This is why La Recoleta Cemetery is said to be one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world and a must visit for city-strollers.

 

Fuerza Bruta

Fuerza Bruta or Brute Force in English is an alternative theatre that has become a highlight attraction for many over the years located in Centro Cultural Recoleta. This "step out of the box" show is both interactive like never before and simply refreshing. Taking place above you, in front of you...in short, all around you, this unique spectacle will have you on your feet and moving around to accommodate the main stage. Combining song with dance, performance art, acrobatics and special lighting effects, Fuerza Bruta will take you to a world of outrageousness and intensity like you have never experienced. Make sure to go with an open mind and be ready to lose yourself whilst watching one of the most amazing spectacles of the postmodern era in one of the world's most upbeat capitals.

 

La Boca

Massively popular since 1960, La Boca is a neighbourhood in Buenos Aires most famous for its Caminito attraction marked by hundreds of rainbow-coloured houses as well as its lively street entertainment that is both hip and traditional. The area also holds an excellent modern art museum, cafés and a handful of restaurants. Bringing masses of flare to the streets of La Boca are plenty of open-air tango performances which will leave you undoubtedly passionate over the dance even after seeing it time and time again during your travels. La Boca, translated as 'the mouth' in English, is located at the mouth of the river that runs along the capital's southern border of Riachuela. Note that this is not the classiest part of the city however. Old cobblestones pave the ground and venders trying to make a living spend their days selling overpriced souvenirs to the thousands of tourists passing through each day. La Boca is absolutely a must-visit for its singularity and entertainment. It's a rugged and raw part of Buenos Aires where Argentine culture oozes from every street corner making it that more interesting.

 

MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires)

The historic Figueroa Alcorta Avenue in the Palermo district of Buenos Aires is where you can find the marvellous MALBA museum which preserves, exhibits and promotes major Latin American artworks of the 20th Century. Some of the most popular artists include Frida Kahlo, Jorge de la Vega, Diego Rivera, Xu Solar and Antonio Berni as well as other well-known talents from South American countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, and Venezuela. Both a modern and highly dynamic museum which includes a cultural centre and restaurant also, over a million visitors walk through MALBA's doors annually. Containing impressive permanent collections of paintings, sculptures, photography, print and drawings, visitors are invited to embark on an artistic journey that will have them travelling through decades of artwork. Get to know the social and political art of the 1930s; the surrealism of the 1940s and 1950s; the conceptual, minimalist and pop art of the 60s and 70s and lastly contemporary artwork.

 

Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral

Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires is the capital's main Catholic church found in close proximity to the famous Plaza de Mayo in the San Nicolás neighbourhood. Resembling an ancient temple with twelve tall columns and a triangular pediment at its facade, this large cathedral of various architectural styles has stood gracefully within the city centre since the mid-16th century and is rich with ornaments, sculptures, statues, frescos and outstanding Venetian-style mosaics that make for an interesting visit. Its décor ranges from Neoclassical, to Neo-Renaissance and even Neo-Baroque so there are plenty of elements to focus on and enjoy both inside and out.

 

Puerto Madero

The Puerto Madero district or barrio is today known as the most trendy and modernised part of Buenos Aires after a decade of redevelopment. Today it boasts the capital's most luxurious hotels and apartments attracting more and more tourists to this once lowly area. Although there isn't much in the way of things to do Puerto Madero is one of the best places to go for an afternoon or perhaps an evening stroll along the long-stretch waterfront where you'll find dozens of top-notch restaurants and cafés perfect for an afternoon lunch or romantic dinner. Ripping the skyline are contemporary-styled high-rise buildings and filling the docks are fine-looking yachts that create the perfect backgrounds for photographs. During your visit check out a some interesting monuments as well as the all famous landmark Puente de la Mujer (Women's Bridge).

 

Palacio Barolo

For the best experience at Palacio Barolo try to pay a visit on a clear day or night so that you can take in the most incredible views across all of Buenos Aires from the Palace's glass lighthouse. Based on Dante's Inferno, Palacio Barolo is a truly inspiring piece of architecture that will grab your attention and curiosity as soon as you lay your eyes on it. Comprising of 22 levels or floors (as the cantos in Dante's poem) representing the climb from hell to heaven, linked by narrow winding staircases that add to its eeriness, this attraction can only be seen in the presence of a tour guide and offers particular features on different days of the week. There are plenty of facts to learn about this popular landmark including interesting artefacts concerning Dante and his work. Located along Mayo Avenue in Montserrat district, its Eclectic style and importance in the history of Buenos Aires has made it a National Historic Monument since 1997.

 

Teatro Colón

Declared as one of the most sophisticated concert venues in the world in terms of acoustics, the Teatro Colón has impressed all that have watched a concert within its walls since 1908. Acoustics aside, this mesmerizing venue's décor is simply divine using rich scarlets, golds and marvellous frescos for décor. Its auditorium is horse-shoe shaped and contains seating for 2,487 people and room for 1000 people standing making it bigger than London's Royal Opera House. After renovations from 2006 to 2010 this already charming venue became even more enchanting and is without a doubt the finest place in Buenos Aires to go to the opera. Because of its success, line-ups and renowned shows, Teatro Colón has been known to attract most of the world's best opera singers being highly praised by the legendary Luciano Pavarotti.

 

San Telmo

Settled six blocks away from Plaza de Mayo, with the Microcentro and La Boca to the north and south and Puerto Madero and Avenida 9 de Julio to its east and west side, San Telmo is Buenos Aires' oldest neighbourhood bairro and a tourist hotspot. Don't, however, expect to come across the most chic part of Buenos Aires just because of its popularity among tourists. Unpolished but genuine is the best way to describe San Telmo; the real Buenos Aires. Popular for its bohemian-style vibe and upbeat atmosphere, San Telmo offers street entertainment like no other part of the capital. Plaza Dorrego, the district's main square, comes alive with professional tango dancers giving you a free opportunity to watch Argentina's most loved traditional dance. San Telmo's weekly antique market on Calle Defensa will be another highlight of your visit with chances for a great bargain. Top off your visit in the bairro by eating Argentine delicacies and drink in the many respectable restaurants and cafés in the area. You simply can't miss out on the San Telmo experience!

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