Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is a beautiful city with a vibrant history and modern life. From the old streets of the dockyards filled with the sounds of tango, to the crowded and trendy steakhouses of the center districts, the city offers something for any interested tourist. So check out this list of sightseeing ideas, and take a look at what Buenos Aires has to offer.
1) Tango Lessons in the Old Quarter - The docks and alleyways of Buenos Aires were the birthplace of tango and are still the best place to see a live show or take in a lesson in the beautiful and sensual dance. Originally danced by sailors and prostitutes, the dance became part of the upper crust and has become symbolic of the entire country. Evening shows and group dances are common, all to the tunes of live music and singers. Go with a friend or a lover, because the sexy moves of the tango will turn anyone into a potential mate.
2) River/Boca Soccer Match - Soccer is more than a game in Argentina. It is a way of life, and the two main soccer teams of Buenos Aires are the center of the Argentine sport. Eternal rivals, the River Plate and Boca Juniors compete for the hearts of the city's inhabitants. Almost every Argentine has their personal preference and is not ashamed to share it. Go see a match, but beware if the two teams go head to head. Fans have been known to throw bottles at players, start fires in the stadium, and riot in the streets. Friendlier matches, however, are full of singing, cheers, and lively fans, as well as players.
3) Avenida Independencia - Billed as the largest street in the world, the Avendia is a massive street lined with hundreds of upscale shops, theaters, and restaurants. Take an afternoon strolling up and down the street, and when you're tired you can duck into one of the many steakhouses to feast on one of Buenos Aires' world-famous steaks. Argentina is known for its cattle, which are raised on the flat pampas fieldlands of the interior of the country, and Buenos Aires prides itself on its humongous and succulent cuts of meat.
4) Recoletta Cemetary – This is a monument to those citizens of Buenos Aires who touched the country, or those who could afford to buy a plot of land in the most crowded and prestigious cemetery in the country. Some of the crypts and mausoleums are testaments to vanity, with massive walls and gates, while others are quite small and beautiful. One may see Evita Peron’s resting place here.
5) Cross the river to Uruguay - The city of Buenos Aires is located on the Rio Plata, the Silver River, and across its wide waters lies the country of Uruguay. Every day, hydroplanes and hoverboats make the crossing at high speeds, carrying passengers and tourists. Take an afternoon or weekend for the four-hour journey, and watch the city lights recede and be replaced by the lights of another country. Then spend a day or two shopping in Uruguay, enjoying the many handmade crafts and clothing.
6) Plaza de Mayo - The city's main plaza, the Plaza de Mayo, is home to most of the government buildings, including the famous Casa Rosado, the president’s house. Take a look around at the history of the city, and perhaps you will see a group of elderly women as well. The Plaza is the weekly meeting place of the Madres de los Desaparecidos, a group of elderly women who gather every Sunday to protest the disappearance of their family members. No information has ever been released about the many people who have disappeared, and so the women keep up their protest.
7) Reserva Ecologica - To the South of the city, on the banks of the river, lies the immense Ecological Reserve. Home to many species of plants and birds, the reserve is the perfect location to see a bit of the untouched landscape. Take an afternoon to watch the birds build nests, or take a mid-day lunch of traditional Argentinian empanadas and enjoy the view across the river.
