Buenos Aires is the most
European of all Latin American cities. With its
wide boulevards,
leafy parks,
grand buildings and
varied culture and nightlife, the city is reminiscent of Paris or Barcelona. The
porteños (’people of the port’), as the residents of Buenos Aires are called, are more European too - descended from the first Spanish founders and Italian immigrants from the 19th century. Their culture and cuisine still flavors the city and can be enjoyed in countless art
galleries, theaters and museums, as well as fine
restaurants. But
the city has also spawned its own art forms, notably the
tango, for which Buenos Aires is famous.
Buenos Aires is the
third largest city in South America and comprises 47
barrios (neighborhoods) in which nearly 3 million people live. Situated in the east of Argentina beside the Rio de la Plata and surrounded by seemingly never-ending flat land known as the
Pampas, the vast sprawling conurbation is a true
24-hour city - there is always something going on to fill the senses. The downtown area is as noisy and congested as any other major urban center, but the city is really a pleasant place to walk around.
Buenos Aires has largely
bounced back from the economic crisis of 2001 and there are signs that the Argentine economy is on the mend. Large numbers of people still live in
shanty towns (
villas miseries) and
families of
cartoneros (cart people) take to the city streets each evening to rummage through bins for materials to sell for recycling. But despite any lingering financial worries, the
porteños continue to get on with life as best they can. There are still great numbers of people who can’t afford life’s luxuries, but the city’s
classy restaurants, bars and cafes bustle with people and the city’s elite dance the night away in
South America’s best clubs.
Devaluation has made it a
cheap city to explore and enjoy and the division of wealth remains largely invisible to the tourists
sightseeing and shopping by day and dancing and enjoying
gastronomic delights at night. With several new museums and a continuous agenda of
cultural attractions and
events, there is much to see and do. Buenos Aires has a
mild climate and is a year-round destination, although the city can get very hot and humid during the summer months (December to February). The city can also be quiet during summer as many
porteños take their holidays at this time.
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Related Buenos Aires Content
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
Related Argentina Content
The Columbus World Travel Guide has been published for 26 years and is sold in over 90 countries worldwide.
Word Travels is a comprehensive travel guide covering hundreds of cities and holiday resorts in more than 125 countries.
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