The City of Buenos Aires has 48 districts called ''barrios''. The most important and visited are:
The city is geographically contained inside the province of Buenos Aires, but it is politically autonomous. Its coordinates are 34o 36' S, 58o 26' W.
The city extends on a plain covering 19.4 kilometers (12 miles) from north to south and 17.9 kilometers (11 miles) from east to west.
Approximately three million people live in the City of Buenos Aires (the Federal Capital of Argentina with 202 square kilometers equivalent to 78.3 sq miles). The City is divided into 48 districts or ''barrios''. Together with its metropolitan area or Great Buenos Aires (''Gran Buenos Aires'') this is one of the ten most populated urban centers in the world with over 14 million people. Most of the country's activity is highly concentrated in this single city and its surroundings.
Buenos Aires constantly receives tourists from all over the world and offers a large choice of cultural events, nightlife, restaurants and pubs, so you can expect good services and a wide range of options.
Buenos Aires has also one of the largest homosexual communities in Latin America and there is a liberal attitude towards gay society. The Capital Federal law allows and recognizes legal civil partnership. Following the economic recovery, in recent years there has been an increase in gay-friendly businesses such as real estate, apartment rental, travel agents, language classes, tango classes, bars, restaurants, hotels and guesthouses. Since 2007, the city has seen the arrival of more gay cruise ships, the opening of a gay 5-star hotel and a general increase in gay tourism.
Flights from Buenos Aires and the rest of Argentina are usually more expensive for foreigners. This can pose a problem for short-term travelers who do not have time to take a bus to places like Iquazu Falls, Bariloche, Ushuaia, etc. These tourists are often advised to find smaller travel companies/agents[http://www.bsas4u.com/local-flights-from-bsas-c-38.html] that can help them find lower prices on lower flights, deals that larger online travel sites would not have access too.
Ricchieri Highway, Km. 22. Tel. +54 5480-6111 - International and some domestic flights use the Ezeiza International Airport (referred to as ''Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarini''), located in the suburban area named ''Gran Buenos Aires'', about 30-45 minutes from downtown by highway. Planes fly to most countries in South America, the United States, and Europe. Non-stop service to the U.S. is available from Atlanta (Delta), Dallas (AA), Miami (AA), Houston (Continental),New York (AA, United & AR) and Washington, D.C. (United).
Some flights from ''Aerolineas Argentinas'' to Ushuaia leave from Ezeiza during peak season, so check which airport you fly into or leave from.
There is also a useful ''Aerolinas Argentinas'' flight direct to Sydney, with a stop in Auckland and a twice-weekly Malaysian Airlines flight to Kuala Lumpur via Cape Town and Johannesburg. Direct flights to Europe are available with British Airways (with a stop in Sao Paulo) [http://www.britishairways.com ], Lufthansa [http://www.lufthansa.com ], Iberia [http://www.iberia.com ], Air France [http://www.airfrance.com], Air Comet [http://www.aircomet.com] and Aerolineas Argentinas [http://www.aerolineas.com.ar]. Also Air Canada flies from Toronto via Santiago. There is a departure tax of $18 USD (about 54 pesos) for all international flights, which can be paid in pesos, US dollars, euros or credit card.
From the airport there are the usual taxis, private cars (''remises''), buses and minibuses.
The cheapest way to get downtown is to take the number 8 bus (formerly number 86). The stop is just outside terminal B arrivals, you need to walk 100 meters. The bus will take almost 2 hours to get to the Mayo square, going straight on Rivadavia Avenue and then on Hipolito Yrigoyen street. It will cost 2 pesos to get downtown. Be ready to have coins to use them on the bus, you can get change at the counters where the airport tax is paid or at any airport shop. If planing to go from downtown to the airport, be sure to ride the 8 bus that says "AEROPUERTO" as there are several 8 buses that go to other places. The bus stops all along Mayo Avenue and then Rivadavia Avenue. However, if you are at all pressed for time, or short on patience, it is highly recommended that you skip this bus and take a taxi or remise. It can take more than two hours to get to the airport from downtown (longer than the trip in from the airport), and the bus can get extremely crowded.
Trips on the comfortable ''Manuel Tienda Leon'' [http://www.tiendaleon.com.ar] coaches from EZE to Retiro cost 40 pesos (as of October 2008). The coaches leave every half hour - less frequently during evenings. From the Retiro Terminal, a smaller van will deliver you to any downtown address for an additional 5 pesos. Manuel Tienda Leon also offers transfers between EZE and Aeroparque. Tickets can be purchased from their booth just outside of customs.
Prepaid taxis (remises) from EZE to downtown cost about 85 pesos. Hailing a non-prepaid taxi is not recommended for tourists, but if you do, be aware that there is a 2 peso toll and a 0.80 peso toll if the driver goes by the autopista; the driver will inform you as you approach the toll booths.
If you do speak some Spanish, you may find it cheaper to walk outside of customs, find a taxi that is dropping someone off, and hop in. You may see the taxi drivers slowly driving through. Put your bags in, and tell the driver "Al reloj" ('to the meter', meaning you want to pay the price reflected on the meter instead of negotiating a price for the ride). You may have to pay the aforementioned tolls, but it works out to around 50 to 55 pesos to downtown.
When you wish to return to the airport when you leave, you can talk to any cab driver and tell him that you need a ride to the airport. Frequently you can negotiate. They will come pick you up from your apartment or hotel and drive you to the airport. Some of the best insights about Buenos Aires can be leaned from taxi drivers. If you are new to the city, it's probably a good idea to have a map out, so that the driver knows that they can't drive you round in circles whilst the meter i ticking.
Another alternative is that some of the prepaid remises will provide you with a 20% discount coupon for your airport return. If you manage to hold on to this coupon, dial them directly to come and collect you and save yourself 20%. You must also keep the original receipt, as they need reassurance that you used the remise from the airport originally.
Cabs WILL try to rip you off at the airport, and intense haggling will be necessary, especially if you are clearly American, or a "yankee" (pronounced "shankee"). Cabbies will tell you stories of how far the airport is- some want as much as $100. Stand your ground and walk away, they will come back with cheaper fares.
Located in the Ave. Rafael Obligado. +54 4576-5300 extension 107/122 (Information: 4576-1111). Most domestic flights use the smaller Jorge Newbery Airport (referred to as ''Aeroparque''), 10 minutes away from the downtown area. You can take a taxi (25 pesos) or bus from there.
There are national railways, but they are scarce. The terminal stations are the same from suburban transportation. From Retiro station you can take the train to the Tigre Delta. There you can do a boat cruise and see the wetland and recreational area of the portenos.
There are some long distance domestic services. Buses are usually faster and more comfortable, but also three times as expensive. There are several main stations in the Buenos Aires area (see below).
Retiro - Cordoba (overnight): departs Mon. & Fri. 20:10, arrives 10:25
Cordoba - Retiro (overnight): departs Thu. & Sun. 16:30, 07:33 (25 pesos - tourist class)
Retiro - Tucuman (overnight): departs Mon. 10:05, arrives 10:40
Tucuman - Retiro (overnight): departs Wed. 18:00, arrives 19:20 (35 pesos - tourist class)
You can get to Buenos Aires from any of the neighboring countries by car, but it is far away from most of the borders. It is really only common to travel there from Uruguay and southern Brazil.
There are four main highways entering the city which connect to suburban areas and other national routes. As with the trains, the bigger and more frequented routes are centered in Buenos Aires, so you will have no problem driving to and from the rest of the country.
Heading to Rosario city, you can travel by highway all the way (north access highway, then route 9). From here you can keep heading north on a good route (''Panamericana''), or turn right about 150km from Buenos Aires and go to the Mesopotamia region.
To the west, you can drive to the Cuyo region using the north access highway, then route 8.
Traveling out of the city on the west access highway, you can follow routes 7 and 5, which will lead you to the west and southwest, respectively. If you want to visit western Patagonia, route 5 is a good choice.
Finally for visiting the Atlantic shore of Buenos Aires (province), you need to head to the southeast access highway and then take route 2, a very good highway to Mar del Plata city.
There are very good services departing from Retiro bus station, covering the whole country. Generally speaking the more expensive the ticket, the more comfortable the bus will be. The most expensive tickets will get you seats that fully recline and you will also be served meals and drinks by an attendant on board.
Almost all the long-distance buses use the huge and well-organised Retiro bus station on the northern edge of the city centre. The buses are mostly modern and the roads are good; there are frequent services to most parts of the country and international bus services to neighbouring countries. A second bus terminal is situated in the Liniers neighborhood, but it is much smaller and not connected to the subway.
You may catch taxis from Retiro bus station, and the ''subte'' (underground) also stops there. There are many local buses that stop outside the station as well.
There are numerous operators. The basement level is for cargo and package services. The ground level holds waiting areas, cafes, shops and services including a barber. On the upper level you find a large number (close to 200) of ticket offices, or boleterias. The upper level is conveniently divided by color into geographic areas for companies which serve the place you want to go, including an international area. Look for the signs.
Cama Suites or Dormi Camas lie completely flat and some have dividing curtains. With these services, the seating arrangement is one seat one side and two seats on the other side. Semi-Cama services are laid out two and two, and do not recline as far. Companies usually have photographs of bus interiors. Make sure the journey you choose has the service you want. Most buses are double decker.
Bus travel times to/from Buenos Aires:
Terminal de Omnibus de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires
To find out which companies are available for a specific destination you can consult the official webpage of the terminal Retiro [http://www.tebasa.com.ar] and an online information system for buses from Buenos Aires [http://www.omnilineas.com] to the main national and international destinations.
There are daily journeys to and from Colonia and Montevideo in Uruguay.
Two companies operate this service.
The services are now coordinated by Buquebus. The ferry tour ship is the slower one, used for Colonia. You may still make a fast trip to Colonia, at a higher price. Certain boats are nicer than others- but for about 36 pesos ($10) you can upgrade to first class both ways- which includes VIP lounge access and a free glass of champagne. Highly recommended on the nicer boats (you can upgrade on board).
From the official city site:
The City is an important destination for the maritime and fluvial cruisers industry of South America. The Benito Quinquela Martin Passenger Terminal, a few blocks away from downtown, at Ramon Castillo street between Avenida de los Inmigrantes and Mayor Luisioni street, has a surface of 7,100 square meters, a boarding room for 1,000 passengers and baggage facilities with capacity for 2,500 suitcases. Additional features include tourist information, handicrafts shops, snack bars as well as the offices for Migration, Customs, Interpol and Prefectura (Coast Guard).
You may also take a boat from nearby Tigre to Nueva Palmira in Uruguay. Trains leave from Retiro Station to Tigre frequently. Boat services to Nueva Palmira also connect to Colonia del Sacramento by bus.
There is also a service from Montevideo-Carmelo-Tigre-Buenos Aires. It costs around 36 pesos($10) one way for the whole shebang. Get the tickets and depart from Tres Cruces in Montevideo. The price includes a bus to Carmelo, boat to Tigre and another bus to the center of Buenos Aires. The official website is at [http://www.cacciolaviajes.com] and they often have very good special offers that include some nights in hotels in Buenos Aires.
From Europe:
'''Grimaldi Lines - Freighter Travel''' operates a bi-monthly freighter link from Europe to South-America via Africa. Five freighter ships do the rotation and each accepts 12 passengers. The journey lasts about 30 days (60 days for a round trip) and port calls include: Hamburg, Tillbury, Antwerp, Le Havre, Bilbao, Casablanca, Dakar, Banjul, Conakry, Freetown, Salvador de Bahia, Vitoria, Rio de Janeiro, Santos Zarate, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Paranagua, Santos, Rio de Janeiro, Dakar, Emden and back to Hamburg. Only the stops in Europe and at Buenos Aires permit passengers to either embark or disembark off the freighter. However passengers are allowed to visit the all the port. All the port calls are subject to change depending on the loading and unloading needs of the ship. Tickets for a cabin on a Europe to BA trip start at ?1450/pp for a double cabin and ?1890 for a single cabin (more expensive luxury cabins are available).
The '''public transport''' in Buenos Aires is very good, although crowded during rush hour. The metro network is not very large, but reaches most tourist attractions of the city, and there is a large range of bus routes and several suburban railways used by commuters.
'''Finding your way around''' is easy. Most of the city grid is divided into equal squares with block numbers in the hundreds. Most streets are one way with the adjacent parallels going the other way, so beware that the bus or taxi won't follow the same route back. If traveling by taxi, you simply need to tell the driver the street and block number, eg. "Santa Fe 2100"; or two intersecting streets, eg. "Corrientes y Callao".
'''City maps''' are issued by many different publishers (''Guia T, LUMI'') and the local tourist authority. They are indispensable for those wanting to use public transportation, since they include all bus routes. Be aware that some maps are bottom up (South on the top of the map). This is true for the maps at the official taxi booth at Ezeiza airport.
Taxis are not the quickest way to move around the more congested parts of the city, especially during rush hour, as traffic jams are common. Still, you will find that taxis are usually rather inexpensive, convenient, and exciting (in a white-knuckled, the roller-coaster-seems-to-have-some-pieces-missing kind of way.)
It is safest to have your hotel or host call for a radio taxi. If you must hail a cab on the street, watch out for private operators disguised as commercial services. Also avoid paying in large bills as there have been cases of counterfeit change.
If a taxi driver says that your money is counterfeit and says that he will take you to an ATM, just tell him you want to get out there. There are many stories of travelers (especially when they speak little Spanish and having just arrived at the airport) being robbed under this premise. It also helps if you see a police officer nearby because if they are trying to rob you they will probably be scared off. If you are heading towards a hostel or hotel, the receptionist will usually understand the situation if you honestly do have counterfeit money, and will lend you money to pay the cab.
If the cab "breaks down", it is recommended that you just get out and find another cab. It is advised to keep your luggage in the seat with you if this scenario or a similar one occurs so you can make a quick getaway if needed.
The principal means of public transportation within the city, are the buses (''colectivos''). They have a cheap maximum fixed price as long as you are moving inside the city borders (1 peso). Tickets can only be bought on the bus, through a machine that accepts coins only.
There are more than one hundred lines, covering the whole city. They work 24 hours a day, the whole year; but run less frequently on holidays and late at night. For each route the bus is painted differently making them easy to distinguish. The best way to figure out the bus system is to buy a Guia "T". It's essentially a little book with a directory of streets, which corresponds to map pages, and has bus listings on the facing page for each map. Once you get your hands on one, it's very easy to figure out, but give yourself fifteen minutes the first few times you use it to plan a route. These can be bought at many kiosks around the city, or subway stations.
Otherwise, visitors who are comfortable with speaking a little Spanish can call 131 toll-free from any phone to help you find which ''colectivo'' to take. You just have to tell the corner (or the street and the number) where you're at and the one you want to get to.
On most services, board the bus and tell the driver your destination (or do what Argentines do -- just say "un peso, por favor" meaning you'll be traveling a normal distance and want to pay 1 peso); he will press a button instructing the coin machine to take a certain amount of money for you, which will then appear on the machine as the amount to insert. Step a bit further back into the bus and insert coins into the machine which now knows your destination and has calculated your fare because the driver punched it in. You will receive change and your ticket automatically, collect it at the bottom of the machine.
If you see a little metal knob on the coin machine, it's not for dispensing your ticket like the candy/toy machines in grocery stores in the U.S. ... it's the door to the inside of the machine to change the paper and whatnot. Don't turn it!
You can also use buses to move in and around the suburban area (''Gran Buenos Aires''), but the fares are higher (up to 2 pesos, depending on the distance and service). The suburban-only lines (you can differentiate them because their line numbers are above 200) have lower standards of comfort, and many of them don't run after 11 pm.
The city has a metro network ("subte", short form of "tren subterraneo", which means "underground train"). It is very efficient and you can save a lot of time by using it. It is also very cheap (1.10 pesos for any combination). If you need to be somewhere by 9 am or 9.30 am on a weekday, however, the Subte will be incredibly crowded and depending on where you are catching it from, you may have to miss several trains in a row before there is space for you. Once on board, during peak hours it can get very crowded. Factor this into your timing arrangements to make sure that you make your meeting on time. The ''subte'' runs approximately from 5 am to 10 pm, except on Sundays, when service starts at 8 am.
Many ''subte'' stations have interesting murals, tiles and artwork. Transferring between lines is indicated by ''combinacion'' signs.
You can buy reusable tickets and add credit on them which can be used for several trips saving you from having to always go to the cashier to purchase individual tickets. Tickets are not swiped upon exiting stations, therefore you may use one magnetic stripe ticket for more than one traveler, as long as it has the required number of fares.
The current network comprises six underground lines, labelled "A" to "E" and "H" which all converge to the downtown area and connect to the main bus and train terminals.
The A line is a destination on its own because of the old wooden carriages. It was built in 1913 making it the the oldest metro system in Latin America, the Southern Hemisphere, and the entire Spanish-speaking world.
In the southeast branch (the E line), the service is extended by a trainway known as ''premetro'', but beware, it goes to some of the least secure places in the city. Premetro is 0.60 pesos, or 0.70 with a Subte Transfer.
The ''subte'' and ''premetro'' services are under Metrovias S.A. control. You can reach their Customer Service personnel by calling -toll free (within Argentina)- on 0800-555-1616 or by sending a fax to +54 4553-9270. For more information you can visit this links [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subte], [http://transmetro.mobi/bai].
There's a good deal of railway connections to the suburban area laid out in such a way that it resembles a shape of a star. The quality of the service ranges from excellent to very bad, depending of the line; ask before using them at night time.
The main railway terminals are ''Retiro'', ''Constitucion'', ''Once'' and ''Federico Lacroze''. From all of these you can then use the metro and bus network to get right into the center. The suburban fares are very cheap.
More information:
If you are truly adventurous (and have a bit of a death-wish), cars are available to rent in Buenos Aires. There are several things to keep in mind before renting a car in Buenos Aires. First, Buenos Aires is such an excellent city for walking that if something is within 20 or 30 blocks, it is often worth the extra effort to go on foot and get to know the city on a more intimate level. The terrain is flat...get out there and put those legs to work! Second, if you aren't much of a walker, the public transportation system in Buenos Aires is cheap and efficient. It can get you anywhere fast! Third, and perhaps most important, the traffic in Buenos Aires is extremely chaotic. Stoplights, signs, traffic laws...for many porteno drivers, are just ''suggestions.'' Picture yourself trying to get several thousand heads of cattle to move down the street and stay inside the lanes, and you have a decent idea of driving in Buenos Aires. The best advice? Take the bus! Otherwise, best of luck to you. Argentina has one of the highest motor vehicle accident mortality rates in the world.
If you are a fan of walking in green open spaces and parks in big cities like Buenos Aires, be sure not to miss a promenade in Palermo, a beautiful area in the eastern part of the city. Here you will not only find open spaces to walk in, but a large lake where you can rent paddle boats and an huge flower garden that's free to enter!
Another great place to walk along and experience Argentine street life in a safe area (during the day only folks - interesting characters emerge here at night!) is ''El Puerto de Buenos Aires''.
La Boca has the ''Caminito'' pedestrian street with arts and crafts. There is also a river cruise you can take from there where you can see a huge picturesque metal structure across the river. You can try and catch a rowboat to Avellaneda on the other side of the water for 0.50 pesos, but you will have to try your luck as the rower may not allow you on citing that its dangerous. La Boca is famous for Tango and you can often catch glimpses of Tango dancers practicing in the streets. If you fancy having a picture taking with a tango dancer you can but expect to pay a small fee. In addition to tango, La Boca is famous for its football, and you can take a tour of the La Bombonera Stadium where the buildings are painted in bright colors. The prices for almost everything in La Boca tend to be 2 to 3 times higher compared to the rest of the city. It's very touristy but its touristy for a reason as it is an enjoyable place with some authentic Argentine sights. La Boca is probably best to be enjoyed during the day when the streets are crowded and there are other tourists around, it is generally advised to be avoided at night. There is no subte to La Boca, but many buses go there.
'''The Cementerio de la Recoleta''': This is where all the rich families in Buenos Aires have their final resting places. Expect to see big ornate tombs. Be sure to visit the tomb of Eva Peron, the daughter of an aristocrat who, despite having the most visited tomb in the cemetery, is considered by many to be too "low class" for eternal interment in Recoleta.
'''The Palermo Viejo district:''' This is a trendy neighborhood with charming cobblestone streets, bookstores, bars and boutiques; definitely better than the touristic San Telmo area for a nightime excursion. The ''Plaza Italia'' station is the closest metro stop.
'''Tigre Islands:'''[http://www.pubcrawlba.com/pub/tours.php?idt=2] Spend a day just outside the busy city on an island in Tigre. Have an authentic Argentine BBQ, a few beers, enjoy a private swimming pool, rent canoes, play Football or Volleyball, and pretty much enjoy the good life.
More information is available at the Buenos Aires official tourism website [http://www.bue.gov.ar/home/index.php?&lang=en], including suggested itineraries.
'''Football Game'''
Argentina has a renowned football reputation and the sport is big throughout the whole country including of course, Buenos Aires. The capital is the home town of two of the most appreciated football teams in the world, Boca Juniors and River Plate. A game between these two legendary teams is called the "Super Clasico." [http://www.bsas4u.com/boca-river9474-presale-general-tour-p-174.html] This is by far the hottest ticket in the city, and it is often necessary to buy tickets well in advance [http://www.bsas4u.com/boca-river9474-presale-tickets-9474bsas4u-p-174.html]. Also, the Argentine National Team is very, very popular. Tickets to their World Cup Qualifying matches can difficult to come by, involve waiting in very long lines, and should be ordered in advance [http://www.bsas4u.com/argentina-colombia-football-tour-general-p-268.html] for more convenience. The Argentinian fans are known for their passion and the songs (which are practically love songs) which they sing to their teams. Even if you are not a huge football fan, going ot a game is definitely worth it just to take in the atmospheric and to observe the fans singing and cheering. While this is an experience you don't want to miss while visiting Buenos Aires, it can also be dangerous to tourists to go on their own. Tourists are often advised to go with large, organized groups with bilingual guides[http://www.bsas4u.com/bsas-football-experience-c-35.html?osCsid=siu9t7kuerjqabh7sr44ulabe5]. This ensures that you can watch the game in peace and still have a great time.
'''Tango'''
A trip to Buenos Aires is not complete without some sort of experience of the '''Tango'''[http://www.bsas4u.com/viejo-almacen-tango-show-dinner-p-67.html], the national dance of Argentina[http://www.bsas4u.com/ventana-tango-show-p-72.html]. A good place to go and watch some authentic Tango is at the '''Confiteria Ideal''' Suipacha 384 (just off of Corrientes, near Calle Florida. However Tango is best experienced not in La Boca and on Calle Florida, but in the '''Milongas'''. A milonga is both a place where a Tango dance will take place, as well as a specific type of tango dance. Milongas take place either during the day or late at night. "Matinee Milongas" usually start in the early afternoon and go until 8-10pm. They are popular with tourists who may struggle staying up until 5am every night[http://www.bsas4u.com/boca-tango-tango-show-dinner-p-73.html]. Inside a milongas, you will find many locals who will be more than willing to show you how to dance[http://www.bsas4u.com/complejo-tango-tango-show-lessons-p-224.html]. The night Milongas officially start at around 11, but don't fill up until around 1:30. They may go on until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some Milongas to note are: '''Salon Canning''', '''El Beso''' and '''Porte?o y Bailarin'''. There is a monthly magazine put out in Buenos Aires called "El Tangauta"[http://www.eltangauta.com]. It is the Tango bible and details all tango goings on in Buenos Aires. Every group lesson and milonga will be in there. Another source of Tango information is Punto Tango [http://www.puntotango.com.ar/index1.htm], published monthly; it is available for download in pdf format. Vammos [http://www.vammos.com.ar] is an Buenos Aires Event Community where you will find recommendation by users. '''Lessons''': You can start learning tango through the group lessons offered at many studios. Some popular schools are at the Centro Bourges Culturel, on the very top floor. It can be very hard to find the actual place as there are some stairs you have to go up, and then you have to go through a museum. Ask the security officer where the "Escuela de Tango" [http://www.eatango.org]is. Take note that in the summer time the rooms can get very hot. The Centro is within the Galerias Pacifico, the American-style mall near Calle Florida on San Martin. The best way to learn, even if you do not have a partner, is with private lessons. You can find instructors who charge as little as 50 pesos per hour, all the way up to ones that will charge 368 pesos ($100) per hour. Many of the more 'famous' instructors command a premium price. Be warned if you start taking tango lessons it will seduce and consume your life and you will then be force to make many pilgrimages back to Buenos Aires to dance.
'''Gaucho Party'''
Fiesta Gaucha- Spend a night seeing what it is like to be a real gaucho! Live the life of an Argentine cowboy; ride horses, eat traditional gaucho foods, drink traditional gaucho wines and dance tango like they used to do back in the day. A great way to get out of the city for a day and see another side of Argentine culture[http://www.bsas4u.com/fiesta-gaucha-bsas4u-p-193.html]. Great for adults, kids, or anybody who ever wanted to be a cowboy when they were younger!
'''Skydiving'''
Buenos Aires hosts exhilarating skydiving activities within its clear blue skies. You can experience a 20 minute flight, followed by a 35 seconds freefall and a slow descent of nearly 7 minutes to enjoy a breathtaking view. Discover a unique bird's-eye view of Buenos Aires and its expansive pampas as you dive through 3,000 meters (1,000 feet) of open air. There is no better place to feel the adrenaline of a Tandem Skydiving Jump[http://www.bsas4u.com/sports-buenos-aires-tandem-skydiving-c-28_32.html].
'''Polo'''
Around Buenos Aires there are plenty of Polo schools. Most Polo courses run for a week and include accommodation on site.
'''Gay travelers'''
In recent years Buenos Aires has became a popular destination for gay travelers. For international gay travelers, the "Paris of the South" has also become the gay capital of South America. For further info refer to Buenos Aires gay guide and activities [http://www.2portenios.com].
'''City Tours'''
As with any other metropolis, Buenos Aires has plenty of city tours from walking tours[http://www.bsas4u.com/city-tours-bsas-walking-tour-bsas-c-23_27.html], bus tours[http://www.bsas4u.com/city-tours-bsas-tour-bsas-c-23_26.html], bike tours[http://www.bsas4u.com/city-tours-bsas-bike-tours-bsas-c-23_24.html] to thematic tours such as political and tango tours[http://www.bsas4u.com/tango-bsas-tango-tours-bsas-c-33_43.html]. Buenos Aires is friendly destination and tourist will feel secure and free to wander around aimlessly absorbing all the city has to offer. If you are looking for a more in depth or structured way of seeing the city a guided tour is a good way to do this. Most of the tour operators are professional and bilingual and will explain the history as well as the architecture of of the city. One suggestion is *<do name="Buenos Aires Free Tour" alt="" address="Plaza del Congreso " directions="" phone="" url="http://www.buenosairesfreetour.com" hours="11am & 5pm" price="Free!" lat="" long="">A great intoduction to the city! Two free walking tours per day!</do>
'''Helicopter Tours'''
The city of Buenos Aires[http://www.bsas4u.com/buenos-aires-extra-large-helicopter-tour-p-77.html] and its suburban surroundings [http://www.bsas4u.com/delta-helicopter-tour-p-79.html]cover a tremendous expanse of land that cannot be easily and quickly walked, biked or driven. That's what helicopter rides are for[http://www.bsas4u.com/buenos-aires-large-helicopter-tour-p-76.html]. You can discover Buenos Aires from a unique perspective[http://www.bsas4u.com/buenos-aires-full-helicopter-tour-p-75.html]: see the skyline of Puerto Madero's skyscrapers, the grid of concrete streets filled with taxis and colectivos or buses, the tourist attractions including the Obelisco, Casa Rosada, and Cementario Recoleta. Tour the skies above the human traffic on an exciting Helicopter Ride[http://www.bsas4u.com/bsas-city-tours-helicopter-tour-c-23_34.html]. A different way to explore the city[http://www.bsas4u.com/delta-helicopter-tour-p-78.html].
'''Golf'''
You might not think of it as you walk around this big city of skyscrapers, but there is some very good golfing very close by. There are many trips to the golf courses that make it easy and relaxing for tourists to enjoy a day on the green. [http://www.bsas4u.com/bsas-sports-activities-golf-c-28_31.html]. Packages include any greens fees, equipment and a caddie who you can blame when you hook that shot into the woods!
'''Jewish travelers'''
Buenos Aires is home to one of the biggest Jewish communities in the world and the biggest in South America. There are many sights and activities specifically for Jewish people. There are museums, beautiful synagogues, monuments, barrios and history for all travelers to soak up and enjoy. Tours are given around the city to hit all the major Jewish landmarks[http://www.bsas4u.com/jewish-buenos-aires-p-52.html]. This is a great way to see a different side of Buenos Aires that most people wouldn't think about seeing.
'''Lujan'''
Just outside the city is a great place called Lujan. It is famous for it's incredible zoo[http://www.bsas4u.com/tour-lujan-p-158.html] and it's world famous cathedral. Other than that, it is just a great place to go for a day if you want a break from the city. There are tours all the time[http://www.bsas4u.com/lujan-tour-from-buenos-aires-p-159.html] that can help you get there and show you where to go once you arrive.
'''Tigre'''
Another great place on the outskirts of the city is Tigre[http://www.bsas4u.com/perfect-night-tigres-delta-p-141.html]. Tigre has a quaint amusement park, a great crafts fair on the weekends, a multi-storied casino, and a beautiful river to walk along. A popular choice is to take a boat ride along the river, ideal on a sunny day. There are many tours that go to Tigre[http://www.bsas4u.com/unforgatable-tigres-delta-p-140.html], and it's a great place to get out of the city for a day and get some fresh air. The most popular day to go is Sunday, but there are things to do all week long[http://www.bsas4u.com/delta-getaway-experience-p-142.html].
'''Spas'''
Recently, more urban spas or day spas have flourished, some of them at large hotels such as the Alvear, Hilton, Hyatt among others. Furthermore, some green spas as Aloe-Spa Salute per Aloe [http://aloe-spa.com/productos-y-servicios-de-aloe-spa/servicios-de-aloe-spa-en-argentina] have opened shops and offer a great range of eco-friendly treatments.
'''Medical Tourism'''
Making medical procedures part of your overall vacation package is a growing trend, and since Buenos Aires is relatively affordable for Westerners, it is at the forefront. If you decide to go the medical vacation route, there are a number of firms that have established relationships with local medical clinics who can deliver a total package. [http://www.buenosairepartners.com Buenos Aires Partners] is one example of such medical travel concierge services. Make sure you check out the credentials of the doctors and other healthcare professionals before making your decision; that said, Buenos Aires is home to plenty of well-trained doctors with excellent reputations.
'''Learn Spanish''' Buenos Aires is a great place to study and practice your Spanish. There a number of good programs that can help teach you a lot about both the language and the Argentine culture. [http://www.bsas4u.com/spanish-lessons-c-44.html]
'''Education Levels''' Argentine education is set up by level. All levels offer both public education, free of charge, and private, requiring tuition fees. Education has standards established by national laws which the National Ministry of Education regulates. [http://www.livinginargentina.com/education-sec313.html]
Primary Education - Kindergarten (Jardin de Infantes) for children from age 3 to 5, of which the last year is obligatory.
Basic General Education - Obligatory, nine years in duration, beginning at 6 years of age.
Polimodal Education - Is the next level after finishing Basic General Education and offered at specific institutions, lasting a minimum of three years.
Higher and Professional Education and Graduate Studies - Its duration is determined by the University and non-University institutions, depending on the course of study. There are teaching degrees, bachelors (licenciaturas), doctorates and masters, all recognized internationally.
'''The University of Buenos Aires''' The Universidad Nacional de Buenos Aires is the most important school in Argentina and one of the most prestigious in Latin America. Founded on August 12, 1821, it depends financially on the State but it is autonomous, open, secular, and completely free. Furthermore, the only condition for entry is completion of the Ciclo Basico Comun. [http://www.livinginargentina.com/the_university_of_buenos_aires-997.html]
School of Agronomy - International Studies Department [http://www.cui.edu.ar/secretaria/espanol/?page=eng_espanol] and The University of Buenos Aires - School of Philosophy and Letters - Spanish Courses at the Language Laboratory [http://www.idiomas.filo.uba.ar/extranjeros/ingles/extranjeros.htm] offer excellent programs for foreigners who want to learn Spanish.
Employment is available for Spanish-speaking visitors in Buenos Aires. Many foreigners work as translators, or English teachers. There's also a recent trend for technology and recruiting companies hiring English-speaking or bilingual employees.
It is very common for foreigners to work in call-centers. There are companies that provide Customer Care and Technical Support services to many big American and European companies like Microsoft, Verizon, Vodafone, Motorola and others. If you speak just a bit of Spanish you can get this kind of job and earn a decent salary.
If you wish to work, remember to obtain proper immigration status so as to be able to work legally. Some employers may still offer you work under less than formal terms, but be reminded that if you accept this sort of employment you may not receive the full benefits that are mandated by law and are actually 'helping' that employer break a good number of local laws.
Shops at Shopping Malls and Supermarkets are usually open from 10:00 to 22:00 hrs, 7 days a week. Non-chain, small stores usually close around 20:00 and stay closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays except on big avenues and touristic areas. All of the main avenues are full with kiosks and very small convenience stores that stay open 24 hours. You will find no less than 2 for each 100 meters you walk. On the Recoleta area several bookstores and record stores close as late as 2:30am daily.
Money can be exchanged at ''Banco de la Nacion Argentina'' at the airport and at any of the '''cambios''' along Florida or Lavalle, but, if you have the time, shop around for the best rate. '''Traveller's checks''' are rarely used and may actually be difficult to exchange, but there is an American Express office at San Martin Plaza. ATMs are your best source of cash.
'''Banks:''' Banks open from 10 to 3 pm. and only on weekdays. ''Banelco'' or "Red Link" ATMs can be found around the city, but banks and ATMs are few and far between in residential neighborhoods like Palermo. Try major roads near metro stations. '''Fees''' depend on your hometown bank. Sometimes the machines also dispense dollars for international bank cards that are members of the Cirrus and PLUS networks. Visitors from Brazil can find many Banco Itau agencies all over the city.
'''Change:''' Change is a big problem in Buenos Aires as there is a seeming shortage of coins. The locals give two basic reasons for it. The first being that the metal is worth more than the value of the coin so people sell their coins to scrap metal merchants and all that metal ends up in China, or the other reason is that the metro and bus system requires all trips to be paid for with coins so there is a shortage in a city of 12 million people. Whatever the reason, if you buy an item that costs Ar$4.60, almost always expect ot pay with the correct amount of money. Some shop keepers are said to take advantage of this and hope that the purchaser will simply say 'keep the change'.
'''Forgery:''' with special attention to taxi drivers, be on the lookout for forged bank notes being given with your change. Some forged notes are very well done and even have what appears to be a watermark. Get to know the notes and exaclty what they look and feel like, also the water marks. When exiting a taxi, hold up your notes to the light to check them before final exit
'''Books'''
Saturdays and Sundays are great days for the outdoor markets, especially in the summer. The ''Feria Recoleta'' (in ''Plaza Francia'') is an assortment of all sorts of artisan products, from jewelry to shawls; and ''Plaza Serrano'' in Palermo viejo comes alive in the afternoon with more artisan's handiwork and freelance clothes designers. Another nearby Plaza (in Palermo viejo) between Malabia, Armenia, Costa Rica and Nicaragua streets has stalls with items for sale. ''Plaza Dorrego'' in San Telmo offers tango and antique products. Defensa street on Sunday from Chile to San Juan comes to life with live performers and vendors. The crowds are thick, so keep an eye on your possessions.
The ''Ultimo Taller'' at Jorge L. Borges 1975 (between Soler and Nicaragua streets) sells funky candles and street address plates and markers; there are charming cats, and photos can be etched onto these plates as well. The shop is open Monday to Saturday 10am-9pm;
In Buenos Aires, and in the rest of the country, beef is king, but it's not your only option in this cosmopolitan city. Italian food is pervasive but in neighborhoods like Palermo, pizza joints are seeing heavy competition from sushi, fusion, and even vegetarian bistros. Just about everything can be delivered - including fantastic, gourmet ''helado'' (ice cream).
'''Vegan''' food is available at these restaurants [http://www.happycow.net/south_america/argentina/buenos_aires/]:
If you're not vegetarian, you will want to try ''asado'' (beef/steak barbecue) at a ''parrilla'', restaurants specializing in roasted meats. There are expensive ''parrillas'', and more simple and cost effective ones, . The ''bife de lomo'' (tenderloin) is unbelievably tender in comparison to US beef and is more reminiscent of European cuts. Jugoso means rare (literally "juicy"), however the Argentine concept of rare is very different from that of someone from the States (perhaps its a tourist thing, but an American ordering rare is likely to get something between medium well and hockey puck). Don't be afraid to order "azul" (blue), you will not get a blue steak, more like an American Medium Rare. If you like your meat bloody it might pay to learn words like "sangre" (blood), or to make statements like "me gusta sangre" (I like blood). Don't be afraid to spend two minutes stressing how rare you want your steak to your waiter- this is something no one talks about in guidebooks but every other American and Brit once you arrive will tell you the same thing.
Italian and Spanish food are almost native here, as the cultural heritage heralds in great part from these two countries. Other popular meals are pizzas and ''empanadas'' (small pastries stuffed with a combination of cheese and meats). They are a popular home delivery or takeaway/takeout option.
The '''pizza''' is excellent in Buenos Aires, due to the Italian immigrant heritage. Pizza comes ''al molde'' (cooked in a pan, usually medium to thick crust), ''a la piedra'' (baked in a stone oven, usually thin to medium crust), and ''a la parilla'' (cooked on a parilla grill, very thin, crispy crust).
One incredible and typical Argentinian kind of "cookie", is the alfajor [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfajor], which consists of two round sweet biscuits joined together with a sweet jam, generally ''dulce de leche'' (milk jam, akin to caramel), covered with chocolate, meringue or something similarly sweet.
'''Service''': do not expect service to be comprable to large cities in Europe or in the USA. Service in Buenos Aires can be slow at best and horrific at worst. Don't expect your waiter to take your drinks order when the menu is delivered and don't expect the menu to arrive quickly. If you want ice in your drink, expect the drink to arrive several minutes before the ice does.
Patience is the key. Argentinians as so accustomed to bad service that they don't bother to complain direclty to the waiter/waitress but moan amongst themselves. Speak out if you feel it is appropriate.
There are a lot of ''al paso'' (walk through) places to eat; you eat standing up or in high chairs at the bar. Meals vary from hot-dogs (''panchos''), beef sausages (''chorizos'', or its sandwich version ''choripan''), pizzas, ''milanesas'' (breaded fried cutlets), etc. Don't forget to indulge in the perennially popular mashed squash - it is delicious and often comes with rice and makes a full meal in itself. It is perfect for vegetarians and vegans to fill up on.
You can go to a huge variety of small restaurants, with cheap and generous servings, most notably the ones owned by Spanish and Italian immigrants. There are also many places which offer foreign meals, mostly Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Arabic, Spanish, and Italian.
The main areas to go out are: Puerto Madero,(close to the Casa Rosada). Safe during the day and night. At Recoleta area (close to the famous cemetery) there are also plenty of restaurants, bars and a cinema complex. This area used to be trendy but it is now mainly for tourists. Palermo SoHo and Palermo Hollywood [http://www.bsas4u.com/crawl-palermo-p-213.html] are full of trendy stores, restaurants, and young and trendy bars. Palermo Las Canitas is another nice area close to the Polo stadium. Also, San Telmo has a very bohemian, and very fun, nightlife scene. [http://www.bsas4u.com/crawl-telmo-p-218.html]
Buenos Aires has a popular cafe culture.
Buenos Aires has a great variety of clubs and discos that are open until late hours (6am or 7am) and bars that stay open 24 hours a day. The famous Palermo Barrios (SoHo, Hollywood, Las Canitas or simply "PalVo") have many hip restaurants that turn into bars as it gets later.
Palermo also houses [http://www.whatsupbuenosaires.com/zizek/ Zizek Urban Beats Club], which was nominated _gBest Party in Buenos Aires_h by the nation_fs largest newspaper, Clarin. It was established in order to showcase local talent along with international sounds and offers a platform for Argentina_fs most unique and innovative DJs and musicians to showcase many different types of urban music including cumbia, hip-hop, dancehall, grime, electro, baile funk, and reggaeton. From its inception in 2006 Zizek has grown into an international phenomenon which has spawned a record label that has put out 6 albums since its SXSW appearance in March, 2008.
After you've slept off your night at Club Zizek, check out '''[http://whatsupbuenosaires.com/wuba2/ WhatsUpBuenosAires.com]''' This website is a bilingual portal that provides an up to date overview of the best places to go in Buenos Aires. Apart from the best places to party, the site provides a cultural agenda, news, music, listings, and much more!! It is at the forefront of Buenos Aires culture and aims to provides fresh original content to locals and visitors alike. Another event guide is '''Vammos''' which contains pub, concerts, parties and disco listings. It is only in Spanish however.
Buenos Aires has a tradition of rock concerts going on all the time. Most of the time top international artist include several dates on their tour in Buenos Aires. Football stadiums are a frequently used for the concerts. For concert dates check specialized websites [http://www.vammos.com.ar/agenda/artistas-internacionales/recomendados/]
Buenos Aires has a wide range of accommodation available to meet the needs of different travelers. You will be able to find a good selection of budget and mid range options as well as more luxurious and expensive hotels. Accommodation is scattered around the city; some places to look include:
There is an enormous number (more than 150) of hostels. In the more famous hostels, booking in advance might be necessary, but you'll always find a dorm bed if you need it. There are many budget hotels where you can get your own room for no more than 55 to 75 pesos ($15 or $20) per night. You will not find them advertised on the internet. They can be hard to find, but there are many. Walk down Avenida de Mayo near Cafe Tortoni. Start from Avenida de Julio (the giant one) and make your way towards the Plaza de Mayo. Look on the small side streets plus or minus two blocks and you will find many of these places.
There are hundred of apartments, ranging from economy to deluxe, and the prices are very good. AS well as going through an agency keep an eye and an ear out for individuals who rent their upscale apartments by the day, week, or month. Many times these apartments are three times the size of a hotel at half the price.
The '''InterContinental''' is on Piedras and Moreno streets, close to the San Telmo and Montserrat areas. Other international-class hotels are the '''Alvear Palace Hotel''' (''said to be the most luxurious hotel in South America'') in Recoleta, the '''Hilton''', the Marriott-Plaza, the '''Sheraton''' in Retiro, and the '''Park Hyatt''' Buenos Aires - Palacio Duhau in Recoleta. There are also many suites-only hotels like the [http://www.broadway-suites.com.ar Broadway Suites] very close to the Obelisk which have very reasonable rates.
'''Crime:''' Crime has generally risen around November 2008 due to the higher temperatures, increased tourism and the economic downturn. It is recommended you be very discreet with cameras or other electronics or valuables. San Telmo and La Boca are especially prevalent with pick-pockets and while violence is not often used, there have been numerous tourist muggings and robberies during the day and in crowded places. If possible, only use cameras and other valuables in areas with a high police presence or around tour guides or groups. There have been stories of people being robbed at gunpoint in Buenos Aires even in the in the daytime with people around. Don't carry a camera visibly, and be aware of what is going on around you; be aware of scams such as our clothes suddenly getting dirty (something like pigeon dung) and then a person aka a pick-pocket, who threw the dirt on you, approaches you trying to help. Smaller towns in Argentina aren't as bad. See the following links for more information:
'''Money:''' Be careful of counterfeit money; even the ATM's may hand out fake bills. Also be careful of using large bills, as many merchants or taxi drivers will claim to not have change or not have enough change, or something like ''"you are in a mistake, you have just given me 10 pesos not 100"''.
'''Taxis:''' If you have to flag one down on the street, pay attention; there have been robberies taking place by illegal cab drivers. When in doubt, play it safer, and call a Radio Taxi; these are generally a lot safer: you call by phone and a cab is quickly dispatched (3 to 15 minutes depending on time and day). There is no extra charge for this service. Also you can ask when you order a cab for the car number so you know the cab that comes to pick you up is legitimate and actually the one that was dispatched. Also be careful that the "taxistas" do not give you fake bills or change your good ones by fake ones (you can usually tell by the texture and color if they are real); if you need a bill, you better ask for a cab with receipt emitting taximeter when you call for one. What the taximeter shows, is the actual fare in local currency.
'''Travelers and residents using the Ezeiza airport are strongly encouraged to place high-value items in their carry-on luggage to prevent any incidents.'''
'''Spanish''' in Buenos Aires--people pronounce things differently there. "Calle" and "pollo" sound very different and the double l_Ls sound like sh_Ls instead of y_Ls or j's. The difference in pronunciation probably reflects the influence of Portuguese traders in the port in the 19th century...many of the words that Portenos pronounce differently from the rest of the Spanish-speaking world are pronounced identically to a Portuguese word for the same thing. Much has been written on Spanish language in Buenos Aires. It was influenced by the many Italians who immigrated here as well. If you have studied Spanish you'll find these differences enormous. Also vocabulary differs a lot from Iberian Spanish or other Latin American varieties of Spanish, so may be useful to get an Argentinian dictionary or take some lessons of Argentinian Spanish before getting there. Despite these differences, any person who is fluent in Spanish should have no difficulty navigating through conversations with Portenos or with any other Argentinians. Anyway, most of "Portenos" (inhabitants of Buenos Aires City) speak ''a little'' English but it is very easy to find people who are very fluent, especially if you stay near the tourist areas.
'''Using Credit Cards''' Credit Card use is not as prevalent in Argentina as it is in the US or Europe. Often times you will need a form of ID, like your passport or driver's license to pay with a card. You sometimes may be able to use a copy of your passport, but not always. Also, using a credit card online is not yet very popular, but is gaining popularity, especially in the tourism industry[http://www.bsas4u.com/].
'''Haircuts''' are available at nice places for around 50 pesos. A luxurious super-stylish hair cut could be anywhere from 75 pesos to 200 but make sure you know what you're getting before you sit down.