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Buenos Aires

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Buenos Aires
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Buenos Aires Travel Guide

  • About Buenos Aires
As the South American capital with the most cosmopolitan credentials, Buenos Aires – also known as Capital Federal or simply BA – is a city gifted in the art of seduction. Suffused with European flavour, but with a strong Latino spirit, it’s both refined yet chaotic, self-confident but unpredictable, where evocative tango rhythms fill crumbling colonial plazas and cutting-edge cultural centres integrate with an increasingly diverse food scene and a legendary nightlife that keeps bouncing until dawn.Spread out on the southwest banks of the River Plate, the city exists as a series of stand-alone neighbourhoods, or barrios, each with its own distinct charm. There’s bohemian San Telmo, known for its historic streets and bustling antiques market, or working-class La Boca, home to colourful houses and Argentina’s beloved football club. The sparklingly new dockland of Puerto Madero feels far-removed from the old-world elegance of Recoleta or the leafy boulevards of Palermo, where a collection of ultra-hip cafes, boutiques and bars draw in a young, carefree crowd.Despite its sprawling size, the city is easy to navigate on the Subte underground system, although it can be equally enjoyable to explore the big colonial avenues on foot. Visitors with only a few days can busy about ticking off a long list of must-sees, from photo stops at Plaza de Mayo to eyeballing the towering tombs of Recoleta Cemetery. Yet BA is also a remarkably liveable city, and those with more time can get under its skin by sipping mate in atmospheric cafes, indulging in decadently long asados (traditional barbecues) or interacting with the gregarious Porteños, as the local residents are known.Whatever side of Buenos Aires appeals, come with an open mind and a sense of adventure and you’ll quickly fall under this city’s spell.
  • Buenos Aires History
Founded in 1536 by Spanish explorer Pedro de Mendoza, Buenos Aires was named after the patron saint of sailors – said to be responsible for the good wind, or buen aire.After Mendoza’s initial settlement (in what is now the San Telmo neighbourhood) was abandoned, a second and successful attempt to found a city, led by another adventurous Spaniard, Juan de Garay, happened in the late 1500s.During the 17th and 18th centuries, Buenos Aires grew rapidly, with its port conducting an increasing amount of trade. The British invaded at the start of the 19th century, but failed to capture the city. In 1810 the Argentines campaigned in force to free themselves of Spanish rule; independence was achieved six years later.Mass immigration to Buenos Aires occurred at the end of the 1800s, as workers were brought in from abroad to service agriculture and the railways. Development ceased in the mid-20th century, as the country’s economy declined – mostly owing to lack of investment from war- orn Europe. Immigrants arrived from other parts of Argentina and were forced to reside in shanty towns – or Villas Miseria as they were aptly described.One of the most prominent events in Buenos Aires’s history was the election of President Juan Perón, in 1946. Strong socialist roots made him popular amongst the working classes, as did his much-celebrated wife Eva Perón, known as Evita. Anti-Perón forces were notable, and they enlisted Argentina’s own army to bomb Plaza de Mayo in an attempt to dislodge him. Although this ultimately failed, Perón was removed from power twice – the final time, in 1976, and it was followed by a brutal military dictatorship that lasted until 1983.After defeat in the Falklands War, Argentina returned to democratic government.In 2001, the country suffered a disastrous economic crash that left Buenos Aires paralysed and desperate, and there were many violent protests in the capital. Today, the city is a much calmer and more stable place.
  • Did you know?
The tango dance originated in the brothels of the city in the immigrant ghetto in the late 19th century in what is present day La Boca. Avenida 9 de Julio is the widest street in the world and spans a head-spinning 16 lanes. The use of finger printing in forensic evidence was first ever used successfully in the world in Buenos Aires to convict a woman who committed a double murder in the late 19th century.
  • Weather in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires has a humid subtropical climate without extreme temperatures, so it is a year-round holiday destination.Spring (September to November) is a great time to visit with temperatures hovering around 15°C (59°F) to 20°C (68°F). The city’s residents come out of their winter hibernation and the jacaranda trees are blooming. A highlight of this time is La Noche de los Museums (The Night of the Museums) with over 250 museums and galleries open until late.Summer (December to February) tends to be hot and humid, and with January being the warmest month (25°C/77°F), many locals leave the city for the coast.Autumn (March to May) is the best time to visit Buenos Aires. The days are sunny yet the heat is not oppressive, and there aren’t too many crowds. Art and film festivals galore too.Winter (June to August) in Buenos Aires is mild with little chance of snow, but the days can be overcast and the nights chilly. June is a good time to find a hotel or flight bargain, although things pick up in July and August as it’s the summer holidays in North America and Europe and families travel. Temperatures in winter range from 11°C (52°F) to 15°C (59°F). 

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