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Buenos
Aires was born mimicking Europe, copying characteristics from both
Madrid and Paris. To many, this cocktail of styles turned out better
than the originals. However, Buenos Aires also created its own
heritage, adding to the mix some sultry tangos, ubiquitous
"colectivos", quaint cafés and most of all, the flair of
its residents, the proud "porteños". And what can be said
about B.A. at nightfall, Porteños favorite time to celebrate their
city and interact with each other in a myriad of restaurants,
coffeehouses, discotheques and bars open until the wee hours.
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LA
BOCA:
This heavily toured, picturesque district attracts visitors to the
bright yellows, reds and blues prevailing on the exterior paint of
its unique houses. These colors are also encompassed in the classic
Genoese "conventillos" or tenements, and in the paintings
by artist Benito Quinquela Martin which immortalize the district. In
La Boca, you can eat lunch in any of its local eateries while
watching a couple dance the tango. For additional enjoyment, there
are the many exhibitions organized by the Proa Foundation, and the
Cera (wax) Museum. Traveling down the street, up to Vuelta de Rocha
area, one will encounter the famous street "Caminito" that
inspired the namesake tango song. Every weekend Caminito is the
chosen site for a craft fair where you can purchase anything from a
painting to a typical Argentine mate drinking gourd.
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PUERTO
MADERO: Continuing down the coast of the river we find the newest
district in the city: Puerto Madero. Its official inauguration was
in September of 1998. Before this time, it remained as a section of
the port that has fallen in disrepair. Today, luxurious restaurants,
offices, and movie theaters have replaced the ancient silos, and all
of the streets carry female names. This district has clearly been
converted into the most exclusive of the city. The Boulevard Azucena
Villaflor directly connects the city to the river. The other street
of interest is Vera Peñaloza. Every Saturday and Sunday it is
closed to motorists so that visitors can skate, ride bicycles, and
take a stroll.
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SAN
TELMO: This district reveals much of the past century as it
preserves its small colonial homes with forged iron gates, and its
skinny paved streets lined with lanterns. In San Telmo, one breathes
the history of Buenos Aires. The beautiful Santo Domingo church is
open to visitors, along with the city's museum. The Bohemian
character of the district stands out every weekend at the antique
fair held in Plaza Dorrego. There, one can buy anything from a
wedding dress to a 1900 table setting, or drink coffee in one of the
cafés that outline the Plaza. Another point of interest is the
charming Pasaje de la Defensa and Balcarce street.
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MONSERRAT:
This is another historical district where memories of the past
surprise visitors at every corner. In colonial times, Monserrat was
the political, economic, social, and cultural seat of the city.
There the locals defended themselves against the oppressions of the
church. Today, the buildings, streets, and underground tunnels
continue to reflect the past. The districts attractions include the
Manzana de las Luces, the San Ignacio Church, the old Cabildo, and
the Plaza de Mayo. Also, explore the area old cafés where you can
unwind and time travel to the enchanting B.A. of yesteryear.
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RECOLETA:
Without a doubt, this is the citys most elegant district. The
architecture of the buildings and palaces symbolize the splendor of
the Argentine aristocracy. Here, tourists meet locals. Each weekend
musicians, mimes, and other street artists, invade Recoleta´s Plaza
Francia. At the adjacent Buenos Aires Design, the traveler can find
souvenirs and a plethora of restaurants. Other areas of interest
located around Plaza Francia include the Centro Cultural Recoleta,
the Palais de Glace, and the "City of the Dead".
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BELGRANO:
During the middle of the last century, this was the summer hangout
for many of the local families. Today, it encompasses a great part
of the citys many social and cultural activities. Attractions
include the Sarmiento Museum, the Casa de Yrurtia, and the Enrique
Larreta museum. And for those that desire the open-air activities,
there is the Barrancas de Belgrano. Here, one can sunbathe or people
watch in its four hectares of uneven grounds. Belgrano is one of the
most trafficked areas, with people that come and go from trains,
bars, and kiosks. If shopping is in mind, there is a wide variety of
stores on Cabildo Ave, a true open street market. Another main
attraction of the area is the expanding "Chinatown". In
addition to the district restaurants, there is a Buddhist monastery,
and a February celebration of the Chinese New Year.
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PALERMO:
In Palermo, there is something for everyone. In the area surrounding
picturesque Plaza Serrano, Buenos Aires most charming restaurants
intermix with bars. On Saturdays and Sundays, the Palermo Park and
Rose Garden are ideal spots for walking, playing soccer, and for
boat rides. Another option is to visit the zoo, the Galileo Galilei
planetarium, or to sip tea in the Japanese gardens. |
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