Buenos Aires

Cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, whose name means city of "favorable winds," is the capital of Argentina. With broad, well planned avenues, charming sidewalk cafes, carefully tended parks, elaborate monuments, noble statues and splendid rococo buildings, it exudes an air of sophisticated elegance.

Attractions

• The city is a delight for exploration on foot and by car. Visit the colorful quarter of La Boca or San Telmo district with its artist colony and well-known tango clubs.
• Plaza San Martin - This shady square at the beginning of the Florida pedestrian street is a focal point from where to start a shopping spree. The Marriott Plaza Hotel fronts the square.
• Plaza de Mayo - This is the major hub of Buenos Aires surrounded by the city's most important historic buildings, such as the Cabildo (Town Hall), the Casa Rosada (the presidential palace) and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
• Church of San Ignacio de Loyola - Recognized by its two lofty towers, this church was built in 1710 and is the oldest colonial building in Buenos Aires.
• Santo Domingo Church - Founded in 1756, the church served as refuge to British soldiers during an attack of the British on Buenos Aires in 1806. When the British capitulated, their regimental colors were preserved in the church.
• National Museum of Fine Arts - The museum features a fine collection of European works as well as those of many Argentinean artists.

Activities

The cultural heart and political capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires is a sprawling city of broad avenues, parks and flowers. Sample the fare at a sidewalk cafe or shop for leather goods on Avenida Lavalle, tour the ornate Teatro Colon opera house or visit a local tango parlor.

Shopping

Buenos Aires is a shopping mecca. Leather articles, clothing, gems, knitwear and wines may be of interest. Rodocrosita, or Rose of the Inca, is a semi-precious stone native only to Argentina. In some stores, low-key bargaining may get you a better price on big-ticket items. The pedestrian street Florida features a wide choice of shops, including the modern shopping mall Galerias Pacifico; San Telmo is a good place to look for antiques.

Food

Argentina is known for its excellent beef. Whether in an expensive restaurant or a rustic neighborhood eatery, steak is always a good choice. At a parrillada, a wide selection of meat, chicken and sausages are grilled to perfection on huge racks over an open fire. Try some of the delicious pastries and Argentina's excellent wines. Most restaurants don’t get busy for dinner until 10:00 p.m. and serve well past midnight.

Currency

Argentine Peso (ARS)

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