Buenos Aires
More than just a stopover on your journey to other parts of the country, Buenos Aires is unique amongst the capital cities of South America: it's full of the colour and life that one would expect of a Latin American country but at the same time its European roots ate to be seen on every corner. Its French and Italian architecture is obvious a you look at some of the most famous buildings in the city, obvious in the original Subte (the city's underground train) and the café culture is on a par with the biggest of the European cities.
With more than 3 million inhabitants in the city itself (Capital Federal) and 13 million more in the province around it (Gran Buenos Aires) there's plenty of movement in every part of the city but the main tourist attractions are in a relatively small area. One of the best ways to get a taste of the city if you're short on time is to take a bus tour around the city: you won't have much time to enjoy the various attractions but you will get a peek at the streets and barrios (neighbourhoods) in order to take in a little of the rhythm of the place - and to consider where you would like to go to get to know it better on you next trip. If you have a couple of days to spend here before going home it's worth wandering the wide streets before pausing in a café to people-watch the Porteños (the name for the people who live in the city) before passing an hour or two in one of the museums or galleries or shops which are on almost every street.
City Centre
This is the most historical part of the city with several buildings and street corners being portrayed on postcards and in the foreign guidebooks. One of the busiest areas full of workers and taxis and people walking and pushing as well as one full of architecture from different eras and with the influence of several different countries.
Main attractions:
Plaza de Mayo - (May Square) the centre point for the significant events in the history of the country -and the political protests - from 1580 to the present day.
Casa Rosada - (The Pink House) for those who have seen the film, famous for the balcony where Evita appeared in 1996, the Government resides here.
Cabildo - (Chapter) the centre of the Revolution of 1810, the only building in a Spanish style left in the Plaza de Mayo.
Buenos Aires Cathedral - the building has been renovated, since 1822 houses the remains of San Martin the Saviour of Argentina (and several other South American countries too)
Avenida de Mayo - a street full of European styled buildings, Cafe Tortoni one of the cities historic cafés
Puerto Madero - a few blocks from the Casa Rosada this is the old dock area, now full of modern buildings and the most expensive flats in all of South America, trendy restaurants.
Palacio de Congreso - 6 blocks to the other side of the 9 de Julio (the widest street in the world - crossing it can be a challenge!). The Senate house of Argentina, a building which reflects some of the characteristics of another famous Congress building.
Yr Obelisco - as the name might suggest this obelisk was built in 1946 in celebration of the four hundredth anniversary of the city, 67.5 metres high it's one of the city's icons.
Colon Theatre - opened in 1908 with a performance of Verdi's Aida, this is a treasure of a building and one of the five most famous opera houses in the world. All the greats have performed here and according to Pavarotti it has only one fault - the acoustics are so perfect that it's possible to hear every mistake!
Shops - you'll find the present for everybody and something for you in this part of town. Florida is the name of the pedestrianised street which is a mix of shops selling leather goods and souvenirs, Galerias Pacificas is a shopping centre full of the most trendy shops and chain stores.