MPTOURS.COM- MP3 WALKING TOURS OF BUENOS AIRES, MADE BY LOCALS FOR INSIDERS. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR AVAILABLE DOWNLOADABLE MP3 TOURS.
..................................................................................
CORRIENTES AVENUE BY NIGHT!
Corrientes Ave. never takes a rest. You will enjoy strolling under its lights and along its book stores, theaters, restaurants, and cafes. Several interesting places to eat and have a drink in a typical porte?o setting (you can try several pizza spots where you will see sections where people eat at a bar, standing up, and ordering individual portions). You can start your walk at the Gran Rex theater (Av. Corrientes between Suipacha and Corrientes), cross 9 de julio Ave. (where you will see the obelisk by night) and walk all the way up to Paseo La Plaza (Av. Corrientes 1660).
.........................................................
River Plate vs. Boca Juniors
Buenos Aires hosts the most talked about soccer match in Latin America. The local derby, Boca Juniors vs. River Plate is played at least twice a year. Tickets are hard to find, but if you have the money, you can always find the way. If price is not an issue, you can visit the www.mercadolibre.com (the local eBay) to find the tickets. ENJOY!
..................................................................................
A DAY IN TIGRE
The city of Tigre, in the northern suburbs of Buenos Aires is a beautiful area for visitors in need of a break from the city beat. The various canals that make up the delta of the Rio de la Plata make this revamped area a beautiful place to walk and discover. It has many restaurants bordering the main Canal but you may also jump aboard a River Taxi and go to a joint in one of the many islands in the area.
The best way to get to Tigre is by boarding the Tren de la Costa in Olivos (near the Presidential mansion). The ride is very comfortable and fun.
By the way, the brownish color of the river has nothing to do with it being polluted, or not. It is that way due to the sediments brought along the Parana River (one of the main rivers that disembarc on the Rio de la Plata).
..................................................................................
DAY TRIP TO COLONIA
If you have an extra day when visiting Buenos Aires, and the weather appears to be ok, we recommend you take the ferry to Colonia (Uruguay) for a day trip. Colonia is a small colonial town which embraces the river and offers history, good food, and also gift shopping. There are also a wide variety of hotels in the area in case you want to spend the night.
Colonia can be fully enjoyed in 1 day, and it is only a one-hour boat ride away. Two ferry companies take you to Colonia: Buquebus and Colonia Express. Round trip tickets for the trip should cost lower than US$100, even if traveling in first class.
For more information on ferry tickets and prices, visit either www.buquebus.com or www.coloniaexpress.com.
..................................................................................
Las Canitas - Perfect for dinner and drinks
Probably the best neighborhood in Buenos Aires for those who want to bar-hop after dinner, Las Canitas is an up-and-coming area filled with restaurants and bars. During the day, it?s a quiet barrio, but after 8pm, it transforms into a hip place to eat, drink, and be merry.
..................................................................................
Ice Cream Flavour
It has been a while since we recommended Ice Cream shops. We still believe that the three largest chains (Freddo, Persicco, and Volta) are very good choices.
Our tip is related to the available flavours. We suggest you go local, and order Dulce de Leche in one of its varieties (granizado has chocolate chips, tentacion has real dulce de leche, con nuez has nuts and almonds in it) and many many more....
..................................................................................
Fernet
Many countries have their own popular alcoholic drink. Brazilians have the caipirinha, French have wine (although arguably Argentinians can also claim the same), and Germans have beer.
Here in Argentina, a very popular drink is the Fernet with Coke (Fernet con coca). The Fernet is actually from Europe, but it has become almost a standard in Argentine nightlife. The taste is bitter, and it is quite strong, but once you grow used to it, you won't stop. (MPTours.com is not responsible for your actions after drinking a few of these!)
..................................................................................
News in English
If while in Buenos Aires, you are needy of an english language newspaper to stay up to date with world news, or just to have something to read, every news-stand should have the English language Argentine daily called THE BUENOS AIRES HERALD.
Another publication has recently become quite popular and is distributed free in many touristy locations: The Argentimes
..................................................................................
Jogging in Palermo
Buenos Aires has numerous places to enjoy a good run, particularly in the Palermo parks area. There are 2 lakes which are beautiful during the day, and have a nice running path surrounding them.
The Rosedal, which is the area surrounding one of the lakes, is meters away from the Planetarium and has a nice running path of 1.6km (1 mile). It is safe during the day and no traffic lights or street-crossings to stop your pace.
..................................................................................
Valentine's Day in Buenos Aires
Valentine's day is quite new in Argentina. It is called the dia de los enamorados and is celebrated February 14th, as in other parts of the world. On that day, you will notice many street sellers offering flowers on street corners. In addition, many restaurants (usually the higher-end restaurants in areas such as Recoleta and Palermo) will offer a special menu for the occasion. We suggest you find a spot you like and make a reservation, in order to assure yourself a table.
..................................................................................
Tango in Buenos Aires
Most visitors look for Tango, whether it is to watch it or dance it. There are hundreds of options, most of them are touristy and include a dinner/show combo but if you know how to look, you'll find more authentic ones. In order to find a local spot (be aware that some aren't too fond of tourists unless they mix and dance with them instead of just taking pictures), you must search for a Milonga de Barrio. A Milonga is the term for the place that Tango is danced.
If you are interested in a true local experience, there is a website ran by the government of the city of Buenos Aires with updated data of Tango shows and related events. The URL is http://tangodata.gov.ar/. Our Local Vibes section (http://www.mptours.com/web/localvibe.php) also has information relating to this type of music/dance.
..................................................................................
Tickets for sporting events, concerts, etc.
Many people have been asking us about how to get tickets for soccer matches, concerts, and other entertainment events in Buenos Aires.
Most events sell tickets at location, but many also sell tickets online or by phone.
The most popular event ticket selling site is called Ticketek (http://www.ticketek.com.ar). You can buy tickets online for many events and have them delivered to your hotel, or you can arrange to pick them up. Credit cards accepted. Another similar site is Entrada Plus (http://www.entradaplus.com.ar).
..................................................................................
LA BOCA
One of the most popular tourist spots of Buenos Aires is La Boca. A short cab ride from San Telmo, La Boca is one of the oldest neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, which still has a strong European influence from the Italian settlers.
The most noticeable spot of La Boca is Caminito, a colorful picturesque street for which a very popular tango song has been dedicated.
La Boca is also home to Boca Juniors, Argentina's most popular soccer club where Maradona used to star. He is often seen rooting for the home team from his box at La Bombonera (Boca's stadium).
Boca Juniors has its own Museum beside the stadium that is definitely worth a visit (http://www.museoboquense.com).
..................................................................................
BOOKS AND COFFEE
Buenos Aires has many options for those who enjoy searching for books and having an excellent coffee. These type of bookstores have expanded across the city over the last years. We will suggest three of them really worth visiting.
One is a megabookstore called El Ateneo Grand Splendid, with more than 200.000 books located in an amazingly restored building form 1919 which used to be a cinema, in the corner of Santa Fe Av. and Callao (Recoleta) (http://www.tematika.com/institucional/sucursales.jsp?sucursal=205&unegocio=ateneo)
Boutique del Libro, at Thames 1762 (http://www.boutiquedellibro.com.ar/locales.aspx), right in the heart of Palermo Viejo, is one of the suggested spots of the Palermo MPTour.
Eterna Cadencia, at Honduras 5574, (http://www.eternacadencia.com/home.asp) is also located in Palermo, in a typical house of this neighbourhood which has been incredibly remodelled.
..................................................................................
Our current food recommendations
Every now and then we recommend a few spots to go eat. Our current favorites are the following:
Parrilla (meat): La Cabrera - Cabrera 5099, Palermo.
Pizza: Pizza Piola - Libertad 1078, Recoleta.
Sushi: Ichisou - Venezuela 2145, Congreso.
Pasta: Gardelito - Thames 1914, Palermo (this is also a Parrilla).
International: Dada - San Martin 941, Retiro
Feel free to send us your favorites, we will soon add a user favorites listing.
ENJOY!
..................................................................................
Cool Options for Warm Temperatures
At this time of year, Buenos Aires feels like an oven. Temperatures are usually above 30 degrees Celcius while tourists and locals search to cool off any way they can.
One interesting option is the high qualtiy Ice Cream offered in Buenos Aires (check tip of Oct. 19-Oct. 26).
In the afternoons, the FAENA HOTEL in Puerto Madero opens its bar by the pool where DJ's play their mixes at a great summer setting.
A day trip to Tigre (check tip of Oct. 26) is also a great option. Maybe you can mix the day trip with some water-skiing or kite-surfing if you know how to.
If you must spend the day at a swimming pool, and your hotel/hostel doesn't have one, then an option is PARQUE NORTE (http://www.parquenorte.com), located close to the JORGE NEWBERY airport. For a small fee, you can get a day pass that includes a very large swimming pool where you can enjoy the nice weather without overheating.
..................................................................................
Beaches near Buenos Aires
If you are planning to visit Buenos Aires and have a few extra days, the beaches in the coast of the Province of Buenos Aires are a great option. There are many nice beach towns, some quite big (Mar del Plata) and others small but worth the visit (Mar de las Pampas). One of the most interesting beach-towns is Carilo, located a few kilometers away from Pinamar.
Carilo is a forested area with nice houses and a beautiful beach. The area is well conserved and has the perfect mixture of forest and beach-town.
The easiest way of getting to these locations is via bus, which during the summer months leave every few minutes from the Retiro bus station in Buenos Aires.
..................................................................................
Day Trip to Iguazu
When in Buenos Aires, you are less than 2 hours away (by plane) from one of the world's natural wonders: the Iguazu falls. These huge waterfalls are located where the borders of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay meet. In addition, the national park where these are located is beautiful and makes an effort to keep the area as natural and green as possible.
There are early morning flights towards Iguazu, and late evening flights returning to Buenos Aires. The two major airlines that travel there are Aerolineas Argentinas and Lan.
The falls are absolutely stunning. If you have an extra day, don't miss them. We alse recommend the Gran Aventura boat ride that takes you meters away from the falls (take a bathing suit!).
..................................................................................
CAFE TORTONI
When you visit BA, save an hour or two to visit the historic Cafe Tortoni. Located only a walking distance from Plaza de Mayo in Av. de Mayo 825, it's a beautiful place to stop your busy day and relax with something to eat/drink. Founded in 1858, this Parisian style cafe hosted Argentina's most prominent figures including writer Jorge Luis Borges, and Tango singer Carlos Gardel.
The Tortoni also has Tango shows every night. You must have a reservation, however.
..................................................................................
RECOLETA HIPPIE FAIR
During weekends, just steps away from the Recoleta Cemetery (where the Recoleta MPTour begins), there is a so-called hippie-fair where artisans sell everything from clothes, to jewellery to city souvenirs. It's a very nice area to walk around and enjoy some green.
..................................................................................
POLO!
If you like horses, and are lucky enough to be in Buenos Aires during this time of year, you can't miss out on one of Argentina's national passions: Polo. This is the time of year when the Argentine Polo Open takes place in the Palermo polo grounds. Visitors from all over the world arrive to watch the world's greatest polo alongside Argentina's jet set. To get tickets, try http://www.ticketek.com.ar.
..................................................................................
JACARANDA TREES ON LIBERTADOR AND FIGUEROA ALCORTA AVENUES
If you are in Buenos Aires this week, or will be in the city this month, you must walk in and around Palermo Chico. This posh area filled with mansions and embassies is especially beautiful this time of year. The jacaranda trees are currently blooming their bright purple flowers, making it extremely picturesque. The best place to begin such a walk would be in the corner of Libertador Avenue and Ramon Castilla Street. Once there, walk towards Figueroa Alcorta Avenue and get lost in the little streets.
..................................................................................
ELEGANT CAFES
There are two very interesting caf?s in Palermo and Recoleta worth visiting, both belonging to different museums: the Museo Metropolitano (Castex 3217, Palermo, www.museomet.org.ar) and the Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo (A. Del Libertador 1902, www.mnad.org). These museums are located in impressive buildings which are former residences, clear exponents of the influence of French architecture in Buenos Aires, constructed during the beginning of the 20th century. So grab your book, ask for a coffee, and remember you are in B.A. (not Paris).
..................................................................................
