Buenos Aires, Argentina

To many locals, Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is known as the most “European” of all the capital cities in South America. This is because of the many squares, churches and cobblestone streets which make up this exciting city, but also due to the many European families who migrated here in the early 1900’s from European countries such as Spain, France, Italy and Germany.

A visit to Buenos Aires would not be complete without seeing a live Tango show, which is one of Argentina’s favorite national pastimes ( as well as soccer).  The Tango performers are not only passionate, lively and very entertaining, they almost take you back in time to when Tango dancing was part of an Argentinian’s daily life.  Many of the shows offer dinner beforehand, where the steak is really out of this world. Your meal will be accompanied with local red wine, which is simply fantastic as well.

If you would prefer to see Tango dancers in the street, use the “Tango Guide” given out free at tourist information sites, which will give you the directions to find neighbourhoods where dancers will pose for pictures ( you can even wear the typical hats the men use) and who put on a show for tourists and locals alike. The buildings which surround you are all colorfully painted and there are many shops which sell exquisite jewelry, paintings, and other handicrafts.

Of course Tango dancing and wine tasting are not the only things you can do in Buenos Aires. Shopping is a must, as there are many boutiques and shops which sell everything from Prada to Gucci shoes, dresses and suits. Argentinian people are usually very well dressed and enjoy a night out at the theater, opera house or their local dinning establishment.

One of the more intriguing buildings is their Parliament House, which is actually pink! It is very famous and has been featured in movies such as “Evita”. The many fountains and parks which surround Parliament are also part of the beautiful landscape which you can enjoy while you are touring the capital.

The wide streets of Buenos Aires are always full of fun activities whether it be shopping, dancing the Tango or enjoying a cappuccino at a local outdoor café. You will find that there is something for everyone in Buenos Aires, a city where you can just feel the electricity and excitement in the air.