After landing in Buenos Aires, it didn’t take me long to realize that this is truly the ‘Paris of the South.’ The well-deserved nickname is justified by classic political statues, wide boulevards and independent boutique shops. Buenos Aires is characterized by its distinctly dynamic neighborhoods which boast their own individual charm.
After being escorted through the stained-glass doors of the Faena Hotel+Universe in Puerto Madero, I found myself interrupting a fashion shoot with the model in mid-pose, cameras flashing away. I immediately knew that this was going to be a great place to stay—and it was.
Puerto Madero is a new, up-and-coming neighborhood along the river, and as the name suggests—a port. High-end shopping, riverside cafes and green space make this neighborhood highly desired by Porteños (people of Buenos Aires). Puerto Madero, while not exactly city center is a convenient hub for exploring La Bocca, Palermo and Recoleta—all no more than 10 minutes by taxi.
I had heard only rave reviews about Palermo Soho, which is where I spent my first few days. Flooded with bright colors, Palermo Soho offers inexpensive independent-boutique shops ($1 per 4 Argentinean Pesos), funky restaurants and a young, vibrant artistic crowd. This is the only place I bought clothes in Buenos Aires. If you desire well-made, quality clothing at reasonable prices, then your trip here could easily pay for itself.
Next was Recoleta, mostly known for the cemetery and resting spot of Eva Peron (Evita). Elaborate detail by way of stained glass doors and ornate sculptures towering 12 feet into the air make these headstones more like shrines. The cemetery is massive. The tombs’ height and close proximity ultimately creates secluded, winding paths all through the burial grounds.
La Bocca, the last of my stops, literally translates to ‘The Mouth’ and sits along the banks of the Rio de la Plata. La Bocca is drenched in vibrancy, with housing facades splashed with four or more colors. It was here that I perused paintings of local artists in the open air while couples hip-locked in tango spun around me, cheek-to-cheek. Milongas, or tango halls, pepper the neighborhood. Its Italian roots do not go unnoticed, especially with regard to the food and music. La Bocca is also home to the best steak I’ve ever had—and probably ever will have.
A week in Buenos Aires was the perfect amount of time for me. The city is huge in area, so visiting different neighborhoods each day allowed for an unrushed, pleasant stride to the beat of my own drum. If you can’t make it to Paris, or the Euro is holding you back, consider Buenos Aires and bring your Pesos instead.
© Cheapflights Ltd (Story and photos by Joshua Clark)
