Argentina Things to Do

The birthplace of the sultriest dance in ballroom and the modern-day party capital of South America, Buenos Aires’ bucket loads of Latino charm make it a prime spot for those looking for romance. Whether you choose to seek out the old world romance of the tango halls or pay a visit to the city’s surprisingly non-seedy ‘Love Hotels’ (rentable by the hour), there are a myriad of ways to get loved up in Buenos Aires.

While the Northern Hemisphere turns up the central heating and gears up for a white Christmas, Buenos Aires is experiencing its annual heat wave, with sweltering temperatures sending many porteños (city dwellers) to the cooler climes of Argentina‘s coast.

With its reputation as South America’s most gay-friendly city and a pioneer of gay rights in the Latino community, it’s no surprise that Buenos Aires’ annual Gay Pride Festival is the hottest ticket on the gay calendar.

Buenos Aires’ largest barrio, or neighborhood, is called Palermo, and visitors to the city will almost certainly be spending plenty of time here. Palermo has several sections, each with its own distinct flavor: Palermo Chico, the city’s most exclusive address, Palermo Alto, known for its upscale shopping, Palermo Las Canitas, a shady, relaxed neighborhood with good restaurants and schools, Palermo Botanico, close to Buenos Aires’ amazing botanical garden and many more.

The capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, is the second-largest metropolitan area in South America (after Sao Paulo, Brazil) and the best spot in the country to pick up items you might have forgotten before your trip, as well as souvenirs to take home. With dozens of markets, malls, shops and department stores, the possibilities are practically endless.

While most travelers choose to visit beautiful Buenos Aires during the languid summer season, from December through March, there is a whole other side to the Argentine capital. As the days grow shorter and nights grow cooler, ski slopes open and outdoor patios shut down, it is a different world.