Popular attractions in Buenos Aires (Argentina) 2021, what to see in Buenos Aires
What comes to mind first when it comes to Argentina? If your knowledge of this phenomenal Latin American country is limited to such concepts as football, tango and Indians, then you should consider purchasing a ticket to the very heart of this amazing state as soon as possible. Today we are going to one of the most exotic and charismatic places on the planet – the capital of Argentina, the city of Buenos Aires.
How and where to buy cheap flights, read our life hack, as well as how to plan a trip to Argentina on your own.
An old colony in the New World
More recently, Argentina was considered an underdeveloped country, which can hardly surprise with anything. But today, tourists are presented with a kind of “perfect” world of contrasts, in which both the Spanish quarters, which amaze with their modest and, at the same time, unusual architecture, coexist perfectly, as well as ultra-modern business centers and skyscrapers.
There is everything here to feel the continuity of eras: poor quarters alternate with rich ones, Spanish culture is intertwined with Indian traditions. You may not believe it, but the old part of Buenos Aires is very reminiscent of several colorful corners of the planet at once – the cities of Paris, London and Madrid. At the same time, the new districts boast not only a developed infrastructure and impressive architecture, but also rich “green” areas, among which there are parks and boulevards with monuments.
Those who know well the history of Argentina, which fell to the lot of long years of colonial rule by the Spaniards, can easily find many reminders of those distant times in the surrounding abundance. In particular, the once popular long and straight streets that led from the coast to the central square have been preserved.
La Boca
There is something to see in the capital of Argentina. The most famous place among tourists is called La Boca. One has only to step onto the street of the district paved with paving stones and tiles, as the soul immediately asks to dance, and the eyes will eagerly absorb the beautiful pictures that are reflected in every square meter. Dances, songs and picturesque walls of buildings – all this will not leave anyone indifferent to the local beauties, which are created to their own motive.
If you ever hear that La Boca is a man-made attraction and has nothing to do with the culture of the Argentines, you should not pay attention to it. Be sure to make time in your travel schedule and enjoy a unique area that is unlike anything else on the planet. Numerous artists will gladly offer you excellent landscapes on canvas. Among the presented range there are very worthy specimens that can be a great addition to your personal collection.
A kind of “attraction in the sights” of La Boca is Caminito Street, on which there is an impromptu gallery where local painters create their masterpieces day and night. And the atmosphere itself is saturated with tango rhythms, to which numerous dancers perform “pa” right in the middle of the street.
But the first thing that catches the eye of everyone who falls into the “warm embrace” of La Boca is the colorful houses. The variety of shades and palettes is so grandiose that it seems that there are no two identical houses here. This is a truly amazing and, without exaggeration, a bright place.
Well, how can you pass by souvenir shops where you can find such curiosities that take your breath away. And every tourist from Russia, with surprise and dignity, will note the presence among the goods of his native “matryoshka”, which has long taken root in Argentina.
If we turn to the history of the area, then there will be no limit to surprise. Previously, when the city was a huge port, on the modern streets of La Boca there were hundreds of shacks, the main inhabitants of which were black slaves. The modern look of the area began to take shape only in the 19th century, when immigrants from the Old World, most of whom were Italians, chose these places. They then began to create a unique corner, which today resembles a colorful paradise.
But it is now. In those days, the owners simply did not have enough paint of one color, so they had to use several shades, creating a unique design of buildings. The roof, doors, windows and walls – all this had a different color content. Today, maintaining this kind of area has become a tradition. Therefore, every year houses in the La Boca area acquire more and more new shades.
Not far from La Boca is the stadium of the local football team Boca Juniors, which has a rich history. The team first took to the field in 1905. Then the lion's share of the players had Italian roots.
Finally, we note that, despite its tourist attractiveness and wide popularity, the area itself is considered one of the most disadvantaged. Therefore, it is not recommended to go far from the central part of La Boca – Caminito Street. And in the dark, it's generally better not to indulge in dreams, wandering through the quiet streets of the area.
Obelisk in Buenos Aires
The center of Buenos Aires is known for another attraction. A peculiar symbol of the Argentine capital is the Obelisk, which is located in the middle of Republic Square. Rumor has it that it was on the spot where the monument stands today that the flag of independent Argentina first flew in the wind.
It's hard to imagine, but more recently the Obelisk has been the center of much controversy. Rumor has it that it was proposed to demolish it altogether. But today, not only mass celebrations take place on the square, but almost all city holidays. The Obelisk was built back in 1936 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the capital. The construction took place at an accelerated pace, thanks to which the Obelisk was ready in a month.
Palermo forests
It is under this unusual name that almost the largest park in Buenos Aires is known. By the most modest standards, its area is as much as 400 hectares. The name comes from the area in which it is located. There is another, official name – the Park of the third of February.
The park is especially popular among lovers. Here you can not only take a break from the prying eyes of strangers, be alone in the shade of huge trees in some secluded place, but also go boating. For this, three artificial reservoirs were created here. Well, connoisseurs of Argentine culture should certainly visit that part of the park, which is called the park of poets. Here you can find many bronze busts of writers and poets, including Jorge Luis Borges, William Shakespeare and many others.
It is interesting that when creating the project of the Palermo forests, the architect Julio Dormal and the urbanist Jordan Kzeslow Visoki took as a basis the world-famous Bois de Boulogne in Paris and London's Hyde Park. The park opened its gates to visitors for the first time in 1875.
Well, with the onset of the 20th century, the park acquired new landscape and not only projects. Visitors had the opportunity to spend time visiting the planetarium, the botanical and zoological gardens, as well as the rose garden. The author of the idea is landscape designer Carlos Theis. Just imagine, about 12 thousand roses grow in the rose garden! What a magnificent sight opens before its visitors at the moment when the “queen of flowers” blooms in hundreds of different shades! The main attraction of the park is the world's largest Japanese garden, which can only be found outside the Land of the Rising Sun.
Due to its unique content, the Palemar forests are popular not only among visitors, but also among local residents who enjoy spending time in its fertile shade. Young parents walk with their children, accustoming the kids to the local beauties, instilling love for nature and their native lands. Well, everyone else has long chosen these places for outdoor events and ordinary picnics for the weekend.
Perhaps the only dubious quality of the park is the presence of groups of transvestites who are too persistent in trying to make acquaintance with passers-by. But even this is not able to spoil the vivid impressions of even a short stay in the green thick of the forest.
Colon Theater
Another striking attraction of the capital of Argentina is the Colon Opera House. The name translates as “Columbus” and recalls in whose honor this architectural phenomenon was built. The theater is dedicated to the discoverer Christopher Columbus.
This is not only a unique architectural structure, but also a real reason for the pride of all residents of the main Argentine city. The theater is not in vain considered the center of classical music, as well as the abode of opera throughout Latin America. It is worth visiting the building even if you are not an ardent fan of this art direction.
The building of the theater clearly indicates the use of the Renaissance style, which also accompanies the interior. In 2010, the theater underwent a global renovation, which was timed to coincide with the 200th anniversary of Argentina's independence. The most popular works that regularly sound within the walls of this beautiful building are the compositions of Russian classics. It is difficult to convey in words how reverently the locals relate to classical music, which was created by great Russian composers.
Argentines have always been considered ardent fans of opera. Therefore, there is a special relationship with such art institutions as the Colon Theater. Every year, since the beginning of the 19th century, dozens of opera performances have been held here.
As for the main stage, the first stones of the building were laid back in 1856. And few ordinary tourists know that the main author of the Colon Theater project was Carlos Pelegrini, whose son was destined to occupy the highest government post in the future. When the theater was ready, one of the first performances on its stage was the world-famous opera by the Italian genius Verdi “La Traviata”.
Perhaps the most important advantage of the theater is its simply phenomenal acoustics, which gives a lot of pleasure from contemplating the action that unfolds on stage. And among the world-class stars who performed on the great stage, there are such names as F. Chaliapin, E. Caruso and Luciano Pavarotti.
Today, the theater hall can accommodate 2,500 spectators. After the latest construction, standing places have also appeared, which allow additional accommodation for opera lovers in the amount of up to 1000 people.
Each tourist has the opportunity to visit the grandiose building as part of a sightseeing tour. The cost of the tour is an average of $ 30, which is considered a very expensive pleasure by local standards. But for a ticket you will have to “lay out” from 10 to 400 dollars. Everything depends not only on the place in the hall, but also on the significance of the performance itself.
Recoleta Cemetery
Finish the review at the Recoleta cemetery. It would seem, how can such a place be compared with the sights listed above? But everything is not as simple as it seems at first glance. The fact is that each crypt that is located on its territory is in itself a real work of art.
What is the list of famous personalities buried here, whose contribution to the development of the city and the country is difficult to overestimate. A dozen and a half presidents, many politicians and cultural figures, as well as scientists and just honorary citizens have found eternal rest here.
At first glance, it seems that all the chic that could only be found in Argentina is collected here. Rich graves with elements of unique decor in the form of columns and monuments, as if competing with each other, are trying to amaze the imagination with their outlandish forms.
Unfortunately, many graves gradually fall into disrepair and collapse. This is due to the fact that the relatives of the deceased also died or dispersed and there is no one else to look after the graves.