Unquestionably the most European of all South American cities, Buenos Aires invades with countless theaters, museums and art galleries. A cultural overload mixes both European styles with South American fashion. With many descendents of the first Spanish founders and Italian immigrants, Buenos Aires lends a bit of Europe in South America. The cosmopolitan metropolis is rugged and refined, seductive and sweet. Old world cafes and colonial architecture mix with designer boutiques and big business. It may not be Europe and it might not even be South America, but it is certainly Buenos Aires.
The historic heart of Buenos Aires beats strong in Plaza de Mayo. Encased in the key commercial and shopping areas of the city, Plaza de Mayo functions as the city’s central public square, complete with gardens, statues and foundations. Without question the city’s most famous square, Plaza de Mayo holds the Cabildo, the only surviving governmental building from the colonial days of Buenos Aires. Visitors will most likely be drawn to the dusty pink colored Casa Rosada. The Presidential Palace contains the world famous balcony where Evita stood.
For a bit of a color splash while in Buenos Aires, head to La Boca. The neighborhood known for its football team decorates in multicolored wooden iron houses. Many of the bright residences were painted and constructed by Italian immigrants in Buenos Aires. Visitors will find the best of the painted homes along Calle Caminito. La Boca has become a place where artists, street performers and tango dancers meet.
The little neighborhoods and districts of Buenos Aires lend tremendous insight into the city. San Telmo is one of them, weaving through with a labyrinth of streets dotted with shops, artists studios and cafes. Find yourself in San Telmo on a Sunday and you will quickly find all the action going on in Plaza Dorrego. A Sunday market is held here.
One of the greatest opera houses in the entire world positions in Buenos Aires. Teatro Colón stands tall and proud in its Renaissance style. The likes of Bernstein and Strauss have conducted here while Pavarotti has belted out a few as well. Visitors should take in a performance while admiring the ornate and mirrored Salon Dorado and a dome decorated entirely in frescoes.
Buenos Aires is known for its world-class museums. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is one of those venues, hosting an impressive collection of European sculpture and paintings. In addition to works by Renoir and Monet, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes also hosts Argentine artists such as Lucio Fontana. Another of the city’s museums not to be missed is easily Museo de Arte Lationamericano de Buenos Aires. Promoting a rich appreciation for art from Latin America, the collection spans from the 20th century to present day.
One of the city’s most famous residents has her own museum. Museo Evita tells the story of Eva Perón. One of the most reviled and revered figures in Argentine history, the actress married Colonel Juan Domingo Peron. Peron soon became president, while Evita used her position to further the rights of the working class. Today the museum pays tribute to her life with artifacts, dresses and photographs. The subject of major movies and books died of cancer at the young age of 33.
With wide boulevards, grandiose buildings and green parks, some may wonder just what continent they are on. Buenos Aires is in fact undeniably European in style and set up, but the city still manages to be unlike any other.
