One of the main ¨scary¨ things about coming to a new city is the feeling of not knowing even the basics (ok, to be honest, I kinda enjoy that part).
For everyone who needs a one-stop guide to Buenos Aires, here you have it. It covers most basics, but, if there is something you feel is missing, ask and you shall be answered.
Buenos Aires Trip Guide
Arrival
When flying to Buenos Aires, you will arrive in Ezeiza International Airport. There are direct flights from several major US and European cities. At the airport, an I Go Buenos Aires representative will be waiting for you in the well-marked meeting point directly outside the arrivals gate.
Food
Argentinean cuisine is well-known for it´s world renowned beef. Make sure to enjoy juicy steaks, sausages, and cheeses while here. This is a carnivores´ paradise! For vegetarians, Buenos Aires is also not to be missed. Due to its European roots, local cuisine includes homemade pastas, rich sauces, paellas, delicious ¨escabeches¨ (local olive oil infused vegetables), and eggplant or tofu dishes.
Besides the well-known dishes, Buenos Aires boasts many other local favorites. Food from the southern Patagonian district includes succulent peasants and farm fresh casseroles.
Wine is an integral part of Argentina´s cuisine and culture. Grown vastly in the Mendoza region, red wine is favored to accompany most steaks and many pastas.
People and Romance
Argentineans are absolutely gorgeous. One of the rare countries where dark locks, and blue eyes are a common site. Unlike other South American countries, it is relatively common to see blonds, light complexions, and light eyes. People are generally quite slim due to amazing genes and the great care they take to maintain themselves.
The majority of people under 40 speak at least some English. They are generally well educated as the local university system is free. However, if you speak some Spanish, your chances of meeting a new friend will be greatly increased.
Many Argentineans live in their family´s home until they are 30 years of age or older. Hence, throughout the city, small ¨love hotels¨ have sprung up. Locals call them ¨transitorios¨ or more vulgarly ¨telos¨. These are not the equivalent of cheap hourly motels! Many couples enjoy time here as they are fully equipped with specially designed beds, showers, up to ¨room service¨ menus to help set the mood. Definitely something to check out!
Nightlife
Buenos Aires is the city that never sleeps. Everything that happens at night in Buenos Aires happens a bit later than in North America. Dinner time is around 9pm until 12am. After dinner, it is common to have a calm drink in a bar. Bars won´t usually fill up until after midnight.
Nightclubs will not even open until 2am. Once nightclubs do fill up, don´t expect hip hop to be played. Argentines usually listen to more electronic or latin pop in the nightclubs. Also, dancing tends to emulate the sexy tango style of dancing with a partner. Unlike dancing at clubs in the US, the ¨bump and grind¨ music video style of dancing is not common in Buenos Aires nightlife.
At night, Argentine fashion is classy yet sexy. For the ladies, tennis shoes are not common. For the guys, a slightly more metro style is more in fashion.
Each of Buenos Aires neighborhoods has a certain style of bars. Here is a guide to Buenos Aires nightlife zones:
San Telmo- very relaxed with lots of quaint pub style bars.
Puerto Madero- much more upscale and modern
Palermo- ranges from artsy bars to upscale and modern
Barrio Norte- more rock and roll and jazz
Costenera Norte- here you will find a wide range of huge nightclubs
Recent History and Safety
Buenos Aires is a major cosmopolitan city with a South American flare for fun. After the 2001 crash of the economy, desperation griped a previously very wealthy population. Previously, the Argentine peso had a one to one conversion rate with the US dollar. Many people lost all savings and income in one horrible December day just before Christmas. Most people found ways to return to normal life and have since begun to regain their previous wealth.
However, much like many major US and European capitals there is now a strong class divide. Also like other major cities, this has caused a rise in petty theft. The most common crime committed against tourists is petty theft. This can be easily prevented by using common sense. Leaving opulent displays of wealth at home or in the hotel, keeping purses and backpacks zipped and guarded, and avoiding dark alley ways are all effective ways to prevent theft.
There are just a few neighborhoods (out of 56 existing) in the city which can be seemingly unnerving to some visitors. Be aware of where they are, and prepared for what you will find.
Constitucion- This is where a major train station is located. Besides the gorgeous station, the rest of this neighborhood is not very attractive. Daytime it is filled with beggars and general commotion from the multitude of buses. Night brings homeless, drug users, prostitutes, and increased theft. Located on the opposite side of July Ninth avenue from San Telmo and just beside Monserrat, Constitucion is highly recommended to avoid, mostly at night.
Once- A very busy neighborhood with tons of discount shops. If you are searching for VERY cheap clothing and random knickknacks without concern for top quality, this is your place. Again, general commotion of people and buses abound. Petty theft can occur. Avoid the area at night if possible.
MicroCentro- The cities business center is filled with gorgeous architecture, international negotiations, and fun (touristy) Florida street during the day. As business people leave in the evening, people fill the now black streets to search for recyclables to sell. Best avoided if possible at night as it is all but abandoned.
Climate
Argentina is in the Southern Hemisphere. This means seasons are the opposite of those in North America and Europe. Do not expect the temperatures to be the same as at home! In springtime, Argentina is very pleasant mid- range temperatures with occasional spring showers. Winter temperatures can raise to levels comparable of those in New York in the summertime. During summer, make sure to bring light clothing. Fall sees cooler temperatures and a chance of light showers. Local Argentina Travel Guide recommends dressing in layers. Winter can get rainy and chilly at night. Buenos Aires locals wear lots of stylish pea coats and boots.
Local Transportation
Buenos Aires has arguably the best public transportation system in the world. You can choose from subways, buses, taxis, or walking.
The subway system is called the ¨subte¨ which is short for subterranean. There is five lines which cover much of the city. Currently a subway ride costs $.90 Argentine cents. Tickets can be purchased as windows located at the entrance to each stop.
The bus system in Buenos Aires is mind-boggling. Each bus is independently owned and operated. The lines are organized according to the bus number. Beware that a certain line number can have several different variations. The variations are labeled on a sign on the lower right hand corner of the front windshield. Finding a bustop is done by looking up about 3 meters to posts located on the streets. When the bus approaches the stop, hail it like a taxi cab or it will not stop. There are different fares depending on the distance you will travel. Although the minimum ticket costs $.90 Argentine cents, a safe bet is just to tell the chofer one peso, as generally that will be the cost for any trip within the city yet over ten blocks.
Buenos Aires is a great walking city. Grab a local guide (called guia T) or your I Go Buenos Aires Travel guide and new friend, and hit the streets. Street signs are located at the top of the first story on building on the street corners. They are about one meter in length.
On your I Go Buenos Aires trip, we generally move around the city with a combination of these three methods. Taxis are available, but often can actually deter from the experience. Travel in Buenos Aires done by bus, subway, and on foot allow you to see, feel, hear, touch, and experience the culture. Your Argentina guide will be available 24 hours a day so you can explore with confidence.
Money
The currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso. The peso has held relatively stable at a 3 to 1 exchange rate with the US dollar.
Buenos Aires is very affordable. However, since the 2001 crash of the economy, prices have picked back up (please remember this when reading out of date internet information boasting $3.00 dinners and $1.00 beers). Prices still remain lower than any city in the US and all European destinations. Check out below for a current guide to average prices in Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires Price Guide (in US dollars)
1 Liter Beer: $3.00
Mixed Drink: $4.00
Average Lunch for Two: $20.00
Entrance to Museums: Free- $5.00
Entrance to Nightclubs: $15.00 +
Spanish Lessons (per hour): $12.00
It is best to avoid paying with credit cards. Most major establishments will accept them, but often smaller restaurants and shops will impose a minimum charge. It is absolutely necessary to carry a form of ID as the law now states that credit cards can only be accepted with ID:
There are ATM´s located throughout the city. It is always recommended to take out the least amount necessary. Buenos Aires is a very safe city, but like any other major international cities, there are pickpockets.
Tipping is a common practice only in restaurants in Buenos Aires. As a general guide, 10% is appropriate. However, this is neither obligatory nor expected rather just good karma.
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