EXPLORING BUENOS AIRES

Argentina’s capital is a heady mix of great food, history and passionate dance. By Peter Davenport

THE ticker tape may have settled and the crowds calmed from Argentina’s World Cup win, but electricity and passion are very much alive in this buzzing capital city, so prepare to be surprised and dazzled at every turn.

South American by name but European by nature, it’s easy to see why Buenos Aires is dubbed the ‘Paris of the South’, with its strong European architectural influence.

FORTUNE AND FAME

The Obelisk is the city’s most famous monument and stands proud like a giant pencil in the centre of Avenida 9 de Julio (the world’s widest street), so a good place to start your adventure. Head east to La Boca, famous for its colourful houses, pedestrian street markets and empanadas, where tango dancers perform live if you care to part with a few pesos. Bear in mind it’s lively on match days – nearby La Bombonera is the home of Boca Juniors, made famous by Diego Maradona.

Head north of the city to the popular neighbourhood of La Recoleta, and pay your respects to Eva Perón – Evita – once the first lady of Argentina. Her resting place can be found in the city of the dead, the Cementerio de la Recoleta, among 6,000 tombs, many listed as historical monuments.

Near the port and the Rio de la Plata, you’ll find the Casa Rosada – the pink house – the scene of some of Evita’s greatest speeches to the crowds in the Plaza de Mayo, including her most famous address, shortly before her death at just 33.

It’s worth bearing in mind that the best way of travelling across the city is by taxi – it’s safe and incredibly cheap in Buenos Aires, so the perfect way to get around.

NATURE CALLING

Buenos Aires is greener than you might think, with the leafy suburb of Palermo being home to some of the city’s most beautiful green spaces. The Japanese Garden is more than just a taste of the east, with orchids, bonsai trees, carp-filled ponds and Japanese sculptures. Cross the red bridge and you’ll find the peace bell, decorated with coins from 100 different countries and rung just twice a year.

Another popular choice nearby is the Botanical Gardens, a stone’s throw from the frenetic pace of the city, but with a calm vibe, local flora and a French/Roman influence.

URUGUAY BOUND

A trip to Buenos Aires wouldn’t be complete without squeezing in a day trip to Uruguay. Board a ferry at the port (www.buquebus.com) and hop across Rio de la Plata. In just over an hour you’ll arrive in the beautiful cobblestoned city of Colonia del Sacramento. A Portuguese settlement in the 1600s, the old town has charm in abundance and it’s the perfect spot to while away a couple of hours and take lunch in the tree-lined, historic square.

With the current exchange rate you can eat like a king

STEAK, MALBEC AND TANGO

Have we saved the best till last? Quite possibly. If you’re expecting sizzling steaks and magnificent Malbecs, then this is your kind of town. You’ll strive hard to find a bad meal in Buenos Aires, with Palermo boasting a host of exceptional parrillas; and with the current exchange rate you’ll eat like a king. Don’t miss Don Julio’s for an unforgettable steak experience – even enjoy a free glass of champagne while you wait for your table. Already loving the food? Take it one step further for an iconic evening of dinner and tango at the Café de los Angelitos, famously entertaining guests for over 100 years.

So, what’s new Buenos Aires? Well, plenty. Expect a warm, bright and friendly cosmopolitan city steeped in history with world-class food and drink – the perfect gateway to Argentina and South America, with more than a touch of star quality.