by Sarah Lorber, Former ISA Buenos Aires Site Specialist
This article was originally posted on 3/10/2016
Buenos Aires is a bustling city that seamlessly blends Latin American vigor with European elegance, lending it an irresistible charm. The city holds a surprising mix of cultures and traditions, as a port town it historically received influence and customs from abroad. This provides the city with a welcomed juxtaposition of Latin culture and European architecture and cuisine. Within the city, Argentine people rush around as there is always somewhere to be. Whether the Porteños are sharing mate with friends or enjoying an asado, there is always a lively conversation to be had.
In Buenos Aires, there are always places to see and things to do. The city has 48 barrios (neighborhoods) each with their own distinct personality and exciting events! During ISA programs in Buenos Aires, students will have the opportunity to participate in several excursions to areas surrounding the city and to participate in cultural activities, like learning to Tango.
While there are many places to see surrounding the city, you could fill your time in Buenos Aires simply exploring the wonders of the city. Here are some, of the many, incredible places to see in Buenos Aires:
Teatro Colón is one of the worlds most celebrated theaters in the world. It is ranked the 3rd best opera house in the world by National Geographic and boasts the best acoustic sounds in the world.
9 de Julio Avenue, named after Argentina’s Independence Day, is one of the widest avenues in the world. The avenue’s 14 lanes lead Porteños past important landmarks and around the Plaza de la República, which holds the noted Obelisk.
The Plaza de Mayo is the main square in the Monserrat barrio, and houses the Casa Rosada, which is where the executive branch of the federal government is located. Since this plaza is surrounded by several important buildings, it has historically been a political hot spot. Since 1977, the Mothers and Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo have congregated here looking for their children. There are white shawls painted on the ground surrounding the plaza to support their cause.
San Telmo, one of the oldest barrios in Buenos Aires, hosts one of the largest street fairs in the city each weekend. The fair is filled with unique antiques and artisan goods, while dancing and delicious food is found in different areas.
Cemetario de la Recoleta is located in the Recoleta barrio tucked between malls and a bustling neighborhood. The cemetery is filled with Argentina’s most notable individuals, including presidents; and Eva Peron is rumored to be buried there as well. Fresh flowers can still be found on the site where Eva and her family are buried. CNN ranked Recoleta among the top 10 most beautiful cemeteries in the world, with no surprise as its eerie silence in the busy city makes the cemetery hauntingly beautiful.
Puerto Madero rests on the riverbank of the Río de la Plata and is Buenos Aires’ corporate area. While it is business by day, the neighborhood fills up at night with international travelers. The Puente de la Mujer links the east and west docks.
Feria de Mataderos is located in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, near its borders within the Provincia. This market is very different from other markets in the city since it incorporates characteristics from rural Argentina. Traditional foods like choripan can be found on grills throughout the fair and folk dancing and music throughout the streets!
The Caminito is a walkway in the La Boca barrio. The walkway is full of vibrant colors tasteful graffiti, and Tango dancers preforming for tourists. The area is best known for inspiring the music for the Caminito Tango.
Whether you’re a city dweller, night owl or looking to get off the beaten path, Buenos Aires has a place for any type of student. And with five different semester programs and four summer sessions, students can easily find the right program to fit their academic needs.
So what are you waiting for?
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