Buenos Aires in December?

Question

We'd like to spend 7 to 10 days. Neither one of us has been to Argentina before and are looking for suggestions on where to stay and what to do. While not totally high maintenance, I'd prefer more upscale accommodations as opposed to hostels, etc. Any tips for sightseeing, shopping, hotels, the arts and other attractions? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Hi Elle,

the best areas to stay are either Recoleta or Puerto Madero. In Recoleta I recommend Lois Suites and in Puerto Madero either Hilton or Hotel Faena (very NY style, fashion boutique hotel). What to do? well, apart from a city tour you can go to see Tango at night at several retaurants which offer a nice parrilla (bbq style meat) and a tango show. You can also go to Estancia Santa Susana which is a nice farm where the gauchos perform and you have a nice bbq party.

For shopping there are several malls like Alto Palermo, patio Bullrich (very upscaly!), Galerias Pacifico (my favourite) and if you go to Boca (Caminito) there are several handicraft shops where you can buy "mate" which is the container where you drink this famous argentinian tea.

About arts, visit Teatro Colon which is one of the most beautiful theatres I've seen in my life, also go to Bellas Artes Museum where you will find Picassos, Monets, Rodins, etc.

December is summer so you will experience quite a hot weather. The food is really cheap in Argentina, clothes are a bit expensive. Been there 7 times, 3 of them I went to work for weeks. The public transportation system is ok, the train is fine (both Tren de la Costa and Tren interurbano) taxis are ok but try and call a remisse and not take the ones from the street. I love Buenos Aires, it is a very cosmopolite city in the middle of South America.