Buenos Aires, Argentina:
Earlier this year, my family embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula, departing from Buenos Aires. To give ourselves time to recover from jet lag, we arrived into Argentina several days before the cruise started.
Arrival in Buenos Aires, Argentina
We arrived on the 31st of December, which meant we could spend New Year’s Eve together as a family. It was especially memorable because our group came from different parts of the world. My husband and I arrived from the U.K., my parents from the U.S., and my mother-in-law from New Zealand. Celebrating New Year’s Eve together in Buenos Aires was a fantastic way to start our journey.
We had three full days to explore the city before meeting our cruise. This gave us ample time to soak in the city’s rich culture and history. We’d heard the city referred to as the “Paris of South America,” and it sure lived up to that! Here are some of the highlights from our visit:
Exploring the Neighborhoods
To make the most of our time and adjust to the jet lag, we decided to take the hop-on hop-off bus. This allowed us to conveniently see many parts of the city without much hassle. We hopped off the bus at La Boca to explore further. As we wandered through the colorful streets, we were captivated by the vibrant street art and lively tango dancers, which added to the area’s charm. This part of the city, with its brightly painted houses and lively atmosphere, provided a perfect introduction to this incredible city.
While exploring, we took a photo with the Messi statue, which held special significance for us since he shares a birthday with my young nephew, who is naturally a big fan. Overall, our day was filled with excitement and memorable experiences, making for a great start to our trip.
We also hopped off near Puente de la Mujer, a striking bridge in the Puerto Madero district. This modern architectural marvel provided a beautiful contrast to the historic areas we had visited. The bridge and its surrounding area offered stunning views and a serene walk along the waterfront, as well as a perfect spot to grab lunch.
Recoleta Cemetery
A visit to Recoleta Cemetery was both fascinating and moving. This iconic cemetery is the final resting place of many of Argentina’s most notable figures, including Eva Perón. The elaborate mausoleums and statues are works of art in themselves.
Tango Show
One evening, we attended a traditional tango show. At first, we were struck by the elegance and intensity of the dancers. As the performances unfolded, the passionate displays and live music captivated us, becoming a highlight of our trip. In particular, the way the dancers expressed such raw emotion through their movements left us all in awe of their talent. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience that deepened our appreciation for the art of tango.
Culinary Delights
Buenos Aires is renowned for its culinary scene, and we made sure to indulge in the local cuisine. From savoring juicy steaks at a traditional parrilla to enjoying empanadas and dulce de leche desserts, every meal was a delight. Our Airbnb hosts left us alfajores to try – delicious treats that quickly became a favorite. We also couldn’t resist having our fair share of empanadas!
Historical Landmarks
We explored several of Buenos Aires’ historical landmarks, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history and architectural beauty. We visited the iconic Casa Rosada, the presidential palace known for its distinctive pink facade. Standing in the Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada is not only a symbol of Argentine politics but also a key location for many historical events. It was also interesting to learn that the pink color was the result of mixing cow’s blood with lime-based paint. Apparently this was common in the 19th century as a way to make the paint more durable and to protect the building from the humid climate of Buenos Aires.
Our Airbnb was conveniently located near the Congress building and Palacio Barolo, allowing us to explore these landmarks quite easily. The Congress building, with its impressive neoclassical design, is the seat of the Argentine National Congress. We admired its grand architecture and the beautifully landscaped Plaza del Congreso in front of it.
These landmarks not only showcased Buenos Aires’ architectural splendor but also provided us with a deeper understanding of its historical and cultural evolution. The city’s energy and charm set the perfect tone for the rest of our trip. Our time in Buenos Aires allowed us to bond as a family, appreciate the local culture, and create lasting memories before setting off on our Antarctic adventure.
The city is vibrant, friendly, clean, and packed with interesting things to see. I will definitely be back for another visit!
