The cafe culture and cosmopolitan atmosphere of Buenos Aires have earned it the nickname “Paris of South America”, but the city is also uniquely Argentinian with its steakhouses and tango clubs. Whether you’re looking for contemporary art or beautifully manicured gardens, this is a city bursting with vibrant atmospheres.

Things to do

The Centro Cultural Kirchner, housed in an imposing neoclassical building, is the centre of the city’s art scene. Wander around the 40 galleries of art and history, see a concert or poetry reading and have a drink on the rooftop terrace. Visit the nearby Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, built in 1732, to admire the religious treasures, paintings, historic artefacts and views of Recoleta cemetery.

Hoping to escape the crowds? Bosques de Palermo has over 40 hectares of wooded groves and rose gardens in the heart of the city. Take a boat out onto one of the lakes or go for a romantic walk through the Japanese Gardens.

The city is famous for its delicious steaks, and Argentine steakhouses can be found on every corner. The other must-taste is the ice cream, with each shop having its own specialty flavours like chestnut or lemon mousse.

Buenos Aires is the best place to sample Argentina’s many top-quality wines. Try Bar du Marché for a list of more than 100 wines paired with excellent cheese or charcuterie or check out the mood lighting and innovative cocktails at Danzón. The city isn’t short of a dance floor or two. Party the night away in popular nightclubs, such as Crobar and Amerika, or practice your tango moves at La Viruta.

Getting around

Buenos Aires is built on a straightforward grid system, making it easy to find your way around. The fastest and most convenient way to travel is the metro, which stops near all major attractions. The city also has a vast and efficient network of buses.