![The Obelisk, the most recognised landmark in Argentina's capital city of Buenos Aires](http://media.assettype.com/outlooktraveller%2Fimport%2Foutlooktraveller%2Fpublic%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Fexplore%2FDepositphotos_98224388_S.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
Buenos Aires is a lively and sophisticated city that perfectly represents Argentina. As the country's political, economic, and cultural capital, it serves as the gateway to the rest of the nation. Despite its size, Buenos Aires has managed to maintain its traditional charm, with its compact tree-lined centre resembling Paris. Visitors will be delighted to discover the unique character of each of its 47 "barrios," or neighbourhoods, including Palermo, La Recoleta, and Belgrano, with their grand mansions and beautiful parks, as well as San Telmo and La Boca, with their colourful artistic expression. Exploring trendy areas like Puerto Madero and Calle Defensa is also highly recommended. The Plaza de Mayo is the centre of the city's cultural and entertainment activities and an excellent starting point for your Buenos Aires adventure. Shopaholics will love Avenida Santa Fe, the city's most fashionable shopping district. Here are four must-see places here
La Boca and Caminito Street Museum
If you want to capture authentic Argentina through your lens, you must visit La Boca, the most vibrant neighbourhood in Buenos Aires. It's a creative haven where artists showcase their work on balconies and patios, featuring sculptures of tango dancers and other characters. The Caminito Street Museum has been an open-air museum and art market since 1959, offering quality crafts, souvenirs, sculptures, and free open-air tango demonstrations. With buildings painted in a patchwork of colours, it's a pedestrian-friendly zone that you can't miss. For a more formal option, visit the Quinquela Martín Museum of Fine Arts. It has an excellent collection of works by notable 20th-century Argentinian artists.
Plaza de Mayo
Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires boasts magnificent colonial buildings that reflect the city's Belle Époque era. As the oldest public square in Argentina, this two-block-long plaza has played a significant role in the city's history, including the 1810 uprising against Spain and the Madres de la Plaza de Mayo's vigils, protesting the disappearance of their children during the military junta's reign from 1976 to 1983. Nowadays, most of the area is pedestrianized, including the popular Florida and Lavalle Streets, making it an ideal location for a walking tour of the city's attractions. Starting your Buenos Aires sightseeing adventure at Plaza de Mayo provides you with an opportunity to explore the famous Casa Rosada, a pale pink Presidential Palace where Eva Perón addressed her enthusiastic supporters. Another attraction to consider is the Avenida de Mayo, a wide avenue renowned for its impressive buildings with beautiful facades and domes. The avenue is home to Cafe Tortoni, the city's oldest cafe, established in 1880, and the National Tango Academy (Academia Nacional del Tango de la República Argentina), which welcomes visitors to explore the heart of tango.
San Telmo And The National Historical Museum
Discover the lively and charming San Telmo district in Buenos Aires, with its beautiful colonial-style buildings, bustling art studios, and galleries. You'll find an abundance of delightful cafés, tango parlours, and boutique shops to explore. Don't miss the famous San Telmo Sunday Fair, a must-visit for antique enthusiasts from all over. Be sure to visit the National Historical Museum, which houses an impressive collection of over 50,000 artefacts, including captivating paintings by Cándido López. And if you're a nature lover, the Bernardino Rivadavia Natural Sciences Museum has been a popular attraction since 1826, featuring 13 exhibition halls filled with fascinating displays and an on-site aquarium to explore.
Casa Rosada The President's Pink Coloured House
Visit Casa Rosada, famously known as the Pink House, located in Plaza de Mayo. The building, constructed in the mid-1800s, stands on the site of an old customs house and fort dating back to the 16th century. The Pink House, built in the Italianate style, dominates the eastern end of the historic square and serves as the official residence and state offices of the President of Argentina. Don't forget to take advantage of the opportunity to snap a selfie in front of this iconic building. In addition to its presidential function, the Pink House is also home to the Casa Rosada Museum, which opened in the 1950s. The museum houses impressive collections of exhibits and artefacts dating back to colonial times when Spain ruled much of the continent. Notable highlights of the museum include the murals painted by the famed Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros in 1933, with assistance from some of Argentina's most prominent artists from that period. Free English-language tours are available, and the museum is open from Wednesdays to Sundays.
Cover Photo Credit Depositphotos