In December, I spent every college student’s dreaded finals week exploring the beautiful Buenos Aires, Argentina. A couple of months prior to this, I was selected for my school’s first-ever Latin America Tour. This tour was designed to allow students to experience new cultures in a short-term program exploring political, sports and environmental journalism topics. While I only spent a week in the busy city, I grew a deep love for all it had to offer. If you’re considering exploring “the Paris of South America,” here is everything you should do and see while you’re there.
1. Eat an empanada — or two or three or four
This is one of my favorite staple foods of Argentina. Fortunately, there was a café that was only a five-minute walk from my hotel that served at least 10 different types of empanadas. I’d imagine that this is a relatively common tourist experience because every time I walked around the city, there seemed to be a new empanada shop on each block. Flavors ranged from my personal favorite, criolla, to ham and cheese, vegetable and chicken. Aside from their deliciousness, they’re also extremely cheap throughout the city. I recommend getting as many as you can because they’re a quick, cheap, delicious and energizing dish!
2. Visit Caminito in La Boca
Out of all the neighborhoods I visited, Caminito in La Boca was my favorite. When you arrive here, the first thing that will catch your eye is that every brick and stone is hand-painted to be a vibrant color. The best way to describe these streets is by saying it looks like a rainbow came to town and decided to take permanent residence there. This neighborhood, as one may guess, also embraces art through displaying statues and sculptures along the roads and having a section of the streets dedicated to local artists’ work. Whether you want to buy carefully handcrafted items, snap a cute photo or simply explore a location unlike anything you’ve ever seen, La Boca is a stop you must make.
3. Shop at San Telmo on a Sunday — and Mercado de San Telmo any day!
If you plan to buy any souvenirs while you’re in Argentina, San Telmo is the place to be! The first famous staple in this neighborhood is its Mercado de San Telmo. A market that’s open daily, Mercado de San Telmo gives a spot for vendors selling varieties of clothing, antiques, food, home decorations and more. It is nearly impossible to choose what to buy with the number of options. While Sundays are the busiest days to shop here, you can be assured that every vendor will be there so you can get everything you want. Additionally, on Sundays, San Telmo has an extra outdoor-only market where vendors stage booths on the streets of the neighborhood. This weekly event draws in unique vendors selling one-of-a-kind items. Between these two markets, San Telmo is the best place to be if you want to bring a part of Buenos Aires back home with you.
4. Try a churro from Café Tortoni
Get in line early because crowds know how great this restaurant is. When I first arrived, the line outside was about 20 people deep, and it kept growing. When I made it inside, though, I quickly learned it was worth the wait. In this atmosphere full of elegant art, stained glass ceilings and waiters in suits, one cannot help but appreciate the restaurant’s commitment to fine dining. The best thing I ate there was its churros — which I found out were stuffed with Argentina’s signature dulce de leche. The two flavors create a perfect combination of tasty goodness with every bite.
5. Go inside the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral — or any Catholic Church
One of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the city is the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral. Complete with three aisles, the cathedral is full of large paintings depicting the life of Jesus and scenes from the Bible. All of the flooring is made of mosaic tiles and the altar is nearly completely gold. Anyone who loves exploring churches, whether it be for the beauty or for religious intentions, could spend hours here looking around at all the details. Additionally, within the cathedral is the mausoleum of General San Martin. This resting spot is protected by guards, but tourists are able to walk around it completely. If you are unable to visit this stunning location, I still recommend visiting one of the Catholic churches anywhere in the heart of Buenos Aires, as many are heavily influenced by beautiful Italian architecture that you don’t see frequently.
6. Eat at a restaurant on the water at Puerto Madero
Puerto Madero is the waterfront neighborhood in Buenos Aires. What once was an abandoned port has now become a lively location full of upscale dining and shopping options. Many restaurants within this neighborhood are largely, if not entirely, outdoors, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful weather with the beautiful views. This is also one of the best locations in the city for walking outside or going on a run, as it’s designed with large paths alongside the water. This section of the city is not quite as fast-paced, allowing you to enjoy both a meal and a peaceful location.
7. Go watch a fútbol match — and buy a Messi jersey
Fútbol, or as we call it soccer, is the heartbeat of Argentinian sports enthusiasts. While studying abroad, I was able to meet with the communications team of Racing Fútbol Club. In my time with them, it became apparent that this very sport is changing lives across the country. Between offering scholarships to kids, learning about the sport and fueling rivalries that become identities for neighborhoods, you would be cutting yourself short if you didn’t embrace this culture in the slightest. Oh, and by the way, the biggest fútbol star in the world — Lionel Messi — is from Argentina, so get his jersey while you’re there.
8. Try an Argentinian steakhouse
Argentina is a country known for its high red meat consumption globally. This meant that before I ever entered the country, I knew I’d be stopping at one of its famous steakhouses to see how they cook it best. I’m pleased to share that they did not disappoint. Since you may only be in Argentina for a limited time, I suggest doing what I did and getting the most recommended cut on the menu so that you know you’re having Argentina’s absolute best. Remember to savor each bite and appreciate being in one of the countries that make it best.
9. Snap a picture in front of Casa Rosada
In the same way that the White House is a staple for the United States, Casa Rosada — or rather the “Pink House” — is a staple for Argentina. Located at the historical Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosado is a light pink building with green accents full of executive offices. While observing the beauty of the architecture placed in the middle of Buenos Aires, you may even be able to watch the guards change their posts!
10. Learn how to make máte — and bring a bag home with you!
Last but not least, embrace the appreciation the citizens have towards máte tea by buying a cup and tea leaves from any shop. Máte is an herbal tea you’ll find in several South American countries. Offering benefits like antioxidants, máte is best served warm. I came to learn about máte after watching many people carry around special cups with straws they used to pat something down. I even witnessed my bus driver drinking máte while driving. It’s certainly a drink that many in Argentina are hooked on, and you’ll be hooked on it too once you try it!
Visiting Buenos Aires forced me to get outside of my comfort zone in a way I didn’t know was possible. The city has a variety of cultures unlike anything I’ve experienced, and I firmly believe I would’ve been letting myself down if I had never explored every last thing the city had to offer. While I truly believe everyone should visit Buenos Aires, I encourage everyone to simply take that risk and travel somewhere new. Life is short, so go explore the world and embrace every culture you come across.