A City of Neighborhoods
The center of Buenos Aires (Centro) is a good place for visitors to stay. As the name implies, it's location is rather central, and it is a hub of shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Florida Street, it's long, pedestrian row of shops and restaurants, is a great place to start exploring the city. Puerto Madero is the section of town that stretches along the waterfront. Restaurants line the promenade on both sides of the water, which is a great place to just take a walk and enjoy the beautiful Argentinean weather. Closest to the Centro are the districts of Puerto Madero and Recoletta. Puerto Madero is the section of town that stretches along the waterfront. Restaurants line the promenade on both sides of the water, which is a great place to just take a walk and enjoy the beautiful Argentinean weather. Recoletta is the most "upscale" section of Buenos Aires, filled with Cartier, Ralph Lauren and the like. It also has some beautiful homes and hotels, and café-lined streets where you can enjoy a nice relaxing mid-day meal (lunch in Argentina lasts from approximately 1:00 to 3:00 PM and typically involves a bottle of wine). In Recoletta you will also find the Recoletta cemetery, where Eva Peron (Evita) is buried. It is said that the most expensive land in Buenos Aires is in this cemetery, and for good reason - it is the final resting place of some of the country's most famous natives. Next door to the cemetery is a beautiful church which is also worth a visit. On weekends, the park in front of the cemetery and church transforms into an open air market - a necessary stop for souvenir shoppers. Local craftsman set up booths with authentic local items (as well as some touristy ones) at very reasonable prices. Slightly further from the Centro are San Telmo and Palermo. San Telmo is the tango district, and while not as luxurious as some of the other neighborhoods, it has character to spare. Many of the restaurants host tango shows (some more touristy than others) and parks filled with mostly locals are a relaxing way to immerse yourself in the culture. Palermo is this city's Little Italy, and it boasts some of the best restaurants in the city. It is also filled with unique shops and markets which once again provide great souvenirs
