Buenos Aires
Some helpful tips for your trip to argentina
English is not widely spoken. Aside from tour guides and high end restaurants, do not expect to converse with many people in English. Brush up on your Spanish before heading to Buenos Aires.
The neighborhoods are huge. If you stay in one of the popular neighborhoods like Palermo, it can take almost an hour to walk across it. When planning your stay, make sure to check where in the neighborhood you want to be.
You’ll need to exchange your American dollars for Argentinian pesos. The American dollar is highly valued in Argentina, where the country has been experiencing high inflation for years. Don’t spend your time waiting in line to exchange at a Western Union (where the cash may run out before you get to the front), most cafes or restaurants will be glad to exchange with you if you ask. This is known as the blue dollar and you will get a better rate in your exchange.
Taxis and ubers are inexpensive and the most direct way to get around. Expect lots of traffic and plan to pay for taxis in pesos.
Fresh juice can be found throughout the city. Nothing like coming across a stand like this after you’ve spent a few hours walking around in the heat.
Empanadas were brought to Argentina by the Spanish, and each region adapted them according to their own local produce and preferences. They are cheap, delicious, and available all around the city.
Leave time in your itinerary to visit the Tigre River (an hour north of Buenos Aires by car). Take a boat ride along the Tigre river and float through the winding tributaries filled with lush greenery. This was a last minute addition to our plans and our favorite thing we did. A relaxing day on the river will be a nice break from the busy and hot city.
You’ll also get to see the unique homes of folks who live on the Tigre year round. Boat is their only mode of transportation and water needs to be ordered and filtered by each household. You will encounter many dogs on their owners’ docks barking at you when you pass.
This is what I mean by “lush greenery” on the Tigre
Grocery delivery for residents on the Tigre River. ¡Que encantadora!
Take a ride over to Colonia, Uruguay by ferry (90 minutes). Founded in 1680 by the Portugese and now a UNESCO world heritage site, this was a charming day trip. Peruse the local shops, stroll around the cobblestone streets, visit some old churches, take a long lunch, and perhaps rent a golf cart to cruise around. You don’t need more than 4 hours here.
Bright colors can be found throughout Colonia, Uruguay
Restaurant Pick: Aramburu Restaurant. Enjoy this 2 Michelin star 18-course (!!!) seasonal tasting menu that features Argentinian ingredients with unusual presentations including liquid nitrogen and foam. The dishes are gorgeous. The space sleek. Expect an expansive wine list or indulge in the generous pairing.
Greens and flowers in a tiny pie shell. But it’s the dramatic plateware for me.
Don’t eat the seashells. Only the “cannolis” and ice cream.
This tiny tree is brought to your table and you eat the bird off the branches. I am a fool for creative food delivery.
