“Mi Buenos Aires querido – my beloved Buenos Aires – when will I see you again?” asks Newport Beach marketing and branding expert Stacey Kaszton Jones. It’s a rhetorical question. She knows she’ll be drawn back. Jones, who lived and worked in Buenos Aires from 2007 to 2009, returns frequently and thinks of it as her second home. While living there, she spent her free time exploring the city and all of Argentina. She loves to pass on tips, even volunteering to have people contact her at her firm, La Voz Marketing, for additional suggestions. “Traveling,” she says, “is an incredible learning experience.”
Time is Right
The seasons are the reverse of ours in the United States. The best times to visit are when the weather is mild and crowds are at a minimum: during their fall (April to June) or spring (September to December)
Secret Tip
The best places to stay are in Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood or Recoleta. All other neighborhoods can be easily reached via taxi, bus or metro.
After Dark
There are endless nightlife options in Buenos Aires. It just depends on your mood. The best bars and clubs are in Palermo and Las Cañitas. If you crave English speakers, visit Casabar in Recoleta. If you want to go to a boliche (a dance club), remember that clubs don’t get rolling until around 2 a.m.
Why Buenos Aires?
It’s a vibrant, bustling city full of rich history, wonderful surprises, passionate people, bold street art, eclectic food, endless nightlife and more. The city’s music, dancing and art spill out into the streets, a product of the waves of European immigrants who settled here. The residents, called porteños because of Buenos Aires’ giant port, are mostly of Italian, German and Spanish origin and are as passionate and publicly affectionate as they are beautiful. In essence, the city offers a unique cultural experience without the price points of Milan, Munich or Barcelona.
Must Do
Visit the neighborhood of La Boca and walk down Caminito, which is the oldest part of Buenos Aires. There are colorful houses, artwork and shops, and people play music and dance the tango in the streets. It is best to visit during the day, as it isn’t as safe at night. Another gem: Go to San Telmo, a historic part of the city that you shouldn’t miss, on Sunday afternoon when the antique fair (feria) is being held. It’s a great place for people watching, soaking up the local scene and buying antiques.
Best Bite
Buenos Aires probably has as many amazing restaurants as New York City. It is known for its carne (meat) and malbec wine. Keep in mind that everything gets going late. Dinner is around 10 p.m., drinks around 12:30 a.m. and you go to a club around 2 a.m. Here are a few favorites: La Cabrera, the best place for steaks; Milión, an old French mansion in Recoleta that makes a great setting for drinks and dinner; Olsen, a great breakfast place in Palermo with a hip vibe; Gran Bar Danzon, great wine-by-the-glass list, swanky lounge environment with great food.
Buy In
Buenos Aires is full of amazing shops, but the most concentrated areas are in Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood and Recoleta. You will stumble upon wonderful clothing, accessories, leather, art and furniture shops. If you want to shop like a local, go midday to Plaza Serrano on Saturday or Sunday. Located in Palermo Soho, Plaza Serrano boasts a huge outdoor clothing bizarre. It gets to be a scene, but has trendy, affordable clothes and accessories. Even if you aren’t in the mood to shop, it’s worth sitting at one of the many cafes in the plaza and having a drink while people watching.
