Buenos Aires

Unlike any other South American city, Buenos Aires – ‘The Paris of South America’ – has such a mix of cultural and architectural influences that it is often easy to forget where you are. It’s like Europe with a twist: seductive tango dancers perform on the street next to red English telephone boxes. A top-notch Argentinian steak house occupies the ground floor of a French replica building.

Buenos Aires is all about the neighbourhoods, which are super easy to get to and even easier to just wander around. La Boca – the old port neighbourhood is very touristy, but is not to be missed. The colourful houses of La Boca’s Caminito street are the brightly painted corrugated iron that is always depicted in images of BA. Tango dancers entertain diners chowing down on excellent steak, tourists browse the souvenir stores and capture photos of this bustling, colourful street.

San Telmo is the old neighbourhood filled with coffee shops and antique dealers. Visiting on a Sunday will be the highlight of your trip to BA; the San Telmo Market stretches block after block down Defensa street where you’ll find antiques, artisan handy crafts, delicious food, and all manner of new and used goods, whilst bands play on the street corners.

Recoleta is the posh neighbourhood where the French influence is clearly demonstrated. Everyone has to visit Recoleta Cemetery to marvel at the opulent tombs and pay respects at the resting place of the (arguably) most famous Argentinian – Eva ‘Evita’ Peron. The next neighbourhood over is Palermo whose up-and-coming, hip bohemian vibe is where you’ll find the best cafes, bars and late night hot spots to dance til dawn.