Buenos Aires & Mar del Plata

 

It has all the elegance of the old world in its buildings and streets… All the newsstands and book shops - what a literate place, one thinks; what wealth, what good looks!
Paul Theroux - The Great Railway Bazaar

Buenos Aires is like New York, Paris or any great city - you’d need a lifetime to truly explore it all.

It has everything an urban lover holds dear: sophisticated, attractive residents (called portenos); diverse, walkable areas; museums, theaters and galleries; world-class shopping; endless cafes, clubs and restaurants for all tastes and budgets.

It’s a huge city, yet you can easily get around it on the metro and public transportation, although taxicabs are also both plentiful and inexpensive by American and European standards. The city’s bike sharing program also gives you the fun option of touring the city on two wheels, on your own or with an organized group.

A little research and you’ll be ready for this magnificent destination. Guidebooks will direct you to must-see sites (we recommend Lonely Planet and Rough Guides); popular websites and blogs can point out attractions and off-the-beaten-track destinations. Are you more comfortable with digital info? Download helpful travel apps! Nervous about your Spanish? Of course, there’s an app for that!

Don’t let the size of Buenos Aires (often referred to as BA) intimidate you. At ELI, we believe the best way to tackle BA is neighborhood by neighborhood. From the posh Recoleta and trendy Palermo Soho, to the bohemian San Telmo and modern, happening Puerto Madero, each area will give you a deeper insight into the city and all its richness.

As you get to know Buenos Aires, make sure you experience some of its can’t-miss adventures:

  • Parillas, empanadas, pizza and much more: Buenos Aires is a food lover’s paradise, even if you don’t eat meat. Just remember that Buenos Aires residents (called portenos) are major night owls. They tend to eat very late by North American standards: on weekdays often after 9 p.m. and on weekends, many don’t start eating until after 11 p.m.
  • Football: Whether you call it football or soccer, joining the passionate, expressive Argentine fans at a game in BA will be an exhilarating experience.
  • Tango: Go to a milonga. These popular dance gatherings are one of the unique symbols of Buenos Aires. There are places for all skill levels: milongas for beginners and for those familiar with the dance and its etiquette.
  • Discover Argentina’s famous wines. You don’t have to travel to the country’s wine region, Mendoza! Ask local waiters to recommend a malbec or a torrontes -- Argentina’s signature wines -- or enjoy a wider variety at a BA wine tour.
  • Visit Eva Peron’s grave at the famous, historic Recoleta Cemetery. There’s never been anyone else like the legendary “Evita,” Argentina’s controversial, tragic and endlessly fascinating former First Lady. For an introduction, see the musical, or stream the more accurate Argentine biopic, then visit the Eva Peron Museum or take an Eva Peron guided tour.
  • Follow in the footsteps of Jorge Luis Borges: Argentina’s iconic, world-famous poet who has left an indelible mark on the city and its culture.

And that’s just scratching the surface of Buenos Aires, a city that offers endless entertainment, surprises and pleasures. And with ELI, it’s all at your fingertips.

EXPLORING: MAR DEL PLATA

The site for many ELI Abroad placements, the city of Mar del Plata is also a great destination on its own. With dazzling 10 miles of beach, it’s Argentina’s top oceanside resort, and a favorite weekend getaway from Buenos Aires. When you’ve had your fill of the beach, check out Mar del Plata’s famous port and ship graveyard, or explore the lush ravines, cliffs and dunes outside the city. Because it’s a major hub as well as a popular tourist destination, Mar del Plata offers all the restaurants, sightseeing and nightlife any Argentine visitor might wish for. 

 

 

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