City of Buenos Aires
Cabildo
Designed by Jesuit architect Andrés Blanqui in 1580, this was the first government building in the city of Buenos Aires at the time it was founded. As time went by, it underwent many changes and renovations from its original construction. It is now a museum called "Museo Histórico Nacional del Cabildo y la Revolución de Mayo" where a collection of old weapons are displayed, as well as medals and garments from the time of the independence (1816). It is open from Tuesday to Friday from 12:30pm to 7pm, and Sundays from 3pm to 7pm.
Plaza Dorrego
As both birthplace of the tango and a bohemian artist´s quarter, the barrio of San Telmo is still a prime store of cultural riches. Plaza Dorrego´s amazing antiques market Feria de San Telmo buzzes with frisky vendors, street performers and tango dancers.
Nearby, the Museo Histórico Nacional details the whole Argentine experience in paint and portrays the country´s key independence and republican figures. Other museums in the area include the Museo Penitenciario Nacional, and the Museo de Arte Moderno.
Shopping
When it comes to shopping, Buenos Aires can be one of the most charming places anywhere. From its grand boulevards to the winding streets of Arroyo, the city offers an endless variety of boutiques, galleries, and antique shops. The Sunday Flea Market in San Telmo provides excellent, leisurely people-watching and shopping, and there is a very good Sunday Antiques Fair at the Plaza Dorego.
Shopping Malls have become a daily getaway and a convenient shopping location for many Porteños. The most famous stores in the city have locations in these huge malls where restaurants, cafes, movie theaters and arcades can also be found.
These are some of them: Alto Palermo (Av. Santa Fe 3253), Buenos Aires Design Center, (Pueyrredón Av. 2501), Paseo Alcorta, (Salguero Jerónimo 3172), Patio Bullrich (Av. del Libertador 750), Spinetto (Moreno y Pichincha), El Solar de la Abadía: (Luis Maria Campos and Maure), Abasto de Buenos Aires (Corrientes 3727), Village Recoleta (Vicente López and Junín), and Caballito Shopping Center (Av. Rivadavia. 5000).
Basílica de La Virgen de Luján
The city of Luján lies 67 km (107 miles) west of the City of Buenos Aires and houses this impressive temple. The Basilica, declared Historical National Monument in 1998, is located in Av. San Martin 1, opposite the Plaza Belgrano. Its construction began in 1887 and concluded in 1935. The towers are 106 meters (350 feet) high and the interior is Gothic French style, with a wonderful vitreaux and seven aisles.
The most visited site inside the Basílica is - without doubt - the Virgin Mary. Every year, in the first week of October, thousands of people walk from different points of the city toward the basilica as a spiritual commitment and motive. In the proximities of the Basilica there are other places of interest such as the Transportation Museum, Luján´s Cabildo (old government house) and the zoo. Visit www.lujanet.com.ar for more information.
Horse riding
Las Artes is located close to the town of Mercedes, Province of Buenos Aires, at merely 100 km from Buenos Aires city. On Las Artes we train Arabian horses focusing specifically on Endurance races. These are long distance races on courses of natural terrain which requiere an excellent health condition of the competing horse.
On Las Artes we train all our horses for these competitions. We have opened our gates for those of you who would like to know more about this fascinating sport, offering different riding and training programs.
Above all what we would like is for you to enjoy the feeling of freedom and strength that an Arabian transmits and from your first visit onwards you will have the chance to ride a trained Arabian horse through the famous Pampas and have an unforgettable experience. For more information visit: www.lasartesendurance.com.
Walking Tours
Secretariat of Tourism: The government of the city of Buenos Aires organizes free walking guided tours around the city that include neighborhoods, parks cemeteries, and many historical sites. For more information go to www.buenosaires.gov.ar.
Bike Tours
Bike Tours: Florida 868 floor 14H. www.biketours.com.ar USD$ 25-35. Bike Tours offer a variety of bike tours around the city and its suburbs. The price includes the bike, the helmet, bottled water, a souvenir and the tour guide.
Restaurants
Local dining is famous for the quantity and quality of meat offered, but visitors may chose from a wide variety of regional dishes and cuisine influenced by the immigrants who settled here from across Europe and Asia.
In Buenos Aires there are Italian, Spanish, Japanese, French, Nordic, Mexican Chinese, Arab, Turkish and Armenian restaurants. There are also a number of restaurants that serve aphrodisiac, vegetarian and macrobiotic food. The variety of restaurants covers a range from sophisticated to fast food chains satisfying every taste and every pocket.
The most popular meal is "el asado" or "parrillada", a mixed grill of steak and other cuts which no visiting carnivore should miss. A traditional parrillada includes meat, sausages, chinchulines (small intestines), riñones (kidneys) and morcilla (blood sausage), but don´t let that put you off unless you are a vegetarian. It is prepared over charcoal or a wood fire and accompanied by chimichurri, a tasty marinade and often served with different types of salads and/or fried potatoes. For dining visit www.restaurant.com.ar.
Weather in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Climate: Climate in Buenos Aires is temperate, with peaks reaching up to 40ºC (110 ºF) during the months of January - March, while the coldest months are June and July with temperature of 0ºC (30ºF).
Seasons:
Spring: September 21 to December 20. Average temperature: 17ºC (64ºF)
Summer: December 21 to March 20. Average temperature: 23ºC (76ºF)
Autumn: March 21 to July 20. Average temperature: 18ºC (66ºF)
Winter: July 21 to September 20. Average temperature: 5ºC (40ºF)
