Recoleta

Buenos Aires is Argentina's capital and, with over three million inhabitants in the city proper and many more in the greater metropolitan area, it is the country's political and cultural center. The city is located on the west bank of the Río de la Plata and is divided into 48 barrios, each with its own distinct character. Wide boulevards, Belle Époque architecture, traditional cafés, and a vibrant tango scene define its image.The historic center, with Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, and the Cabildo, is located close to the river. South of it lies San Telmo, one of the oldest neighborhoods, with cobblestone streets, antique shops, and its Sunday market. Even further south, by the old port, is La Boca, with its brightly painted houses along Caminito and the La Bombonera stadium. To the north, you'll find elegant Recoleta with its famous cemetery and beyond that, Palermo, the largest barrio, with parks, boutiques, and the nightlife districts of Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood. Finally, by the water, lies Puerto Madero, the newest neighborhood in the converted docklands.

The capital city on the Río de la Plata is the starting point for most travelers to Argentina: Intercontinental flights land here, and domestic flights to all parts of the country depart from the city airport Aeroparque. Buenos Aires itself, with its barrios, cafés, museums, and tango venues, easily fills several days.

Palermo is Buenos Aires' largest barrio and is divided into several unofficial sub-districts. Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood are the entertainment and design districts with boutiques, cafés, bars, and street art; around Plaza Serrano (officially Plazoleta Julio Cortázar), a handicraft market takes place on weekends. Palermo Chico, in contrast, is a quiet, upscale residential area with villas and museums.To the east are the Bosques de Palermo, officially Parque Tres de Febrero, the city's largest green space, featuring lakes, a rose garden, a planetarium, a botanical garden, and a Japanese garden. Admission to the park, the Rosedal, and the Botanical Garden is free.

Puerto Madero is Buenos Aires' newest barrio, located in the former port docks on the Río de la Plata, just a few minutes' walk from Plaza de Mayo. Restored brick warehouses, now housing restaurants and offices, line the basins, behind which rise glass residential and office towers. Many streets in the district are named after important women.Its landmark is Santiago Calatrava's Puente de la Mujer. Two historic ships serve as museums at the quay, and east of the docks lies the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, a large riverside nature reserve that is ideal for exploring on foot or by bike.

San Telmo, south of Plaza de Mayo, is one of Buenos Aires' oldest neighborhoods: cobblestone streets, faded facades, antique shops, and a vibrant tango and art scene characterize the area. After the cholera and yellow fever epidemics of the 1870s, wealthy families moved north, and immigrants moved into their houses.Plaza Dorrego is the heart of the district. Every Sunday, Calle Defensa transforms into a long street market with antiques, handicrafts, musicians, and tango dancers. In the evenings, the bars and Parrillas fill up, and on weekends, San Telmo becomes one of the city's liveliest nightlife districts.