Explore Plaza de Mayo
Buenos Aires Belle Époque is evident in the splendid old colonial buildings found in Plaza de Mayo. Established in the 16th century and the country's oldest public square, this delightful two-block-long plaza has been the stage for many important events in the city's history.
Most notable among these were the uprising against Spain in 1810 and the continuing vigils held by the Madres de la Plaza de Mayo, or the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, whose children "disappeared" during the military junta's reign from 1976 to 1983. Hence, to enjoy a classic holiday, book your cheap flights to Buenos Aires soon.
Casa Rosada
The most famous of Plaza de Mayo's many fine buildings, Casa Rosada was built in the mid-1800s and stands on a site known to have been occupied by an old customs house and fort dating back to the 16th century. Literally translated as the "Pink House," Casa Rosada — officially referred to as Casa de Gobierno or the government house — is the official residence of the President of Argentina.
The Colón Theater
No lover of great theatre or, for that matter, great theatres, should pass up the chance to visit Buenos Aires' many fine performance halls. Perhaps the best known is the stunning Colón Theater (Teatro Colón), a world-class opera, ballet, and classical music facility opened in 1908 that has hosted the likes of Callas, Toscanini, Stravinsky, Caruso, and Pavarotti.Explore La Boca and the Caminito Street Museum
Undoubtedly Buenos Aires' most colourful neighbourhood, and certainly one of the best places to visit if you want to grab some great photographs of authentic Argentina, La Boca is a favourite haunt for artistic and creative types. In fact, many of these same folk will take their art outside and onto the streets, decorating balconies and patios with amusing sculptures of tango dancers and other characters.
Buenos Aires Cabildo
Located in Plaza de Mayo, the beautiful Cabildo served as the seat of the colonial government and was at the epicentre of the May 1810 revolution against Spanish rule. It dates back to 1610 and was later expanded throughout the 18th century.
These days this splendid building houses the National Museum of the Cabildo with its numerous exhibits relating to the city during the 18th century, including a replica of the city's first printing press, an exhibit of Jesuit and colonial art, and numerous old maps and photos of the city. You can easily book your flights from Chicago to Buenos Aires with Lowest Flight fares and enjoy a trip.
San Telmo and the National Historical Museum
San Telmo is well known as one of Buenos Aires' more colourful districts, its narrow cobblestone streets and old colonial-style buildings home to numerous art studios and interesting galleries.
The area is also popular for its cafés, tango parlours, and boutique shops and is a delight to explore, particularly during the San Telmo Sunday Fair (Feria de San Telmo), an antiques fair that draws crowds of eager shoppers and sightseers alike.
The Metropolitan Cathedral
While construction of its Neoclassical façade wasn't initiated until 1822, Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) overlooks Plaza de Mayo and can trace its roots back to the early 16th century when the Spanish established one of the country's first churches here.
Despite its rather plain exterior, this catholic church boasts a lovely Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque interior along with numerous important artworks, including 18th-century altarpieces and statues. There's also a Walcker organ dating from 1871 that includes an impressive 3,500 pipes and is regarded as one of the finest of its kind.
Palermo and Jardín Botánico
Palermo, the major recreational spot for Porteños, as residents of Buenos Aires are known, is where many of the city's largest and most popular parks lie. Once part of the estate of dictator Juan Manuel de Rosas, these days the area is home to a plethora of fine ethnic restaurants and Avant-garde fashion establishments.
It's here, too, that you'll find Jardín Botánico, the city's excellent botanic gardens with its numerous lakes, bridges, and sculptures spread across 20 acres of paradise.
