Elli & Andy

Traveling to Argentina

Going from the airport to the hotel: We recommend that you (i) ask the hotel to arrange a pick up, (ii) have your travel agent (if you have one) organize a pick up or (iii) book a car on the spot at the airport. If you opt to book a car on the spot at the airport, once you've made it through customs you will see that there are multiple car companies stands; we recommend hiring Manuel Tienda Leon, but others should be just as good.

With regards to getting around in the City of Buenos Aires, please do not use Uber as it is not legal in Argentina. Instead, Cabify is a great alternative that works with local cab drivers. Here is the link to their website: cabify.com/en/argentina/buenos-aires

Recoleta Cemetery

This beloved cemetery—located in the ritzy Recoleta neighborhood—is the resting place of many notable political figures and elites in Argentine history. You’ll probably recall Madonna belting out Tim Rice’s lyrics “Don’t cry for me Argentina” in her rendition as Eva “Evita” Peron in the 1978 musical, Evita. But what you may not remember is Eva Peron’s role as the outspoken and influential first Lady of Argentina in 1946, nor her untimely death at age 33 from cancer. As you stroll through the cemetery, you’ll not only catch a glimpse of Ms. Peron’s ornate resting place, but also discover a wide array of art nouveau, art deco, and modernist mausoleums. Another highlight is the towering Circulo Militar, a black structure imported from Paris that features stunning white marble angels. One TripAdvisor user comments, “It is a necropolis full of architectural art. A visit to the city wouldn’t be complete without this” Visitors are permitted inside Recoleta Cemetery daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance is free, and tours in English are provided every Tuesday and Thursday morning, except during inclement weather conditions. For more information, consult the official Recoleta Cemetery website

Puerto Madero

When visitors want to take an evening stroll, many head to Puerto Madero, where dazzling city lights illuminate the port that once served as a major destination for European trade. During the day, this area rests as a quiet business hub, but by night, this little neighborhood bursts with energy. Trendy porteños flock to the neighborhood steak and seafood restaurants and tango at festive dance clubs. Standout spots include Rojo Tango and Asia de Cuba, which are both for their sultry dancing and festive décor. Recent visitors highlight the wide variety of cuisine available here as well as the striking Puente de La Mujer (Women’s bridge) a white structure designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. Calatrava’s bridge is speculated to have been inspired by tango dancers. According to one TripAdvisor user, “The modern architecture is breathtaking. Across the women’s bridge (a sight in itself) is a good museum of modern art called Fortabat Museum great for an afternoon stroll”

Palermo

The chic, sprawling neighborhood of Palermo in north Buenos Aires is divided into three parts: Alto Palermo, Palermo Chico, and Palermo Viejo (which is further broken into Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood). Alto Palermo is known for its museums and urban parks, like Carlos Thays Botanical Garden. Palermo Chico, which hosts extravagant mansions tucked behind the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA), is a hidden spot often overlooked by tourists. And Palermo Viejo is where you’ll encounter the most color and local flair. Palermo Soho houses a trove of high-end boutiques, bustling cafés and bars, and cobble-stoned streets. Neighboring Palermo Hollywood, located just north of Soho, brims with lively tapas bars, film studios, and festive outdoor markets. Most travelers agree vibrant Palermo is a comfortable place to stay with easy access to public transportation and authentic restaurants. “Safe, fun, great food, trendy […]. While Recoleta still receives all the referrals Palermo was for us a better representation of what Argentina was really like” claims one TripAdvisor user. There’s plenty to do in Palermo. The only question is where to start.

San Telmo

If you came to Buenos Aires to dance, sashay your way over to this stylish southern neighborhood where tango has left its mark. Though its streets garnered a reputation for seediness in the early 1990’s, the area has since blossomed into jam- packed bohemian blocks. Meander through San Telmo’s cobbled streets and you’ll pass colonial houses, quaint cafés, traditional restaurants, eclectic shops, and festive flamenco and tango clubs. For shopping, venture to Calle Defensa, a narrow, cobbled street lined with stores. For food, sit down at La Brigada, a steakhouse known for its hearty steak dishes. And for dancing, head to Independencia Street, which brims with nightclubs. If you happen to find yourself in San Telmo on a Sunday, you’ll also want to peruse the vibrant San Telmo market in Plaza Dorrego, where you can pick up some fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and vintage clothing. One TripAdvisor comments, “There are lots of things to do […] getting lost in the endless antique stores, people- watching in a café, gorging on meat and wine in a parrilla”

Modern cuisine
Chila - Puerto Madero
Sacro – Palermo Hollywood (Vegetarian)
Tegui – Palermo Hollywood
Tomo 1 - Downtown

Argentinean grills
Don Julio – Palermo Soho (ranked #34 in top 50 restaurants in the world)
La Cabrera – Palermo Soho
Lo de Jesus – Palermo Soho
Los Platitos – Costanera (best steak sandwich in the city; good lunch spot)

Jewish inspired cuisine
Mishiguene – Palermo
Fayer - Palermo

Trending in Buenos Aires
Proper – Palermo Soho
Roux – Recoleta

Food Tours with Pick Up the Fork

Highland Park native and Buenos Aires local, Ali Lazar gives amazing food tours of Buenos Aires. We haven't gone on her tours but she comes highly recommended. Let her know we sent you!