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Top 10 Things to Do and See in Buenos Aires, Argentina

From Bonnie Hamre,
Your Guide to South America Travel.
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Buenos Aires is a city with deep anchors to the past and the ethnic and cultural heritages of its residents, but it is also the center of business, government and progressive development. Called the "Paris of the South," Buenos Aires is sophistication, sensual, and filled with things to do and see, including distinct neighborhoods, tango dancing, great shopping, a weekend delta getaway, museums and so much more. Enjoy!

1. Tour the Barrios

La Boca, Recoleta, Puerto Madero, San Telmo, Palermo, El Centro: each of these neighborhoods, or barrios, are distinct, historical and offer individual attractions

2. Teatro Colon

The second largest performing arts theater in the southern hemisphere, second only to the Sydney Opera House in Australia, Teatro Colon is venerable, opulent and a must see.

3. Walk Through Recoleta Cemetery

Many of Argentina's notables are buried here in this city of mausoleums, including Eva Duarte de Peron and her family.

4. Shopping

The famed shopping district around Calle Florida and Avenida Alvear offers the best of international fashions, boutiques, fabulous old mansions. Perfect for strolling and windowshopping.

5. Obelisco

The Obelisk, Buenos Aires' famed monument is on the widest street in the world, the Avenida 9 de Julio, where among the frantic traffic, you'll get great photos, particularly at night if you're visiting restaurants and nightclubs in the area.

6. Plaza de Mayo and the Casa Rosada

The most important plaza in the city, facing the Casa Rosada, the Cathedral and other major civic buildings. It is here that numerous gatherings and political protests have taken place, including the Madres de la Plaza de Mayo, a regular assembly of mothers protesting the loss of loved ones called Desaparecidos, of disappeared ones, during the Dirty War, a bleak moment in Argentina's history.

7. Tango

In addition to the tango shows and the milongas, the Festival Internacional del Tango is held in Buenos Aires, bringing tango dancers from around the world to strut their stuff.

8. Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires

MALBA is a private museum with a growing collection of Latin American art in all its forms. There are workshops, children's activities, temporary exhibitions and work experience for students.

9. Fragata Escuela Presidente Sarmiento

If you like Big Ships, tour the Argentine training ship and naval museum in Puerto Madero, the renovated old port section of the city.

10. Tigre Delta - Sub-Tropical Water Wonderland

An hour by train from Buenos Aires, this day or weekend getaway on the Parana river is a refreshing change from the big city.
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