Buenos Aires, Argentina - Overview and Essential Travel Information
by cctraveler2 at TravelPost
Buenos Aires is one of the most European cities in South America. It is a very stylish city with many interesting buildings from the nineteenth century. It is also known as the southamerican Paris for its architecture and style. The people tend to be very intelectual and physically beautiful. Don't miss the neighborhood of San Telmo. A run-down but appealing area halfway between midtown and the south end of the city, it is comparable to New York's Greenwich Village. Cobblestone streets here are rich with early 19th-century colonial architecture and mansions once inhabited by upper-class Spaniards. SIGHTS The National Museum of Art The National Museum of Art houses both international and Argentine works that are a delite to see. All the old masters are here. My favorites are the Monet and his impressionist counterparts. Admission is free but you can if you like donate to the cause or help by purchasing some of the literatrue they offer. I have seen some world class exhibits and art musems and this one ranks with the best. A must see in Buenos Aires. Oldest Methodist Church in South America While walking the streets of this beautiful city, my wife and I happened upon the oldest Methodist Church in South America according to the historical marker. A magnificant structrue adds to the charm of the other great places of worship in Buenos Aires. Plaza San Martin For all the British desperately wanting to feel at home: on the San Martin you will find a replica of Big Ben given to Buenos Aires by the city of London. La Boca La Boca is the Italian part of town. As you would expect it is very lively and colorful. Stroll through the artists’ market in the Caminito an open-air gallery whose corrugated iron and timber houses are covered with bright scenes depicting the tango and local architecture. Florida Avenue Lined with shops it runs from the Plaza de mAyo to the Plaza San Martin. Leather goods, clothing, and practically anything you are looking for at one third the cost in Europe and North America. Not to Mention the fact that the most famous hair dresser in Argentina has his shop in the Galleria. GETTING AROUND You can explore Buenos Aires by foot, bus or horse-drawn carriage (romantic but not very fast). The most effective way is probably by using the subway —the A Line has charming old cars with wood and leather interiors. Taxi's are inexpensive as well but do not take just any taxi. RadioPlus Taxi we found to be safe and reliable. SHOPPING You could spend a few hours shopping and people watching along Florida Avenue a pedestrian shopping street lined with small shops and cafes just off the Plaza de Mayo. As well as many shopping malls, such as Abasto Shopping, Palermo Shopping, Galerias Pacifico, Patio Bullrich, Recoleta Galleries.
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