The Argentine capital of Buenos Aires is full of sultry surprises and culinary delights. To get a first-hand glimpse into the best of what the city has to offer, we asked three of our well-traveled staff members to get their insights on the best things to see (and do) while visiting Buenos Aires.
Lael, Director of Product Development: Buenos Aires has a very European feel with a South American twist. It’s like a cross between Paris and New York, but with a truly authentic South American flair. Argentineans speak Spanish with hand gestures most people associate with Italians.
Danielle, Groups Marketing Manager: I was surprised by how many great little neighborhoods with tons of bars and restaurants there were – at night, we felt like we were in a cool neighborhood like the West Village in NYC. I was also surprised by how easy, comfortable, and safe we felt walking around by foot. You obviously have to be careful in any big city, but I was still surprised by how easy it felt. I also felt really comfortable in the taxis, even when I was on my own.
Valerie, Software Project Manager: I’m not sure exactly what I was expecting, but I was surprised by how cosmopolitan the city was. Its architecture felt very European and reminded me so much of Paris in particular. It also has impressive boulevards—Avenida 9 de Julio is the widest street in the world!
Lael: All kinds of steak: bife de chorizo (sirloin), ojo de bife (ribeye), bife de costilla (beef ribs). Don’t miss the Malbec wine—it pairs really well with steak.
Danielle: Since I don’t eat meat, I had a lot of seafood (including ceviche), empanadas, veggies, cheese and desserts! Dulce de lech_e and _alfajores, soft sandwich cookies filled with the creamy caramel spread, are popular for a reason. Surprisingly, pizza was really popular, and one day we went for a slice at one of my favorite restaurants in Buenos Aires, El Cuartito.
Valerie: Beef is definitely the big culinary attraction, and especially so as part of an asado - a large, social barbecue.
Lael: Buenos Aires is both laid-back and cultured. I love the vibrant tango culture, but also the fusion of other-world cultures that you find in the city.
Danielle: The people and the food. Dinner was such a fun ordeal – long meals, lots of time to chat, lots of wine… it was great! The city just felt really alive every night of the week.
Valerie: I loved the tango optional excursion on my tour. That dance is impossibly cool and the performances were really impressively done.
Have you been on a tour of Buenos Aires? Share you favorite tips for your fellow travelers on Facebook!