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Important landmarks on Buenos Aires Map
| Landmarks | Name |
|---|---|
| Hotels | Alvear Palace Hotel, Sheraton Libertador Hotel |
| Hospitals | Hospital Fernandez, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires |
| Airports | El Polomar Airport |
| Shopping Centers | San Telmo antiques market, Recoleta Artisans Market |
| Theaters | NA |
| Museums | Museo de Arte Espanol Enrique Larreta, Museo Nacional De Arte Decorativo, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes |
| Parks | NA |
| Universities / Colleges | University of Buenos Aires |
| Points of Interest | Tierra Santa, Lagos de Palermo, Zoo, La Recoleta Cemetery, Edificio Kavanagh, Palacia Barolo (Palazzo Barolo), Laguna de Las Gaviotas, Puerto Madero Casino, Palacio de las Artes (Usina del Arte) |
About city
Buenos Aires is the capital and and also the largest city of Argentina. Besides, it is also believed to be one of the leading metropolises of South America. The city has grand districts and fantastic shopping areas, often separated by overcrowded streets and outdoor markets with old-world cafes tucked in between them. Today, the autonomous city covers an area of 203 sq km and recorded an approximate population of 2,890,151 in 2010.
The city was founded by a Spanish expedition lead by Pedro de Mendoza in 1536. The city was originally named Ciudad de Nuestra Señora Santa María Del Buen Ayre. The city developed as a port which depended primarily on trade. It gained a great advantage when Charles III declared it to be an open port in the 18th century. Finally, when Argentina won her independence from Spain in 1816, Buenos Aires became its capital.
Geography
Buenos Aires is located at the northeastern edge of a vast flat plain known as the Pampas. This plain is the agricultural heartland of the country. The city is situated where the Parana River forms its deltas and widens to become a part of the Rio de la Plata estuary. The Rio de la Plata forms the eastern and the northeastern boundaries of the city, while the Riachuelo River marks the southern boundary.
The Avenida General Paz is a huge motorway that forms the boundary of the city on the northwest, west, and southwest. Buenos Aires is crisscrossed by a number of small rivers and streams, but most of them have either been tubed or filled. The elevation of the city is very low and only a little amount of high ground is provided on a bluff and the banks of the Riachuelo.
Buenos Aires enjoys a hot humid climate. The summer is from December to March and is quite hot while the winter months from June to September are mild and moist. The heaviest rainfall is recorded in March. The weather is very unpredictable during autumn and spring.
How to reach (transport)
Buenos Aires has become the official starting point of any journey into South America. Hence, it has very good connectivity. You can travel to the city in following ways.
- The city is served by the Ezeiza International airport that is located about 35 kms to the south of the city. Regular flights are available to most major cities of South and North America, Europe, and Australasia.
- There are a number of railway stations in the city connecting it to other Argentinian cities. However, the railway network is not extensive and often slow, though inexpensive.
- Coaches and buses are a popular way to travel. The long-distance buses leave from the Retiro bus station located in the northern part of the city. Buses travel to other cities in Argentina as well as to neighboring countries.
- Regular ferry service connects Buenos Aires with Colonia and Montevideo in Uruguay.
When to visit
The best time to go to Buenos Aires is during spring, between September and November; and in fall, between March and May. The winter is also a good time to visit, but summers are unpleasantly hot and humid, and some museums and galleries close down during this season.
Culture (Fairs and Festivals) and Traditions
The culture of Buenos Aires is very lively, as can be expected from the city that gifted the Tango to the world. Several festivals are celebrated here. Some of them are as follows:
- The Ferio de Mataderos is one of the most popular festivals held in the western suburbs. Gaucho performance can be enjoyed as you taste the local cuisine, while brilliantly costumed teenagers perform folk dances. Local crafts are offered for sale.
- The Buenos Aires Tango festival is celebrated in March. People come from all over the country. Performances are given, and classes and parties are held.
- The Buenos Aires International independent film festival is celebrated for 10 days in April. Films from around the world are screened, and producers and actors come to promote them.
- Arte Buenos Aires is a contemporary art fair which showcases the contemporary art talent of the country.
- The Tango world championships are held in August. Performers gather to perform in their arresting costumes, often accompanied by fantastic rhythm.
- In November, the gay community holds a very colorful parade which attracts thousands of visitors.
Points of interest (places to visit)
The most interesting sights of Buenos Aires are as follows:
- Cementerio de la Recoleta is an amazing cemetery with streets lined with sarcophagi and marble monuments. The elite of the country are buried here and you can get some great snapshots.
- The Casa Rosada is home to the Presidential offices and is a beautiful renaissance style building.
- The Ciudad cultural Konex include the bustling barrios, and a visit here, though not recommended at night, can give you a real taste of Buenos Aires.
- The El Zanjon de Granados is a fascinating example of the architectural past of the city. A series of tunnels, sewers, and water walls dating back to the 1730s were discovered below a crumbling mansion, and it has now been meticulously reconstructed and lighted.
Explore the Palermo area on foot in order to enjoy the greenery and beauty of the city.
Accommodation
Buenos Aires offers you a wide choice of accommodation for a comfortable and pleasurable stay. Five-star hotels in the city include Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt and Four Seasons, while a number of 4-star hotels like Moreno, Axle, Claridge, Broadway, Trype, Panamericano, etc., are present. The 3-star hotels include Ibis, Costa Rica, Boutique, and Castelar, etc. In addition, several budget hotels and hostels offer cheap accommodation in the city.
