Best guided tours to Buenos Aires, ArgentinaExplore Buenos Aires: Top Guided Tours for an Unforgettable Experience

Detailed History

Buenos Aires was initially established by Perdo de Mendoza in 1536, but the settlement struggled and was abandoned due to attacks from indigenous people. It was re-established by Juan de Garay in 1580 and began to grow steadily. The city’s strategic location on the Rio de la Plata made it a crucial hub for trade. Throughout the colonial period, Buenos Aires was relatively isolated, leading to a unique cultural and economic center.

The early 19th century saw Buenos Aires become a focal point in the fight for independence from Spanish rule. In 1810, the May Revolution in Buenos Aires marked the beginning of the Argentine War of Independence. By 1816, Argentina had declared its independence, and Buenos Aires continued to grow as the nation’s political, economic, and cultural centre.

Cultural Highlights

Buenos Aires is often considered the cultural capital of Latin America.

Music and Dance: Apart from tango, Buenos Aires is also known for its vibrant milonga (tango dance hall) culture, where locals and tourists gather to dance and enjoy live music. Other music genres, such as folk music, rock, and electronic music, also have strong followings in the city.

Literature: The city’s literary heritage is celebrated in numerous cafes and bookshops, like El Ateneo Grand Splendid, which has been named one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. Buenos Aires was declared the World Book Capital by UNESCO in 2011, highlighting its literary significance.

Theatre: Buenos Aires boasts one of the highest concentrations of theatres in the world. The Teatro Colon is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and has hosted performances by some of the greatest opera singers and musicians. Additionally, the city has a vibrant independent theatre scene, with numerous smaller venues offering diverse performances.

Art: The city’s art scene is dynamic, with major institutions like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires), and numerous galleries showcasing both classical and contemporary works. Street art is also a significant cultural expression, with entire neighbourhoods, such as Palermo and La Boca, adorned with murals and graffiti.

Architectural Marvels

Buenos Aires’ architecture reflects its rich history and diverse influences.

Teatro Colon: This world-famous opera house is a marvel of neoclassical design, with exquisite interiors featuring Italian marble, French stained glass, and Venetian mosaics.

Casa Rosada: The presidential palace, known for its distinctive pink colour, is a symbol of Argentina’s political history. It houses the presidential office and is a prominent site for political events and demonstrations.

Catedral Metropolitana: The main Catholic church in Buenos Aires, located in the Plaza de Mayo, combines neoclassical and colonial styles and is the final resting place of General Jose de San Martin, a national hero.

Avenida de Mayo: This grand avenue, inspired by Parisian boulevards, is lined with impressive buildings, including the Palacio Barolo and the historic Café Tortoni, a centre of intellectual and artistic activity.

Cuisine

Parrillas: These steakhouses are the heart of Argentine cuisine, where visitors can enjoy a variety of cuts like bife de chorizo (sirloin steak), ojo de bife (ribeye), and asado de tira (short ribs).

Empanadas: These savoury pastries are filled with beef, chicken, ham and cheese, or other ingredients, and are a popular snack or appetiser.

Dulce de Leche: This sweet caramel spread is used in various desserts, including alfajores (shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche), ice cream, and pastries.

Italian Influence: Due to a large Italian immigrant population, Buenos Aires boasts excellent pasta, pizza, and gelato. The city’s unique pizza style is thick-crusted and generously topped, often with faina, a chickpea flatbread, on the site.

Festivals and Events

Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema (BAFICI): This annual event showcase a wide range of independent films from around the world, attracting filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts.

Buenos Aires Tango Festival: The city’s passion for tango is celebrated with performances, competitions and dance classes, culminating in the World Tango Dance Tournament.

Carnaval Porteno: Buenos Aires has its version of Carnival, featuring parades, music, and dancing in the streets, particularly in neighbourhoods like San Telmo and Bodeo.

Feria de Mataderos: This weekly market celebrates Argentine rural traditions, with folk music, dancing, crafts, and food stalls offering traditional dishes.