Montserrat
This
neighbourhood, to the west of the harbour, is famous for its history. In
'Plaza de Mayo' (May Park) opposite the 'Casa Rosada' (Pink House,
National Government House), many historical and political demonstrations
took place. The park is surrounded by the 'Cabildo' (the city government
house during the colonial period) and the 'Catedral Metropolitana'
(Metropolitan Cathedral), built in the XVIII century and where the remains
of General San Martin are kept.
In
the middle of the square, there is the 'Pirámide de Mayo' (May Pyramid),
that commemorates the revolution of 1810, after which the First Government
was created.
A
few meters beyond, the 'Museo de la Ciudad' (City Museum) may be visited
at Alsina and Defensa Streets. On Bolivar Street it's possible to visit
the tunnels built as defense that date from the XVIII century and the
'Iglesia de San Ignacio' (Saint Ignacio's Church). This area is known as
'Manzana de las Luces'.
Walking
along 'Avenida de Mayo', which is reminiscent of Madrid's Gran Via, you
will arrive to the 'Palacio del Congreso' (Congress), where national
senators and deputies work.
Puerto
Madero
This
area, near the city centre and next to the river, used to be part of the
harbour. After being abandoned for many years, it has been urbanized and
it has become a very fashionable district.
The buildings preserve the
original exterior architecture, and here you will find about forty
restaurants and bars, a five-star hotel, a cinema complex, a disco and a
casino onboard a riverboat. There is also a university building and many
offices around.
Retiro
(Downtown)
This
neighbourhood is called 'Retiro' because spiritual retirements
used to take place here. Nowadays, it's one the busiest zones in the city.
The train station,
also called 'Retiro', was built by the English, and there is the 'Torre
Monumental' (Monumental Tower, formerly known as English Tower), which is
a Big-Ben-style clock, donated by the British government.
The
'Plaza San Martín' is a nice park with a bronze statue of General San
Martín on
the crest of the square. He was the one who freed Argentina, Chile and
Perú. On the east of the park, there is the Monument to the Fallen
Soldiers of the Falklands War, where their names are engraved on black
marble.
Recoleta
This
neighbourhood developed around the 'Cementerio de la Recoleta' (Recoleta
Cemetery) where lie the ancestors of traditional Buenos Aires families.
The cemetery is known for its refined architecture, ostentatious
mausoleums and fascinating sculptures. Eva Perón lies here in a simple,
dark marble crypt.
Alvear
Avenue and Quintana Avenue are both very chic places, where there are many
restaurants and boutiques. The influence of French architecture is
noticeable in this area.
The
'Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes' (Art Museum) and the 'Palais de Glace'
offer wonderful permanent collections and temporary exhibits. The
'Biblioteca Nacional' (National Library) is near, surrounded by beautiful
gardens, where the former president's residence was until 1955.
San
Nicolás (Downtown)
Florida
Street is the famous footpath full of shops and used daily by thousands of
people who work in this area. Street performers, dancers and musicians are
very funny too.
The
so-called widest avenue in the world, '9 de Julio', has a fascinating
architecture. At its intersection with Corrientes Avenue, there is the
'Obelisco' (Obelisk), symbol of the city.
La
Boca
This
neighbourhood is located in the south of the city and it's related to
immigration because many Italians and Spaniards who arrived to Argentina,
escaping from World War and in search of a better life, decided to settle
here.
The
streets are still covered with cobble stones and the most famous one is
the picturesque 'Caminito'. It has become a footpath now and it recreates
old time iron houses, painted in striking colours. Many artists and
craftsmen offer their works of art here.
This
neighbourhood is also the birthplace of one of Argentina's famous football
club: 'Boca Juniors'. Near the area, you may see the stadium.
San
Telmo
This
is the city's oldest neighbourhood. The charming cobble-stoned streets,
old lanterns and low houses are still there. The area is known for its
antique shops. At Humberto Iº and Defensa Streets, there is the flea
market, where people gather to buy porcelain, silver spoons, old records,
books and clothes.
The
neighbourhood is also related to tango. Many tango lyrics mention the
area. There are plenty of restaurants that offer tango shows where you can
also learn to dance.
Palermo
The
'Tres de Febrero' Park is an example of Paris influence and it was
designed by architect Carlos Thays. There is an artificial lake, bridges,
old trees and delightful sculptures and fountains.
The
'Planetario Galileo Galilei' (Galileo Galilei Planetarium) and the
'Jardín Japonés' (Japanese Gardens) are very popular attractions, as
well as the 'Zoológico de Buenos Aires' (Buenos Aires Zoo) and the 'Jardín
Botánico' (Botanical Gardens).
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