Photo Collage of Buenos Aires, ArgentinaWe are not close Vatican watchers, but what we have seen in the news and read about the new Pope, so far, truly charmed us. When we learned that he was from Buenos Aires, we were instantly reminded of our memorable visit to his home city in 2008.  Memories came flooding back – lovely people, impressive architectures, sophisticated café and dining culture, colorful neighborhoods, people dancing tango everywhere, ghost of Evita, the fancy cemetery, and for Keith, the best steak he ever had.  In honor of the new Pope, we would like to share our fond memories of his beautiful city.

Architectures and Landmarks

The architectures and landmarks of Buenos Aires left great impressions in our minds. They were magnificent, dramatic and nostalgic.

Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires ArgentinaPlaza de Mayo is the heart of the modern and historic city.  It has been the site of important celebrations and historic protests. We were in awe of the grand landmarks and architectures that  surrounded it. 

Metropolitan Cathedral, Buenos Aires, Buenos AiresFacing the plaza is Metropolitan Cathedral, the city’s main Catholic church and where Pope Francis presided as a cardinal of Buenos Aires. We found it very unique as it has no towers and high domes that are typical features of a cathedral. 

La Casa Rosada, The Presidential Palace, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaOn the eastern end of Plaza de Mayo is the stately Casa Rosada, the Presidential Palace. The balcony on the right was where Evita delivered her famous speech. 

Cabildo, Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaOn the western edge of Plaza de Mayo is the Cabildo, a former government house and now a museum. Next to it is the city hall called May Triangle. What a stunning architectural cocktail! 

Subte, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaThe entrance to a Subte, the subway system of Buenos Aires and the oldest in Latin America. We enjoyed hopping around the city in both its modern trains as well as its charming vintage wooden trains. (We just learned that the vintage trains were retired as of March 2013).

Basilica Nuestra Senora del Pilar, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaThe splendid facade of Basilica Nuestra Senora del Pilar,  the second oldest church in Argentina.

Avenida Alvear, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaWalking along Avenida Alvear, the city’s swankiest street, felt like being in Paris.

Avenida 9 de Julio, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaAvenida 9 Julio de Mayo is a pride of Buenos Aires. It is the widest avenue in the world consisting of 16 lanes. The obelisk in the rotunda of the avenue is a prominent city landmark.

 

La Recoleto CemeteryRecoleto Cemetery, Buenos Aires, ArgentianWe were amazed by  La Recoleta Cemetery, a resting place for the city’s elite and one of the most visited sites in Buenos Aires. Its elaborate and lavish mausoleums make it more like a fancy village than a graveyard.

Evita's Tomb, Recoleto Cemetery, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaWe got chills when we finally found the most visited tomb in La Recoleta –  the resting place of Evita.

 

Colorful Barrios (“Neigborhoods”)

SAN TELMO

Plaza Dorrego, San Telmo, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaSan Telmo is the city’s oldest barrio. It’s impossible not to be charmed by its colorful alleyway, cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, lively plaza and bohemian atmosphere.

Antique Shops, San Telmo, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaSan Telmo’s cobbled streets are lined with antique shops as well as art galleries.

Flea Market, Plaza Dorrego, San Telmo, Buenos Aires, Argentina A flea market surrounds Plaza Dorrego, the heart of San Telmo. 

Tango Performance  in Plaza Dorrego, San Telmo, Buenos Aires, Argentina

A free tango performance was a delighful treat at Plaza Dorrego.

Plaza Dorrego, San Telmo, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaWhile we were soaking in the scenes at the plaza, some pigeons landed on our table and helped themselves with the snacks!

Restaurant in San Telmo, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaOne of the colorful restaurants that surround Plaza Dorrego.

LA BOCA

Colorful Door, La Boca, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaBuenThis kaleidoscope garage door in one of the streets of La Boca exemplifies the vibrancy of the barrio. La Boca is a port town where immigrants from Europe settled in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s. Today, it still retains some of its European flavors.

La Bombonera, La Boca, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaLa Boca is famed as a home of La Bombonera, the stadium for Boca Juniors, Argentina’s most famous soccer team.

Caminito, La Boca, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaThe soul of La Boca is Caminito – a pedestrian alley of colorful houses, bar & cafes, and artsy enclave.

Colorful Houses, Caminito, La Boca, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaBrightly painted houses of Caminito.

Colorful Houses,Caminito, La Boca, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaIt is said that the Italian immigrants who settled in this area were mostly port workers and it was their tradition to paint their houses with leftover paints from the shipyard.

Caminito, La Boca, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaCaminito

Caminito, La Boca, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaCaminito

 Cafe in Caminito, La Boca, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaDelightful bars and cafe of Caminito. 

People Dancing Tango in Caminito, La Boca, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaTango dancing on the sidewalks of Caminito.

PALERMO VIEJO

Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires, ArgentnaIt’s hard to imagine that Palermo Viejo was once a decaying neighborhood of rundown houses and warehouses. It has transformed into the trendiest destination in Buenos Aires. Its streets are lined with designer boutiques, chic bars and restaurants, boutiques hotels, and art galleries.

 

Great Eats and Drinks 

Cafe Florida, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaThe prominent café culture of Buenos Aires reminded us of Paris. Lovely cafes, from historic to chic, lined up almost every street.

Café Tortoni, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaThe grand dame of all cafes in Buenos Aires is Café Tortoni. Founded in 1858, it is the oldest & most historic café in Buenos. Local & world renowned figures (from Einstein to Hillary Clinton) were said to have visited this café. 

Bakery and Winery, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaWe loved the sight and smell of the delicious bakeries and tasting Argentinian vinos at the lovely wine bars. 

Restaurants, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaWe also enjoyed the city’s wide array of delectable dining options. It’s a haven for foodies. 

Cabana Las Lilas, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaOur most memorable dining experience was at Cabanas Las Lilas – considered the best parilla (steakhouse) in Buenos Aires. The restaurant raise its own cows and they’re organic. Keith said he could tell the difference at first bite and proclaimed it the best steak he ever had. For a non-steak eater like me, there’s a vast option on the menu.

 

Tango Fever

We cannot forget our taxi driver who refused to take us to the tango venue where we had a reservation. He said it wasn’t that good, too big and it was where the bus loads of tourists go.

Tango Show at La Ventana, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaHe insisted in dropping us off at his recommended venue, La Ventana. We were thankful that he had our best interest at heart. We absolutely enjoyed  the intimate setting at La Ventana and its outstanding tango dancing and music.

Tango Show at La Ventana, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaUnlike the stiff regular tango, Argentine tango is very fluid and very sultry. Watching it invokes passion and a desire to make you want to learn its intricate steps.

Tango FeverIt was no surprise that when we got back at our hotel, Keith displayed severe symptoms of tango fever!

We hope you enjoyed our memories of Buenos Aires. What made it more memorable for us is the fact that it was our last trip together as unmarried couple – before we got hitched in the paradise of Santorini.

 

This link is part of Travel Photo Thursday. Check out it our for more travel links.

About Marisol

Taking you on our journey one photo - and footstep - at a time.

51 responses to “Memories of Buenos Aires

  1. I can now see why many people comment that Beunos Aires reminds them of Paris. Your wonderful black and white photos could have easily have been taken there. Beunos Aires is a city I have not been to but the temptation has just increased. With fun barrios to wander through, great food and the tango, how can it miss!
    jenny@atasteoftravel recently posted..Sri Lanka’s Lion RockMy Profile

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Jenny, there were times that we forgot that we were actually in South America and not Europe. It’s a very pleasant city and with its great culture and food we’re pretty sure you will love it there.

  2. So many beautiful photographs. I do want to see B.A. The photos remind me also of Spain and Portugal, two countries that I love. I think I will have to push it toward the top of my wish list. Maybe incorporate in a RTW trip form Aus.
    Thanks for the inspiration. I love that free tango photograph so much.
    budget jan recently posted..Budget Travel Interview with Krista Bjorn from Rambling TartMy Profile

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Jan,
      Thanks, glad you enjoyed the photos. Buenos Aires with its so many beautiful churches definiitey invokes memories of Iberia. We hope you can make it there soon.

  3. Agness

    Great memories with such wonderful photos. Visiting Buenos Aires is my dream and I’m planning to make it come true next year :-). Love the black and white photography, stunning! I am planning to take some tango classes when traveling in BA 🙂
    Agness recently posted..Exploring Wroclaw, Poland for Less than $25 per DayMy Profile

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Agness, great to hear you’re planning to visit BA! I’m pretty sure you will love it there. Taking tango classes is one great thing to do in BA. I wanted to take tango classes myself but Keith didn’t want to:(

  4. Love these memories and photos, Marisol! You really showcased the best of Buenos Aires. I would love to visit it someday soon. I’ve been fascinated with its culture and food for a long time. La Recoleta Cemetery is definitely a worthy stop and gotta admire all the color at Caminito. It is so wonderful to see all the people doing the tango everywhere. I’d have tango fever after all that too 🙂
    Mary {The World Is A Book} recently posted..The Otherworldly Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks in New MexicoMy Profile

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Mary, glad you enjoyed them. It’s cullture and food are fascinating indeed. It’s one South American city that is great to visit with the kids. I’m sure my adopted siblings will be fascinated with Recoleta cemetery and all the colorful places:)

  5. What a fabulous series of photos – love the mix of B and W with color shots. And you’ve given a real feel for the vibrancy and grandeur of the city. Enjoyed this post a lot!
    Jackie Smith recently posted..The Gift of GreeceMy Profile

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hello Jackie, thank you. We’re very glad you enjoyed it.

  6. Kira

    Hey guys, thanks for sharing your beautiful memories and photographs of BA. I enjoyed it a lot. It’s one city I’d like to visit someday and see every places in your photos and eat that steak that Keith ate!

    • Traveling Solemates

      Our pleasure, Kira. Ah that steak –Keith still talks about it:)

  7. Haha…no wonder Keith got Tango fever when there are Tango dancers at every corner. Great photo series, Marisol. Seems like La Boca is a great place to see in Buenos Aires for its vibrancy.
    Salika Jay recently posted..Dining And Nightlife of Cancun ExploredMy Profile

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Salika, yes it’s not hard to get afflicted with tango fever in BA:) Glad you enjoyed the photos. La Boca is definitely a delightful place to visit.

  8. Beautiful, beautiful. I’ve always heard wonderful things about BA, no wonder it’s called the Paris of Latin America.
    InsideJourneys recently posted..The Jamaican PineappleMy Profile

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Marcia, thanks! It really felt more like Europe, at times we forgot that we were actually in South America.

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Debbie, We were pretty sure you would love Buenos Aires. It has a very European atmosphere.

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Nancie,
      Yes, it has an energy that draw you in. We hope you get to visit it sometime soon.

  9. Leigh

    You’ve done a superb job capturing BA. Hard to pick a favourite. Love the B&W but the colours are so vibrant – and daring by Canadian standards. Keith looks like he’d have all the moves down in no time. Me – I think I’d be embarrassed to try with my two left feet.
    Leigh recently posted..A Stop at The Columbia Icefield on the Icefields ParkwayMy Profile

    • Traveling Solemates

      Thanks Leigh! Ha! Ha! The colours may be daring by Canadian standards but its as vibrant as Canadian personalities:) You have to try the tango Leigh – your left feet may finally discover the right!

    • Traveling Solemates

      Thanks Michael!

  10. Krista

    I found your blog through your comment on Jan’s interview of me this week. Buenos Aires sounds like an INCREDIBLE place. 🙂 I’ve never been there but you’ve rekindled my desire to travel there one day. 🙂

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Krista, BA is incredible indeed and hope you get there someday. Thanks for dropping. It was nice to find your lovely blog through Jan.

  11. Lisa

    Loved all of your beautiful photographs! I have wanted to visit Buenos Aires for such a long time and even more so now that I have seen your photos!
    Lisa recently posted..Viva Las Vegas (With Kids)My Profile

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Lisa, thanks! Buenos Aires is a lovely city to visit with kids. We’re pretty sure you family will have a grand, colorful time.

  12. Great photos! My parents just returned from B.A., visiting right after the pope was named. I love the feel of your black and white photos and also the liveliness of the color ones. Thank goodness for taxi drivers!
    Michele | Malaysian Meanders recently posted..Getting Lay’s in ThailandMy Profile

    • Traveling Solemates

      Thanks Michelle! I hope your parents loved it there as much as we did. Glad you enjoyed the photos. Yes, you gotta love the taxi drivers in BA!

  13. Denise

    This is a beautiful photo essay and it’s done its job – It’s made me want to go to Buenos Aires. That’s why I really think travel blogs are amazing – unlike guidebooks they can pack lots of photos and give you a really good impression of a place. well done.
    Denise recently posted..Love with a Change of Drowning – Why I still love this bookMy Profile

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Denise, thanks for your kind words. That’s basically why we created this blog. We feel that travel is very visual. When we research for a trip we always wanted a visual guide but sometimes its frustrating that we cannot find enough. We’re very pleased that this photoessay has done its job for you:)

  14. I am impressed with Tango as well as the architecture of this city. Your clicks are very impressive and the last one in which Keith tried Tango is pretty cool. I enjoyed your post about BA too.

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Peter, thanks. Glad you enjoyed the post.

  15. jill

    I’ve never been to BA, but have heard so many good things about it. We’ve also heard it called more European than S. American – I can totally see why from your lovely pics.
    jill recently posted..Looking Forward: The Next 6 MonthsMy Profile

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Jill, it definitely has more European feel. We sometime forgot that we were actually in South America.

    • Traveling Solemates

      Street tango in BA is something really unique. Glad you enjoyed the photos.

  16. Ah Tango in the street! love it! Thank you for taking us on this amazing trip. Colour, vibrance, movement, history, people – wonderful!
    And did I say tango in the street! love it! Wish I was there.

    Thanks for stopping by my blog a week or so ago – I have been absent and am catching up!
    Life Images by Jill recently posted..On the waterfront, Bunbury, Western AustraliaMy Profile

  17. What wonderful photos! I have no doubt that I will fall in love with Buenos Aires when I finally get there. The architecture, food, wine, people & tango — all sounds good to me.

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Cathy, It’s hard not to fall for BA. I hope you can visit it soon.

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Jess, thanks! We have no doubt that you will enjoy the city.

  18. Laurie

    Incredible photos! I was just talking about Buenos Aires the other day and how I really want to visit this year — and this post has made my decision a whole lot easier.

    I had no idea the buildings were so colourful!
    Laurie recently posted..Porto Weekend Breaks: The Alentejo coastMy Profile

    • Traveling Solemates

      Hi Laurie, thanks. Glad we made your decision easier:)

  19. I loved BA, but then who doesn’t! Didn’t have time for La Boca though, which I can see is a big shame.

    • Hi Arianwen,
      BA is indeed beautiful. Glad you loved it as well. Hope you get to see La Boca on your next visit:)

  20. What a amazing snapshot regarding BA! It’s also been about our checklist for a short time today, I enjoy the actual colors plus the radiant living on the local people. I mean, just think about the tango!

    • Mairsol

      Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it,

  21. Sammie

    I always spent my half an hour to read this website’s content everyday along with a mug
    of coffee.
    Sammie recently posted..SammieMy Profile

  22. Across the capital city of Buenos Aires are hundreds of grassroots memorials to the victims, documenting the scope of the state’s reign of terror.

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