Overview Located on the southeast coast of South America, Buenos Aires the largest city in (and capital of) Argentina.
The city of Buenos Aires was originally established in 1536 by a Spanish expedition. Formal independence from Spain was not declared until 1816. During the 1920s Buenos Aires became a popular destination for Europeans to immigrate to. Because its past, Buenos Aires has a very European influence present throughout it, leading to its popular nickname as the "Paris of South America."
Today, Buenos Aires is one of the most popular vacation destinations in South America. This is very much a result of its beautiful beaches, tropical climate and interesting culture. It's a wonderful city where some of the more popular "things to do" include going to a tango show and shopping.
The locals in Buenos Aires take pride in their beautiful home city, so much so that the nickname for the locals in Buenos Aires is porteños (which means "people of the port").
Buenos Aires has a humid climate, with average summer temperatures around 86 °F and average winter temperatures around 21 °F. Rain can occur throughout the year.
Destinations The following destinations can be visited on a cruise leaving from Buenos Aires, Argentina:
South America
Transatlantic Cruises
Currency The official currency of Argentina is the Peso (ARS). Using a credit card whenever possible is a great way to avoid having to exchange currency. ATM machines are available, but make sure you use one that works with the card you're using.
Language The official language of Argentina is Spanish. English is understood and spoken in most tourist areas, especially in hotels and stores.
Tourist Attractions There are many icons within Buenos Aires. Among them are the Obelisk of Buenos Aires (locally known as the Obelisco). It was built in 1936 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the city. It's located right in the heart of the city and has been used as a gathering place for political demonstrations, musical concerts and various celebrations.
Recoleta is a neighborhood (barrio) that is known for its French architectural influences. It's also well known for its beautiful squares, parks, cafes and galleries. It's one of the most affluent areas in Buenos Aires. Within this area is Avenida Alvear, is a beautiful street that extends for seven blocks. It's particularly famous for the historic homes and palaces located along it. Also there is the Alvear Memorial, made in memory of the general that helped gain independence for Argentina from Spain. The most famous of the palaces on this street is the French Embassy, known as the Palacio Ortiz Basualdo. Various high-end shops are also located along this street, such as Prada, Louis Vuitton and Versace. The Recoleta Cemetery is another famous place in this part of Buenos Aires. It's actually one of the most famous cemeteries in the world, as numerous former presidents are buried there.
Puerto Madero is an area in Buenos Aires that used to be where the city's port was located. This area was abandoned until 1994. Since then this area has been rejuvenated, with the creation of modern fine dining restaurants and bars, as well as two historic naval ships (the Corbeta Uruguay and the Fragata Sarmiento) that are now floating naval museums.
San Telmo is one of the oldest barrios in Buenos Aires. It's a very popular region of the city, among both locals and tourists. Within this area you can find many cafes, tango parlors and antique shops. There will be many dancers and artists lining the streets. Many historic churches and museums are also in this area. The Plaza Dorrego is the oldest street in Buenos Aires, and is the location of a main public square. In the square is a popular antique market, and well as various tango-related activities.
The Teatro Colón, which first opened in 1908, is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. It closed in 2005 for refurbishments and has been scheduled to reopen in 2010.
La Casa Rosada is the official seat of the executive branch of the Argentine government. It's where the president of Argentina works.
Port Location The cruise pier is located about 1/2 a mile from town. There are many taxis available at the pier to take you wherever you want to go.
