Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Districs of Buenos Aires

People from Buenos Aires are called Portenos (people from the port). Residents of BA are called bonaerenses. It is called, "Paris of the south"

There are 48 districs here called barrios.


  • Microcentro — downtown, an ideal location for visitors to be near to the main historical spots of the Argentinean capital. Florida Street is located downtown and is a famous pedestrian street of the city, where visitors can do window shopping and buy clothes and other usual city goods. It has somewhat deteriorated into a tourist trap though so don't expect too much authenticity here.
  • San Telmo — this district preserves colonial-style houses along narrow cobblestone lanes, illuminated with pretty wrought iron lanterns. In San Telmo, one breathes the history of Buenos Aires. There is also a very exciting, underground nightlife scene.
  • La Boca — considered Buenos Aires's most controversial neighborhood with an explosive personality. Tourists favor this picturesque district for its rich history and vibrant colors: greens, yellows, reds and purples highlight the urban scenery.
  • Palermo — hip residential neighborhood of tree-lined streets and intersections packed with restaurants, bars and boutiques. There are several "sub neighborhoods" such as Palermo-Viejo, Palermo-SoHo, Palermo-Hollywood.
  • Recoleta — one of the finest and most expensive areas of the city. It boasts many French style buildings, large green spaces and first class restaurants. The famous Recoleta Cemetery is well worth a visit.
  • Belgrano — a residential and peaceful neighborhood with silent streets that lead to different shops, restaurants, architectural relics and large green spaces. Belgrano's one of the most distinguished districts, and it's ideal for day walks along the wooded tile sidewalks.
  • Almagro — an original middle-class neighborhood, unspoiled by tourists, Almagro is a barrio located in the very center of the capital, with cheap empanadas, chinese supermarkets, and greengrocer's, the smell of grilled meat from plentiful parillas, and a very big circular park that transforms into a market on Sundays.
  • Boedo — one of the main Tango and historical spots in the city, the streets of Boedo offer to native and tourist public a huge variety of cafes in the best “porteño” style, cultural centers , Tango houses, libraries, theaters and nice pubs and restaurants. Places that please people from all ages and tastes.
  • Caballito — an average, middle-class neighborhood, the barrio has both plentiful amenities, spacious parks and a good selection of shops. On the other hand, there are dirty, noisy and unsafe areas of Caballito that should be avoided. Overall, it is a pleasant residential and commercial hub.
  • Congreso — a dense downtown area that houses the legislative branch of government at the opposite end of Avenida de Mayo from the "pink house" seat of the executive branch.
  • San Cristobal
Puerto Madero
Puerto Madero
  • Puerto Madero — just like the London docklands, the antique port of Buenos Aires has been renewed and now represents the latest architectural trends of the city. It has a mixture of restaurants (ranging from high end to american chains such as Hooters and TGIF, as well as apartment buildings and a few expensive hotels. The Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur , an excellent alternative for nature lovers, lies nearby.
  • Once — a large immigrant population, mainly from Argentina's neighbors Bolivia and Paraguay, call Once home. The streets are always busy with people, markets and outdoor sellers.
  • Retiro — hosting the main train station in the city, a busy area filled with commuters, but also home to some of the most luxurious restaurants, shopping, and partying, in the expat-friendly border of Microcentro, Retiro still hasn't really decided what its definitive identity will be.
  • Tribunales — this part of town has many theater shows, especially on Avenida Corrientes. On Libertad street there is the astounding, huge Colon Theatre; one of the most prestigious in the world.
  • Urquiza — (from Wikipedia) Is located between the barrios of Villa Pueyrredón, Belgrano, Villa Ortúzar, Coghlan, Saavedra and Agronomía. Its limits are the streets and avenues Constituyentes, Crisólogo Larralde, Galván, Núñez, Tronador, Roosevelt, Rómulo S. Naón and La Pampa. It is a residential neighborhood of both old houses and apartment buildings, quiet streets and a few fast-traffic, crowded avenues. It has several parks that make it very pleasant. During the summer, it is not uncommon to see neighbors talking to each other, comfortably sitting on their chairs on the sidewalk. It is also home of several institutions of importance to the Buenos Aires culture, such as the tango and milonga ballrooms Sunderland and Club Sin Rumbo, Argentine rock pioneer Litto Nebbia's Melopea Records, and the winner of the last three futsal metropolitan tournaments, Club Pinocho.

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