European city in the heart of South America

Often hailed as a European city in the heart of South America, Buenos Aires is an increasingly popular long-haul city break destination. Home to over 13 million people, Buenos Aires is a big city and hiring a bicycle is one of the best ways to explore it. The city centre has lots of safe parks and squares where you can pick up the vibe of this unique city.

Travelling to Argentina is great value because of the countries economic problems and leather goods are particularly affordable. And as with all clothing, you can claim a tax refund in the airport on your way home which makes it even better value.

Visiting a graveyard may not be everyones idea of a touristy thing to do but the Recoleta cemetary is one of the most interesting places in Buenos Aires. A who’s who from Argentinian history are buried here in grand style. And a number of prominent Irish people are buried alongside promienent Argentinians like Eva Peron. For Irish people the most interesting tomb will most likely be that of Admiral William Brown. Born in Co. Mayo, he is known as the Father of the Argentinian Navy and over 10,000 streets in Argentina are named after him.

The Cypress Inn is a B&B but don’t let that put you off. It is a very modern place to stay and its affordability makes it a great option if you are looking for somewhere a little different. It is located in the Palermo-Soho barrio which is very trendy area with lots of designer boutiues and restaurants where you can take advantage of the weak Argentinian currency.

Tango is synomymous with Buenos Aires and the famous dance was invented in the La Boca Barrio by sailors. La Boca is one of the biggest tourist attractions because of its connection with tango and if you fancy learning a few moves, this is the place for you. Tango is literally everywhere and while some of it can be tacky you do get begin to understand why it became so popular.

Besides exporting tango the the world, Argentina has also sent a steady stream of world class footballers to Europe . Of course the most famous of these was Diego Maradona. Boca Juniors is Maradona’s club and La Bombonera is one of the most famous stadiums in the world. If you are lucky enough to visit when a game is on, be sure to head along to see Boca or their more affluent neighbours River Plate. Even if you can’t make an actual game, a stadium tour is a great way to get a sense how important football is in Argentina.

Many tourists combine a trip to Buenos Aires with a trip to a traditional Estancia ranch such as the beautiful Estancia La Oriental. It is only three hours from the city but you will feel like you are in a completely different world when you arrive. The huge house was built by a wealthy farmer and exquisitely decorated with the finest European furniture. The ranch itself is set on 2,500 acres that is still open for business. Argentinean beef is amongst the best in the world and the Estancia La Oriental is a great place to try some Argentinean steak.

Back in the city, Buenos Aires has some of the best nightlife in South America. You can take in one of the many tango shows or head out clubbing in one of the many bars and nightclubs. But be warned, nightlife in Buenos doesn’t get going until about 2am and it goes on well past daybreak.

PRICES:

Continental
www.continental.ie
Dublin to Buenos Aires via Newark
Fares from €968 incl. taxes

Beacon South America
www.beaconsouthamerica.com
0818 300 123

7-Night Package excluding flights from €747 per person
Includes: Accommodation at the Argenta Towers Hotel and Suites
Half-Day tour of Buenos Aires
Tango Show including drinks and dinner
Full Day Fiesta Gaucho at Estancia

Argenta Tower Hotel and Suites
www.argenta-tower.co.ar

Estancia La Oriental
www.estancia-laoriental.com

Esquina Carlos Gardel (Tango)
www.esquinacarlosgardel.com.ar

Destino Argentina
www.destinoargentina.info

Eurotur
www.eurotur.com.ar

SHOPPING CENTRES:

Patio Bullrich
www.shoppingbullrich.com.ar / Tel: (+54 11) 4814-7400

Galerías Pacífico
www.galeriaspacifico.com.ar / Tel: (+54 11) 5555-5411

MUSEUMS:
Museo Boquense
www.museoboquense.com

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SOURCE:
“Buenos Aires”
RTE Travel
30-03-2009
http://www.rte.ie
http://www.rte.ie/travel/nofrontiers/20080330_buenosaires.html