Sightseeing in this pretty city often focuses around its distinct neighborhoods. For example, San Telmo is Buenos Aires' oldest district, filled with tango clubs and antique shops. It is characterized by its old colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. The colorful La Boca neighborhood is located around the city's first port, where many European immigrants settled in the 19th century. It maintains that European flair and is often referred to as Buenos Aires' "Little Italy," with its many residents of Italian descent. Don't forget your camera when you tour La Boca, as the brightly colored buildings make wonderful photo subjects. Recoleta is an upscale residential area featuring Parisian architecture. It is also the location of Recoleta Cemetery, where many of Argentina's notable figures are buried today, including Eva Peron.
Important landmarks in Buenos Aires include the immense Metropolitan Cathedral, which is a mix of architectural styles, having been rebuilt and refurbished since the 16th century. Teatro Colon is an internationally renowned opera house that is touted as one of the top five concert venues in the world. No doubt you'll spend some time driving along Avenida 9 de Julio, which spans an entire city block.
Meat lovers rejoice on a vacation in Argentina: its residents consume the largest amount of red meat in the world. In Buenos Aires, sample savory, juicy steaks â cooked to perfection on an open grill, or parilla. Other local favorite foods: empanadas, which are small, meat-filled pastry pockets, and dulce de leche, a sweet caramel spread. Of course, no meal in Buenos Aires is really complete without some world-famous Argentine wine; the country's wineries are particularly known for their fine malbec varietal.
