Three days in Buenos Aires: Things to see, do, and eat
Eva Peron may not have said it, but one can understand why she was feeling a certain attachment to her nation – particularly the amazing city of Buenos Aires, or ‘BA’ as fans refer to it. It may be quite the trip for Singaporeans, but it is certainly worth the hassle. Imbibe world-class wine and savour otherworldly steaks while you explore the excellent museums, graffiti, artworks and galleries. With an advantageous exchange rate too, bargain-hunting is an unbeatable activity!
There aren’t enough days to fully explore BA, which is why you could spend all day watching the city’s famed dog-walkers walk their furry charges along broad tree-lined streets. But if you have just three days, here’s how to pack in as much as you can. Tip: Try to stay within one neighbourhood, as we do below. Promise yourself to return.
THE FIRST DAY
THE SECOND DAY
Start your day with breakfast at the Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt, an enchanting 19th-century manor with a delightful, landscaped garden located next to the Pope’s official residence. You can feast on excellent pastries, hot chocolate and eggs here. Then take your pick from the wealth of arts venues that Buenos Aires has to offer; MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires), MACBA (Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Buenos Aires) and MAMBA (Museo de Arte Modern De Buenos Aires). All three museums could have come straight out of Black Panther!
THE THIRD DAY
Not too far away from the vibrant Chinatown of Belgrano, lies the lovely Museo Larreta (Juramento 2291), belonging to the renowned writer and painter Enrique Larreta. The grand neoclassical mansion is adorned with a spectacular collection of Spanish art, some pieces dating back to the Middle Ages. The peaceful Andalusian-style garden at its rear is often used as a studio for artists. A short stroll through its leafy streets leads to Casa Saenz (Echeverria 2102), an alluring restaurant serving Mediterranean and Middle Eastern delicacies such as tantalising salads, succulent grilled chicken and exquisite seafood. For a grand experience on a sunny day in Buenos Aires, take one of the outdoor seats by the pavement! Finally, make sure you hail a cab and drive to Teatro Colon – Argentina’s principal symphonic hall. Built in an eclectic style prior to WWI, it is acclaimed for having immense acoustics for operas, being second best in the world for concerts. You could either visit during one of its shows or take part in a guided tour, both equally fascinating! The second floor rooms are lavishly ornamented with gold and sparkle, simply
On the way to your next destination make a stop at Vasalissa (Callao 1940) for some of their scrumptious chocolates, bon bons, macarons and truffles. Then take a short stroll to Arandu where you can immerse yourself in the legendary world of Argentinean cowboys with its multitude of goods, ranging from exquisitely crafted leather jackets, bags and shoes, including polo apparel and horseback riding accessories. It’s highly unlikely that you will ever have need for such items but with so much beauty and delight, even Marie Kondo would be hard pressed to say no.
If you want to continue your gaucho mood, stop by Piergari Carnes (Posadas 1089). This may be an Italian restaurant by name, but its DNA is distinctly Argentinean. Whenever a restaurant has the word “carnes”, it’s only natural to focus on steaks. Huge steaks, seared to perfection, but ask for the jugoso, or the bleu (rare), and go local. For vegetarians, there are plenty of delicious pastas and salads available.
