La Boca District , Buenos Aires © Judith Duk
Why? Buenos Aires combines the laid-back
ambience of a European capital with the fiery passion of a
Latin-American barrio, a combination that makes a Buenos Aires
holiday irresistible to most. Travel to Buenos Aires for beaches,
delectable shops, stunning weather, colourful neighbourhoods and
arguably the best nightlife in the world, all the ingredients for a
wonderful holiday in Buenos Aires.
When? Some like it hot, but for many a summer
holiday in Buenos Aires may be just a little too hot, so it is best
to travel to Buenos Aires during spring (September to November) or
autumn (March to May) to avoid the soaring mercury in December,
January and February. Winters are mild, but this is when most of
the rain falls.
Who for? A holiday in Buenos Aires is especially
enjoyable for party animals who can tango and salsa the night away
in a huge variety of bars, clubs and discos. Beach lovers who
travel to Buenos Aires can take excursions to the Atlantic coast
resorts south of the city. The city is also a favourite destination
for Latin American dance lovers.
Overview
Downtown Buenos Aires is as sophisticated as any European city,
with its wide avenues, fine colonial architecture and rows of
pavement cafes. The city was built by French, Italian and Spanish
immigrants and the Porteños (locals) still regard themselves
as more European than South American. Travellers walking through
the leafy parks and boulevards could be forgiven for thinking they
were in Madrid, Paris or Milan.
Buenos Aires was founded on the shores of the Rio de la Plata in
1570 and was named after the patron saint of sailors for the good
wind or buen aire. The city remained a colonial backwater
for 200 years while the Spanish concentrated their attentions on
wealthier Peru. During this time Buenos Aires became a thriving
centre for smuggling between South America and Europe.
Dissatisfaction with Spanish economic and political dominance
escalated to boiling point and culminated in the revolution of May
1810 and finally to independence in 1816. Its history since then
has been dogged by military coups and political mismanagement; the
consequences of which are growing disaffection with the government
and widespread poverty, as is evident in the sprawling shantytowns
on the city's outskirts.
This turbulent history has not managed to stifle the indomitable
spirit of the Porteños whose passion, charm and vibrancy
have forged this great city, a place in which the fire of Evita's
soul and the allure of the tango endure.
