Buenos Aires
The financial district, also known as the
h o w
microcentro, is located downtown around the Plaza de Mayo, near the Casa Rosada and government offices. Commercial and entertainment districts are centered around Avenida Corrientes and Avenida Córdoba as well as Recoleta and Puerto Madero. Corrientes and Córdoba form the theater district. For the newest restaurants and local designer stores, go to Palermo, an elegant residential neighborhood.
To Get There
Most international airlines fly out of the Ezeiza International Airport, located 21 miles from downtown Buenos Aires. Domestic flights and some departures to Brazil and Uruguay use the downtown Aeroparque, or Jorge Newbery airport. Ezeiza is a 45-minute taxi ride from the city and costs $14-$18, plus a $2 toll. Visas are required for business stays longer than 90 days. The international departure tax is $18.50.
w h e r e
To Stay
The
Alvear Palace Hotel
(Avenida Alvear 1891, tel: 54-11-4808-2100) is the finest hotel in Buenos Aires, providing traditional hospitality and modern conveniences. It is located in Recoleta, just 15 minutes from the city’s business district. Room rates range between $400-$3,500 plus 21% tax. Visit its website at www.alvearpalace.com or send e-mail to: info@alvear.com.
The Four Seasons Buenos Aires
(Posadas 1086/88, tel: 54-11-4321-1200) is an elegant and luxurious modern hotel in the style of an early twentieth century French mansion. It is 10 minutes from the business district and rooms all feature Internet service. Room rates range between $270-$500 plus 21% tax. Go to www.fourseasons.com/buenosaires or e-mail:reservations.bue@fourseasons.com.
We also recommend the Caesar Park Buenos Aires
(Posadas 1232, tel: 54-11-4819-1100). Located 10 minutes from the business district, it is a distinctive hotel offering first-rate service in an intimate and expansive setting. Room rates range between $179-$2,500 plus 21% tax. See www.caesarpark.com.ar or e-mail: reservas@caesar.com.ar.
Hilton Puerto Madero
(Macacha Güemes 351, tel: 54-11-4891-0000). Set in the city’s redeveloped docks and close to the
microcentro, this modern hotel combines comfort and a convenient location. The building has a magnificent seven-story atrium lobby, a restauarant and bar. It offers executive floors and premium facilities for corporate meetings. It also boasts two ballrooms and an extensive exhibition area. Visit its website at
www.buenos.hilton.com
for more information.
To Eat
There are numerous excellent new restaurants and bars in Palermo, a 15-minute taxi ride from downtown Buenos Aires. We recommend
Sucre
(Sucre 676, tel: 4782-9082) for its contemporary cuisine made with the best local ingredients and its extensive wine-list, and
Mundano
(Malabia and Cabrera, tel: 4831-5667) for both drinks and dinner. Its terrace is especially pleasant in the summer.
The Mediterranean cuisine at the minimalist
Eliot
(Honduras 5237, tel: 4831- 1112/4834-6229) is particularly welcoming in the winter when its fireplace makes this restaurant warm and comfortable.
Puerto Madero, the renovated waterfront district that faces the River Plate, is packed with restaurants with views of the river. A good choice is steakhouse
Cabaña Las Lilas
(Alicia Moreau de Justo 516, tel: 4313-1336). Another great place for beef is
La Brigada
in nearby San Telmo (Estados Unidos 465, tel: 4361-5557/4685).
Parolaccia
(Alicia Moreau de Justo 1052, tel: 4343-1679)
has outstanding Italian cuisine. A classic
dinner venue is
Tomo 1
at the Crowne Plaza Panamericano (Carlos Pellegrini 525, mezzanine level, tel: 4326-6698). Owned by Chef Ada Concaro, Tomo 1 is known for its gourmet menu, superb service and stylish décor. Another top restaurant is
La Bourgogne
at the Alvear Palace Hotel
(see above).
To Drink
Grab a cocktail at the bar in
Museo Renault
(Av. Figueroa Alcorta 3399, tel: 4802-9626), or at the
Gran Bar Danzón
(Libertad 1161, tel: 4811-1108) close to downtown.
If you want to see some Tango, try the show at
Señor Tango
(Vieytes 1655, tel: 4303-0231). Alternatively,
Bar Ñ
(Libertad
1082, Barrio Norte tel: 4816-7508)
serves more the 20 different brands of
beer and as many 50 different Martinis.
Or try some of the numerous new bars in
Palermo. We recommend starting at
BAR Uriarte
(Uriarte 1572, Palermo Hollywood,
tel: 4834-6004).
To Unwind
Stroll down the cobble-stoned street of
El Caminito – an outdoor gallery and
open-air theatre – in the colorful dockside
neighborhood of La Boca.
For a dose of art, visit the
w h a t
Museo Nacional
de Bellas Artes
(Avenida Libertador
1473), home to an impressive collection
of 19th and 20th century
Argentine art, or the Costantini collection
at the
Museo de Arte Latinoamericano
de Buenos Aires
(Avenida
Madero 9000). MALBA features works
by more than 80 artists and is the first
permanent home for 20th century Latin
American masterpieces by artists
including Diego Rivera, Joaquín Torres-García, Frida Kahlo and Antonio Berni.
To Buy
Mate, the traditional Argentine tea, is a
2004 National Holidays
May 1 – May Day
nice local gift, as are leather, silver goods
and wine. Wine from Mendoza is an all-time favorite.
Patio Bullrich – a small
mall in Recoleta – is one of the best
sources in Buenos Aires for sophisticated
Argentine gifts and products.
May 25 – Revolution Day
June 21 – Flag Day
July 9 – Independence Day
August 16 – Gen. José de San Martín
October 11 – Columbus Day
December 8 – Immaculate Conception
December 25 – Christmas Day