How one describes a visitor’s impression of Buenos Aires depends greatly on what time of year you visit this bustling metropolis.
In January the sun shines brightly in the blue sky, the local kids break up from school for the summer holidays and the whole city takes on a different rhythm. Come here from January to March to avoid the cold European winter and party with the “Porteños” but be prepared to sweat; this is summer in Buenos Aires and its hot! This is a great time to enjoy the free and easy feel of a city on a summer break, with rooftop terrace parties by night, but a lot of your time here in summer during the day will be spent finding pleasant ways to escape the heat, so here are a few tips:
There is a very nice swimming pool at Parque Norte where you can spend the whole day dipping into different pools and using the facilities for a very modest entrance fee.
The Mar del Plata, 400 km from the city, is where the locals go to sunbathe and people watch in summer and, although it’s quite a trip, it’s worth it as this is where you will find some of the best beaches in South America.
Of course, Christmas and New Year’s are summer events in Argentina too which is a novelty. Like many European cultures, both of these dates are about being with family first and then partying into the small hours with friends. Fireworks are also an important feature of both celebrations.
Winter in Buenos Aires is a good time to indulge in the local food and drink culture; sipping on a coffee at the “La Puerto Rico” café on Adolfo Alsina street and enjoying its intellectual, studenty feel or really treating yourself to some “chocolate con churros” – hot chocolate and a sugary pastry. The most famous pastries in Buenos Aires are known as “Facturas” which literally means “bills”! You may see people wheeling carts full of steel flasks up and down the street – they are selling coffee and facturas for next to nothing – not to be missed!
Shopping is equally appealing in the summer as it is in the winter as you’ll be grateful for the heating or the air conditioning and not only the wonderful array of big brand name shops that you’ll find in any of the many shopping centres.
The MALBA Museum and the Evita Museum both come highly recommended too for the obligatory dose of local culture and history.
If you are looking for cheap accommodation in Buenos Aires you won’t be disappointed as there is plenty to choose from although establishments tend to fill up quickly in the summer months.
The Obelisk is one of the most central monuments in the city and you will find plenty of hostels in the centre of Buenos Aires near to this sculpture which are a good, budget alternative to hotels and the ideal place to meet other young travellers and make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun.
Choose which side of Buenos Aires you want to see: the cosy, indulgent and cultural face of winter or the hot, fun, exciting face of summer, and get planning the trip of a life time!
