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!

Choose carefully when looking at which area of the city to stay in. In recent years, with the economic recession, crime has increased in Argentina and there are certain areas you may want to avoid at night if you are travelling alone. There is no need for paranoia but, as in most major cities, you need to use a little common sense with your valuables and know your neighbourhoods.

So here is the low-down on Buenos Aires neighbourhoods: The centre is always a safe bet for bustling streets and great nightlife, La Boca was the city’s first port and has a big old Italian population with some of the best Italian restaurants, Recoleta is a chic area full of art galleries and cafe terraces, San Telmo is where you will find many of the city’s historical monuments and tango halls, Palermo is a favourite with families for its parks and shops and Puerto Madero is the newest neighbourhood in Buenos Aires with a stunning port and maritime promenade, ideal for evening strolls and meals out.

Generally speaking, La Boca and the Retiro areas have a bit of a bad reputation whilst the Palermo and Recoleta neighbourhoods are considered two of the city’s safest and most upper class districts. Accommodation in the Palermo or Recoleta areas is very easy to come by and a good choice if you are concerned about safety. If you are looking for cheap accommodation in Buenos Aires you could try any of the other neighbourhoods out of the city centre or look at self-catering apartment rentals for longer stays.

Classic tourist attractions and activities in this Latin American city include the following:

1 – A visit to the wonderful MALBA (Latin American Art Museum).

2 – A steak dinner in any of the hundreds of fabulous “Asador” grill houses.

3 – A visit to Evita’s grave in the Recoleta cemetery

4 – A night out at the Colon Theatre

5 – Taking in a Tango show.

6 – A trip to the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace which is open to tourists at certain times of day.

With good accommodation and a few, well chosen “must see” highlights on your itinerary, you’re set to have a whale of a time in Buenos Aires.
What makes this city so special is its sheer vibrancy and zest for life that will thrill and inspire you and….probably have you coming back for more!