Buenos Aires Travel Guide
Table of Contents
1. Itinerary
2. Fun facts
3. Movies Shot
4. Iconic Photo Spots
5. Places to Stay
6. Personal Blog
7. Puns and Pictures
Itinerary
Day 1: Take this Buenos Aires City Tour through viator and explore these must see landmarks:
- Caminito: A colorful pedestrian street in La Boca, known for its cultural significance and vibrant artistic works. This is one of the most famous pedestrian streets in Buenos Aires
- Mafalda Statue: A tribute to cartoonist Quino’s famous character, located in San Telmo near the artist’s former home.
- Estadio La Bombonera: The iconic Boca Juniors stadium, known for its atmosphere and connection to soccer legends.
- Avenida de Mayo: A historic avenue linking Plaza de Mayo and the National Congress, reflecting Buenos Aires’ rich history.
- Mercado San Telmo: An indoor market that offers a mix of traditional stalls, fresh produce, antique shops, and unique bars, creating an authentic food experience in Buenos Aires’ historic neighborhood.
- Puente de la Mujer: A modern tango-inspired pedestrian bridge in Puerto Madero, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava.
- Casa Rosada: The pink palace in Plaza de Mayo is home to Argentina’s National Government.
- Catedral Metropolitana: The neoclassical cathedral in Buenos Aires, designed to resemble a Greek temple, has a rich architectural history.
- Rosedal de Palermo: A stunning rose garden with over 18,000 roses, located in the Parque 3 de Febrero.
- La Recoleta Cemetery: Famous for its elaborate mausoleums, including Eva Perón’s tomb, this cemetery is located in Buenos Aires’ upscale Recoleta neighborhood.
- El Ateneo Grand Splendid: A beautifully restored theater transformed into a bookstore, often ranked among the world’s best.
- Floralis Genérica:A stainless steel flower sculpture with petals that open and close with the sun, representing dynamism.
Day 2:
- Start your day at Palermo Woods: Enjoy biking, paddle boating, and unwinding in nature in the morning.
- Explore the Recoleta Cultural Center: A historic venue offering contemporary exhibitions, workshops, and performances in the afternoon.
- End your day with a traditional Argentine tango performance, easily available to book through Viator.
Day 3:
- Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: The National Museum of Fine Arts displays a remarkable collection of both Argentine and international art.
- Vist the Teatro Colon: One of the world’s most famous opera houses, offering guided tours and live performances.
- Spend an evening at Puerto Madero: A modern waterfront district with upscale dining, trendy cafes, and scenic views of the river.
Day 4:
- Visit Barolo Palace: A stunning architectural landmark with a history dating back to the early 20th century, offering guided tours.
- The Japanese Garden in Buenos Aires is a serene afternoon escape that has koi ponds, elegant bridges, and traditional Japanese landscaping.
Day 5:
- Take a day trip to the Tigre Delta, one of the world’s largest, known for its winding waterways, picturesque islands, and vibrant culture, easily bookable through Viator.
- Experience an interactive Argentine dining event in Buenos Aires, including Malbec cocktails, empanada-making, a gourmet meal with boutique wines, and maté with alfajores. Easily bookable through Viator—don’t forget to mention dietary needs when booking!
Table of Contents
1. Itinerary
2. Fun facts
3. Movie Shot
4. Do it for the Gram
5. Places to Stay
6. Personal Blog
7. Puns and Pictures
fun facts
- Buenos Aires is the birthplace of the passionate dance and music Tango: which originated in the city’s working-class neighborhoods in the late 19th century.
- Avenida 9 de Julio, is one of the widest avenues in the world.
- The Casa Rosada (Pink House), the presidential palace, was historically painted with cow’s blood to give it its distinctive color.
- The Obelisk, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, was built to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Buenos Aires.
- The La Boca neighborhood is famous for its colorful houses, painted with leftover paint from shipyards, creating a vibrant and artsy atmosphere.
- El Ateneo Grand Splendid is one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, housed in a former theater with stunning frescoes and balconies.
- Buenos Aires has one of the most bookstores per capita in the world.
- Buenos Aires is home to historic cafés which have been a meeting place for artists, writers, and intellectuals.
- The Parque Tres de Febrero is one of the largest urban parks in the world, offering thousands of acres of green space, including gardens, lakes, and a rose garden.
- Buenos Aires is a cultural hub, with influences from Europe, Africa, and indigenous Argentina, which is reflected in its architecture, food, and traditions.
- Buenos Aires is often called the “Paris of South America” because of its European-style architecture, wide boulevards, and a thriving arts scene.
- The Museo Subte is a small museum & hidden gem located in a subway station, where you can explore old subway trains and learn about the history of Buenos Aires’ subway system.
- Buenos Aires has a strong dog-walking culture, with professional dog walkers often seen managing dozens of dogs at once, and the city boasts over a million dogs.
Movies Shot
- Highlander II: The Quickening (1991)
- Evita (1996)
- Happy Together (1997)
- Assassination Tango (2002)
- The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
- Babel (2006)
- Miami Vice (2006)
- The Secret in Their Eyes (2009)
- Wild Tales (2014)
- Focus (2015)
Iconic Photo Spots
- La Boca – Snap a vibrant photo in front of the colorful buildings and street art.
- The Obelisk – Capture the iconic landmark, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
- Plaza de Mayo – Take a shot of the historic Casa Rosada and the bustling square.
- Recoleta Cemetery – Snap haunted yet beautiful shots of the mausoleums and statues.
- Palacio Barolo –Capture a photo at the rooftop with panoramic views of the city skyline as a backdrop.
- Puerto Madero – Snap a photo with the modern skyscrapers and waterfront in the background.
- El Ateneo Grand Splendid – Snap a photo with a book inside this gorgeous bookstore, surrounded by stunning architecture.
- The MALBA Museum – Take a photo with the contemporary art pieces and the museum’s eye-catching exterior.
- Parque Tres de Febrero (Bosques de Palermo) – Capture yourself in dreamy shots by the lakes, rose gardens, and ridges.
- Café Tortoni – Pose in the vintage charm of this historic café, surrounded by its elegant decor.
Places to Stay
- Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires – A stunning luxury hotel set in a grand palace with beautifully landscaped gardens and top-tier amenities.
- Alvear Palace Hotel – An iconic hotel offering classic luxury, located in an upscale neighborhood.
- Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires – A sophisticated hotel blending historic architecture with modern luxury and excellent service.
- The Faena Hotel Buenos Aires – A chic, artistic hotel known for its bold design and exceptional service.
- Palladio Hotel Buenos Aires by Livin Argentina – A stylish hotel offering contemporary luxury with an impressive art collection and a rooftop pool.
- Mio Buenos Aires – A boutique hotel with a cozy atmosphere, featuring stylish rooms and personalized service.
- Hotel Madero – A modern luxury hotel known for its stylish design, spacious rooms, and stunning river views.
- InterContinental Buenos Aires – Hotel offering spacious rooms, fine dining, and a central location near historic landmarks.
Personal Blog
Buenos Aires exceeded my expectations in every way and offered the perfect blend of the European charm and South American authenticity. The city has an incredible way of making you feel like you’re in two worlds at once. I found myself speaking Spanish, enjoying vibrant tango shows, savoring traditional Argentinian cuisine, and strolling through streets of gorgeous European-style architecture. Our trip had an usual start with a visit to the Recoleta Cemetery—a surprising yet iconic highlight of Buenos Aires. Who would have thought that a cemetery could be such a must-see attraction? It was fascinating to wander through the labyrinth mausoleums and admire how well mained they were, each one telling its own story of the city’s history and legacy.
We then completely changed the course of our trip by visiting the vibrant neighborhood of La Boca. This was a contrast to the more reflective and solemn atmosphere of the cemetery we had visited earlier. The waterfront beauty of Puerto Madero was equally stunning, providing a serene and peaceful backdrop to the city’s charm.
The passion for soccer (fútbol) was everywhere, with tributes to Lionel Messi adding to the energy of Buenos Aires. Statues, murals, and jerseys celebrating his legacy were everywhere, which is a true testament to the city’s deep pride for this sports icon. Buenos Aires is truly unique, with its rich history, lively culture, and local pride.
Puns and Pictures
Tango-ing through Buenos Aires is a step in the right direction!
5-Day Aruba Travel Guide
Table of Contents
Itinerary
Day 1
Option 1: Take the ATV in Aruba’s Secret Beach and Cave Pool tour through Tripadvisor. This tour stops at many of the hidden gems that are unique to Aruba. The tour will start at The Rockabeach Tours Headquarters located at Bushiri Karting Speedway. It will make the following stops:
- Blackstone Beach: Beach with black sand unlike other beaches in Aruba which have white sand.
- Andicuri Beach: A beach with white sand, big waves, and blue waters
- Natural Bridge Aruba: A bridge made of volcanic limestone rocks
- Natural Pool: Pool made out of volcanic rocks that protect waves. Takes about 100 steps to get to the pool and then you can swim, snorkel, and even cliff jump. The pool is about 16-18 feet deep.
- Bushiribana Goldmill Ruins: Learn about Aruba’s history in gold mills and mines.
- California Lighthouse and Sasariwichi Dunes: Hill with views of the north & south sides of the island. It is famous for its 360 panoramic view. It is one of the few lighthouses in the world where you can have dinner inside
- Arashi Beach: White sandy beach with beautiful waters.
Option 2: Take the Island Ultimate Jeep Safari in Aruba tour through Viator. This tour stops at many of the hidden gems that are unique to Aruba. This tour will start at ABC Tours Aruba. It will make the following stops:
- Baby Beach: White sandy beach with turquoise water: Great spot for snorkeling.
- Natural Bridge: The largest natural bridge in Aruba.
- Natural Pool: Pool made out of volcanic rocks that protect waves. Takes about 100 steps to get to the pool and then you can swim, snorkel, and even cliff jump.
- Bushiribana Goldmill Ruins: A historical spot in Aruba
- California Lighthouse and Sasariwichi Dunes: Hill with views of the north & south sides of the island.
- Alto Vista Chapel: A bright yellow chapel in the middle of a desert where Aruba natives converted to Christianity.
- Fontein Cave: A cave with Indian hieroglyphs, natural columns, and if you get lucky you may spot bats.
- Wariruri Beach: Popular beach amongst surfers.
- Anchor in Memory of All Seamen: Anchor placed in memory of marine/sailor history.
Day 2: Beach Hop
- Eagle Beach: Popular spot for weddings, wedding photos, snorkeling, and jetskiing. Enjoy the Fofoti trees, soft white sand, and Caribbean blue waters.
- Palm Beach: It also has calm waters and white sand which makes it a great beach for snorkeling and swimming. It is also surrounded by restaurants, hotels, casinos, bars, restaurants, and shops.
- Baby Beach: Named for its minimal to no waves, shallow & clear waters. Very safe for small children. It has food spots. Great for snorkeling in the area where the beach opens out to the option. You may spot different types of fishes such as blowfish, angelfish, parrotfish, and many others.
- Arashi Beach: A more secluded beach known for its snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, swimming, sailing, and windsurfing.
- Flamingo Beach: Private beach on Renaissance Island where you can find the flamingos on the white sand, blue waters, or captured in someone’s picture! There is a vending machine that sells food to feed flamingos. They will only eat from your hand if they are hungry, so the earlier in the morning you come the better! Children are only allowed for a limited time during the morning so make sure to ask the resort beforehand what hours they are allowed. (Guests of Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort have guaranteed/free access to the island, Non-guests can still visit the island but at a fee, and entry is not guaranteed) Enjoy a drink at the Mangrove Beach Bar.
- Iguana Beach: Private family-friendly beach. You may spot iguanas by the tree or by the beach! Enjoy food/drinks at the Papagayo Bar Grill.
Day 3: Spend the day visiting excursions that are unique to the island.
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Visit The Butterfly Farm Aruba: Great excursion to spot exotic species of butterflies from Asia, Africa, South America, and Australia. Want the butterfly to land on you? Wear bright colors or a citrus cologne/perfume.
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Visit Royal Aruba Aloe Museum and Factory: In the 1800s the aloe plant was introduced to Aruba, and now it has become one of the world’s most popular spots to harvest and export aloe products. Products made from the aloe plant such as soaps, deodorant, lotions, lip balms, shampoos, conditioners, body sprays, and many more are offered here.
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Visit the Donkey Sanctuary Aruba: These sweet donkeys have been in Aruba for hundreds of years. You can get a chance to feed/pet/care for these donkeys. They love apples and carrots!
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Visit the Aruba Ostrich Farm: These creatures are the largest/heaviest birds in the world.
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Take a sunset cruise on a catamaran with Aruba Sunset Sail with Appetizers and Open Bar through the viator.
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Enjoy cocktails, appetizers, and views of Palm Beach. Enjoy sunset views while jamming to music and dancing the night away.
Day 4:
- Visit De Palm Island: This tour is available through Viator, and it is a perfect day getaway for couples, families, and honeymooners. The coral reef off the island is a great spot for snorkeling. There is a water park for kids, body drop water slides, and banana boat rides. If you are in the mood to dance, take a salsa lesson. If you are looking to relax, get a massage and grab a beach chair. You may be able to spot flamingos at the beach.
Day 5:
- Take a guided tour of the Arikok National Park: A park that has caves, rocks, land formations, nature strolls, fauna, and flora all unique to the park.
Fun Facts
- You will come across people who are fluent in at least one or all of these languages: English, Dutch, Spanish, and the local language Papiamento.
- Aruba has authentic Indonesian food spots.
- Aruba has its own production of clean, purified tap water. Fill your water jugs and enjoy the tap water!
- On a clear day you can view Venezuela from some of the highest peaks in the country
- Aruba is popular for baseball.
- Between March and November, you may be able to spot sea turtles in Aruba.
- US dollar is accepted almost everywhere.
- Aruba’s slogan is “One Happy Island”.
- It is a territory of the Netherlands.
- Aruba is popular for its Aloe Vera Products.
Movies Shot
- “The Other Woman” (2014) with Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, Kate Upton
- “After the Sunset” (2004) with Salma Hayek
Do It for the Gram
- San Nicolas Village: Has beautiful street art/murals.
- Downtown Oranjestad: Has colorful alleys and houses
- Royal Plaza Mall: Colorful location with Dutch heritage
- I love Aruba sign: Some locations throughout the island include Palm Beach Plaza Mall, near the Riu/Hilton Hotel, near Malmok Beach, near the Renaissance Hotel.
- We heart (Aruba flag) Aruba sign: On the main drive on Palm Beach near the north end of J.E. Irausquin Blvd.
Places to Stay
Personal Blog
Aruba has been one of the top Caribbean destinations I’ve always wanted to visit. I mean Flamingos on a beach? How cool is that! We had been trying to find the perfect destination for a family trip with kids and this was the perfect country for it. We were able to lock in our stay at the Renaissance Wind Creek Hotel and make a couple of trips to Renaissance Island. The kids loved playing with the flamingos and iguanas. We were in awe of the white sandy beaches and aqua-blue Caribbean waters! We enjoyed beach hopping and spent a lot of our evenings in Palm Beach where they had swings, a merry-go-round for kids, food, crepes, and ice cream spots! I was definitely able to spot the Dutch influence in the country and felt happy to feel like we were in Europe again! Whether you want to ride on an ATV, jump in a cave pool, or enjoy a delicious meal on the beach – Aruba has the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation.
Puns and Pictures
Fla-mingling at the beaches of Aruba
