Today, enjoy a city tour of southern Buenos Aires, exploring the famous Avenida de Mayo and the important buildings surrounding the Plaza de Mayo, before visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral. Drive to the historical district of San Telmo and walk around the antique shops at Plaza Dorrego. Continue to the colourful area of La Boca and its famous Caminito street, lined with tango dancers and painters. Drive by the Puerto Madero area, enjoy the views from the Puente de la Mujer (Woman's Bridge) before returning to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Hotel Bel Air, Buenos Aires , Superior Room
Meal plan: Breakfast
The Plaza de Mayo is one of the main city squares in Buenos Aires. It was formed in 1884, and has since been the scene of some of the most momentous events in Argentinian history. There are many buildings of significance surrounding the square, including the Cabildo, the Casa Rosada and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
The Casa Rosada (Pink House) is the executive mansion and office of the President of Argentina and is officially known as the Casa de Gobierno (Government House). Located on the culturally and politically important Plaza de Mayo square, the building is famed for its pink colour, which has become an iconic symbol of Buenos Aires.
Dating back to the 17th century, San Telmo is the oldest neighbourhood in Buenos Aires. Once a poor area, it was first home to dockworkers and brickmakers. The establishment of the Parish of San Pedro Gonzalez Telmo in 1806 boosted the economy, with many mansions and imposing houses consequently built. Today, the area's history is evident in its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture, while the bohemian vibe and tango dancing in the plazas attract many tourists. In particular, visitors flock to Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo on Sundays for its vast, bustling antiques and flea market.
La Boca is a neighbourhood in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires. Many of the early settlers in La Boca originate from the Italian city of Genoa. The pedestrian street Caminito is famed for its tango performances, whilst colourful houses and Italian taverns provide an insight into the cultural history of La Boca.
The district of Puerto Madero lies along the Río de la Plata riverbank. It is considered one of the most stylish neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires, yet retains a sense of its history, which spans back over 100 years. In the late 19th century, the shallow waters of Río de la Plata prevented large cargo ships docking, so Puerto Madero was constructed to solve this problem. However, with even larger ships coming into use, the docks soon became obsolete and fell into disrepair. In recent years, the region has been redeveloped with an injection of culture and investment, leading it to become an elegant and exclusive part of the city.
