When I was planning my first visit to Buenos Aires there were certain things that I was told to look out for; tango dancing in the streets, melt-in-the-mouth steaks, the polo, the leather goods.. I could go on! But something I never anticipated was the huge variety of creative architecture that has been used to build this unique South American metropolis. The main attractions dotted around the city centre are certainly impressive, such as the famous Casa Rosada or the historical Teatro Colón, but more of a surprise to me was the brilliant individuality of every suburban house that outlines the city and it is this that continues to inspire me on every visit.
On the edge of the river basin, in the charming neighbourhood of San Isidro (where I was lucky enough to live) you will struggle to find any two houses the same. No, really! As someone from the UK I am used to seeing rows and rows of identical houses all built in the same brick, with the same features and the only differentiating characteristic being the front doors painted different colours. Well step just outside of central Buenos Aires and a walk around any of these suburbs will start you daydreaming about leaving the uniformity of British suburbia and finding one of these wonderful abodes just for you and your family. The only problem is… which?!
Back in the neatly designed grid system of the city-centre, much like Manhattan in New York, the charming haphazard architecture is a great reminder of the city’s rich political history, with many buildings that tell their own story. After Argentina won their independence from Spanish rule in 1816, architects responded by rejecting the typical colonial style and were influenced by French, Italian and Ancient Greek design. Many of the older buildings in the capital are built in Renaissance, Neoclassical (head to Recoleta) or Art Nouveau style. In more recent times some impressive modern structures have been created and the architects of today’s Buenos Aires continue to add to the city’s grandeur with unique and intriguing designs.
There is so much to marvel at in Buenos Aires and across the country, so be inspired to explore it all and book an in-depth tour of Argentina. If you are short on time have a look at one of our Argentina highlights packages. For your stay in Buenos Aires we can arrange a guided tour of the City on a private or small group basis. Highly recommended is our tour of the leafy Northern Suburbs, where you can venture beyond the high-rises and experience the slow-paced and equally wonderful side of the Capital.
The Floralis Genérica in the Recoleta district.
For more information on our Highlights of Argentina itinerary – click here.
To see the whole range of itineraries that include Buenos Aires – click here.
To speak to one of our Travel Specialists – click here.
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