Buenos Aires is a place where tradition coexists with modernity. It is among the world?s biggest and most elegant cities. A first time visitor is most likely to be surprised by its similarity to Paris and Barcelona. But on a closer look it is not difficult to make out that Buenos Aires has a personality of its own. Barrios, or neighborhoods of the city, give it a unique identity, and the smoky tango bars lend it a traditional flavor. Buenos Aires is Argentina?s largest city and its capital. It is located in eastern Argentina, on the southern banks of Rio de la Plata, the funnel shaped estuary of the Uruguay and Parana rivers. Perhaps, this is why people of Buenos Aires are called portenos, or people of the port.
The city offers one of the best nightlife in Latin America. Corrientes Avenue with numerous entertainment centers, cinemas, theaters and eateries, bustles with activity all night. For those who like to indulge in fun till the wee hours, cultural centers in Santa Fe Avenue, like General San Martin, Borges, Recoleta and Paseo La Plaza, are popular attractions. There are numerous places where one can relish the delicious Latin American food. These include, Las Canitas, Costanera Norte, Puerto Madero, Palermo Viejo, Paseo de la Infanta and Recoleta.
However, culture of this great city strikes its visitor more than any other thing. One can get a peek into this aspect of Buenos Aires by visiting some of as many as 132 museums, themes of which range from arts to sports. Museo de la Pasion Boquense, which recreates achievements in sports, is a special attraction among children. Casa Museo Carlos Gardel in the Albasto neighborhood was once the house in which the tango legend Carlos Gardel lived. Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires is a popular arts museum.
For those who love adventure, sailing, motor boating and waterskiing along the Rio de la Plata provides once in a lifetime fun. Parana River Delta provides excellent facilities for kayaking, rowing and canoeing. Other adventure sports that Buenos Aires offers include hiking, polo, sky diving, paragliding and trips on hot-air-balloons.
