City Statistics
Location
Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Dialing code
54
Population
3,046,600 (city); 12,955,300 (metropolitan area)
Time zone
GMT - 3 (GMT + 4 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October)
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz; two-round-pin plugs are standard
Average January temperatures
29°C (84°F)
Average July temperatures
14°C (57°F)
Annual rainfall
950mm (37 inches)...
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Overview
Buenos Aires is the most European of all Latin American cities. With its wide boulevards, leafy parks, grand buildings and varied culture and nightlife, the city is reminiscent of Paris or Barcelona. The Porteños, as the residents of Buenos Aires are called, seem more European too – but this is hardly surprising considering that most are descended from European, predominately Italian, immigrants who settled here in the 19th century. With them came a culture and a cuisine that still flavor the city and can be enjoyed in countless art galleries, theaters and museums, as well as fine restaurants. But the city has also spawned its own art forms, notably the tango, for which Buenos Aires is famous.
Buenos Aires is the third largest city in South America and comprises 47 barrios (neighborhoods) in which nearly three million people live. Situated in the east of Argentina beside the Rio de la Plata and surrounded by seemingly never ending flat land known as the Pampas, the vast sprawling conurbation is a true 24-hour city – there is always something going on to occupy the senses. The downtown area is as noisy and congested as any other major urban center, but the city is really a pleasant place to walk around.
Nuestra Señora de Santa Maria del Buen Aire was founded by the Spaniard Pedro de Mendoza in 1536. It was named after the patron saint of sailors, who is said to be responsible for the good wind or buen aire. Provisions ran low and five years later settlement attempts were abandoned until Juan de Garay refounded the city in 1580. In 1776, Buenos Aires was pronounced the Capital of the Viceroyalty of the Rio de la Plata region – a huge region that included what is now Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia and parts of Chile and Brazil. The Criollos (Argentines of Spanish descent) merchants, having successfully expelled British invaders in 1806 and 1807, began to rebel against Spain in 1810. It was only after the Declaration of Independence in 1816 that the city became free of colonial hindrance.
Following the city’s federalization in 1880, mass European immigration occurred as workers were brought in to service agriculture and the railways. Development ceased in the mid-20th century as the country’s economy declined – mostly as the result of lack of investment from war-torn Europe. Buenos Aires only re-emerged from its economic woes in the 1990s when the currency was stabilized. Those with money spent it and new buildings, shopping malls and entertainment centers emerged, creating a new way of life for the inhabitants.
For the visitor from abroad, there has never been a better time to visit Buenos Aires. With several new museums and a continuous agenda of cultural attractions and events, there is much to see and do. Buenos Aires has a mild climate and is a year-round destination, although the city can get very hot and humid during the summer months (Dec-Feb). The city can also be quiet during summer as many Porteños take their holidays at this time.
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Tourist Information
Walking Tours
The tourist office can supply a map detailing recommended routes around the city’s most appealing neighborhoods. It also organizes a program of guided cultural walks in key areas of the city. Popular walking tours include those devoted to locations and attractions associated with Evita and Porteño writer Jorge Luis Borges. All of the walking tours are free; they have various different meeting points and lengths but may be cancelled due to bad weather. The bi-monthly schedule of tours is available directly from the tourist office and booths or online (website:
www.bue.gov.ar).
Cicerones de Buenos Aires (tel: 4330 0800; website:
http://www.cicerones.org.ar/) is a not for profit greeter program allowing tourists to explore the city with a local resident. The guides are all volunteers who know and love their city, and will give visitors a chance to see a different side of Buenos Aires. They can also tailor visits to cater for special interest. The service is free.
Bus ToursVarious companies offer bus tours of Buenos Aires, involving transport to key cultural areas and guided walks with English or Spanish commentary.
Travel Line Argentina (tel: (011) 4393 9000; website:
www.travelline.com.ar) offers both day and night tours of the city. Other companies, such as
Buenos Aires Tur (tel: (011) 4371 2304
or 2390; website:
www.buenosairestur.com) and
BuenosAires Vision (tel: (011) 4394 4682
or 4328 4517; website:
www.buenosaires-vision.com.ar) offer similar tours at similar prices.
Bicycle ToursGuided English or Spanish pedal tours of Buenos Aires are available from
Bike Tours (tel: (011) 4311 5199; website:
www.biketours.com.ar). The three-and-a-half to four-hour informative ride through key districts, including Puerto Madero, La Boca, San Telmo, and the Plaza de Mayo, includes the use of a three-gear ‘Beach Cruiser’ bike, a helmet, a bottle of water and rain gear if necessary. ...
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