Neighborhoods
of Buenos Aires |
 |
|
Abasto
Located in an area bearing the same name, Abasto could well
be one of Buenos Aires’ most typical buildings. Not
only is Abasto the city’s former fruit and vegetable
market, but also an important Tango area. Among others, the
legendary Carlitos Gardel, known as the black-haired man of
Abasto, spent most of his life here.
Nowadays, a modern lighting system reveals the building’s
importance and distinction as well as its unique structure
and deco style.
|
Barrio
Norte
Barrio Norte (Northern neighbourhood) is one of the most elegant
neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires. Thus, it is hardly surprising
that a large part of the Argentine upper middle class lives
there. The neighbourhood’s streets are ideal for upscale
shopping. Strolling along such charming streets is highly
recommended.
|
Barrio
Once
Once is not a neighbourhood itself. In fact,
it is a unique and independent area of Balvanera neighbourhood,
witness to the British invasions in 1806 and 1807.
In this busy commercial area, crammed full of shops, a bewildering
array of goods can be bought. Therefore, each day numerous
passers-by walk along the streets of this neighbourhood.
What is more, this neighbourhood grew in importance after
the Corrals of Miserere were set up in 1775 where the popularly
known Plaza Once is located today.
|
Belgrano
This neighbourhood bears the name of one
of the country’s most outstanding personalities: General
Manuel Belgrano.
First class restaurants, traditional petit hotels, impressive
houses and even embassies are some of the most significant
features of this elegant neighbourhood. Hence, a large part
of Buenos Aires’ ruling class lives here. “Belgrano
R” is an exclusive residential area of this neighbourhood,
located on the west side of Cabildo Avenue.
Finally, beautiful landscaped gardens and wooden parks designed
by landscaper Carlos Thays can be enjoyed at Belgrano.
|
Downtown
Buenos Aires
As the lyrics of that famous Tango go "The
streets of Buenos Aires have that little something".
To start with, San Martin square offers a wealth of elegant
and eclectic buildings such as the Círculo Militar
Building and the impressive Kavanagh Building. Moreover, Florida,
a particularly noisy pedestrian street, is an ideal place
for shopping. Suddenly, we burst into the explosive Corrientes
Avenue, full of typical theatres, bookstores and bars. Finally,
in the distance, a proud obelisk will attract our attention
and we will experience the influence of this deeply symbolic
monument that stands in the Plaza de la República.
|
Campana
Campana could well be another striking example of the main
commercial areas in Buenos Aires. Moreover, it is an extremely
important industrial area as well. Luis and Eduardo Costa
founded Campana in 1875 in honour of Francisco Álvarez
de Campana, owner of the plot where ten years later the Campana
party would be created. A wide range of industries, from petrol
refineries and alcohol distilleries to paper and ceramic,
works there.
Regarding its design, Campana has a clear modern style.
|
Constitución
A wide array of architectural styles is one of the neighbourhood’s
most striking features. From the most ancient colonial-style
building to modern and refined apartments, everything can
be found at Constitución.
Another ambiguous aspect of this neighbourhood is the fact
that two important motorways, one named 9 de Julio and the
other one 25 de Mayo, run through it. These confusing and
unusual qualities turn Constitución into an interesting
place.
Moreover, in this densely populated area, most stores, hotels,
bars and restaurants are located within the train station.
General Roca Train Station
Due to its vastness and importance, not only
this station represents the whole area but also it brings
the entire neighbourhood to life. Its French, architectural
style overflows while its immensity turns it into Latin America’s
largest railway, consisting of fourteen platforms.
|
El
Pilar
Due to the considerable number of private
neighbourhoods that can be found in this area, El Pilar unavoidably
becomes an interesting attraction. Another striking feature
of this place is the significant commercial growth that has
taken place in the last few years. Foreign investments in
local industries have allowed reaching unthinkable stages.
Added to this, real estate and even tourism are also important
activities of this neighbourhood.
|
La
Boca
La Boca, a port side neighbourhood, has some special qualities
that stem from the large-scale immigration from Europe and
especially Italy that took place between 1860 and 1910. Nowadays,
“Caminito” street museum is a must visit for tourists. |
La
Lucila
La Lucila was born in the early nineteenth
century, when land auctions were growing in popularity.
Initially, La Lucila was a handful of family homes, located
between Libertador Avenue and Mitre railway line. Its owners
were members of Buenos Aires’s aristocracy mainly, who
would pay whatever sum of money in order to live in the city’s
outskirts, about twelve kilometres away towards the north.
The Lieutenant colonel Alfredo de Urquiza owned one of the
neighbourhood’s largest houses called La Lucila. He
had decided to name it after his wife, Lucila Marcelina Anchorena
de Urquiza, who died two years later.
|
Palermo
Many musicians, artists and intellectuals are fond of this
neighbourhood, bounded by Scalabrini Ortiz, Santa Fe, Córdoba
and Juan B. Justo avenues.
Among those twenty blocks, the trendiest clothing and decorating
stores can be found. The area’s epicentre is Serrano
square, located between Honduras and Serrano streets. On Sundays,
a picturesque barter fair is organised at this square surrounded
by a number of bars and pubs. Right at this place the street
changes its name from Serrano to Jorge Luis Borges, the name
of one of the most illustrious neighbours who lived here from
1901, when he was two years old, until he was fourteen years
old.
Palermo Hollywood
Palermo Hollywood starts from Juan B. Justo Avenue, towards
the north. Its name stems from the vast number of cinema and
television production companies, photography studios, and
television channels that work there. Restaurants offering
the most varied food, including Japanese, Swedish and Vietnamese
among others, catering for all tastes and ages, can be found
at Palermo Hollywood. |
Plaza
de Mayo
A walk around the city’s historic area will lead you
to the Plaza de Mayo (May Square), witness to the most important
political events in Argentine history.
The city’s most significant landmarks can be found around
this square: the Casa Rosada (the Pink House of Buenos Aires)
home of the national government, the Cabildo, the Cathedral,
the Finance Department and the National Bank.
Moreover, strolling along the traditional Avenida de Mayo
(May Avenue) and watching its eclectic buildings (hotels,
offices, theatres, bars, bookstores, etc) is highly recommended.
Finally, you should continue walking until Plaza de los Dos
Congresos (Two Congresses Square) is reached. The impressive
National Congress Building stands directly across from the
square.
|
Puerto
Madero
Just like New York, London or Barcelona, where old ports have
been turned into tourist spots and important commercial districts,
Buenos Aires as well has its own docks area. Such docks have
been recycled though they still preserve the original red-bricked
structure.
The most exclusive restaurants and stores, prohibitively expensive
offices, an impressive cinema complex and even a University
work there.
|
Recoleta
Some people think of Recoleta as “a
transferred piece from Paris”. This elegant and picturesque
neighbourhood offers shopping facilities, enjoyable tours
and gastronomy. Its name derives from the monks known as Recoletos,
who settled down here in the early eighteenth century. Recoleta
is a residential area, which boasts many French style buildings,
large green areas, the most exclusive avenues and first class
bars and restaurants. Moreover, Recoleta is also a cultural
quarter: the Recoleta Cultural Centre, the National Art Museum,
the Palais de Glace, and the fair in Plaza Francia (France
Square) that takes place on Sundays, turn this neighbourhood
into one of the most popular attractions, visited by national
and foreign tourists.
Another well worth visiting spot is the Recoleta Cemetery
and the amazing cinema complex that stands directly across
from the back of the graveyard.
|
Retiro
Retiro is a terribly busy neighbourhood where huge-corporation
offices work and countless tourists walk along the streets.
A large number of luxurious hotels and art galleries can be
found in this area. Moreover, Florida, one of the city’s
main shopping streets, is a must visit for tourists.
Torre de los Ingleses (Englishmen Tower)
This tower stands in the Plaza Aérea Argentina (Argentine
Air Force Square), facing the Retiro Railway Station.
This tower, whose name was changed from Englishmen Tower to
Monumental Tower, is sixty metres high and encloses five bells
in its highest storey.
|
San
Isidro
Quietness and sumptuousness are the most
outstanding qualities of this neighbourhood, where a wide
array of architectural styles can be seen.
Californian style houses, colonial and even French style buildings
with colourful gardens and bushy groves are likely to be found
at San Isidro.
Calm though this neighbourhood may be numerous stores, shopping
malls, galleries and lavish discotheques work downtown San
Isidro. Furthermore, a large number of sport centres are headquartered
at San Isidro, being rugby the most popular activity.
|
San
Telmo
San Telmo, the city’s most ancient
neighbourhood, is also the one that best preserves the colonial
style. Cobblestone streets and century old buildings are some
of the most notable features of the area. San Telmo used to
be the neighbourhood where the compadritos and cuchilleros
gathered.
Nowadays artists and craftsmen have settled in colonial houses
as well as in former tenement houses.
At the weekends, Dorrego Square, where tango shows and valuable
antiques are offered, is a must visit.
|
Villa
Urquiza
Francisco Seeber, Mayor of Buenos Aires between
1889 and 1890 and former soldier who took part in the war
against Paraguay, founded this place.
Fairly big houses and neighbours comfortably sitting on the
sidewalk are some of the most notable features of this area.
Moreover, the commercial activity is particularly important
in this fast moving neighbourhood.
As for things to do in Villa Urquiza, you can chose between
going for a walk and enjoying of a pleasant evening out, or
simply go shopping by car.
One of the most popular spots is Echeverría Square,
the neighbourhood’s main square where many important
events have taken.
|
|
