My Buenos Aires

Guillermina Garcia

On the shores of the Rio de la Plata lies a city like no other. Filled with history and energy, Buenos Aires crowns itself as the capital of Argentina and the epicentre of millions of people’s lives. Nothing can quite be compared to the energy this city has and the amount of history that lies under its cobblestone streets. 
In the neighborhood of Puerto Madero, where skyscrapers rise along the city’s port, you’ll find an endless array of modern restaurants and shimmering lights. To cross along to the other side of the city, you’ll pass through the Puente de la Mujer, which offers breathtaking views of the city’s nightlife.

As you reach the Plaza de Mayo, the air will start to feel different, as if history were being kept within the building’s walls. A visit to the Cabildo will turn you into a time-traveller, glimpsing through 17th century Argentina, and, facing right ahead, you’ll find the Casa Rosada. Plaza de Mayo is, in many ways, a recollection of Argentina’s key historic moments. 

Ahead awaits the 9 de Julio Avenue, home to the famous Obelisco, where infinite celebrations and protests took place. Since it’s one of the entry and exit points of the city, never solitary nor empty, the 9 de Julio knows no rest. Along the Avenue, you’ll also find the famous Teatro Colón. The dome inside the main stage is a singular masterpiece, and the acoustics within the theatre are like no other. With no need for technology, you’ll find yourself feeling the music travelling almost inside of you. 

And, speaking of music, if what you desire is to lose yourself along narrow streets with a distant tango melody, San Telmo is the place to be. Filled with traditional restaurants, or bodegones, and historical cafes, San Telmo proves itself perfect for a Sunday stroll, especially if you wander through its famous culinary fair and market. 

The neighborhood of Palermo Soho, however, offers a more modern approach to the city’s culture. Independent designers, art galleries, vintage stores and an endless array of beer breweries, Palermo Soho offers a bustling nightlife, perfect for both families and groups of friends to enjoy. 
Buenos Aires was once known as the ‘Paris of Latin America’, and the neighborhood of Recoleta is the best example of this statement. Here, you’ll feel as if you were wandering around the French capital, the Haussmann-like buildings offering a truly Parisian ambiance. The building ‘El Ateneo’, which was once known as Buenos Aires’ oldest cinemas, houses one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Here, you’ll be able to lose yourself within dozens of shelves, or simply enjoy a warm cup of coffee while you admire the domed ceiling of this old theatre. 

After this demanding tour around the city, a breath of fresh air is most likely what you’ll be craving and, the right place to be, would be the Bosques de Palermo, a green lung within the city. A simple stroll around its many parks, or a walk around the Rosedal, will provide a much-needed rest. Grab your rollerskates or bicycle and join the porteños (as the city’s inhabitants are called) on their daily walks, while you enjoy a wonderful afternoon around our lakes and famous Planetarium. 

But we wouldn’t be able to talk about Buenos Aires without mentioning football. For those who seek out adrenaline, be sure not to miss the chance of attending a football match at the River or Boca stadium, a truly unique experience where the euphoric screams of thousands of people become one; you’ll see first-hand the energy that united us Argentinians into being rewarded with ‘The Best’ prize by none other than the FIFA after our victory in the World Cup. 

As you can see, Buenos Aires cannot be defined, a true rebel. It is, in a way, the perfect city, for there is something that will please everybody that has the chance to visit her. 

The local rock star Gustavo Cerati baptized her ‘la ciudad de la furia’ (‘the furious city'), and I cannot think of a better way of describing this wonderful capital.