10 interesting facts you should know about Buenos Aires

Traveling to Buenos Aires or did you already visit the capital city of Argentina? Maybe you knew some interesting facts about Buenos Aires. But either way, some topics to talk about at the dinner table or during a date in the Paris of South America.

Read also: 8 mistakes tourists make in Buenos Aires

1. Psychologists everywhere

Argentina has the most therapist per capita. A calculation made in 2012, Argentina has 202 psychologists per 100.000 inhabitants. There is no taboo in Buenos Aires by going to a therapist.

2. Free healthcare

Argentina’s public hospitals are free for everyone. Also for illegal immigrants or tourists. At the end of your stay, you will not receive any bills. Argentina has two kinds of hospitals: public and private. Not nessaceraly that one is better than the other.

3. Almost no breakfast

Most of the Argentines don’t take breakfast. In the morning they mostly take a cup of coffee or yerba maté with a small pastry. The standard breakfasts in a local hotel are not more than coffee and a variety of pastries. Search for the option “continental breakfast” if you want something more.

4. Same-sex marriage

Argentina was the first country in South America that legalized same-sex marriage. Buenos Aires is also known for its LGBTQI+ going out scene. The letter X is legalized as non-binary on the identity card.

5. The right to study

All public schools are free for everybody because studying is a right following the law. That’s why the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) is free. You don’t need to take an exam to start.

6. Small talk

Nothing better to talk and complain about football in Argentina. The perfect small talk to start with an Argentine. It will definitely create a connection immediately. But don’t forget(!) no politics, please.

7. Everybody tango

Maybe one of the most interesting facts about Buenos Aires is that only a minority of the porteños are practicing tango. Almost nobody that I know of my friends or colleagues is dancing the tango. The best tango performances are often just on the street. For example Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo or go and watch one of the best tango shows in Buenos Aires.

8. The ego of Argentines

Every met an Argentine? They are pretty confident about themself. A famous joke: “How does an Argentine commit suicide? He climbs on top of his ego and throws himself off”

9. Little supermarkets

Almost on every street in Buenos Aires city, you will find a little supermarket. From a small “kiosko” where you just buy drinks and candies to a bigger supermarket located in an old garage. Residents of Buenos Aires do like to shop at their local grocery stores instead of going to a hypermarket.

10. Increase your travel budget

You can almost increase your travel budget in Argentina up to 50% if you exchange your money at the right place. You will find “casas de cambios” on many streets but sometimes it’s better if you go to Calle Florida. A good tip to read.  For the USD100 you can get sometimes 50% more Argentine pesos.