Buenos Aires, a city with almost 3 million inhabitants and also called by the name “Paris of Latin America”. The city has a lot to give and show. Wonderful places, exciting nightlife, and delicious meat. But there are 5 things you need to know before visiting Buenos Aires. We did our homework for you.
Read also: the best things to do in Buenos Aires
1. Be prepared for going out late
Dinner around 6 p.m.? No way! Get used to eating around 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. Restaurants are empty before 9 p.m. Do you see people going to a restaurant around 6 p.m.? Then they are probably tourists. Look around for restaurants around dinner time and you will see Argentinians showing up in the best local restaurants and bars. Enjoy the coziness and experience the Argentinian social life.
2. We can’t get enough of food
Argentina is the place to be for meat lovers. Be overwhelmed by asado! Asado is a combination of meat slowly cooked on a carbon fire. This contains different kinds of meat including some other body parts of the cow. It’s absolutely delicious!
3. The car is king
The car is the king of the road! Cars, cars, cars. In the capital city, drivers are not so polite against pedestrians or bikers. Watch out when you cross a street, even when the pedestrian light is green. Are you thinking to have a bike ride? Don’t expect the bike infrastructure as in the Netherlands. But have eyes everywhere and go with the flow.
4. Say yes to wine
Argentina has one of the best wine cultures in the world. The region around Mendoza is very popular for it. In the restaurant, you will definitely get an extensive wine list and you will not know what to choose :). Try some red wine with your delicious steake. An absolute must. Psst… and let the beer for what it is.
5. Have some cash with you
When we mentioned in a previous article that stores have to accept credit/debit card payments by law, but not every store is happy with it. Also when a store accepts card payments, it’s common that they will make a difference between paying cash or with a card. They will put two prices on the price tag. One in cash (cheaper) and one for card payments. Check our article “where to change your dollars or euro into Argentinian peso”.
One more thing:
Check also our other articles that offer more information about your stay in Buenos Aires.
>> Where to change your dollars and euro in Buenos Aires
>> Is Buenos Aires safe for tourists?
>> How to get or go to the international airport of Buenos Aires?
4 Comments
Hi Glenn, your insights are really useful. We are planning our first visit to BA and have 6 nights there. We are going to spend a day in Iguazu but are wondering whether we should venture another day to Montevideo or just stay in BA? Have you got some advice on this for us, please? Than you so much!
Hi Maria, I think it’s a great idea. 6 nights in BA are enough for a day trip outside BA. Other nice location is Colonia del Sacramento. There are flights from BA to Montevideo and also 2 ferries per day.
Thx was indeed very useful.
Indeed good to know. We are visiting Buenos Aires in a few weeks. Thanks for the tips.