Festival

Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente (BAFICI)

The independent film festival in Buenos Aires is held every April and showcases local and international talent. It is an excellent place to find out about up and coming directors, producers and films, as well as being the perfect weather! It is definitely the most prestigious independent film event in Latin America, with over 184 thousand visitors every year. The website, conveniently in English has more information:

City guide

Overview & visitor information

Festival Internacional de Cine Independiente (BAFICI)

Web Site: http://www.bafici.gov.ar/home/web/en/index.html

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Fiesta de las Murgas

Activity

With its own unique flavor, the Mardi Gras festival is different in Buenos Aires than in anywhere else. The carnival runs for a whole month, with dancing, music and street stalls every weekend. Not to be missed, this festival shows the city with its hair down.

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Buenos Aires Fashion Week

Activity

Normally held in the last week of February, and again in August for the summer collections, Fashion Week showcases the newest fashions from the style-capitals of the world. The event runs for three days at the Buenos Aires Fairgrounds, with a nominal entry fee payable for the whole show. The website has all the information in Spanish.

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Feria del Libro

Activity

one of the largest book festivals in the world, this is the place to go for hearing authors from all over the world and finding old treasures. It is normally held between April and May for about 2 weeks. There is also an attached children’s book fair.

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Arte Buenos Aires

Activity

A contemporary art fair, Arte BA is celebrated in the La Rural Exhibition Centre between the 11th and 18th of May, with the participation of national and international art galleries, institutions and organizations. It is a fairly large collection of Art on display and there is sure to be something for everyone’s taste. There are also discussion sessions throughout the duration of the festival.

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Buenos Aires Querible

Activity

This charming celebration of the city of Buenos Aires is held in mid July every year. Each neighbourhood is covered with decorations and festivities specific to that area and spirits are high. A good festival for the first time visitor to find out about the culture of Buenos Aires. The website has information in Spanish.

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Exposicion Rural

Activity

This is a festival for the appreciation of the indigenous peoples and rural-dwellers of Argentina. The cowboys that live in the far south (called Gauchos) and ranch-dwellers (estancia) and their culture is celebrated. The website has information in Spanish.

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Teatro Colòn Opera

Activity

The Buenos Aires Opera House, called ‘Teatro Colòn’ (lit Columbus Theatre) has a week in September where Operas are performed and guided tours are run of the historic premises.

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The World Tango Festival

Activity

If you are in Argentina at this time, it would be almost a tragedy to miss this! Many events are organized in the city, mostly concentrated around the San Telmo Tango region. The price of registration is a bit steep, but if you’re willing to splurge for some exciting nights of dancing, this is the festival for you. The website has information in English.

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International Performing Arts Festival (FIBA)

Activity

Every two years, FIBA transforms Buenos Aires into a giant theatre with performing arts shows wherever you look. It has been running since 1997 and has shows to cater to all tastes. Most of the performances are in Spanish but a few non language specific shows are also done. Tickets are normally bought per performance.

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The Argentine Open Polo Championships

Activity

Take place in Buenos Aires late November or early December. The rich, or atleast rich-looking socialites mingle with British royalty and a very classy feel is present. The National Polo Association can be telephoned for further information 4343 0972

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What to do with Children in Tow

Activity

Although it may not seem that way at first, Buenos Aires is an extremely safe and child friendly city. There are many child-friendly eateries and lots of parks to explore. Porteños adore children; you are bound to get into some interesting conversations with the locals that never would have happened if not for your little ones. Keeping the kids busy for hours will not be difficult in Buenos Aires. A few suggestions for what you can do when travelling with the family:

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The famous Recoleta Cemetery

Cemetery

The famous Recoleta Cemetery is well worth a visit as it is the resting place of many Argentinian celebrities. It is open daily from 8am-6pm and you may even be able to catch one of the guided tours. Telephone: 4804 7040 Website: www.cementeriorecoleta.com.ar

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Recoleta

road

It is the unofficial ‘centre’ of the city as it holds the Plaza de Mayo, the main square in Buenos Aires. This barrio also has some beautiful French style buildings and is one of the most expensive areas to live. The square is surrounded by the key commercial and shopping areas in Buenos Aires and contains a beautiful park with fountains and statues. The Casa Rosada, the Presidential palace is on one side of it, where many a revolution has begun. There is an attached museum that offers free guided tours and an interesting journey through Buenos Aires’ political history Telephone: 4344 3844 Website: http://www.museo.gov.ar/default.asp Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am-6pm, Sundays 2pm-6pm

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The Cabildo

Building

The Cabildo, situated opposite the Casa Rosada is the only surviving government building from colonial times so is worth the exploration, especially if you have an interest in architecture.

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The Reserva Ecológica Costanera

Garden

The Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur nearby, is a picturesque garden, and an excellent alternative, particularly for nature lovers.

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Puerto Madero

Port

Similar in feel to the London docklands, Puerto Madero has a ghostly beauty to it. The antique port of Buenos Aires has been renewed however and now represents the latest architectural and entertainment trends of the city. The old red-brick warehouses now contain galleries, bars and restaurants (ranging from high end eateries to Franchises such as Hooters and TGIF). Old docking cranes and ships sit silently on either side of the dock, and the beautiful bridge 'Puente de la Mujer' (Bridge of the Woman) stands tall across the water. The newly opened Puerto Madero tramway now services the area and there are many high risers being built in the surrounds, which is a testament to the refurbishments happening.

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The San Telmo district

Town

The San Telmo district is a must-visit as it preserves the old Spanish style architecture and streets. The roads tend to be paved with cobblestones, lending a quaint and romantic feel to the area. You seem to be within a little slice of historic Europe. It is however, a very touristy area and don’t be surprised of you are offered ‘authentic’ Argentinian items for sale at sky high prices. There are markets held on the Plaza Dorrego every Sunday, be sure to catch them if you’re in the area, they have a great community feel.

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The Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art

Museum

The Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art is worth a visit while you are here. It boasts a large collection of art and is situated on the main street of San Telmo: 350 San Juan Avenue. Entry is free.

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The Palermo Gardens (Bosques de Palermo)

Garden

The

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Planetario de Galileo Galilei

Building

Planetario de Galileo Galilei is a beautiful building that could give you an exciting evening’s outing. There are plays and educational shows that take place there as well as the opportunity to gaze into the inky blackness above through an obscenely large telescope. Shows are normally around ARS10, general admittance is free. The Planetarium is open between 10:00am and 4:00pm Weekdays.

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La Bourgogne

This classy restaurant is part of the Alvear Palace hotel and is one of the best in Buenos Aires. A French chef presides over the kitchen with skill and aplomb and there is a wide selection of dishes on offer. You can also try the excellent grilled meat on the rotisserie.

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Primafila

This is a nice place to take your partner for some good food and classy enjoyment. The thin crust pizzas are famously excellent since they are baked in a brick-oven. They also serve many other dishes including seafood, salads and pasta. Cuisine: Italian Address: Av. Puyerredon 2501 Telephone: 4804 0055

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Cabaña Las Lilas

An extremely upscale but proportionately (if surprisingly) comfortable place to eat. The specialty here is the steak and it’s not without reason that it is reputedly the ‘best place in Buenos Aires to eat steak’. The steaks are enormous, succulent, and must be tasted to be believed. They also have an extensive list of Argentine and international wines.

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Bar 6

A complete restaurant offering the highest quality meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the late hours, it is also a cocktail bar. The atmosphere is comfortable and the wait staff is quiet and efficient; this is the place to while away a whole day.

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El Farol

Go here to get the flavor of what a typical porteño likes to eat. There are large portions, lots of meat and some Spanish and Italian influences thrown in. The taste and quality of the food in El Farol is always superb and the staff tends to be jovial and talkative.

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Artemisia

If you are getting tired of all the meat on offer, don’t fret as there are some carefully hidden vegetarian places in Buenos Aires too! In the Palermo Viejo district, this little haven of home-cooked food is relief to find. Simple dishes, organic ingredients and polite and attentive waitstaff make this restaurant always a pleasure to eat at.

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Bo Bo

This is part of the Bo Bo hotel and a warm, inviting place to go for a relaxed dinner or lunch. Some Argentinian dishes are on offer, as well as some middle-eastern delights. Food is well prepared and delicious.

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La Pharmacie

Renovated from an old pharmacy, this restaurant is just the right combination of perfect atmosphere and perfect food. They prepare an excellent pizza but the vibe is such that you feel able to drop in anytime for a coffee or a glass of wine. They also have salad and pasta dishes available and outdoor seating. Cuisine: Pizzaria Address: Charcas 3494 (@ Vidt) Telephone: 4823 0861

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La Vieja Rotisería

La Vieja Rotisería is the best place for cheap authentic Argentinian meat. The parilla café is very popular so be prepared to wade between the ranks of hungry porteños at lunchtime. Cuisine: Argentinian Address: Defensa 963, San Telmo Telephone: 4362 5660

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Al paso Restaurants

When you are exploring the city, you’ll realize there are many al paso (walk through) restaurants where your meal is meant to be eaten quick, standing up or at a bar. This is good if you are travelling on your own and are more interested in Buenos Aires experiences other than food. There are a few meal options: hot-dogs (panchos), are quick and familiar, beef sausages (chorizos, or its sandwich version choripán), delicious but take a little getting used to, the humble pizzas, or milanesas (breaded fried cutlets) for the adventurous.