Mi Querido, Mon Cher, My Beloved Buenos Aires

Mi Querido, Mon Cher, My Beloved Buenos Aires | Darling Magazine

From its metropolitan streets and epicenter of trade, politics, and business, to its quaint neighborhoods filled with Parisian architecture, cafes and cobblestone streets, to its vibrantly colored “caminitos” echoing accordion notes, tango twirls, and artisan flare—Buenos Aires is a city so full of diversity and life that it cannot be missed as a destination perfect for any so-desiring world traveler. This city, the heartbeat of Argentina, fits the niche of each Darling Persona, with something to offer for the world traveler in each of us.

Mi Querido, Mon Cher, My Beloved Buenos Aires | Darling Magazine

The Hostess
Wander to San Telmo on a Sunday afternoon, where you will find yourself surrounded by the oldest homes and churches in all of Buenos Aires. Find a local spot to enjoy lunch, with a menu you may not be able to translate, but with charm and presentation to be noted. Possibly brave a new plate, like traditional bife de chorizo con huevos or a delicious ensalada caprese. Enjoy the old men playing accordion on the front stoops, and the old women with a sparkle in their eyes standing in front of their chocolate shops. When you venture through the cobblestone streets, be sure to bring a canvas tote to carry treasures you’ll find at the antique shops and Sunday market. Put on your bargaining hat and haggle for a deal with a vendor selling victorian keys, vintage typewriters, jewelry from the 1920’s, worn in leather, and dusty glass trinkets just waiting to be brought back from their past and into the home of the modern day hostess.

Mi Querido, Mon Cher, My Beloved Buenos Aires | Darling Magazine

The Beautician
As they say Buenos Aires is the Paris of South America, many of the neighborhoods resemble that of la ville lumiere. Recoleta is just that, an elegant neighborhood with cafes and architecture much like the beautiful city of Paris. It’s no wonder that it was written in red lipstick on a postcard in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, “Buenos Aires, the best. Not Tiffany’s, but almost…” Abounding in charm, from the buildings to the lush parks to the extravagant cemetery, you could spend an entire day just enjoying the simple delights of this little neighborhood. Recoleta is also where you’ll find the most important art museums with grand galleries and where local street artists sell their works alongside ceramic and textile vendors at the Recoleta fair.

The Achiever
Centro, or downtown, is the place where political, administrative, cultural and economic activities of the country are carried on. Men in suits carrying Starbucks, women discussing government affairs, students gathering at restaurants and bookstores delving into the backbone of what this city is for the rest of Argentina.The achiever is sure to find her niche and plenty of inspiration when spending some time in el Centro. And then, venture to the heart of Argentina, to Plaza de Mayo, with the main square surrounded by the Cathedral, the old colonial Cabildo, the National Bank, and the Government House. La Casa Rosada, or the government house, is open to the public on weekends for tours, and holds a wealth of history within its walls.

Mi Querido, Mon Cher, My Beloved Buenos Aires | Darling Magazine

The Intellectual
Grab a book at “The bookstore to end all bookstores—at least in South America. [It] is the majestic and stunning El Ateneo on Avenida Santa Fe. Where else can you sit in a theater box and leisurely read a volume of Neruda, or sip a cortado where [most famous tango artist] Carlos Gardel once performed?” (Argetina’s Travel Guide). This theater turned bookstore is a must, whether you stop in for a quick peak or a day long literary session. And do follow up with a coffee at the famous Cafe Tortoni. Not only are cafes a way of life in Buenos Aires, but Tortoni is one of the most famous, as many writers, politicians, and other international patrons have spent endless hours since before the turn of the century, conversing over cerveza y cafe—impacting history books in this very spot.

Mi Querido, Mon Cher, My Beloved Buenos Aires | Darling Magazine

The Dreamer
Palermo Park, the greenest neighborhood of Buenos Aires, is the place where even non dreamer’s might spark a thought of fantasy. Much like a scene taken straight from a canvas of Monet, this park will take your breath away. One can visit the zoo, brush up against the soft petals in the Botanical Gardens, and dream of the stars at the Planetarium. Sit and people watch on a park bench, enjoy the dog walkers and rollerbladers pass by, row a boat around the still ponds, or bring a sketchbook. Just make sure you stay awhile.

Mi Querido, Mon Cher, My Beloved Buenos Aires | Darling Magazine

The Confidant
Visit Plaza San Martin, which around this plaza the most beautiful palaces and buildings were built. Porteños are very proud of this square. You should strike up conversation and ask one about it. Rest your traveling legs and sit and enjoy some one on one time with your traveling buddy in this park. Its a great stomping grounds to just sit and be. Write a postcard or letter of your travels to a friend back home while enjoying this historical spot.

Mi Querido, Mon Cher, My Beloved Buenos Aires | Darling Magazine

The Stylist
Calle Florida links Plaza San Martin and Plaza de Mayo with an endless strip of stores. From vibrant strappy sandals, to leather purses, to textiles with South American flavor, to shops much like H&M except priced in Pesos, this is the most famous street of Buenos Aires. Shop ’til you drop. You may even spot fashions unlike any you have seen. And with colors so bright and bold, you are sure to feel brave and empowered exploring in your new found South American style.

Mi Querido, Mon Cher, My Beloved Buenos Aires | Darling Magazine

The Explorer
Puerto Madero is the restored port, modern and metro, where the you can venture out to Uruguay on a ferry for a day’s worth of exploring. Or, stay on Argentinian soil, and meander over to the old port town of La Boca. Discover the little roads—caminitos—and find joy and color near this old port town. The place where the Riachulo flows into the Rio de Plata, this is the most picturesque of all of Buenos Aires. Bold red, yellow, blue, and green thoughtfully adorning the walls in geometric lines, curves, and shapes. Sculptures embodying Dia de los Muertos, statues with sunglasses, circus like storefront signs; all fantastical yet in a real town where people live, breathe, laugh, and love. The air freshly whirls around while the sounds of tango music, lively conversation at local cafes, and the mystery of what is behind the colorful walls of this old port town lingers. La Boca feels a bit of a mystery, perfect for the explorer to discover beneath the colorful paint.

Buenos Aires is sure to leave a mark on your traveling soul. Heartbeat of its country, Paris of South America, place to sing, “Don’t cry for me Argentina”—however you discover it, however you remember it—mon cher, mi querido, my beloved Buenos Aires, is worth exploring.

Lauren lives in Denver, CO where she can often be found navigating a tool box with her handy husband and delving into home design. She blogs at pearlspoppiespinkiesup.blogspot.com, and loves swimming, her spunky dog, scouring thrift stores, and frozen yogurt.

4 COMMENTS
  • Torsten January 9, 2014

    I recently got to spend a number of days in Buenos Aires. The city has a
    great vibe to it and I have listed the best spots to hang out and eat in
    my destination guide.

  • Elise Gruen May 15, 2013

    WOW !!
    Lauren you are quite the writer.
    I love your blog Pinkies PnP
    This article was fantastic. The pictures were
    Terrific .
    I really want to travel to Buenos Aires now!!
    Keep up the. Great articles and hope I can read
    More from you !!!! ????

  • Abby Jo May 9, 2013

    Thank you for your beautiful snapshot! I feel as though I was in each persona as I read your carefully crafted words. And the pictures to paint that perfect picture in my mind of what you were seeing. Thank you!

  • Lacy Ellman May 3, 2013

    I LOVE how you found something for each Darling Persona! It truly makes Buenos Aires seem enchanting. Hope to make it there someday!

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