Buenos Aires Through the Lens of a Porteña

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Vanesa Hart
Curated By

Vanesa Hart

  • City Travel

  • Food & Wine

  • Family Travel

  • Honeymoons

  • Luxury Travel

  • Buenos Aires

  • Local Culture

Advisor - Buenos Aires Through the Lens of a Porteña
Curator’s statement

Buenos Aires, I was born and raised in this vibrant city, defined by its warm, charismatic, and passionate locals who are famously welcoming while fiercely protective of their culture and heritage. I am lucky to return frequently, and while much of my visit centers around family and friends reunions, I always love to make time to explore my hometown, absorbing the rich cultural tapestry born from Latin America roots and strong European culture. Buenos Aires is a vast metropolis with many layers to discover, and it rewards those who take the time to explore beyond the main attractions. Its beauty lies in the every-day moments, and evening savoring a great Asado and enjoying a Tango show and taking time to talk to a local and I am sure you may leave Buenos Aires with a new friend and finding time for your next trip to this magical, chaotic city and visit a new destination in Argentina....

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Things to do in Buenos Aires

Bar Atias, San Telmo

Sunday morning at San Telmo, starting with a coffee with medialunas with dulce de leche. Then walk the old Market before it gets to busy and get lost in the cobblestone streets and the antique market on the square, Great for Tango in the streets, shopping and visiting some of the oldest churches, one of them San Pedro Telmo. , Teatro Colon if you are lucky, go see a show or take a tour to see this beautiful Opera houses one of the best five in the world. It is a must-see landmark. El Ateneo, a beautiful bookstore. It used to be a very famous theater in 1919. I am sure you will find a great book to bring home. Go see a Boca -River game or a Polo match. Palacio Barolo and an a Drink in the rooftop with great views of Avenida de Mayo and the Congress.

Places to eat & drink in Buenos Aires

Best medialunas with dulce de leche

  • Don Julio: An old parrilla where simplicity is key: steak, as you want it, with fries, with salad. Let the beef—and this very Argentine experience—lead you. Some say it is the best one in the world. I have been in Don Julio for decades and the food and atmosphere is always great. A must if it’s your first time in Buenos Aires.

  • Mishiguene: One of my favorites since it opened. A fine restaurant specializing in modern Israeli cuisine. The vibe is lively and energetic in a classic modern place.

  • Crizia: This spot is in Palermo Hollywood. Fantastic seafood, service, and creativity. A great place if want a night with no steaks.

  • La Rosa Negra: It is an upscale restaurant in a northern suburb of Buenos Aires and a favorite for locals like me since it opened. Great food and good for groups and late conversations with friends drinking a great Malbec.

  • Gardiner: An elegant and modern restaurant and a classic place for lunch with waterfront views and terrace. If you go at night, I would go late and have a late drink at Tequila next door.

  • Casa Cavia: This spot is in Palermo Chico, inside an old Belle Epoque mansion. I love stopping by for a mid-morning coffee or brunch before visiting the Malba Museum or an afternoon of shopping.

  • Fervor: This is hands down the best “mollejas” in Buenos Aires. A favorite of my family if we are downtown.

Need to know

  • Best time to go is from September to May.

  • We eat four meals and we include a tea time around 5 p.m. and we eat a tostado o alfajor or sandwich de miga, so we we can make it to dinner around 9 p.m. Weekends could be later.

  • Mate drink is a social ritual, and many Argentines drink it all day long.

  • Bring cash. It is always good to have it.

  • Portenos are very elegant and chic. Make sure you bring a big bag for some Malbecs, alfajores, and leather shopping.

  • If you have specific interests or want more info, please reach out to me for more tailored suggestions we may even have a coffee in Buenos Aires. “ Bienvenidos a Buenos Aires” and I hope you fall in love like I do every time I go.

Vanesa Hart

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Vanesa Hart

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