Buenos Aires, Argentina

International interns and volunteers abroad in Buenos Aires will have an unforgettable stay, being surrounded by the unique charm of Buenos Aires while gaining practical real world experience.

Fast Facts

Population: 13 million (41 million in Argentina)

Climate: Temperate

Languages: Spanish

Religions: Roman Catholic

Country Capital: Buenos Aires

Time Zone: GMT -3

Currency: Argentine Peso

Fun fact: Buenos Aires has lots of ‘dog walkers’. Expect to see them being dragged around town by their canine clients - sometimes up to 20 dogs at a time!

Buenos Aires History and Culture

Long the favored destination of Spanish and Italian immigrants, Buenos Aires wears its European influence on its sleeve. Modern day porteños (Buenos Aires locals) share the sing song speech of their Italian cousins, and their habit of talking with their hands! Influential, even polarizing icons dot its rich cultural history; think famed politician Evita, revolutionary Che Guevara, soccer star Diego Maradona, writer Jorge Luis Borges, and tango legend Carlos Gardel. The city’s vibrant sporting culture offers both the aristocratic pastime of polo and the unbridled passion of local ‘futbol”. Of equal cultural importance is ‘carne’; remember Argentina has the world’s highest consumption rate of beef!

Argentina won independence from its colonizer Spain in the early nineteenth century. Growth and prosperity followed, thanks to the wheat-producing, cattle-bearing pampas (grasslands). In 1930 Argentina was the world’s fifth largest economy. However the 1970s and 1980s saw Argentina suffer under brutal dictatorship. In 2001, the Argentine economy collapsed, bringing widespread economic hardship and political instability - traces of which are still evident today, despite the growth and development of recent years.

Feel Buenos Aires' pulse

What's happening in Buenos Aires

Things to do

Polo Match

No visit to Buenos Aires is complete without seeing a polo match at the Campo Argentino de Polo en las Cañitas.
Escape the City

San Antonio de Areco

Just 1.5 hrs. outside the city you can stay at an Estancia (ranch) and experience gaucho culture and life in the Argentine countryside.
Local Favorites

Barrio Chino

More of a "China Street" than a Chinatown, Barrio Chino is an oasis of Asian flavors in restaurant after delicious restaurant.
Restaurants

Miranda

This chic Palermo favorite is as known for its diverse menu as its cool atmosphere.
Things to do

San Telmo Street Fair

Marvel at the antique seltzer bottles, jewelry, street performers, local artists and tango dancers at the San Telmo Market every Sunday afternoon.
Things to do

Corrientes Avenue

See a play in one of the dozens of theaters on the "Broadway of Buenos Aires." Afterwards grab a slice of pizza standing up at one of the classic pizzerías nearby.
Top Attractions

Florida Street

Indulge yourself with a stroll down this elegant historical pedestrian shopping street - enjoy street performers and beautiful malls - and don't miss the Galería Pacífico!
Top Attractions

Recoleta Cemetary

See where independence heroes, presidents, military leaders, scientists, artists and of course Evita, were laid to rest in these aristocratic and elegant surroundings.
Local Favorites

Recoleta

Enjoy a coffee at Alvear Hotel and wander around the Cemetery, Floralis Genérica statue, art museums, design galleries and parks.
Museums

National Museum of Decorative Arts

This palatial former home of one of Argentina's most influential families now houses a beautiful museum full of beautiful things!
Museums

MALBA

Well worth a visit to view the work of modern Latin American artists - Latin American Museum in Buenos Aires.
Top Attractions

Obelisco

Located on 9 de Julio avenue, the widest in the world, this is where Buenos Aires comes to celebrate sports victories, enjoy outdoor concerts, and take part in rallies.
Things to do

Teatro Colón

Newly reopened after renovations, this is rated one of the world's best concert venues, acoustically, in the world. A must for ballet and opera fans!
Escape the City

El Tigre

Escape the city for the more peaceful surroundings of El Tigre - take a boat tour, go kayaking, wander around the weekend market and just relax…
Top Attractions

Caminito

This brightly colored street is in the heart of La Boca district, birthplace of tango and first home to of many of Buenos Aires' immigrants.
Escape the City

Bosques de Palermo (Parque 3 de Febrero)

Home to the planetarium, zoo, Japanese and rose gardens, it's also a great spot to have a mate with your friends, rent a paddle boat or kick around a soccer ball.
Restaurants

La Cabrera

Everything you've heard about Argentinian steaks is true - and this well-known parilla doesn't disappoint!
Museums

National Museum of Fine Arts

The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes has simply the best collection of Argentine art anywhere - with international works exhibited as well.
Things to do

Confiteria Ideal

Watch a Milonga -- everyday porteños dancing tango -- or grab a partner and try to learn a few moves yourself at a tango class.
Top Attractions

Plaza de Mayo

Buenos Aires' oldest square, overlooked by Casa Rosada, Argentina's seat of government, is where the Madres de la Plaza de Mayo meet every Thursday to protest the disappearance of their children during the Dirty War.
Escape the City

Mataderos

Traditionally a hub for rural commerce, this barrio hosts a gaucho fair on Sundays featuring traditional food, song and dance, horse riding competitions and artisanal goods.
Escape the City

Colonia del Sarmiento

Take a quick ferry ride to Uruguay! Across the Rio de La Plata sits this historical town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Restaurants

Sarki's

With the best Middle Eastern food around and very reasonable prices, it's no wonder you have to arrive early to get a table!
Things to do

Hippodromo de Palermo

Get dressed up and mingle with the who's who of Argentina's horse world, or try your luck at the betting counter!
Restaurants

La Pascana

It's probably an impossible task to try to name the best empanadas or pizza in town, but if there were such a title, La Pasacana would be a top contender.
Museums

Evita Museum

If you're itching to understand the political and cultural icon that was Evita Peron...put this museum on your Buenos Aires to-do list!
Escape the City

Costanera Sur Ecological Park

Feel the need for green open spaces? Rent bikes or take a walk in this park - and breathe the fresh air!
Things to do

Ice Cream shops

Those in the know say Buenos Aires boasts the best ice cream in the world. Put them to the test at big chains like Freddo, Volta, Persicco and Chungo or your local heladería.
Top Attractions

Puente de La Mujer

Calatrava's inspiration for this magnificent bridge located right in the heart of Puerto Madero was a woman, though it's not always easy to see the connection…
Things to do

Soccer Match

Head to a game at La Bombonera Stadium in la Boca, where the fans are as entertaining to watch as events on the field!
Top Attractions

Café Tortoni

Be transported back to the cosmopolitan Buenos Aires of the mid-19th century here in the city's historical first café.
Local Favorites

Palermo Soho

Follow in the footsteps of Borges and enjoy the cafes, night life and newly trendy boutiques of this old Buenos Aires barrio.