Picture this:
You are cruising throughout the South Atlantic on your favorite cruise line. You have a scheduled docking at the port in Buenos Aires, Argentina. You have 12 hours to savor outstanding cuisine, immerse in authentic cultural experiences, share your time with the locals, and take in eclectic European architecture. Where do you go and what do you do?
This is the scenario our Personal Vacation Managers® have considered to help you create the most memorable experience in Argentina’s capital. If you’re spending 12 hours in Buenos Aires, then these are the places and attractions you’ll want to experience!
Café Tortoni
Founded in 1858, Café Tortoni remains a regular meeting place for the artists of the age. It continues to cater to famous personalities, such as Carlos Gardel, one of Argentina’s famous tango dancers, but has also become a favorite for visitors around the world. Start your day with a traditional café con leche and freshly baked croissant, then make your way over to our next destination.
Recoleta Cemetery
Pay your respects to the dearly departed at Argentina’s most famous cemetery. This is the resting place for some of the most influential characters in Argentina’s history, such as First Lady Eva Perón, a champion of women’s suffrage during the 20th century and wife of President Juan Perón. It is customary to visit Lady Eva Perón’s tomb, so we recommend picking up a bouquet along your walk to leave alongside the other tributes. After winding through Recoleta Cemetery’s dazzling labyrinth of grand mausoleums and petting a few friendly stray cats along the way, there’s only one logical place to go next.
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
The Museum of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires is among the most renowned cultural centers in the world. Masterful works of art created by the hands of Van Gogh, Degas, Monet, Picasso, and more decorate the halls. The collection of paintings, tapestries, carvings, and rotating exhibits featured in Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes are proof of Argentina’s artistic influence throughout all of South America and a must-see for tourists around the world. Once you’ve taken in enough culture, it may be time to head to our next destination for a breath of fresh air.
Tigre
Purchase a bus ticket for less than $0.50 and take a ride down the beaten path. Tigre is about an hour’s drive from the city center to a colorful delta rich with outdoor activities and waterside dining. There are also artists’ markets on the main dock, a park, and a few museums. On Sundays, Tigre hosts Puerto de Frutos, a large market with crafts, local foods, and handcrafted furniture. By now, you’ve worked up an appetite…Don’t worry, we have a recommendation for that, too!
Cabana Las Lilas
Beef and the act of gathering for a barbecue, known as an “asado,” is a major part of Argentinian culture. If you want to experience the best of the best when it comes to asado, then Cabana Las Lilas is the steakhouse for you. With a 4.5-star rating and over 11,000 reviews on TripAdvisor, it’s hard to say no to this Argentinian staple. Before you make your reservation, familiarize yourself with these three phrases:
- “bife de lomo” which means “tenderloin”
- “ojo de bife” which means “ribeye”
- “Jiguso” which means “medium rare”
After savoring beef and red wine at Cabana Las Lilas, it’s time to join the locals at the music venues and dance off your meal.
Rojo Tango
Our Personal Vacation Managers love this intimate tango experience. The Rojo Tango show at the Faena is a premiere showcase of Argentina’s cultural heritage. Find a booth in this classy venue and spend the night savoring Argentinian red wines and watching elegant tango dancers with moves that will whisk you back to Argentina’s turn of the century golden age.
If these experiences pique your interest, and you want a more immersive trip, check out our Enrichment Journeys to Argentina, equipped with Airfare, Hotels, Guided Tours, Transfers and much more!
Conclusion
If you follow these tips during your cruise to Buenos Aires, then you’re bound to have a great time! Check out these sailing dates to plan your next cruise vacation, or contact our Personal Vacation Managers® for assistance in planning your next visit to South America.
