Discover the Top 3 Must-Visit Attractions in Buenos Aires, Argentina South America
Everyone’s preferences are unique, and the list of top attractions in each person’s heart is likely just as diverse. When I travel, I’m drawn to places that allow me to soak up the local atmosphere. If you share a similar travel philosophy, you might find these recommendations appealing.
[One] University of Buenos Aires
Whenever I explore a new city, visiting its universities is always a must. I believe that a university captures the very essence and spirit of a place.
The University of Buenos Aires was no exception. My visit coincided with graduation season, and the area around the law school was buzzing with energy. The Latin American graduates were celebrating like champions, spraying champagne, setting off fireworks, and dancing joyfully with their families and friends. Even the chilly July air in the Southern Hemisphere couldn’t dampen their exuberance.
A young man struck up a conversation with me, curious about my perspective (as an Asian) on Argentina’s ongoing economic struggles. He lamented, “I really don’t understand how we ended up in this situation. We have agriculture, minerals, tourism, and abundant beef and leather. Why are we in such a state?” His voice trembled with emotion, and he even shed a few tears.
In the same campus square, there was a striking contrast: carefree graduates reveling in their success and passionate young people deeply concerned about their country’s future. The University of Buenos Aires provided a vivid glimpse into the heart of the city.
[Two] San Telmo
San Telmo is one of the oldest and best-preserved neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, known for its colonial architecture and rich traditions of tango and vibrant markets.
Every Sunday, the streets come alive with hundreds of stalls selling handmade crafts and antiques. While I’m not much of a shopper, I found myself spending a lot of my pocket change on tips for the street performers. The tango dancers, acrobats, and musicians put on such captivating shows that I couldn’t help but be drawn in.
It’s rare to see such a bustling scene in South America. Trust me, it’s a sight to behold.
[Three] Chinatown
Years ago, I visited a Chinatown in California, which felt rather quiet, with most visitors being local Chinese or tourists from China.
Chinatown in Buenos Aires, however, is a completely different experience! I initially came here craving some spicy hot pot, but what I found was a lively and vibrant neighborhood.
Despite its name, Chinatown in Buenos Aires has a distinctly Latin American flair, with only a few Chinese supermarkets and restaurants. After doing some research, I learned that the majority of residents are actually of European descent, adding to the unique character of the area.
Chinatown is a vibrant hub of acrobatic performances, where enthusiastic crowds clap and cheer, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The area is brimming with a delightful array of snack shops, bubble tea parlors, dessert boutiques, and gift stores. Argentinians have a particular fondness for Chinese cuisine, as evidenced by the long lines snaking out of every skewer shop.
Even the egg waffle ice cream, which I had grown weary of back in China, is treated like a precious gem here—first, everyone takes turns snapping photos, and then they share it among friends, savoring the different flavors. In my travels through South America, the only queue that rivaled the one at the Chinese supermarket in Buenos Aires’ Chinatown was the line for Machu Picchu in Peru.
Due to the overwhelming number of people, the supermarket even had to implement crowd control measures [facepalm][facepalm].
Please be mindful that some products may be past their expiration dates, so always check the labels.
