Fading Beauty in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the large capital city of Argentina, which stretches over no less than 47 different districts, or barrios. The huge urban sprawl may dominate this modern cosmopolitan metropolis, but still it still houses the remnants of the city's beautiful past.

Its eclectic mix of old and new, modern and traditional, are as much on show in the variation of Buenos Aires hostels as in the vibrant and busy cobbled streets housing traditional restaurants, cafes and bars.

Street Life

As large as Buenos Aires is, it remains a very walkable city. In fact, a capricious stroll along its winding streets is one of the best ways a tourist can experience all of the city's hidden charms.

To rub shoulders with Argentina's infectiously confident, energetic and friendly locals, or porterios, tourists are best heading to the residential district of La Boca and San Telmo, where Argentine street life truly derives its reputation.

In La Boca, arts and craft fairs are packed with locals and tourists alike, while Tango dancers wind their way along the cobblestone streets as much for their own entertainment as for that of visitors'.

Conversely, San Telmo is a far more laidback affair, where avant-garde artists showcase their work to tourists. San Telmo is also an excellent nightspot, with no end of Tango clubs that spill out onto the city's streets during the warmer months.

Leafy Suburbs

Staying in a Buenos Aires hostel in the city centre offers tourists direct and immediate access to the throng of the local urbanites vibrant culture, while the suburbs allow tourists to sample some of Buenos Aires' other pleasantly laidback qualities.

The eastern promenade of Palermo is one such example, with its huge open green spaces and lake, where tourists can spend a day in a paddle boat. There is also an extensive flower garden, which showcases the city's more natural qualities.

By comparison, a relaxing day spent in the former Portuguese colony of Colonia del Sacrimento, considered by many as the 48th barrios of the city, it offers peaceful riverside beaches and another glimpse at traditional South American lifestyle.