Things to do in Virreyes

The Obelisco stands tall in the center of Buenos Aires. It is perhaps the city’s most recognizable icon. The large stone pillar surrounded by lights and electric screens draws comparisons with New York’s Times Square. The column itself resembles the Washington Monument.

Known for its glitz and glamour, Palermo is also one of the most attractive neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Boutiques, restaurants and cafés are housed in quaint buildings along tree-lined streets and cobblestone alleyways.

La Recoleta is famous for being the final resting place of Buenos Aires’ wealthiest and most recognized figures. The paved streets of this mini city are lined with towering mausoleums, statues, and row upon row of tombs. Atmospheric and somewhat eerie, the cemetery is one of ‘the city’s most visited tourist attractions. It is also known for its range of architecture, with examples of art deco, neo-Gothic and baroque styles.

Surrounded by historical monuments and the site of political demonstrations and national celebrations, Plaza de Mayo reflects the interesting history of Buenos Aires and Argentina. It was mapped out in 1580 by Juan de Garay during the foundation of the city. Today the square is widely considered to be the most important in Argentina.

Florida Street is the most prominent shopping boulevard in the city. It is a traffic-free zone full of many different types of stores. Travelers often visit the street to pick up souvenirs of their trip. Find many leather shops, vendors and street performers. You can usually pay in dollars here to get a better rate than the official peso. With the street’s central location and eclectic range of shops, it has become a principal destination for Buenos Aires visitors.

The pink façade and palace-like architecture of the Casa Rosada (Pink House) make it one of Argentina’s most recognizable and photographed buildings. The nation’s equivalent of the White House, the casa has been the home of the presidential offices since the 1860s. Walk in the footsteps of Argentina’s presidents and learn about the country’s political history.

La Bombonera (the Chocolate Box) is the stadium of one of the most illustrious soccer clubs in South America, the Boca Juniors. The stadium takes its name from its unusual design; it has one flat side with the rest of the stadium arched around it. The grounds have a seating capacity of 49,000 and have also hosted music concerts over the years. Look for the museum, VIP boxes and paintings as you tour the inside.

The Teatro Colón is a major Buenos Aires landmark and a world-renowned venue for opera and ballet. It is also the home of the Buenos Aires Philharmonic Orchestra and hosts classical music concerts. Opened in 1908 with a performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida, the theater has since welcomed some of the biggest names in opera and ballet, including Feodor Chaliapin, Igor Stravinsky and Luciano Pavarotti.

San Martin Square, in central Buenos Aires, is a tranquil refuge with large patches of grass, old trees and wide paths. On one side of the park are elegant buildings. Florida Street, a popular shopping strip, begins at the other entrance. The square is home to a tall 19th-century monument of a former military general and a memorial of the Falklands War. These are among the most recognizable sites in the city.