Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentinia, is a sultry yet sophisticated city which mixes European glamour with Latin American energy. Palatial French and Italianate villas jostle with a vibrant street art scene in this diverse city. Home of steak and sumptuous dulche de leche ice cream, Buenos Aires is a feast for the senses. Come when the scented jacaranda trees are blooming or for the riotous carnival, for an extra special experience in the city. A highlight of package holidays in Buenos Aires is an evening spent at a pulse-racing dance school or tango show getting acquainted with the Argentinian national obsession. If Tango's not your thing, there are plenty of jazz and blues bars, plus late night clubs to keep you dancing until dawn. Buenos Aires is home to all that distinguishes Argentina in the imagination, Tango, football and lavish villas, not to mention world-class steak.
It couldn't be easier to book a flight and hotel in Buenos Aires. Flights from Dublin to Buenos Aires run regularly, as do flights from Cork to Buenos Aires. The Argentine Peso is the local currency and while Spanish is helpful if you are planning a weekend in Buenos Aires, you will find most locals also speak English. Connections between the city and its airport are uncomplicated. Argentina is four hours behind Britain (GMT-4), so jet lag is minimal.
March through to May and September as well as November are the most pleasant times of year to visit Buenos Aires, combining lower temperatures with reduced visitor numbers. An impressive time to visit however is while the jacaranda trees are in bloom, which is during October and November. January is an especially quiet time in the city, since locals almost universally go on holiday. The city is still busy with international visitors however. The streets take on a festive air on the Monday and Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday, during the city carnival.
Tango at La Catedral, an edgy warehouse where the city's coolest cats wear out their dancing shoes. Eclectic artworks, dramatic lighting and a comfortable ambiance all contribute to making this the beginners' favourite destination. Alternatively you can experience a game at La Bombonera Stadium. Football is integral to Argentinian culture and you are certain to be swept along by the locals' enthusiasm for the sport. You can also tour the stadium for insights into the history and culture of Argentina's beloved game.
Glide about on in-line skates at the Bosques de Palermo, a park adorned with picturesque gazebos. There is also a sublimely scented rose garden and the Garden of the Poets. The park was once the private playground of dictator Jual Manuel de Rosas but happily it has been thrown open to the public since his overthrow in 1852. Celebrate Argentina's independence from Spain in the Plaza de Mayo. A white pyramid at the centre is a mustering point for national pride and protest.
Amongst the city's varied attractions the following list contains many of the most popular: