I am as guilty as the next bored college student of spending hours on upon hours scrolling through every Buzzfeed article about life, love, travel, and culture. As mind-numbing as this can be, I do believe that Buzzfeed tapped into our generation's lack of attention span with short articles, lists, and endless filtered pictures.
I have decided to make my own Buzzfeed list of six of my favorite things to do, see, or eat in Buenos Aires.
- Parque Tres de Febrero (Avenida Libertador y Sarmineto)- One of the largest, if not the largest, park systems in the city, Tres de Febrero has everything you could ever want in a park: paddle boats, canoes, roller blading, biking, ducks, free exercise classes, and even a Starbucks. I recommend grabbing a couple friends to hang out at Parque Tres for a couple of hours to chat, study, and of course, drink mate tea.
Parque Tres de Febreero is also known as Bosques de Palermo. - La Empanaderia- Every hard-working person studying abroad in Buenos Aires needs to start off their day with a complete breakfast, right? Wrong. Portenos are not keen on hearty breakfasts, rather coffee with some kind of pastry and fruit. I suggest stopping by La Empanaderia (on Calle Ayacucho 1221) for 3 peso medialunas and 7 peso café con leche. This place is also a great choice for some of the cheapest (6 pesos) and most delicious empanadas I have had in the city.
Empanadas are a study abroad students dream:cheap, delicious, and filling. I do not know how I will survive home without them. - MALBA: Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (Alcorta 3415)- MALBA is one of the best art museums I have ever been to. Modern in its architecture and exhibits, this museum boasts invigorating and modern art pieces that people of all expertise can enjoy.
MALBA is a great museum for those who truly enjoy critiquing modern art and also for those who just want hipster Instagram post. - Avenida 9 de Julio- I am often reminded by any and every Porteno that this avenue is the widest in the world. While it may just look like a jungle of cars and buses, I have found that 9 de Julio is a great spot for an adrenaline rush. Starting from one side of the road trying to run across every lane of traffic, across the entire avenue by the time that the walking icon disappears. It may sound naïve now, but trust me, the stares you will receive are nothing compared to the sense of accomplishment you will feel when you reach the other side of the street.
- Reserva Ecologica (Puerto Madero)- If you are looking for a retreat from the sights, and smells might I add, of city life I would recommend visiting the Ecological Reserve. This open space along the Rio Plata has plenty of space for walking, playing soccer, tanning, or renting a bike to ride through the reserve. Also, some of the best choripan (chorizo sandwich) can be found in the food trucks just outside of the reserve.
Choripan, another Argentine delicacy, is best enjoyed on a sunny day, at a park, listening to live music. The view of the Rio Plata from one of the many trails inside of the ecological reserve. -
Bomba de Tiempo (Sarmiento 3151)- Bomba de Tiempo is a drum show that is loved by locals and tourists alike. Every Monday hundreds gather to dance, drink, and awe at the musical talents of this group. Bomba is better and most likely cheaper than any other concert or show in the city. No one regrets going to Bomba.
Maggie Luehrs is the Fall 2014 CEA MOJO in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is currently a junior at Colorado State University.