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Buenos Aires Rama Tours and Rama Food for IPhones
(Photo by reflectification)
Rama Tours is an iPhone app for travelers offering different city tours prepared by enthusiasts and connoisseurs. In 2010 the BBC picked it as one of the leading iPhone travel apps.
The tour on offer for Buenos Aires by Kate Stanworth is called ¨Heart of Buenos Aires¨ and is a great introduction to the city’s political and historical quarter centered arround Av.de Mayo.
Recently Rama also launched city food tours, and of course Buenos Aires had to be featured!
For breakfast and pastry lovers, Frank Almeida from Sugar&Spice (responsible for the delicious cookies at Fierro’s mini-bars) went on the quest for the best medialunas in town.
Dan Perlman from renowned closed door restaurant Casa Saltshaker was in charge of the San Telmo and Recoleta food tours featured in the app.
Finally Maria Carrá from BA Foodies prepared a tour of 5 recommended Palermo bars that due to their character have withstood the test of time as some of the neighborhood’s hottest go-to places.
The application, available from iTunes here, is a perfect way for gadget enthusiasts and people stopping for a short visit to get an overview of the city.
This Weekend: Buenos Aires Celebra
(Photo by Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires)
Buenos Aires Celebra is a program of cultural festivities aimed at sharing the different cultural influences that the city has due to its unique migratory history.
This weekend two colorful international communities will be celebrated on Av. de Mayo and Bolivar in the historical Monserrat neighborhood.
On Saturday, starting at midday, there will be a Greek feast where there will be food stands, dances, artisanal objects, and typical products from the Mediterranean country.
On Sunday, festivities will be centered on the Calabria people from Italy, as it is Calabria immigrant day. Typical dances and traditions will be on display as well as a variety of food stands where conserves and native dishes can be sampled.
Top 5 Happy Hours in BA
Doppelganger: This trendy San Telmo bar specializes in cocktails made from top quality spirits and liqueurs placing an emphasis on gins and vodkas. Their happy hour menu consists of 30 different drinks to choose from, their 2*1 promo allows customers to pick two different cocktails from the list! Happy Hour: Tue-Fri 7pm-9pm. Av. Juan de Garay 500, San Telmo. 4300-0201
Gran Bar Danzón: This trendy lounge bar offers a wonderful variety of wines and is usually full of people vouching for its quality and great atmosphere. Their wine happy hours, Mon-Fri from 7pm-9pm and Sat-Sun from 8pm-10pm present exciting new wines in the market and are a great way to try something new. Libertad 1161, Downtown. 4811-1108.
Hernán Gipponi: Fierro Hotel’s ground floor restaurant has recently incorporated a happy hour on Tuesdays through Saturdays from 6pm-8pm featuring Argentine inspired drinks (35 pesos x 2) and a savory selection of tapas (happy hour menu here). An added plus is the lovely garden where guests can sit in to enjoy cocktails and snacks. Soler 5862, Palermo Hollywood. 3220-6800. info@hgrestaurant.com.ar.
Le Bar: Set in an old downtown building, reminiscent of the cities golden years, and yet with a vibrant modern design, this four floor restaurant-bar with a terrace has become one of the city’s top places to go to. Their happy hour is held on weekdays from 6pm-10pm, and brings in a lot of nearby office-ers, and their special Thursday happy hour that runs on to 12pm is perfect for pre-party drinking. Tucuman 422, Downtown. 5219-0858. Open Mon-Sat from midday-2am.
Gibraltar: This popular English pub in the San Telmo area has great draught beer, delicious curries, and a friendly laid back atmosphere, important assets for a good happy hour. Their happy hour runs every day from 6pm-10pm and if you wish to stay on, the bar remains open well into the dawn. Peru 895, San Telmo. 4632-5310. Opening Hours: 6pm-4am.
Buenos Aires Parks
Despite being a bustling city, Buenos Aires is surrounded by green and its many stunning parks, with important architectural landmarks, are popular amongst locals and tourists alike. Below we prepared a list of some of the most important parks in Buenos Aires.
Plaza San Martin: Retiro is one of the city’s focal points and the gorgeous Plaza San Martín clearly reminds any visitor or passer by of the importance of this neighborhood. The stately park, in front of the Torre Monumental, holds the Jose de San Martin monument and the Monumeno a los Caidos de Malvinas. It is also chock full of lush Ombu, Linden and Floss Silk trees, and is surrounded by important buildings with stunning architecture.
(Photo by sapiamaia)
Parque 3 de Feberero: The lush extensive parks that were inaugurated in 1852 by caudillo Juan Manuel de Rosas are a city emblem. Between Av. Libertador and Lugones, and extending from Av. Casares in Palermo to La Pampa in Belgrano, this group of parks is composed of 25 hectares made up of 15 public parks and 21 private sport clubs. Some of the highlights for those getting to know the city include the “Rosedal”, an extensive rose garden with an Andalusian patio and a small lake to pedal boat in, the Sivori museum of art, the planetarium and the Japanese gardens which host a variety of activities related to Japanese culture.
(Photo by Luis Araujo)
Jardín Botanico: This mysterious and charming botanical garden has over 500 plant species amongst which a large cat community lives. There are also some lovely statues, a botanical museum, and a library. This is a great place to walk though or sit in to read a Borges short story!
(Photo by wallygrom)
Plaza Francia and surrounding parks: many beautiful extensive parks surround Recoleta. The most known is Plaza Francia, next to the Cemetery, and where the artisans fair is put on weekends. Also in the area is Plaza Naciones Unidas where the impressive Floralis Generica is located, and Plaza Las Heras, amongst others bordering Av. Libertador and Figueroa Alcorta.
(Photo by guillermopaladino)
Parque Lezama: This famous park in the heart of San Telmo is easily recognized by the bright colored cupolas of the Russian Orthodox Church, which overlooks the parks tipa and jacaranda trees. Also surrounding the park is the historic Bar Britanico. The Pedro de Mendoza monument, a gazebo, a pergola and a sculpture garden complete the charm of this lovely green space.
(Photo by Matias Garabedian)
Parque Centenario: In the Caballito neighborhood, Parque Centenario is a popular meeting point for afternoon mates and live evening concerts at the parks amphitheatre. Also in the park are a swan lake and the Fountain of the Irupé Flower, sculpted by renowned sculptor Luis Perlotti. Surrounding the park is the Museum of Natural Sciences and an Astronomy observatory.
(Photo by PezMico)
Argentine Gifts
Christmas is all about giving, and traveling is a great opportunity to buy original gifts, be it for the festive season or for the sake of generosity. Below is our selection of top Argentine tokens to give away or take home as a souvenir.
Mate: Mate is a traditional bitter tea like beverage, which was originally taken by the Guarani Indian as a ritual. The yerba (dry mate leaves) is poured into a special gourd and then a metal straw is inserted. Hot water (but not boiling) is poured into the gourd and the beverage is sipped from the straw. The mate is then refilled with hot water and passed on to the next person, be it a friend or family member. This makes mate drinking a special community tradition and the preparation has many associated rituals to it. Additionally the beverage is full of antioxidants. Mate gourds, metal straws and other accessories can be readily found all around the city, and the perfect compliment to this gift is The Mate book.
(Photo by tditz_gb)
Facón: The facón is an elaborate gaucho fighting and utility knife that is carried in a leather sheath on a belt. Many are delicately carved with intricate silver designs and make beautiful decorations and gifts. To aquire silver facones head to Marcelo Toledo and Juan Carlos Pallarols in San Telmo, where other amazing silver objects can also be found.
(Photo by Eduardo Amorim)
Dulce de Leche and Alfajores: These are probably some of the most popular souvenirs people take back home after traveling to Argentina and there´s good reason for it. The famous caramel spread, and the sweet, cake like sandwiches with dulce de leche fillings are easy pleasers.
(Photo by bradlauster)
Wine: Argentina is famous for its top quality wine at friendly prices. Wine bars, and gourmet restaurants (including Fierro´s HG Restaurant) offer harder to find gems, and are well worth browsing.
(Photo by vmiramontes)
Tango Music: A tango record is a great gift for music lovers and romantic spirits. Other tango paraphernalia such as dancing shoes can also make a good present. To shop for tango music head to Zivals on Corrientes Avenue and in Palermo, or buy directly from their online tango store.
(Photo by totordenamur)
A San Telmo Antique: San Telmo is a world known antique center where valuable collectors items are sold, but also, where knick-knacks and unique objects from the immigrants that populated the country can be found. Another place to look for antiques and unique finds is the Dorrego Flea Market in Palermo.
(Photo by lauromaia)
Buenos Aires Urban Art: Anyone who has been on the graffitimundo, or Juanele AR tours has had the chance to see that the local urban art is booming. Once a year, during the Christmas season, Palermo art gallery Hollywood in Cambodia hosts a special sale of some of the best local stencils, graffitis, and illustrations by some of the most active Urban artists of the Buenos Aires scene.
(Photo by jimsnapper)
Argentine Silver
(Photo by Eduardo Amorim)
“Argentina” derives from the Latin word “Argentum” which means silver.
The Pampa Indians already adorned their wives with silver bracelets way before the Spanish conquered America, who incorporated this ornamental precious metal into the construction of their churches and altars. With the colonization, the use of silver spread and was introduced into every day objects such as mates, silverware, gaucho knives and horse accessories becoming a definitive part of the national identity.
Now a days many talented local silversmiths carry on with this traditional craftsmanship.San Antonio de Areco, a town on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, has an important silverware production and a museum. In Buenos Aires some of the most renowned silversmiths are Marcelo Toledo , and Juan Carlos Pallarols , both in San Telmo.
This Week in Buenos Aires
Monday
(Photo by blmurch)
Head to the botanical gardens in Palermo and stop by ex-pat Beatrice Murch’s exhibit on the local Rosewood trees, which decorate the city and have become a part of its character. Santa Fe 3951, Palermo. 4381-4527
Start the weeknight with an evening of tango at Salon Canning, which is open until 5am and stages live tango bands as well as tango lessons and dancing. Scalabrini Ortiz 1331, Palermo. 4826-8351
Tuesday
(Photo by Juanele AR)
Take a San Telmo art walk with Juanele starting 3pm at Balcarce 1150 , San Telmo. Book in advance here.
The legendary front man of The Byrds, Roger McGuinn will be playing at the Teatro Coliseo at 9pm. Tickets here.
In the evening head to Magdalena’s Party for happy hour drinks from 8-midnight and continue on with them to Hype nightclub for some proper porteño style partying. Thames 1795, Palermo. 833-9127
Wednesday
(Photo by buen-rumbo)
The Lunfardo and Tango book fair in San Telmo, offers a variety of tango paraphernalia, readings and shows. The fair will be held until the 30th of December from 3pm-9pm at the Academia Porteña del Lunfardo and is the perfect chance to get to know this interesting aspect of the local culture better. Estados Unidos 1379, San Telmo. 4383.2393
In the evening head to Gibraltar, a popular English pub in the San Telmo area. Great draught beer, delicious curries, and a friendly laid back atmosphere make Gibraltar a great place to begin or end the night! Peru 895, San Telmo 4632-5310 Opening Hours: 6pm-4am
Thursday
(Photo by vmiramontes)
A special photography exhibit is being showcased at the historic Espacio Virrey Liniers featuring old photographs of the city and daguerreotypes. 2pm-7pm. Venezuela 469, San Telmo.
Book your place for the Fierro Hotel’s Thursday wine tasting and sample some great Argentine wines, chosen by the president of the Argentine Sommelier Association Andres Rosberg and in-house Sommelier Martin Bruno. Tastings cost 25 USD per person and are limited to 7 people. Soler 5862, Palermo. 3220-6800.
Friday
(Photo by iggykaser)
With Christmas just around the corner, why not head to the eccentric Dorrego Flea Market in Palermo to browse and shop for original presents at bargain prices? Av.Dorrego and Conde, Palermo. Tue-Sun 10am-7pm
In the evening head to Notorious for the Friday night jazz jam and drinks. Callao 966, Palermo. 4813-6888
Saturday and Sunday
(Photo by roberta zouain)
Take a day trip to Tigre, a town in the outskirts of the city set on an island lined by small rivers and streams. The rugged location surrounded by nature offers a variety of attractions including canoeing, kayak and other excursions by boat, trekking, ecotourism, motorboat and commuter boats to take you to different places on the riverside, restaurants, spas, tea-houses, picnic sites, a naval museum, an art museum, a mate museum, a casino, a crafts fair and an amusement park. More information here.
Don’t miss percusion orchestra La Bomba del Tiempo´s end of the year party on Saturday starting at midnight. Sarmiento 3131, Almagro.
Live Music Venues in the City
(Photo by Frank Gruber)
On your walks through the city you are bound to come across two things: One is the mouth watering smell of asados coming from backyards, terraces and neighborhood parrillas, and the other is the sound of lingering music, floating through the open windows of homes and cars. The asado bit is probably expected but the musical tendencies of the locals may be overlooked. Nevertheless, Buenos Aires is a highly musical city, and it’s not just tango but classical music, jazz, rock, pop and many other genres that Argentines both listen to and execute. Below are a few venues and concert halls to check out where both fantastic local musicians and international acts present thir music to the warm and welcoming crowds that await them.
Classical Music
Operas, ballets, concertists and top-notch orchestras are regularly featured at the stunning Colón Theatre, which was inaugurated in 1908 and is considered to be one of the top 5 concert venues in the world. A definite must on your visit! More information on their program here.
The Isaac Fernandez Blanco Hispanic Art Museums also hosts classical concerts regularly with a special emphasis on historic musical pieces, especially of the Baroque period. More information on their program here.
The Buenos Aires University of Law in Recoleta hosts free concerts by local orchestras, choirs and instrumental players on Saturday afternoons all year round. More information on their program here.
Tango
El Viejo Almacen at the corner of Independencia and Balcarce in San Telmo has received renown tangueros such as “Polaco” Goyeneche, Aníbal Troilo, Osvaldo Pugliese and Horacio Salgán. Now a days the old colonial house stages a tango show featuring some of the city’s best tango singers and dancers. More information here.
The Carlos Gardel Museum in Abasto hosts live concerts every Monday at 6.30pm and the first Sunday of every month. Additionally you get the chance to learn more about the local tango legend. More information here.
Gardel and other tango passionate frequented El Bar de Roberto in the Almagro neighborhood, which was bought by a Spaniard from Asturias in the 1930s. Now a days it still keeps the same bottles adorning the walls and spontaneous live tango sessions to charm the usually crowded venue. Tue-Sat 10.30pm. Bulnes 331, Almagro. 4862-0415
Jazz
Boris Club de Jazz is set in the heart of Palermo Hollywood.. Combining auteur cuisine with art and live jazz music, by both national and international acts, it is a recommended place for jazz enthusiasts and an overall good time. More information on their program here.
Notorious is a jazz venue, restaurant, bar and record store all in one where you can listen to live music every day of the week. Their program features jazz, swing and samba by both national and international acts. More information on their program here.
Thelonius Club has a great vibe that makes it a great bar just to go for drinks the plus is that they also have top jazz performers play on their intimate stage. More information on their program here.
Rock/Pop/Ethnic
Club Niceto offers live music and cutting edge theme based parties which makes it the ultimate Buenos Aires funhouse. More information on their program here (and don’t miss their Thursday night club 69 parties for a walk on the wild side!).
La Trastienda in San Telmo is a small intimate theatre with great acoustics where local and international talents play jazz, reggae, blues, ethnic and rock amongst others. More information on upcoming events here.
There are of course many more places including bars, theatres, cultural centers and stadiums which stage live music. A more extenisve list of upcoming concerts and musical events in the city with links to buy tickets in advance is available here.
Religious BA
(Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral at the begining of the XX century- photo courtesy of la hipatia)
The influx of cultures brought upon Buenos Aires by the strong migratory currents colored the city with a variety of religious practices and places of worship. At each of the churches and temples, communities of immigrants gathered to celebrate their beliefs in their own languages and songs, before altars built in the architectural style of each tradition. Religion was not only a place to worship God, but also, a place of congregation and belonging.
Now a days, as the descendants of the immigrants become distanced from their ancestral customs, many of the services are in Spanish. Nevertheless the style and cultural tradition is maintained, making for interesting places to visit and understand the history and multicultural background of the city.
Some temples worth visiting are:
Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral
This historic landmark was founded in 1580 as the first Catholic church of Buenos Aires. After undergoing various transformations due to the effects of time and the quality of building materials, it stands today overlooking Plaza de Mayo and the Casa Rosada with a mix of architectural styles combining a Neo-Classic facade and Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque decoration. It is also where San Martin’s remains lie in a mausoleum guarded by statues that represent Argentina, Peru and Chile, the countries the General liberated.
Open Mon-Fri- 7am-7pm, Sat-Sun – 9 am- 7.30pm
Close to the Cathedral is the San Ignacio church built in 1675 by the Jesuits. It is one of the oldest churches in Buenos Aires and is part of the Manzana de las Luces, a network of mysterious underground tunnels and buildings built in the XVII-XVIII centuries.
Tours in English of the tunnels and church are available on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons with prior booking. Tours in Spanish are available daily.
The church is also open to the public every day from 9am-8pm
Calle Bolivar Nº 225, Monserrat
4331-2458
The story tells that on one Yom Kippur in 1861, two Jewish men gathered at the Recoleta park to read their book of prayers and decided to summon a permanent minyán, that is a group of minimum ten Jewish men who together could ensure that God would hear their prayers. A year later the group was formed and they joined to celebrate Pesaj. This was to be the first version of the National Israeli Congregation.
In 1837 the founding rock was placed and following with a mix of Roman and Byzantine architectural styles, the first synagogue of the city finally found its place.
Now a days it can be visited as part of the tours offered by the Jewish Museum (which is right next door) from Tuesday to Thursday 3pm-6pm and Fridays 3pm-5pm.
*Due to religious festivities the Museum will remain closed on the 13th-14th-20th and 21st of October.
Libertad 769, Downtown
4123-0832
This ornate church with eye-catching cupolas in XVIIth century Russian style, stands in San Telmo in front of Parque Lezama and the Historic National Museum.
Its structure includes five blue cupolas with golden stars crowned by orthodox crosses, which are fastened with chains that face east. Inside are two murals and elaborate symbolic icons amongst which the holy trinity stands out.
Open Saturdays 5pm-8pm and Sundays 10am-midday. The church also opens occasionally on weekdays. This week it will be open on Thursday from 9am-11am.
Brasil 315 – San Telmo
4361-427
Also in San Telmo is the Danish Lutheran Church, which was founded as an institution in 1924, and the neo-gothic style Temple in 1931. The congregation found a common cultural place in the Danish Church where to this day many Danish traditions are still celebrated. Additionally they have a library with extensive Scandinavian literature.
The city also offers religious tours that take you to different temples on the first and third Friday of every month starting at 10AM. Book your place at cultos@buenosaires.gob.ar or visitasguiadasdgcul@yahoo.com.ar, or by phone: 4323-9410 / 4323-8000 int. 2855/2797
Top 5 Restaurants in San Telmo
(Photo by Roberto Berlim)
El Baqueano: The concept behind this successful auteur restaurant is to reincorporate native meats that have been excluded from popular cuisine. Their nine course tasting menu which changes monthly includes innovative dishes made with quail, hare, rhea, alligator, prawns from Puerto Madryn and other local delicacies. A unique approach to the native meat eating culture. El Baqueano-Chile 495, San Telmo. 4342-0802. Opening Hours: Tue- Sat 8pm-12pm.
Aramburu: Renowned chef Gonzalo Aramburu who brings molecular cooking techniques to the San Telmo scene offers another innovative take on local cuisine. Visually stimulating and delectable, this restaurant is one of the city’s best. Aramburu- Salta 1050, San Telmo. 4305.0439. Tue-Sun 8pm-closing.
Cafe San Juan: Despite its name this is much more than a cafe. The impeccable savory dishes served in this cozy San Telmo favorite has turned it into one of the city classics. Spanish inspired entrees, fish and seafood, duck and pork are regulars in their small and changing menu. Av. San Juan 450, San Telmo. 4300-1112. Tue-Sun 12-4pm and 8pm-closing.
Caseros: This inviting restaurant on Caseros Avenue will seduce you from the moment you set foot in it. Bright splashes of color from vegetable and fruit centerpieces contrast against the pristine white tablecloths and chairs opening up the appetite to simple but well prepared satisfying dishes with top quality ingredients. Av. Caseros 486, San Telmo. 4305.0439. Tue-Sat 12-4pm and 8pm-closing.
Vineria Gualterio Bolivar: This auteur restaurant is led by Alejandro Digiglio who after working at Ferran Adria´s El Bulli brings deconstructivist cuisine to Buenos Aires. The vanguard 12, 14 or 16 step tasting menus offered at Vineria are undoubtedly one of a kind! La Vineria de Gualterio Bolivar- Bolivar 865, San Telmo.4361-4709. Tue-Sun 12.30-4pm and 9pm-12pm.
