Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a most complex, energetic, and seductive city, which stretches south-to-north along the Rio de la Plata and has been the gateway to Argentina for centuries. Portenos, as the multinational people of Buenos Aires are known, possess an elaborate and rich cultural identity. They value their European heritage highly - Italian and German names outnumber Spanish - and the lifestyle and architecture are markedly more European than any other in South America. Portenos are intensely involved in the life and culture of their city, and they will gladly share the secrets of Buenos Aires if you lend an ear and relate your own stories in return.
The City of Buenos Aires is the capital of the Argentine Republic. It extends on a plain and has 202 km². Approximately 3 million people live in this city. Including the metropolitan area, the total population of Buenos Aires is above ten millions, making it one of the 10 most populated urban centers in the world.
The Río de la Plata and the Riachuelo are the natural borders of the city on the east and south, respectively.

Facts about the City

Weather

The climate of Buenos Aires is mild all year round. The mean annual temperature is 18º C (64.4º F), making extremely hot and cold days very infrequent. Thus, visitors can enjoy walking around the city in any season.

Language

The official language is Spanish. Most people involved in tourist or business activities also speak English.

Sanitary Information

Vaccination is neither obligatory nor necessary to visit Buenos Aires since the city is safe from the sanitary viewpoint. The public water supply is reliable. Public hospitals - available for tourists offer a 24-hour emergency service, without charge.

Safety

Buenos Aires is a safe city, but as in any other big city in the world, visitors should take some precautions.

Money

The Argentine currency is the peso ($). US Dollars are accepted in many shops and hotels. Currently, 100 Argentinan Pesos are equal to about 20 Euro or 26 US-Dollars. VAT in Argentina amounts to 21%. At the airport, and on departure day, VAT refunds may be requested for specific goods.

Accommodation

Buenos Aires is ready to provide lodging to more than five million tourists each year. The main chains of three- and four-star hotels worldwide offer their services in the city. Please also see the detailed accommodation information in this bid book.

Gastronomy

In Buenos Aires visitors can enjoy food from different regions and several typical specialties. The city has specific areas where you can choose from a wide range of restaurants. Costanera Norte and Puerto Madero districts are renowned because of their parrilladas (barbecues). Avenida de Mayo surroundings is the place to taste Spanish food. The most traditional pizzas can be found in Corrientes street. Plaza Cortázar, Palermo Hollywood, Recoleta and Las Cañitas neighbourhoods offer gourmet specialties: elaborated, refined and exotic dishes.

Transportation

Two Airports serve the city: The Jorge Newbery Airport for visitors coming from the interior of the country or from bordering countries and the Ezeiza International Airport for Visitors from the rest of the world. Please also see detailed information below. Multiple means of transport allow visitors to travel around the city: five lines of subtes (subway), more than one hundred lines of colectivos (buses) and interurban railways (or trains). Taxis are also a very popular means of transport.