Buenos Aires is the most visited city on the South American continent, and is increasingly making its way onto the bucket list of celebrities around the world.
The modernised Puerto Madero waterfront, the upscale district of Recoleta, and parts of Palermo are all popular with the rich and reclusive. Stars have also been spotted in San Telmo, bargain hunting in the antique market or watching tango in the open air.
Our team of resourceful Buenos Aires private guides understands the blend of urban cultures that is unique to this city. They can help you navigate the subtleties of the celebrity social scene by arranging Buenos Aires private tours of the hot spots.
Where to Stay
Buenos Aires has a choice selection of luxury hotels and hideaways. At the turn of the 20th century the city was one of the richest in the world. Industry and agriculture flourished, wealth was created, and mansions were built. Several of these mansions have been rescued, restored, and refurbished, and now serve as show pieces for major hotel chains in the city.
La Maison, the detached annex of the Four Seasons Hotel is a case in point. The marble building has a private entrance for the exclusive use of the occupants of its seven suites. The mansion was built in 1916 as a wedding gift for Elena Peña Unzué, after whom the in-house restaurant is named. The hoteliers retained many of the original features and fittings, and much of the furniture. The frescoes, gold leaf, and other decorative details have been expertly restored.
Francis Ford Coppola, the famous director of films like the Godfather, has also made his mark on the hospitality industry. Jardin Escondido, his colonial style villa in Palermo Soho is now a stylish boutique hotel. The rooms have been decorated in the earthy tones of Argentina, with terracota floor tiles and hand spun woollen blankets. As a resident, you will even have access to his private DVD collection!
In Puerto Madero, a multi-story storage mill has been creatively converted into the five star Faena Hotel. The old world red leather and velvet décor is set against exposed fire pits, wrought iron, and brickwork construction. Space has been set aside for a Tango Theater where you can enjoy dinner and a show, or book private dance lessons.
Equally comfortable accommodation is available at Estancia Villa Maria. The Tudor style country house nestles in a 183 hectares private estate just 20 minutes from the city. All the bedrooms have four poster beds, and the traditional cigar room and well-stocked wine cellar complement the farm style cuisine. Outdoors, there is much for you to explore on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback.
For the ultimate city break, escape to the Tigre Delta Lodge. The remote complex is made entirely of wood and is accessible only by a 45 minute boat ride. There you will find fifteen private chalets tucked away on an island in a forest. There is no fixed schedule beyond leisurely meal times enjoyed in an intimate setting, and entertainment is provided by the local bird life.
Fine Food & Beverages
Breakfast in Buenos Aires is usually a modest selection of sweet treats served with coffee. Step back in time and enjoy a leisurely morning at the Café Tortoni. The institution has been providing a Parisian experience in the heart of Buenos Aires for almost a century and a half.
Fine dining is to be expected at all of the top hotels in Buenos Aires, but Elena Restaurant at the Four Seasons is often singled out for its exceptional cuisine. Precision-cut steaks, aged and seared to perfection, are the house speciality.
Parilla Don Julio specialises in local dishes made with grass fed Aberdeen Angus beef raised exclusively for the restaurant and side dishes are prepared from home grown fresh produce. The establishment is constantly rated amongst the Top 15 in the world.
Argentina is renowned for its red wines, which pair superbly with the many meat dishes on offer. Vintage collections are found in the cellars of most of the top hotels and restaurants. Alternatively, you can join a small group of wine enthusiasts at a local winery for a tasting. Ask one of our Buenos Aires private guides to arrange a tour for you, or the discreet purchase of a case or two of aged wines.
Entertainment Options
Buenos Aires is the Capital of Tango, and nowhere is the dance more stylishly performed than at the exclusive Faena Hotel. The Rojo Tango offers dinner and dance shows, with music provided by the in-house orchestra.
The Columbus Theater, or Teatro Colón, is Buenos Aires’ premier opera house. Acoustics experts have ranked it as one of the best designed in the world, and it has become tradition for artists to launch their South American tours from here. Our Buenos Aires private tour guides can help you acquire tickets and provide advice on the best times and ways to enjoy the show.
Other musical outings include the city’s rich jazz scene, with venues such as Thelonious, Boris, and the larger Notorious which seats up to 200 patrons. The annual Jazz Festival gets under way in late November, and during the festival the music also takes to the streets in La Boca and other open air venues.
Buenos Aires is the city that never sleeps, so you need not limit yourself to one event per night. Dine and dance until dawn at clubs such as INK, or watch the sunrise over the yachts at the Jet Lounge. Access is strictly controlled and a dress code applies at the top night clubs.
Shopping Ideas
Buenos Aires is also referred to as the ‘World Book Capital’, playing host to more bookstores than most other cities.. The pinnacle of book hunting takes place in the El Ateneo Grand Splendid, attracting two million visitors each year. The enormous bookshop is housed in the century old Grand Splendid theater in Recoleta.
It is a place of beauty and quiet, where people browse the bookshelves and speak in hushed tones. On the gallery floors you can recline in an armchair while contemplating your purchase. The elevated stage has become a cosy café, where the signature red velvet curtains absorb any sound emanating from the quiet conversations.
Argentina is also well known for its leather goods, a by-product of its large livestock sector. Not far from El Ateneo is Calzado Correa, a family run business that has been making bespoke hand-made leather goods since 1955. Here you can choose the color, style, and type of leather for a pair of custom made shoes, a bag, a purse, or many other goods..
For some unique apparel options, visit the fashion and design center of the city in Palermo Soho. A hand-knitted garment made from homespun alpaca or llama wool is a souvenir that will bring back many warm memories of your visit to Argentina, and makes for an amazing and unique gift.
Conclusion
Buenos Aires has a reputation for being a gregarious playground that never goes silent. There is another side to the city however, one of tranquil timeless charm and unhurried experiences.
Our Buenos Aires private guides can help you find a balance between the energy and the elegance of this glorious city. They can arrange private, personalised Buenos Aires tours to match your tastes and schedule.
