Buenos Aires is hotting up for summer, and if you’re planning on staying in the capital while porteños head to Uruguay in vast swathes, there are still things to do, contrary to popular belief! The Argentina Independent has come up with some ways to feel like you’ve managed a break even if you’re in Buenos Aires during the summer months…
TOP FIVE ICE CREAM PARLORS
The perfect way to cool down on a sticky day in the capital is checking out one of the world class ice cream parlors, where a little of the country’s Italian heritage can be experienced.
1) Persicco
This high-end ice cream shop carries the widest variety in town. Kosher, celiac-friendly and soy varieties of ice cream as well as 13 fruit flavours. Rivadavia 4933 in Almagro.
2) Saverio
Celebrating 100 years of serving ice cream this year, Saverio carries seven varieties of mouth-watering Dulce de Leche. It’s also just one block from the Jujuy stop on the E subte line. San Juan 2816 in San Cristobal.
3) Un Altra Volta
Most definitely lives up to the hype. Have the coco flavour in a waffle cone bowl on the patio or lounge in a snazzy, red leather chair inside. Santa Fe 1826 in Recoleta.
4) Scannapieco
This traditional parlour has four generations and 66 years in the ice cream business. Try the Crema Armenia with figs and anise and snag a seat at one of the six tables. Cordoba 4826 in Palermo.
5) Nona Bianca
Unusual flavours, large wooden tables looking out onto Estados Unidos street, good coffee and wifi all make this small stop a great one. Estados Unidos 425 in San Telmo.
TOP FIVE PARKS AND OPEN SPACES
All these edificios getting you down ? Buenos Aires has many parks and open spaces in which to spend a lazy afternoon, reading a book or just watching the world go by.
1) Costanera Sur, Puerto Madero
This stretch of wetland by the estuary remains open and untouched, and makes a great place for a walk away from the noise of Buenos Aires.
2) Parque Centenario, Villa Crespo
This circular park has a distinctly hippy feel; expect to find jugglers, tai chi and youngsters strumming guitars as you waltz past the central fountains.
3) Parque Tres de Febrero, Palermo
Actually a gigantic complex of parks, plazas and gardens, to which Porteños flock to run off the steak, wine and pizza excesses of the weekends.
4) Recoleta Cemetery and Plaza Francia
If it’s good enough for BA’s finest to rest there! The cemetery is surrounded by open spaces and parkland, perfect for a picnic or to take in some sun.
5) Plaza San Martin, Retiro
Got a few hours to kill before a bus or train? One block away is this luxurious Plaza. Grab an ice cream and a bench and relax!
TOP FIVE BARS WITH TERRACES OR PATIOS
The temperature is rising. Quench your thirst on the terraces of Buenos Aires’ finest watering holes, or sample the best of the city’s al fresco dining.
1) Congo
With a beautifully lit, verdent summer garden, Congo is a strikingly chic bar on the Palermo circuit, boasting an excellent selection of speciality rum cocktails. Honduras 5329.
2) El Balcón
This intimate bar offers tables for two on its balcony, overlooking Plaza Dorrego. Perfect for romantic Sunday afternoons of soaking up the San Telmo feria. Humberto Primo 461
3) Quimbombo
The roofdeck of this laid-back vegetarian resto-bar is a relaxing suntrap. Quimbombo serves up healthy, wholesome breakfasts and organic wines and juices. Costa Rica 4562
4) Buller Brewing Company
For those looking for real, homemade ales, this Recoleta brewery, pub and beer garden serves up six beers from original German recipes. Roberto Mario Ortíz 1827.
5) Miloca
Watch the sun rise whilst sipping a mixed at this trendy after-hours bar. Choose from a number of decked terrace levels and a laid-back garden. Niceto Vega 5189.
TOP FIVE HOLIDAY TREATS
Even if Buenos Aires is the subject of many a retail reverie, Christmas shopping can still be a nightmarish experience. Here are some hints to bring out the gathering instinct in you :
1) Make-A-Wish at the Alvear Palace Hotel
Decorate the tree with a star and make the wish of a child suffering a terminal illness come true. Av. Alvear 1891 or www.makeawish.org.ar.
2) Boutique del Libro
A cosy café-cum-bookshop with a wide selection of titles in both Spanish and other languages. Thames 1762
3) Indias Argentina
Luxury clothing, handbags and homeware created from Andean fibres make for tasteful souvenirs. Niceto Vega 4996 or www.indiasargentina.com.ar.
4) BigBox
Give the gift of experience with packaged escapades in gastronomy, adventure, places to stay and well-being.www.bigbox.com.ar or in the MALBA boutique.
5) L’Ago
For funkier fare than San Telmo’s trademark antique stores, check out L’ago’s colourful designs and patterned homeware. Defensa 919 & 970
TOP FIVE SUMMER ACTIVITIES
If you’re left in the city when everyone else is escaping to the beach, why not make the most of the lack of crowds and enjoy one of the following activities?
1) Plaza de esculturas
Inaugured on last 17th of June and lasting until March, this exhibition consists in 31 sculptures of “Bastón” Diaz work. The access is free and the sculptures can be found in many public spaces all around the city. A nice way to have another look on the Argentine capital.
2) Creamfields
Rescheduled from its November date, the music festival will take place on the weeked of 19th December at Buenos Aires autodrome. www.creamfieldsba.com for more information and ticket sales.
3) Dakar Rally Argentina-Chile
The famous rally will take its start in Buenos Aires, on the 1st January 2010, for its second edition in Latin America. It will consist in a 8.600 km round trip in Argentina in Chile, finishing in BA on 17th January.
4) Calesitas Buenos Aires
The culture ministry is giving a new life to Buenos Aires’ 45 carousels, with more than 30 artists participating in 15 shows every Friday at 5pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 11am, for free!
5) Music in the Rose Garden
Check out the last Rose Garden concert on Sunday 20th December at 5pm. The garden is a perfect location to enjoy free open-air classical music in a unique setting. Parque Tres de Febrero at Av. Libertador and Sarmiento.