You've heard all the buzz about Buenos Aires...You saw Evita in the theater, and watched their wild fútbol games on TV. You've seen pictures of their Tango dancers, tall buildings, busy streets and beautiful people. You know of someone who brought back a chic leather jacket or fabulous boots and bragged about the price. Your friend learned to Salsa there and danced till 7AM. Your neighbor ordered an $8 steak and said it was the best he's ever had. He said the people were so friendly, and there were more things to do than there was time, and.........

It's your turn. Find your own reasons to love Buenos Aires

Fast Facts:

Population- ~3M inside city limits, 13M in greater metro area

Climate: Temperate. Ave temp ranges from 59 deg in July to 87 deg in January

Time Zone- -3 hrs UTC (2/3 hrs ahead of EST, depending on daylight savings)

Education: 96% literacy Rate

Religion: 90% Roman Catholic, 10% Protestant, Muslim, Jewish.

Economy: After the highly publicized peso devaluation of 2001, BA became expensive for locals and ultra-cheap for tourists. Although still inexpensive for foreigners, there are signs the economy is on the mend.

Government: Head of State: President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, wife of former president Nestor Kirchner

Fun Fact: Buenos Aires residents call themselves Porteños (people of the port)

Here are a few of our favorite places to visit, things to do, and ways to live like a Porteño!
     

Shop, shop and shop! Pictured here is Shopping Abasto, a four story mall complete with an amusement park. It's the biggest mall, but not in a touristy neighborhood, so it isn't the most expensive.
Rent paddleboats (or ride bikes, run, rollerblade, or even ride a horse and carriage) at the Parque 3 de Febrero in Palermo.

If you've ever wanted to see an opera, ballet, or classical music concert, this gorgeous 7 story historical landmark, Teatro Colón, is the place to do it!
     
     
     

There is no way to describe what it feels like to be a part of the fútbol frenzy at La Boca's stadium....its just something you have to do once in your life!

There are tons of chíc lounges and bars like this one in Puerto Madero- great for sharing some wine with friends, or for Happy Hour, or “After Office” as they call it!

If you're in the city from Aug-Dec, you must catch a polo match, the sport of kings and statesmen. Argentina has reigned world Polo champion for over 50 years. (Please don't worry, this doesn't harm the horses!)
     
     
     

Make a game out of how many red lights it takes to cross the 16 lanes of Avenida 9 de julio- the widest in the world!

More than just a hot drink made from leaves of the yerba mate tree, “mate” is ingrained in the Argentine culture. If you're offered one, be sure to accept, and ask them to teach you the custom.

Visit San Telmo on a Sunday, walk the cobblestone streets lined with all kinds of peddlers, peruse the antique and craft market, and lunch outdoors at the park.
     
     
     

The Cultural Center in Recoleta has rotating exhibits worth checking out, and occasionally has outdoor film showings on the lawn.

Visit the Presidential Palace, la Casa Rosada, and note the second story balcony where Eva Perone made her famous speech, and where Madonna sang her “Don't Cry for me Argentina”

The Porteño's are health conscious, and their gyms are reflective of that. Take advantage of their weight rooms, cardio, swimming pools, or the latest aerobics trends!
     
     
     

Catch a star in concert at Luna Park! U2, Lenny Kravitz, Norah Jones and The Rolling Stones are just a few who have graced the stage

If you're a Night Owl, you're in good company. The locals dance till 6 or 7AM on the weekends! This is the inside of Club Museum- a 3 story boliche in Recoleta.

Along the water in Puerto Madero is a great place to sit, reflect, and study during the day...during lunch and dinner time it makes for fabulous people watching as folks stroll along the restaurant-filled walkway.
     
     
     

Watching the street performers along Calle Florida is a must-do at some point while you're in BA. From Tango dancers, to mimes to puppet handlers, you'll see it all.

It's illegal to gamble in the city of Buenos Aires...so the casino floats on the water...Jackpot!

Take advantage of fabulous spa treatments for a fraction of the price. (BsAs is one of the plastic surgery capitals of the world for a reason!)
     
     
     

Science lovers have to check out the Planetario Galileo. It's cool to look at from the outside, but the shows inside...out of this world

Yes, you'll be considered a true tourist, but you have to get a shot of the Obelisco, probably the most well-known landmark in Buenos Aires.

Another one of hundreds of great spots to relax and hang out with your new friends:- Kico in Palermo Soho
     
     
     

Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my...we like this zoo (Jardín Zoologico) tucked away in Palermo.

Stroll along any street, and take in gorgeous architecture, such as these famous buildings at Diagonal Norte.

It's not uncommon for bands to set up in a park on a Saturday afternoon. This band plays traditional “gaucho” style music in the barrio Retiro. Stop and listen, and put a few pesos in the hat. It's well worth it!