Buenos Aires is the first place I visited in South America. I was bursting with excitement when I left London Heathrow on a 14-hour flight to the Latino capital of Argentina. Our flight landed in the morning and by the time we arrived at our hostel it was late morning, but I was far too energetic to sleep, so we dumped the bags and went out to explore the city.

Yes, that’s right…I stayed in a hostel, and you’ll see this a lot in many of my blogs. I was yearning to experience every place I went to on the ground, and not in the luxury of hotel walls. As much as staying in a luxury hotel is equally rewarding, and I love to do both. At this point in my life the place was more important than the accommodation. Although, with this being the first hostel I’d ever stayed in, I did cry when I arrived! But quickly toughened up when I was taken in by the wonders of the city I was standing in.

The city quickly felt familiar due to such a strong Spanish connection. I’ve spent a lot of time in Spain since a young age and have a place in my heart for the Spanish culture, so this quickly became second nature in South America, well some parts of it anyway.

We pretty much explored the entire city by foot when we arrived, walking from the South East of the city where we were staying in San Telmo to the North. I always find that this is the best way to feel comfortable with your surroundings, of course only where possible and when it feels safe to do so. It made us feel right at home in BA immediately.

We explored the many bars and restaurants that BA has to offer, there are many independently run restaurants to choose from, I’d suggest stumbling across somewhere that takes your fancy with the most appealing Argentinian menu and best tasting Malbec, you won’t go wrong.

The biggest thing I took away from this vibrant city is the bright colours and energy the city has to offer. Whether it’s the vibe, the people or the buildings, this place is alive at all times and you feel the same when you’re there. One part that remains so vivid in my memory is La Boca. Perhaps not the most affluent part of the city but the one with the most character. The buildings are bursting with colour, latino dancers and artists flocking the streets, with so much to take in you don’t know where to look first.

Buenos Aires made for the perfect first stop on our South American adventure and I will definitely visit the city again and hope to experience more of what Argentina has to offer.

Sight Seeing

• • La Boca
  • Argentina Floralis, Plaza de las Naciones Unidas
  • Parque de Fabrero: Stunning park situated in the Palermo district
  • Cafe Tortoni
  • San Telmo Market
  • Plaza de Mayo
  • Museo Nacional de Bella Artes

Districts

San Telmo
One of the most authentic parts of the city. If you want to see the real BA in all its forms this is the place for you. Residential and tourist stays surround the central square where you’ll find a selection of bars and restaurants. You’ll get used to seeing regular Latino dancers and artists working before your eyes. Make sure you visit the famous market that happens every Sunday.

La Boca – #LeanneLoves
Full of colour and bursting with character. I wouldn’t necessarily advise to stay here but definitely a place to visit on your trip to BA.

Palermo
Chic, trendy and crowded with cafes and restaurants in traditional Latino style buildings. This place has a calming feel to it and it also boasts some of the most gorgeous parks BA has to offer.

Hotels

You’ll find all of your major hotel groups in this city including; The Hilton, Ibis and Novotel.

Best time to go

Buenos Aires is visitor friendly all year around. Trade continues as normal in all seasons and it’s a city that would be great to visit any time of the year.

Instagram Spot

In the heart of La Boca surrounded by bright block coloured buildings and street entertainers.