I spent approx 3 days in Buenos Aires on the way to/from Patagonia. I stayed in San Telmo which is in the old part of BA. Although my initial impressions of BA were not so favourable, I saw enough to assess that the best of BA will only be revealed with time and local knowledge.
Two days simply is not enough time to cover even the local area around San Telmo and Centro (city centre). I walked a good part of older BA including the former port area of Puerto Madero which is now BA’s waterfront precinct. The old warehouses have been converted into a University and the inevitable restaurants and shops.
San Telmo has an arts/antiques culture with many interesting shops and restaurants and ubiquitous Tango clubs. Last night I went to a local cafe for dinner and half way through a lady broke out in (what seemed to be) opera and then passed her hat around for tips. Otherwise it was interesting just watching the local people and their customs. I imagine the Tango clubs are interesting places no doubt with many locals showing off their dancing skills.
The photos below show some of the local area I covered.
Old docks area in BA…now the waterfront
Old government building in Plaza de Mayo (centre of city). Building was covered in clay mixed with cows blood hence the pink colour.
Another view of waterfront area
Cafe Tortoni in Avenida de Mayo….an icon in BA for over 150 years
Another view of Plaza de Mayo
Oldest church in BA…San Ignacio…first church built in brick which probably explains why it is still standing.