Exploring Buenos Aires on National Tourists Day

When arriving into Buenos Aires, you would normally hear the taxis horns honking as they weave in and out of the traffic and you would normally see hundreds of people rushing around the Microcentro on their way to work. This Thursday and Friday you will find that exploring Buenos Aires is a little different.

The 8th December is a Catholic National Holiday called the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. As this festival is non-movable, this year it falls on a Thursday meaning, the Friday is also made into a holiday known as, the National Tourists Day. The Porteños migrate to the beaches of Uruguay or the coastal region of Mar del Plata, leaving the city free for you to explore and enjoy. Here are some ideas of things to do over the extended weekend.

Mar del Plata / source

Sightseeing around the beautiful city and exploring Buenos Aires:

Start off exploring Buenos Aires at the Teatro Colón and walk down the widest avenue in the world, 9 de Julio and stop off at the impressive Obelisk. Head over to Plaza de Mayo to see the Houses of Parliament (Pink House) and end up at the graceful ‘Woman’s Bridge’ in the trendiest and most modern area of Buenos Aires, Puerto Madero. Here you can sit back and relax next to the beautiful docks. It would roughly take 40 minutes to an hour to do this walking tour of the must see landmarks in Buenos Aires. Click here to see a route of your walking tour.

Top up that all important tan:

If you want to relax whilst exploring Buenos Aires, it is perfect place to do so on a National Holiday. Go to one of the many beautiful parks in Palermo such as, Bosques de Palermo or the Botanical Gardens and sit back, relax and soak up the rays. If you are going to one of the parks, make sure you don’t forget your sun cream, water and of course, to ensure you look the part, your mate.

Exploring Buenos Aires Parks / source

Visit one of the many public swimming pools in the city such as, Parque President Sarmiento. Alternatively, go to one of the quieter private swimming pools such as, Parque Norte (http://www.parquenorte.com/). Make sure you are careful with your belongings when in the pool and get there early to claim your patch of grass with your towel as it will be busy!

It’s too hot to do anything:

That’s where you are wrong about exploring Buenos Aires. Head to one of the many air-conditioned museums in Buenos Aires and see why Buenos Aires is known as the capital of culture in Latin America. All the museums are free on National Holidays, so take advantage and go to the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA) or the Faena Arts Centre in Puerto Madero. Grab a book and sit down on the chairs provided or at the cafe in the most impressive and beautiful library, El Ateneo Gran Splendid.

El Ateneo Bookstore / source

Otherwise, get those last few Christmas presents at one of the modern shopping centres in Buenos Aires such as, Alto Palermo or Abasto Shopping Centre which have many of the famous brands as well as having fantastic food on offer.

Whatever you choose to do, enjoy the weather in a calmer Buenos Aires and start exploring Buenos Aires!

Follow us on twitter @BsAs4U to know about the latest activities in Buenos Aires!

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