The sudden reappearance of mosquitoes was already a hint, but now it’s official: Winter in Argentina has come to an end! Tomorrow brings the start of spring and Buenos Aires has a variety of celebrations lined up, as it does every year on the spring equinox. The Porteños are overjoyed that the temperatures are rising again, and rightly so – after a very long and cold winter – the return of a more pleasant climate, more suited to the city’s South American culture is cause for celebration. It is also the perfect time of year to plan a holiday to Buenos Aires, especially if you want to escape the declining temperatures on the northern hemisphere.

This year’s celebration of the start of spring in Buenos Aires, on the 21st September coincides with the National Holiday for Students. Students of Buenos Aires’ primary and secondary schools (even a few universities) have the day off and fill the city’s parks and squares enjoying the first rays of sunshine overjoyed at not being locked away in a classroom. Many local bands also play out in the city’s open spaces, there’s increased park security etc.

Student in the park // Image credit:  Absolut-Argentina

However enjoying the arrival of spring in Buenos Aires is not limited to these activities (or this particular weekend)! Buenos Aires’ green spaces are very well looked after and open to the public all year round. We’ve prepared a list of our 10 favourite places in Buenos Aires to escape to, enjoy the city’s nature and relax.

And if you’re not tired out after all the sightseeing and want some tips on where to go for a great night out at this time of year, keep an eye out for our next post: 5 top tips for a night out in BA!

This park is largest open space in the Bosques de Palermo (Woods of Palermo) and where you will find the Buenos Aires’ most expansive green spaces and lakes, right in the centre of the city. You can take a walk along its beautiful natural scenery, have a go on a pedalo, rent rollerblades or bikes or simply lie back in the grass and sunbathe – a very porteño pastime. A great family day out, as there’s something for everyone to do! In this park lies Buenos Aires’ famous Rosedal (Rose Garden) which is probably one of the best places to witness the arrival of spring in Buenos Aires. The rose garden has over 15 thousand different rose species and is at its most impressive at this time of the year, as the colourful flowers start to bloom. An unmissable highlight in Buenos Aires’ Woods of Palermo!

This incredible construction immediately grabs your attention as you pass by. This unusual building, which looks like a space ship has landed in the middle of the park, is the Planetary of Buenos Aires. This site is really worth a visit, even if you don’t enter, also because it’s conveniently on the way to our next item on the list…

Image credit: Planetario.gov.ar

Jardin Japones (Japanese Garden)

Tranquility, this word sums up the Japanese Garden of Buenos Aires. It’s a great place to escape to and you’ll feel like you’ve left the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires far behind you. The zen philosophy is evident in every corner of the park, even on a busy day. And walk through this stunning park, past its lakes and beautiful pavilions is a must-do on your vacation in Buenos  Aires. The Restaurant in the Park is considered one of the best of Japanese restaurants in Buenos Aires and although a bit on the expensive side, it is highly recommended by anyone who has ever been. The Jardin Japonés is the only activity on our list, which charges an entrance fee. (A$ 16)

Image credit: BA city council

Jardin Botanico (Botanic Gardens)

The entrance to Buenos Aires’ Botanical Gardens lies on Avenida Santa Fee and admission is free. There are guided tours available in the mornings. The beautiful green 7 hectares provide a great escape from the busy city centre close by. Perfect for those you love who want to learn more about the local flora….and cats – as the area is home to most of Buenos Aires’ stray cats, which are regularly fed by residents living nearby. There are also many beautiful sculptures and constructions from the 19th century.

Image Credit: BA City Council

One of the many squares in Recoleta and probably its most famous one: Plaza Francia at the weekend fills up with people drinking Mate with friends, sunbathing, walking their dogs etc.

Every weekend there is also a Crafts Market on the square, which attracts many tourists and local musicians. Nearby also lies the Shopping Centre Buenos Aires Design, which has a few great restaurant and beautiful interior design shops. A great place to shop for souvenirs and presents to take home, but remember to keep the excess baggage limit in mind!

Plaza Francia, Buenos Aires Design in the background.

Right across from Plaza Francia stands the iconic Floralis Generica, a huge steel and aluminium sculpture in the shape of a flower. The most modern monument in Buenos Aires was created in 2002 by the Architect Eduardo Catalano, who donated the sculpture to the city. Originally the petals of the flower opened and closed according to the hours of the day. To watch the flower close as the sun set was one of the favourite attractions for tourists in Buenos Aires. However since 2010 due to mechanical problems the flower remains open day and night. The technical fault however doesn’t make this sculpture any less spectacular, and it’s well worth a trip to the Plaza de las Naciones Unidas (United Nations Square), where it stands.

Floralis Generica

Situated opposite the Floralis Generica, this square is where mostly local porteños gather. Most of them use the open space to exercise after work on weekdays and at the weekend to enjoy their mates and bask in the sun in the most exclusive neighbourhood of Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires green, open spaces are not only limited to the north of the city. Right in the middle of Buenos Aires’ financial district, lies Plaza San Martin, the perfect place to escape to and have a rest on your city centre sightseeing tour and is where three of Buenos Aires’ most important landmarks lie: The Torre Monumental (formerly the English Tower), the monument built in memory of the victims of the Falklands war and a statue of one of Argentina’s National Heroes, General San Martin.

View of Torre Monumental on Plaza San Martin

In the middle of Buenos Aires’ shipping district lies the city’s largest green space: an expansive 3.5km2 large ecological reserve on the shores of the River de La Plata. A curious fact is that the park grew on ground which was created by the leftover building material that was dumped in the river during the construction of Buenos Aires – a great example of how nature can surpass and take over the man made. The park is huge and the ideal way to see it is by bike (you can rent a bike near the entrance or get there by a city bike tour). There are also free guided tours organized by the city council – even a night tour on full moon nights. However simply going for a stroll along this beautiful ecological reserve, is well worth it, especially if you get to the shores of the River Plate.

An escape from the busy city centre./ image credit

After wandering around Buenos Aires all day and are feeling hungry, we recommend you try a very porteño snack. A delicious Choripan, sold on trailers along the Costanera Sur, just near the entrance of the Ecological Reserve.  As its name suggests the delicious Choripan, is a chorizo (sausage) in pan (bread), add a dash of Chimichurri and you’re good to go! Something you have to try on your vacation in Buenos Aires!