5 Customs in Buenos Aires

The streets of Buenos Aires have that certain something that makes it an unforgettable city. At times, it's crazy, delirious, and even inexplicable. At others, it's amazing, legendary... unique! The capital of Argentina is a cultural icon of Latin America, a city that every traveler should experience.

A typical characteristic of Buenos Aires is the warmth and friendliness conveyed by its residents. Travelers feel at home experiencing the warmth and affection of the locals, and in many cases, during their stay, they enjoy adopting the customs of "portenos" (residents of Buenos Aires). That's why we've put together a basic list so that when you arrive in the city of tango and the Obelisco, you can become an authentic "porteno."

The Buenos Aires Coffee Break

It's well known that the pace of life in Buenos Aires is fast and furious. That's why, to decompress from the daily whirlwind, a classic Buenos Aires activity is to sit down for a coffee either in company or in urban solitude. Time stops for a moment, allowing the mental hard drive to rest and recharge. The "cortado" or "lágrima" are specialties to get you into the "porteno" mindset.

The Longest Night in the World

Sleep? Stop? What's that? Buenos Aires never stops or sleeps. From Monday to Monday, there's always something to do at any hour. A bookstore, a place to eat in the wee hours, a corner to share... there's always a refuge for night owls. And if the idea is to dance until dawn, the clubs - called "boliches" - only close when the sun is ready to make breakfast.

"What's up, CHE? Don't be a Boludo!"

To be a true "porteno" - or "posta," as the young people would say - it's essential to know some keywords when speaking. "Come on, mate, come!" In this case, "boludo" (stupid) is affectionate, among friends, conveying trust. "What's up, che?" Che is used to call someone or to emphasize a phrase or question. "Come on, che!" "Hey, pass me the cutlery." If you don't know the person's name, everything is solved with "che." An important detail: in Buenos Aires, people use "vos" (you) and imperative verbs, such as: come, give, do, go down, etc.

A Mozzarella Pizza on Corrientes Avenue

Every traveler passing through the streets of Buenos Aires is obliged to stop by the pizzerias of the never-sleeping avenue: Corrientes. Just steps from the Obelisco, the establishments open their doors at all hours, and the overflowing mozzarella slices never stop coming. Along with a "porrón" (beer bottle) and standing up - "de pie" or "dorapa" - the scene is unmistakably "porteno."

Read More: Five Bodegones You Should Visit in Buenos Aires

Tango in Buenos Aires

In the neighborhood of San Telmo, in Almagro, or wherever. If you're in the land of Carlos Gardel - the most famous of all tango singers - you can't miss, at least, taking a few steps of tango. To feel the passion of this emblematic dance, you have to take your partner and hit the dance floor. The music plays, and with each step, you become more and more like a "porteno." ¡Mi Buenos Aires querido!

How to Get to Buenos Aires

If you're already in the country, you can of course travel by land. From any province, you can also do so by plane. And if you're abroad, the main cities of the world are connected to the airports of Ezeiza - the largest air terminal in Argentina, 40 minutes from downtown - and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery - within the city, just a few minutes from downtown.

Additionally, as of last week, JetSmart started flying from Concepción, Chile, to Ezeiza on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. More flights from Uruguay and Colombia with Aerolíneas Argentinas, FlyBondi, and Avianca.