What to do in Recoleta, Argentina
Stately and thriving. Elegant and traditional. Welcome to the Argentinian Paris, one of the most sophisticated neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, to explore and fall in love.
"It took its name from the Convent of Barefoot Recollects, built on a farm called 'Los ombúes', received by the founding neighbor and first mayor, Rodrigo Ortiz de Zarate, in the distribution of lands made by Juan de Garay in 1583," reveals the official website of the City of Buenos Aires.
This is why this neighborhood, popularly known as the Argentinian Paris, due to French immigration and its architecture similar to that of the capital of France, ended up taking the name of Recoleta.
Once you are in this neighborhood, in the geographical north of Buenos Aires, the activities and places to visit are many. Which are they? What is there to see? What distinguishes the neighborhood so much? Come and see.
Read more: Where to eat in Buenos Aires: 6 restaurants in the Recoleta neighborhood
How to visit the Recoleta Cemetery
A must. Built more than 200 years ago, it is a true masterpiece of architecture and design that is reflected in its majestic vaults –more than 90 were declared a National Historic Monument– and mausoleums. The cemetery is home to the remains of numerous figures of Argentine political life, such as the tomb of Eva Perón.
Bear in mind: the necropolis is located at 1760 Junín Street. It is open from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and its ticket value is approximately 7 dollars.
Floralis Generica and Faculty of Law
The Floralis is one of the great images not only of Recoleta, but of Argentina. Inaugurated in 2002, it is a piece of work of the Argentine architect Eduardo Catalano. It is located on Figueroa Alcorta Avenue –one of the most beautiful in Buenos Aires– at 2300. This Buenos Aires icon is located few meters from the Faculty of Law, famous for its elegant façade and staircases that have been the stage of great events, such as fashion shows and movies.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid Bookstore
Different international media cataloged it as the most beautiful or one among the best in the world. This old theatre, turned into a bookshop, is undoubtedly one of the prettiest on the planet. Taking a walk around here is an experience that goes beyond literature. It is living an era, a style, a way of life that is very porteño. Its location is Av. Santa Fe 1860.
Tip: don't forget to have a typical Buenos Aires coffee here, which used to be the stage of the theater. A real literary coffee in the city of bookshops!
A Sunday afternoon in Plaza Francia
Picnic, mate and friends. The ideal plan to enjoy your stay in Buenos Aires. A classic for young people, although it is part of all generations. Who hasn't spent an afternoon with friends from school in Plaza Francia? Who hasn't played football here on a spring day? Who hasn't sung between guitars and mates? All that, and the inevitable handicraft shopping at the fair, can be done in this elegant plaza.
Walk along Alvear Avenue
Known for being one of the most glamorous avenues in the world, walking along this artery is imperial. Its shops, the Alvear Hotel, the Pereda Palace (current residence of the Brazilian Ambassador), the Ortiz Basualdo Palace (today the French Embassy), the Álzaga Unzué Palace (now the Four Seasons Hotel) and the Duhau Palace (Park Hyatt Hotel) reflect the Parisian influence in much of the design of the Argentine capital.
Finally, among so many options, we also recommend you, at least, taking a photo of the magnificent National Library, at 2502 Agüero Street. It is impossible not to be surprised by its architectural style.
And to close, a porteño coffee in La Biela, at Av. Quintana 596. An emblem of the cafés of Buenos Aires, visited by many celebrities back then and now.
Read more: Notable Bars in Buenos Aires