"Nick and Judy" wrote in message
news:%DHSf.61180$dW3.7536@newssvr21.news.prodigy.com...
> Going to BA March 30th-April 6th. with a short side trip to Rosario.
> I've been going through my tour books and would like some advice.
> Since we will be there a relatively short time, what are the things we
> should not miss while there? We are great walkers and not afraid to
> explore an unfamiliar city. We will probaby be staying in Microcentro.
> Any and all advice is appreciated!
> Thanks.
>
If you're staying in the microcentro, you will be near the Plaza San Martín,
one of the largest squares in the city and a place from which you can take
at least a couple of interesting walks.
(1) You can enter la calle Florida (Florida Street) from the plaza. Florida
is a "peatonal," or pedestrian street, that extends for eight or ten blocks
and contains many shops selling everything from T-shirts and other touristy
things to high quality leather goods and furs. About midway along its length
you will find the Galerías Pacífico, one of the most elegant malls on the
street. If you continue along the entire length of Florida, you will be
about one block from the Plaza de Mayo, where you can see the Cabildo
(colonial city hall), the Casa Rosada, where the President's offices are,
and the Cathedral, within which is General José de San Martín's tomb,
guarded by two soldiers in fancy dress uniforms. At some time each day,
also, there is a changing of the guard in the plaza, in front of the Casa
Rosada (I don't remember the hour).
(2) If, instead of entering Florida Street from the Plaza San Martín, you
proceed downhill toward the English Tower, you will see, at the lowest level
of the plaza, a simple monument to the Argentines killed in the war with
Great Britain over the Falklands (Las Islas Malvinas). At that point, take
the boulevard at the foot of the plaza, Avenida Libertador, to your left and
follow it to the Recoleta neighborhood (perhaps a mile). Recoleta, no matter
how you get there, is worth some walking around. If you get there via the
Avenida Libertador, enter the "shopping," or mall, called Patio Bullrich.
That will tell you that you have arrived in the Recoleta neighborhood; it's
one of the priciest malls in the city. If you entered on the Libertador
side, exit on Posadas, where you will be just about opposite the Caesar Park
Hotel. Go either left or right, then go one block beyond Posadas to the
Avenida Alvear, which has some elegant shops.
Once you are there, anyone can direct you to the Cementerio, the famous
cemetery where many Argentine notables are buried, including Eva Duarte de
Peron ("Evita"). If you are a boxing fan, you may notice the tomb of Luis
Firpo, a world-famous boxer from many years ago; there's a statue of him in
his boxing trunks outside the entrance.
Opposite the cemetery you will see the famous cafe La Biela ("The Tie Rod"),
so named because its founder was a racing fan; note the racing memorabilia
inside. Also note "el gomero," the giant rubber tree outside, which was
planted almost 200 years ago by the friars of the church across the square
and now spreads across almost a city block. Cross the square and take a look
at Pilar church, which dates from the 18th century and has a solid-silver
altar, then enter the cemetery.
(3) Go to the San Telmo neighborhood if you're there on a weekend, because
there's an outdoors antique fair.
(4) See a tango show. The concierge at your hotel can probably recommend one
and arrange tickets for you.
(5) Shaun already mentioned the Teatro Colón, which offers tours in English
and Spanish that take about an hour and show you not only the auditorium but
also the backstage areas such as scenery and wardrobe shops. Depending on
the time of year (the theater has an extensive season of opera and other
performances), attend a performance.
Also, don't worry if your walk takes you a couple of miles from where you
intended to be. Taxis are plentiful and cheap.
It's a great city; enjoy your trip!
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