The City
The Argentine Republic is renowned for its vast number of cultural and recreational activities, which liven up the neighbourhoods throughout the year, day and night: the Colon Opera House and small experimental theatres (especially, those located on Corrientes Avenue), old book stores and new cultural centres, over 100 museums and art galleries, large craft fairs and modern shopping malls, historic coffee houses, places to enjoy tango and milongas, night clubs and bars playing international music, restaurants of every type, casinos and the most exciting football matches, they all feature prominently in this big city.
Visitors may get to know the city by walking around its neighbourhoods, from the most traditional —i.e. San Telmo, La Boca, Congreso or Abasto— to the most stately —like Recoleta or Belgrano— to the most modern —such as Puerto Madero or Palermo, the cradle of avant-garde design. Thematic promenades are available, which make it possible to follow the footsteps of iconic characters of tango or Argentine culture such as Gardel, Evita or Borges. For those who enjoy sailing, there are trips on the River Plate and, for the more spontaneous, the streets of Buenos Aires are an open invitation to walk without destination, guided by curiosity and the wish to discover the countless attractions offered by this big city.
Information at: https://disfrutemosba.buenosaires.gob.ar/
Weather
The City of Buenos Aires has welcoming weather all year round. The coldest month is July. Even though there is no frost, wool coats, jackets or overcoats and scarves must be worn while outside. Cold is moderate in winter during the day, but temperature drops considerably during the night. Heat is humid during the summer. Mornings are hot and temperature rises significantly around midday and in the afternoon. In the evening, temperature drops slightly and, therefore, light clothes are worn. Warm clothes are not necessary. The rainiest seasons are autumn and spring (from March to June and from September to December). It is usually drizzle or light rain, which does not get in the way of your planned activities, as you may walk the streets with umbrellas or raincoats.
On sunny autumn and spring days, mornings are cool. Temperature rises until noon, resulting in pleasant weather, but drops in the evening.
In March, temperature in Buenos Aires ranges from 19° C to 26° C.
Health
There is no obligation or need for vaccination prior to entering Argentina, since both the country and the City of Buenos Aires are safe in terms of public health.
The City's public network water is potable.
Public hospitals (which are available to tourists) provide emergency services 24/7 for free.
The toll-free number 107 reaches the ambulance service for emergencies (SAME), which may be contacted 24/7.
Drugstores
There is a large network of drugstores in all neighbourhoods of the City of Buenos Aires. Many are open through the night (they are known as "farmacias de turno") and a list is available on the Internet or on the door of each drugstore, specifying which of them are open that night in the same neighbourhood.
Drugstores sell different types of medication: prescription, over-the-counter and non-repeat prescription. In order to purchase prescription drugs (which are subject to medical control), a licensed professional must be visited at a public hospital, clinic or private office so that they will write and sign the prescription. In the case of non-repeat prescription drugs, a prescription is given for each container bought. Psychotropic drugs fall under this category.
Smokers and non-smokers
In the City of Buenos Aires, for many years now, smoking has been banned by law in enclosed public spaces, such as restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping malls, cinemas, theatres, internet cafés, hospitals, schools, administrative offices, public transport, banks, etc. There are exceptions to this law, in shops whose surface exceeds 100 m2 and which provide separate spaces for smokers.
Likewise, smoking is allowed at various tobacco smokers clubs and cigar stores in the City.
Alcohol and drugs
Alcohol consumption is forbidden for people under the age of 18, and for all people while in public spaces or in stadiums during sporting, cultural or artistic events. Supermarkets and grocery stores may only sell alcoholic beverages until 10 PM. Restaurants, bars and night clubs may sell them until 5 AM.
Sale, possession and consumption of drugs are punished by Argentine law, except for possession of marijuana for personal consumption in private spaces, which was authorized in 2009 as a result of a Supreme Court ruling.
In Argentina, sexual tourism and trafficking in persons for sexual exploitation purposes are forbidden by law and perpetrators are subject to harsh sentences.
A toll-free line (102) is available to report instances of commercial sexual exploitation or violation of the rights of children and adolescents. This line belongs to the Council for the Rights of Children and Adolescents of the Government of Buenos Aires.
Security
Buenos Aires is a safe city, but certain precautions should always be taken. For instance, bags and purses should not be left hanging on chairs in public places and poorly-lit streets should be avoided at night. For doubts, questions or complaints, the City has two public agencies that may be of assistance.
Tourist Defender's Office
Telephone: (54 11) 4302 7816
E-mail: turista@defensoria.org.ar
Police Station for Tourists
Telephone: (54 11) 4309-9700 ext. 6422
E-mail: serv.turista@gmail.com
Official source: www.turismo.buenosaires.gov.ar.
City Hours
Activities in the City of Buenos Aires begin in the early morning and go on until late at night.
Shops
They are open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 8 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM, but shops located on big avenues remain open until evening. Shopping malls are open until 10 PM, even on weekends and some holidays.
Banks
They are open Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM. Cash withdrawals and other transactions may be carried out through ATMs which operate 24/7.
Meals
The time when residents of the City take their four meals will vary, as they are scheduled according to their activities. Breakfast is between 7 and 10 AM. Lunch is usually served between 12.30 and 3 PM, while dinner is generally between 9 and 11 PM.
Gastronomy
Useful links with information on restaurants, steak houses, pizzerias and bars.
In its official tourism portal, http://www.turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar, the Government of the City of Buenos Aires promotes its best eateries.
10 restaurants with a history: 10 restaurants with a history:
Steak houses in Buenos Aires: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/es/article/parrillas-de-buenos-aires
Pizzerias in Buenos Aires: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/es/article/pizzerias-de-buenos-aires
Notable bars: turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/es/article/bares-notables
Cocktails in Buenos Aires: https://turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar/buenos-aires-coctelera
Transport and tourist bus
Taxis
Taxi fares are charged in Argentine pesos only and are listed at: http://www.buenosaires.gob.ar/taxis/tarifas
Violations may be reported by dialling 147, calling the tourist assistance line (0800 999 2838) or by e-mail to: taxis@buenosaires.gob.ar.
Tourist bus
The City proposes an experimental tour featuring two circuits. This tour offers an experience for both the tourist's eyes and ears, as an audio guide is available which provides details on each place, as well as its typical sounds, along the way.
With a 24- or 48-hour ticket, tourists may visit the traditional neighbourhoods of La Boca, San Telmo and Puerto Madero, as well as Palermo and Belgrano.
The tour begins in the City Centre, a few steps from Plaza de Mayo. As the bus moves on, tourists may appreciate iconic buildings, historical sites, cultural spaces and unique neighbourhoods.
At each stop, the door to a new world is opened. It may lead to the colourful sights of La Boca, the elegance of Avenida Alvear, or the traditions of San Telmo. The City's diversity caters for all tastes and every tourist can pick a spot to explore in greater depth.
The tourist bus operates every day (including holidays) from 9 AM to 5 PM. Tourists can hop on at any stop and begin the tour. Tickets may be bought at official ticket offices, on the bus or through the Internet. Web site: www.buenosairesbus.com