Cafes/Restaurants
Koko's *****
What: restaurant for takeout/delivery
Where: Microcentro
Prices: 15-50 pesos, fair
Food: amazing tartas, roasted chicken, meatballs, salads, milanesa -wider variety than most
What I had: all of their tartas which are big enough for 2 meals
What I thought: The biggest, most delicious tartas (pie/quiche) in all of BA. Very quick, friendly service (the employees are all one family who owns it). Wide variety of yummy food in huge portions including comforts like mashed potatoes. Yes please!
Moratto Ice Cream *****
What: heladería
Where: Recoleta
Prices: one of the cheapest ice cream shops we've found
Food: ice cream-duh!
What I had: a scoop of cheesecake w/ citrus and a scoop of mascarpone w/ raspberries
What I thought: yummm! and they have delivery! It was perfect ice cream at the perfect price. (Note: We eat here at least 2x a week now)Havanna **** (4.5)
What: cafetería (local version of Starbucks)
Where: every block
Prices: pricey, but cheaper than Starbucks (avg. 15 peso coffee w/ alfajor cookie)
What I had: White chocolate skim double latte
What I thought: Heavenly, the best coffee I've had yet in Buenos Aires. Overpriced, but worth it. They serve pastries and sandwiches like Starbucks too.
Juanitos **** (4.5)
What: parilla (grill)
Where: Palermo
Prices: very cheap/reasonable for a parilla
Food: parilla, lots of grilled meats
Food: parilla, lots of grilled meats
What I had: bottle of Malbec, Steak with pancetta and fried egg served w/ french fries
What I thought: YUMMY! very good, friendly service
California Burrito Company (CBC) ****
What: Chipotle's BA twin
Where: several locations
Prices: around 10 bucks for a burrito and a drink
Food: burritos, nachos, quesadillas
What I had: giant burrito. duh.
What I thought: Mmm. I've been craving Chipotle since I left. Very big burrito. Yummy fillings. Even kind of spicy, which is impossible to find. Still too expensive to make a habit.
Mandala ****
California Burrito Company (CBC) ****
What: Chipotle's BA twin
Where: several locations
Prices: around 10 bucks for a burrito and a drink
Food: burritos, nachos, quesadillas
What I had: giant burrito. duh.
What I thought: Mmm. I've been craving Chipotle since I left. Very big burrito. Yummy fillings. Even kind of spicy, which is impossible to find. Still too expensive to make a habit.
La Continental ****
What: small restaurant/ fast food
Where: Recoleta
Prices: cheap, 15-40 pesos
Food: pizza, pasta, salad, burgers
What I had: I've tried the lasagna (average), fries (yummy American fries), salad (yummy), and dessert (average). My roommates like the burgers.
What I thought: WE LOVE CONTINENTAL! They have really good pizza, burgers, and some of the best empanadas. One of few restaurants with lots of variety.Plus service with a smile :) Avoid the spaghetti though.
Mandala ****
What: Restaurant
Where: Palermo
Prices: 35-55 pesos per meal
What I had: Crépes w/ squash and rustic potatoes
What I thought: Great service. Great atmosphere and music. Very hippie. Great food. AND they have carbonara.
Ugi's Pizza ****
What: Fast food pizzaría
Where: Microcentro
Prices: Large mozzarella pizza for 14 pesos. VERY CHEAP
Food: Only pizza and pop
What I had: 1/4 pizza (2 pieces) and pop for 8 pesos
What I thought: Yummy and great for lunch on the go.
Carlitos *** (3.5)
What: Small Restaurant
Where: Recoleta
Prices: Cheap/Fair ($5 cheeseburger)
Food: breakfast/dinner pancakes, empanadas, hamburgers
What I had: everything
Pinal *** (3.5)
What: pastelería
Where: Microcentro
Prices: 4-5 pesos per pastry
What I had: lots of different types of muffins and sweet breads
What I thought: delicious and fair prices. like a better version of Panera Bread. From 7-9 pm, everything's half price.
*Note: PERFECT birthday cakes
*Note: PERFECT birthday cakes
Sanjuanino *** (3.5)
What: Small restaurant/ panedería
Where: Recoleta
Prices: Very cheap
Food: empanadas, carne, tamales
What I had: a chicken empanada, a veggie empanada, sweet tamales, and alfajores for dessert
Thoughts: Yummy food and very friendly wait staff. We'll definitely be back.
Anastasia's (has a new name now) ***
What: parilla
Where: Palermo
Price: pricer than we've had (45-95)
What I had: Pollo suprema suiza c/ papas fritas
What I thought: We've all had better.
What: Confiteria
Where: Recoleta
Prices: fair
Food: light breakfast: quiche, croissants, desserts
What I had: coffee w/ milk and 3 crossaints (16 pesos/ $4)
Thoughts: Cute little coffee shop w/ bright colors and lots of magazines to read. Yummy croissants.De la Fragatta ***
What: Fast food on the port, outside seating
Where: Puerto Madero
Prices: pricier than other neighborhoods, but cheap for Puerto Madero; happy hour specials 6-9 pm
Food: cafe items, snacks
What I had: Strawberry Smoothie (18 pesos)
What I thought: Great atmosphere in front of the water. Convenient for the Missouri offices. Smoothie was not all real fruit like we've had at other places, but delicious nonetheless. It will be fun to grab a drink before class one night.
Fusion ***
What: restaurant
Where: Av. Florida in Microcentro
Prices: fair/ higher than avg
Food: wraps, sandwiches, salads
What I had: Chicken sandwich w/ fruit salad
What I thought: just your plain ole average sandwich
Muu ***
What: American 50's style diner
Where: Palermo on Costa Rica
Prices: cheap for Palermo, higher than avg
Food: burgers, milkshakes, gourmet sandwiches, salads
What I had: cheeseburger and cheddar bacon fries
What I thought: great atmosphere. big screen tv made to look like drive-in movie. drinks weren't great but the food was good. The gourmet sandwiches sounded really good.
Fusion ***
What: restaurant
Where: Av. Florida in Microcentro
Prices: fair/ higher than avg
Food: wraps, sandwiches, salads
What I had: Chicken sandwich w/ fruit salad
What I thought: just your plain ole average sandwich
Muu ***
What: American 50's style diner
Where: Palermo on Costa Rica
Prices: cheap for Palermo, higher than avg
Food: burgers, milkshakes, gourmet sandwiches, salads
What I had: cheeseburger and cheddar bacon fries
What I thought: great atmosphere. big screen tv made to look like drive-in movie. drinks weren't great but the food was good. The gourmet sandwiches sounded really good.
Ponto Cafe ***
What: a lunch cafe
Where: Av. Garay 168 near Austral
Prices: cheap/fair
Food: Sandwiches, salad, pizza, etc
What I had: Salad w/ tuna
What I thought: Great place for lunch or coffee. It has a patio. It's fast food and really convenient if you're near Austral University.
Todos Contentos ***
Todos Contentos ***
What: Asian Restaurant
Where: Barrio China near Belgrano
Prices: one of the cheapest in the neighborhood (35-50 pesos)
What I had: some seafood dish that was not very good
What I thought: My roommates loved their meals. Veggie fried rice and spicy chicken were delicious. The only place we have found somewhat spicy food.
Casa Bar ** (2.5)
What: American resto-bar
Where: Recoleta
Prices: a little high for nachos/pizza, but we were there for the Superbowl
What I had: nachos, pizza
What I thought: TERRIBLE service, but it was the Superbowl
What: Restaurant
Where: Recoleta
Prices: Average/more than usual
What I had: coffee with ice cream
Thoughts: definitely a tourist trap. I wouldn't waste your time, but the drink was delicious.
Forrest Gump Cafe **
Forrest Gump Cafe **
What: Small cafe/lunch restauant
Where: Microcentro
Prices: Cheap
Food: Crepes, Burgers, Sandwhiches, Breakfast
What I had: Burger with ham and pineapple and fries with cafe con leche (latte) 5 bucks
What I thought: At first it was convenient, but after a couple times, it's not worth it. There is much better food for much better prices in BA.
Mostaza **
What: Fast Food
Where: Puerto Madero
Prices: Fair/Avg
Food: hamburgers, sandwiches salads, coffee
Thoughts: Kylie didn't like her hamburger, but Alyssa liked her salad. It's the first American salad we've seen anywhere. Pretty much like American food, so so food and convenient.
Bars/Clubs
El Catedral *****
What: Tango Bar
Where: Palermo
Prices: 15 pesos to enter
Food: I don't know
What I thought: Much more intimate setting than La Viruta. They only teach tango and start from the very beginning. There were less couples and the building is really neat. LOVED it. Less touristy than Viruta too.Niceto/Invasion *****
What: Club
Where: Palermo
Price: no cover if you sign up online in advance. free tequila shot upon entry. Great drink specials (2 quilmes for 20 pesos)
What I thought: FUN FUN FUN! great mix of music and a live band, too. great crowd, sort of trendy. cool atmosphere.
La Puerta Una *****
What: Bar
Where: Palermo
Prices: very reasonable for a bar (25-35 pesos). No cover.
What I had: Squeeze-best drink I've had on the trip. Perfect mix of sweet, fresh, and kick.
What I thought: It takes up an alleyway and is part inside, part outside. Great ambience. Good place for groups. Good music. One of my favorites so far.
Buenos Aires Pub Crawl *****
What: Touristy Pub Crawl of 3 bars/clubs
Where: In different neighborhoods on different nights
Prices: 80 pesos to register: includes free beer and pizza when you arrive and a shot at each of the 3 bars. All of the bars also have cheap specials just for the pub crawlers
Thoughts: VERY FUN! It's very touristy, but we met people from all over the world and had a great time. It ended at a club that played really old American music, but after a few drinks, no one cared about the music, only the dancing.*Note: We also went to a St. Patrick's day pub crawl that was sooo fun!
Club 69 ****
What: club (in club Niceto)
Where: Palermo
Prices: I don't know, we got in free and I didn't pay for drinks ;)
What I thought: It's a night of drag queen shows and great fun. Trance/techno music and a diverse crowd.
El Alamo ****
What: Ex-pat bar
Where: Recoleta on Uruguay
Prices: free beer for girls during happy hour; 50 peso cover that 100% goes toward drinks which are very cheap
Food: American-style food like nachos and hot wings
What I had: free beer
What I thought: more locals than we expected. a great place to watch sports or drink with your friends
Kika ****
What: Club
Where: Palermo SoHo/Hollywood
Prices: I don't know. We got in free with boys and didn't drink.
Thoughts: Packed and very fun! One side played a mix of reggaeton and popular American songs; the other side played techno/trance music.La Viruta ****
What: Tango Bar
Where: Palermo
Prices: 25 pesos to enter, reasonably priced dinner, drink specials
Food: Salads, Pizza, Sandwiches?
What I had: We shared a salad, med. pizza, and 2 drinks/person for around 30 bucks total
What I thought: Pizza was good. A medium is perfect for 3 girls to share. The fresh mojitos were delicious. Dancing was fun, but it was very crowded making it harder to learn. Get there early to get a seat. They have a coat check so you don't have to worry about your stuff while you dance.
Congo ***
What: Bar
Where: Palermo SoHo/Hollywood
Prices: $7-10 drinks
What I had: Vodka w/ Red Bull (sorry I'm boring!)
Thoughts: It was pretty empty b/c we went on a Tuesday, but nice atmosphere.
Crobar **
Crobar **
What: club
Where: Palermo
Prices: very high (50 peso cover, 40 peso drinks)
What I thought: good time, but not worth it.
Cocoliche *
What: bar/club
Where: Palermo
Prices: 10 peso cover if you're "on the list", didn't order drinks
Thoughts: Waaay too underground. I'm all for techno, but they play straight trance music. Scary looking crowd, too loud. I think you need to be on drugs to have fun there.
Azúcar
What: Club
Where: Palermo
Prices:
Thoughts: free dance classes earlier in the night and lots of dancing after. I didn't go, but my roommates had fun. Get there around 12-1 am for classes!
Sugar
Sugar
What: bar
Where: Palermo
Price:
What I thought: It was closed temporarily due to being over capacity! : (
Places/Things to do
Jardín Botánico *****
What: botanical gardens w/ sections featuring plants from around the world
Where: Palermo on Las Heras
Prices: free
What I thought: Breathtakingly beautiful. A must-see. I could spend hours here a day. You feel so far away from the city.
Palacio Barolo *****
What: famous and unique architectural building with great panoramic views of BA
Where: Av. de Mayo
Price: 80 pesos for a night tour with a glass of wine and snack at the end
What I thought: Wonderful history and design inside. Almost every detail is based on Dante's Divine Comedy. From the tower, you get a gorgeous panoramic view of Buenos Aires (we went at night). There's also a lighthouse at the top and wine and cheese at the end. The tour guide really made the night.
Parque Rosedal *****
What: botanical gardens w/ sections featuring plants from around the world
Where: Palermo on Las Heras
Prices: free
What I thought: Breathtakingly beautiful. A must-see. I could spend hours here a day. You feel so far away from the city.
Palacio Barolo *****
What: famous and unique architectural building with great panoramic views of BA
Where: Av. de Mayo
Price: 80 pesos for a night tour with a glass of wine and snack at the end
What I thought: Wonderful history and design inside. Almost every detail is based on Dante's Divine Comedy. From the tower, you get a gorgeous panoramic view of Buenos Aires (we went at night). There's also a lighthouse at the top and wine and cheese at the end. The tour guide really made the night.
Parque Rosedal *****
What: Rose Park
Where: Palermo
Prices: You can rent paddleboats, rollerblades or bikes, but I don't know the prices. There are several free movies, sports, and dance/yoga/younameit classes every weekend.
Thoughts: Very beautiful park. Go rent rollers on a Saturday afternoon, or see a movie outside on a Sunday night.Plaza Francia *****
What: Street fair every Saturday and Sunday 2pm-8ish pm
Where: Plaza Francia in Recoleta
Prices: verrrrry cheap artisan goods
Thoughts: Perfect shopping for souvenirs, stuff you want. Jewelry, clothes, leather goods, arts and crafts, things for mate, food, shoes, you name it. There's also people playing guitar and reggae bands in the grass. Perfect way to spend an entire Saturday afternoon. Don't forget to grab a homemade lunch there. I suggest pan relleno!
Catedral ****
What: national cathedral
Where: Plaza de Mayo
Price: free
What I thought: features the tomb of Jose de San Martin and the Unknown Soldier. Pretty paintings, sculptures, carvings inside. Stunning cathedral.
Museo de Bellas Artes ****
What: Art Museum
Where: Recoleta
Price: Free
Thoughts: Definitely worth seeing. Twice.
Parque Norte (Coconor) ****
Parque Norte (Coconor) ****
What: Swimming pool, sports & rec park
Where: Barrio Norte
Prices: 50 pesos
Thoughts: Great place to spend the day. Huge swimming pool for 2-3000 people (you have to get a free medical check first) with slides and water aerobics class. Concession stands available, but most people bring their own food/mate/alcohol for the whole day. Also fútbol fields and tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts.
Recoleta Cemetery ****
What: one of the world's largest mausoleumsWhere: Recoleta
Price: Free
What I thought: absolutely beautiful; a must see in Buenos Aires. Tours are available in English and Spanish.
Parque Zoológico ***(3.5)
What: the zoo
Where: Palermo-Plaza Italia
Prices: 18 pesos or 27 for bonus features
What I had: full access pass which includes aquariums and jungle
What I thought: very fun. known for white lion cubs. But for me, a zoo is a zoo. It is worth a visit to see some native creatures though, especially since it's so cheap! You can buy food to feed the animals.
Lavalle St/ Florida/ Corrientes ***
What: pedestrian-only shopping streets
Where: Microcentro
Prices: some tourist traps, some really cheap
What I thought: fun to visit for an afternoon. You can find just about anything here.
What: pedestrian-only shopping streets
Where: Microcentro
Prices: some tourist traps, some really cheap
What I thought: fun to visit for an afternoon. You can find just about anything here.
Puerto de Frutos **
What: Street Market
Where: El Tigre
Prices: Fair/Negotiable
What I thought: Plaza Francia was much better in my opinion.
Other Cities
El Tigre ****
What: a city on 5 rivers
Where: El Tigre-an hour train ride from Buenos Aires
Prices: the whole day cost around 30 American dollars
What I did: We had lunch in a local restaurant; took a private boat ride to a rec park w/ a beach, sand volleyball, and drinks; and walked through the Puerto de Frutos.
What I thought: It was a great day trip. There's also an amusement part, naval museum, and mate museum. It wasn't very touristy at all! A must-see, quick getaway from the city.
Sabor del Delta ***
What: small lunch restaurant
Where: El Tigre
Prices: Cheap/Fair
Food: Empanadas, Sanwiches, Salads, Pizza, Smoothies
What I had: salad and fresh smoothie
What I thought: It's very small for our group of 6, but the food was good and pizza looked amazing. It was one of the few restaurants that was not fast food or fine dining=perfect.
Córdoba *****
Baluch Backpackers Hostel *****
What: hostel
Where: Córdoba
Price: 40 pesos a night
What I thought: Couldn't ask for a better first hostel experience. The other guests said it was the best of the best. Colorful decor, friendly staff. Breakfast (bread, jam, coffee), towels, sheets all provided. Spacious rooms. Highly reviewed parilla. In a central location.
Mandarina ****
What: restaurant
Where:
Price: higher than usual
Food: fusion-pasta, seafood, salads, asian
What I had: grilled apple and pumpkin asian salad
What I thought: Delicious salad. We had a PERFECT appetizer of all sorts of dips with fresh baked bread.
Trekking Excursion booked through the hostel ****
What: trekking through Parque Nacional de Condoritos
Where: Sierras Grandes/ Parque Nacional de Condoritos
Price: 200 pesos
What I thought: We had a really nice guide. They provided transportation. We hiked 11-12 km over 4-5 hours. Bring your own lunch. Beautiful views.
What: trekking through Parque Nacional de Condoritos
Where: Sierras Grandes/ Parque Nacional de Condoritos
Price: 200 pesos
What I thought: We had a really nice guide. They provided transportation. We hiked 11-12 km over 4-5 hours. Bring your own lunch. Beautiful views.
La Cumbrecita *****
What: a pedestrian-only tourist town in the mountains
Where: 1 1/2 hours bus ride from Córdoba
Prices: we only paid for the bus ride which was around 12 dollars
What I thought: perfect day trip. breathtaking views, natural swimming holes, waterfalls. A highlight of our Buenos Aires trip.
El Practico Bus *****
What: a long-distance bus company
Where: from Buenos Aires to just about anywhere in Argentina
Prices: around US$100 roundtrip for a cama suite
What I thought: very friendly service. We chose 'cama suite' which meant we had comfy leather seats that reclined all the way flat for the overnight trip. There was a curtain divider between the seats. They served us dinner and breakfast each way. There were also movies. They provide you with blankets. Better than an international flight!
Montevideo *** (3.5)
What: a tourist capital on the beach
Where: capital of Uruguay
Prices: much more expensive than Buenos Aires
What I thought: fun for a day or two, but it's better to get out of Montevideo into the surrounding towns or better beaches like Punto del Este
El Viajero Hostel *** (3.5)
What: hostel
Where: La ciudad vieja
Prices: around 333 UR pesos/night = US$20
What I thought: decent service, tiny rooms, breakfast (even fruit and yogurt!) provided, towels for rent
Manchester ***
What: restaurant
Where: near Plaza Independencia
Prices: average
What I had: pizza
What I thought: completely average across the board
Piriápolis
What: beach town an hour from Montevideo
Where: between Montevideo and Punto del Este
Prices:
What I thought: much prettier town and beaches than Montevideo. Supposedly much quieter and cheaper than Punto del Este.
Bariloche
What: a mountain town in Patagonia known for skiing,golf, and CHOCOLATE. Their local dishes are trout, lamb, and fondue.
Where: a 3-hour flight from Buenos Aires, in the very south of Argentina
Prices: cheaper than BA
What I thought: one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen (tv or in person), and we weren't even there when there was snow. The views are incredible and the town is quite charming. You can't miss this if you visit Argentina.
Nido del Condor *****
What: 4-star hotel
Where: a km or 2 outside the main part of town, nestled in the mountains overlooking Lake Huapi
Price: included in my study abroad fee; I have no idea
What I thought: huge, lodge-style rooms with fireplaces and a giant jacuzzi tub. Chocolate on our pillows every day. A balcony overlooking the lake which was perfect at sunset. The best free breakfast buffet I've seen anywhere. They also have a heated pool and hot tub. If you can afford it, I would definitely recommend staying here. Pure bliss.
Puerto Iguazu/Misiones
What: town that hosts the world's 2nd largest waterfalls
Where: border of Brasil, Argentina, and Paraguay
Price: cheaper than BA
What I thought: no one should die without seeing the waterfalls!! It was the single most exhilarating, impressive sight I've ever laid eyes on. Breathtaking and life-changing.
Parque Iguazu
What: national park where you see the waterfalls
Where: a 20 min. bus ride from most hostels
Price: 100 pesos, 50 pesos if you go a consecutive second day
What I thought: The website has all the info you could ever want. I have no words. It literally left me speechless. There's no way to describe it's beauty.
Via Bariloche
What: long distance bus
Where: from BA to almost anywhere
Price: I took the medium-level comfort this time, and it was about US$210 for the 32-hour round trip
What I thought: As with all our bus experiences, great service. On time. The medium comfort level (cama) had seats that reclined about 45 degrees, served dinner and breakfast, as well as played movies. Wine was included with dinner.
What: a pedestrian-only tourist town in the mountains
Where: 1 1/2 hours bus ride from Córdoba
Prices: we only paid for the bus ride which was around 12 dollars
What I thought: perfect day trip. breathtaking views, natural swimming holes, waterfalls. A highlight of our Buenos Aires trip.
El Practico Bus *****
What: a long-distance bus company
Where: from Buenos Aires to just about anywhere in Argentina
Prices: around US$100 roundtrip for a cama suite
What I thought: very friendly service. We chose 'cama suite' which meant we had comfy leather seats that reclined all the way flat for the overnight trip. There was a curtain divider between the seats. They served us dinner and breakfast each way. There were also movies. They provide you with blankets. Better than an international flight!
Montevideo *** (3.5)
What: a tourist capital on the beach
Where: capital of Uruguay
Prices: much more expensive than Buenos Aires
What I thought: fun for a day or two, but it's better to get out of Montevideo into the surrounding towns or better beaches like Punto del Este
El Viajero Hostel *** (3.5)
What: hostel
Where: La ciudad vieja
Prices: around 333 UR pesos/night = US$20
What I thought: decent service, tiny rooms, breakfast (even fruit and yogurt!) provided, towels for rent
Manchester ***
What: restaurant
Where: near Plaza Independencia
Prices: average
What I had: pizza
What I thought: completely average across the board
Piriápolis
What: beach town an hour from Montevideo
Where: between Montevideo and Punto del Este
Prices:
What I thought: much prettier town and beaches than Montevideo. Supposedly much quieter and cheaper than Punto del Este.
Bariloche
What: a mountain town in Patagonia known for skiing,golf, and CHOCOLATE. Their local dishes are trout, lamb, and fondue.
Where: a 3-hour flight from Buenos Aires, in the very south of Argentina
Prices: cheaper than BA
What I thought: one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen (tv or in person), and we weren't even there when there was snow. The views are incredible and the town is quite charming. You can't miss this if you visit Argentina.
Nido del Condor *****
What: 4-star hotel
Where: a km or 2 outside the main part of town, nestled in the mountains overlooking Lake Huapi
Price: included in my study abroad fee; I have no idea
What I thought: huge, lodge-style rooms with fireplaces and a giant jacuzzi tub. Chocolate on our pillows every day. A balcony overlooking the lake which was perfect at sunset. The best free breakfast buffet I've seen anywhere. They also have a heated pool and hot tub. If you can afford it, I would definitely recommend staying here. Pure bliss.
Puerto Iguazu/Misiones
What: town that hosts the world's 2nd largest waterfalls
Where: border of Brasil, Argentina, and Paraguay
Price: cheaper than BA
What I thought: no one should die without seeing the waterfalls!! It was the single most exhilarating, impressive sight I've ever laid eyes on. Breathtaking and life-changing.
Parque Iguazu
What: national park where you see the waterfalls
Where: a 20 min. bus ride from most hostels
Price: 100 pesos, 50 pesos if you go a consecutive second day
What I thought: The website has all the info you could ever want. I have no words. It literally left me speechless. There's no way to describe it's beauty.
Via Bariloche
What: long distance bus
Where: from BA to almost anywhere
Price: I took the medium-level comfort this time, and it was about US$210 for the 32-hour round trip
What I thought: As with all our bus experiences, great service. On time. The medium comfort level (cama) had seats that reclined about 45 degrees, served dinner and breakfast, as well as played movies. Wine was included with dinner.
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