Buenos Aires is the capital and the largest city in Argentina, featuring some of the most important places in the entire country of Argentina. Originally named after a sanctuary in Sardinia, the city has grown today to be one of the most densely populated areas in Latin America.

Spain discovered the area in 1516 when a Spanish explorer reached the Rio de la Plata, the location of Buenos Aires. Although his expedition was cut short, Spanish settlement of the area began twenty years later as part of a Spanish expedition. A series of attacks by natives, though, left the area uninhabited until 1580, when the second, permanent settlement was created. Historically dependent on trade, Buenos Aires was regulated by the Spanish government, who controlled the amount of trade that the city could partake in. Over time, European immigration to the city began to shape it as something of a European outpost in South America, a phenomenon that persists today.

The city is bounded by the Rio de la Plata in the east and northeast. The Riachuelo and the Avenida General Paz, a highway, make up the rest of the boundaries. Located in the pampa region, which is the Spanish word for denoting the plains of South America, the region is relatively flat. Buenos Aires feature a humid subtropical climate, which means that the average temperature looms around 65 degrees Fahrenheit. During the Southern Hemisphere summer months of December, January, and February, many citizens of Buenos Aires head to cooler resorts on the Atlantic Coast to escape the heat.

Culturally, Buenos Aires is strongly influenced by European trends and styles. It is sometimes referred to as the Paris of South America because of this. A dialect of Spanish, reminiscent of a dialect spoken in Spain, is the prominent language in the city. Many European languages have grown into the local dialect, creating several unique terms and phrases. Architecture is reminiscent of that of Barcelona and Madrid, characterized by uniqueness in form and design. Tango music was born in Buenos Aires and has spread all over the world, but many will attest that the best dancers are those who are born and bred Argentineans.

While in Buenos Aires, you can enjoy outdoor activities, such as cycling, or cultural events, such as the opera. It’s also a terrific location for fine dining, shopping and dancing. The tango is very popular in Buenos Aires. Don’t be surprised if you see tango dancers performing on the streets.

Tango Lessons in Buenos Aires

Tags: argentina, buenos aires, south america