When moving to a new city it can be normal to feel detached from the community and lifestyle of those who have been living there for a long time. However, it`s easy to overcome this feeling in Buenos Aires as the city has much to offer travellers who want to do more than just pass through. Here are some tips to make you feel more integrated in the Buenos Aires lifestyle:
GET LOST
There's no better way to get to know a city than to explore and get lost in it. Because of the organised grid design with roads extending for miles, Buenos Aires is the perfect city to wander as you will always discover a familiar road and be able to find your way home.
Walk up and down all of the side streets and you'll discover little gems such as hidden book shops and wonderful little cafes nestled among the high rise buildings. Within a few weeks you will (quite literally) know the city streets like the back of your hand, which helps to make you feel more at home in this now familiar new city.
Once you feel more comfortable with your local area, why not explore further afield via bus, train or Subte. There is so much more to see on the outskirts of el Centro, and public transport is very safe and efficient. Soon you will be able to recite bus routes as easily as your ABCs!
USE THE LANGUAGE
Portenos are very proud of their culture and will really appreciate your efforts to use their own form of Castellano. The `ll` sound which comes out as a `Y` in Spanish is pronounced as a `shh` in Buenos Aires, which will feel very alien at first but soon you`ll find your own pronunciation changes with little effort. Using this form can help you communicate much better.
It's also good to learn a few slang phrases or words which are unique to Argentina. For example they say ´boliche´ instead of ´discoteca´ and use `aca`/`alla` much more than `aqui`/`alli`. Here is a useful link for Argentine slang: https://www.gringoinbuenosaires.com/argentine-slang-dictionary/argentine-slang-phrases/
The most important thing to do is talk to people!! Porteños are extremely friendly and always keen to help you learn more about their culture. Even if it`s just having a chat with the lady at the Post Office during one of her quieter days, or stopping to talk to the guys who work at the pizza shop to ask about the football or the weather, talking to people can really help you feel more at home.
Try attending some events such as Mundo Lingo, where you can practice your Spanish and meet new people who are also living in Buenos Aires. Most local people will happily offer to give you a tour of their city and recommend good things to do. This is a great way to make friends in the city and feel much more a part of it rather than a passer through.
GET INVOLVED WITH THE COMMUNITY
Start to build up a routine or live like a local rather than a tourist. You can do this by joining classes, for example at the gym. The Facultad de Derecho in Recoleta offers a full timetable of exciting classes from Swimming to Kickboxing, and is very cheap. This is a great way to keep fit, improve your Spanish and make lasting connections within the community. The other students and young people are very friendly and make sure you feel welcome both within the classes and within their beloved city. Alternatively, you can join a local gym or Crossfit centre to meet with people from your local area.
Other ways to experience more of Buenos Aires culture is to go to the multitudes of cinemas, theatres, musical recitals, art gallery open evenings and book fairs that occur throughout the city. Cine Gaumont, near Congreso offers a wide range of Argentinian-made films for only $8 pesos per showing. The Teatro Colon often has free orchestral recitals during the afternoons or cheap standing tickets ($60) to their ballets and operas. The Facultad de Derecho also offers free orchestral recitals some evenings.
On top of this, there are frequent milongas and tango shows where you can watch amateurs dance for free. Feel free to join in and learn a few steps beforehand for the true Tango experience!
ACT LIKE A PORTENO
One of the best ways to feel at home in Buenos Aires is to follow the Porteno lifestyle. Sit in a café for hours, discussing literature or watching people go about their daily business. Visit a famous pizza place and stand up to eat your meal amongst the local businessmen, or visit a bar to watch a football match with the rowdy sports crowd.
Soon you will find yourself eating dinner in the very latest part of the evening, partying until the early hours of the morning and walking home through the streets as the sun rises along with the rest of the young Argentine population.
Within no time, you will feel so at home in the city that you`ll forget what it was like to eat at `normal` times, visit only tourist attractions, and needing a map to navigate the city. At this point it`s safe to say that you`ve fully embraced the Buenos Aires lifestyle and can call yourself a true honorary porteno.
Arriving in a new city can be daunting, especially if it's half way across the world and works around a completely different language and culture. To make your integration into Buenos Aires a little bit easier, here are a few tips to remember:
Transport
The transport system in Buenos Aires is very reliable, so one of the first things you should do is to buy a SUBE card. The nearest shop to the VG house is called Puerta Digital. You then need to charge your card at any Kiosk or Subte station.
If you are only here for a short time, or if you're travelling with a friend or partner, it may be cheaper for you to share a SUBE card.
When you get on a bus, remember to tell the driver where you're going and how many people you want to pay for with your card. It´s a good idea to look up the name of the road of the place that you want to go to before getting on the bus. You will always need to tell this to the driver, and they will help you to know when your stop is coming up, or tell you if their bus doesn`t go there which can be very useful!
Another important thing to remember is that Buenos Aires is designed in a grid system and roads can stretch from one end of the city to the other. This is great as whenever you feel you might be lost, you will undoubtedly come across a road name that you recognize and can then just follow it home!
However, when getting a taxi, make sure you know the number of your destination not only the road, as this can save you time and money as well as a lot of confusion.
Queuing
Queuing is a varied concept in Buenos Aires. When at a bus stop it is polite to queue and let those who were there before you board the bus first. It`s also very much expected that you must always give up your seat on any form of public transport if someone less able gets on board. Portenos are very polite and considerate, a wonderful part of their culture!
However, many shops, medical centers and the post offices operate a ticket system rather than have long queues. This is great as it means you can collect your ticket number and then look for a seat or even pop out for a coffee and come back when your number is ready to be called.
Paying
Don't be surprised if your change is not exact when paying in cash, as the smaller coins are not always available shopkeepers tend to round figures up or down. If you have any small notes or coins, always have them handy to help out!
If you want to pay by card, you will often have to present documentation such as a passport of driver's license so don't forget to bring this out when doing big food shops.
It's also a good idea to always keep spare cash on you or in your apartment as sometimes the banks will run out of notes or occasionally they will shut at unexpected times, so don't rely on this as you only option.
Food
One really fantastic element of Buenos Aires culture is the food scene. It`s perfectly acceptable to buy one coffee and stay in a coffee shop for hours without hassle.
Italian cuisine is a big part of the city`s food scene and ice cream shops will often stay open till midnight or beyond, a nice alternative to going to a bar if you want a relaxed night! They also sell insulated takeaway pots by the kilo or quarter kilo if you would prefer to have a night in.
Ensure you visit some of the city's famous and age-old pizzerias too such as Pizza Guerrin where it's normal to order pizzas by the slice and stand up to eat it with a knife and fork alongside the businessmen of Buenos Aires.
By following these tips and embracing a spirit of adventure, you´ll be sure to feel comfortable in the city in no time!
Being a vegetarian travelling or living in Argentina sounds like it could be a huge challenge. What with the portenos love of steak, carne, pollo and all things meaty, you may be worried about struggling to maintain your healthy lifestyle and balanced diet. However, within the city of Buenos Aires, there are lots of great finds to fuel your appetite and fulfil your dietary needs.
1) Green Eat is a chain which sells healthy superfoods, superjuices, vegan cakes and more, geared around quick lunches to take away but usually with a few seats upstairs where you can sit down to eat if you want. It also has options with meat and fish which means you can bring your meat-obsessed friends along!
Location: Reconquista 690 / Uruguay 703 / Av. Santa Fe 1661 / Galerias Pacífico / DOT Baires Shopping
Our recommendation: Kale salad with a creamy white sauce or Veggie Tex Mex box of eggplant meatballs and salsas.
Price range: $$
2) MEME Sopa y Roll in Palermo is a hip and arty place to hang out and do some good people watching. Its not exclusively vegetarian and has plenty of meat options too. The idea is that you order soup and follow it up with a´roll´ or wrap. You also get a complimentary mini portion of gespachio before your meal.
Location: Gorriti 5881, 1414 Buenos Aires,Argentina
Our recommendation: Capresse or Falafel are the only two vegetarian roll options (not that you need much more as they``re both delicious) but their salad menu is flexible too.
Price range: $$
Notes: The café owner is super friendly and will often come and take a seat with you to have a chat during your meal.
3) Panda Buffet is good for a quick meal or take away option. You fill plastic containers from the buffet and pay based on their weight. They offer a wide selection of salads as well as chinese options within the buffet so it`s a good cheap fix if you`re craving something a little bit healthier such as lentils, coleslaw and broad bean salad as well as the classic Chinese menu. They also have a veggie section at the end of the buffet with ´veggieland´ brand burgers such as chia and linseed or quinoa.
Location: Libertad 171, C1012AAC CABA
Our recommendation: Veggieland burgers with roasted aubergine, lentils and egg fried rice
Price range: $
Notes: Its also super cheap, with two full containers coming to less than $75- great to keep one in the fridge for the next day!
4) Veggie Buffets are plentiful, especially around the VG house on Avenida de Mayo. You can load up take away boxes with all kinds of delicious tofu dishes, vegan milanesas and hot and cold salads.
Location: Tte. Gral. Juan Domingo Perón 1319, C1038ABA CABA
Our recommendation: Grab a little bit of everything as there are so many new flavours to try!
Price range: $
5) Bar Quimera is a 5 minute walk from the VG house and may seem non-descript from the outside, with handwritten signs and menu pasted on the windows. However, this little café serves two very good veggie dishes for extremely low prices. The Hamburguesa Vegana ($50) and Super Veggie Sandwich ($40) are both advertised on the door. You can sit in a very Argentine café and eat substantial meals packed with vegetables for the price of a cheap takeaway stand.
Location: Talcahuano 95, C1013AAA CABA
Our recommendation: Hamburguesa Vegana (lentil burger with sweet potato, zucchini, bean shoots and other vegetables roasted and packed on top)
Price range: $
6) Furaibo is hidden away up a discreet staircase on the outskirts of San Telmo. With a small Japanese garden and beautiful decoration, this restaurant takes you out of Buenos Aires and makes you feel like you`re sitting in the heart of Japan. It is also a functioning temple and place of worship, so you are likely to hear drums and prayers coming from the other rooms as you eat.
Location: Adolfo Alsina 429, C1087AAE CABA
Our recommendation: Yasai Katsu Kare
Price range: $$$
7) Hierbabuena offers an upmarket, artsy vibe. With two shop fronts; the bakery and café, you can sit outside sipping all kinds of smoothies and lemonades from glass jars, order some brunch and then choose from their delicious range of cookies, muffins and tarts. The bakery section also stocks fresh vegetables, vegan cookies and vegan milk.
Location: Av. Caseros 454, C1152AAN CABA
Our recommendation: Yoghurt and Granola followed by a chocolate cookie
Price range: $$$
This month Voluntario Global gave a very warm welcome back to Emma from the UK, who first joined us back in 2014 and spent a month volunteering in the soup kitchen. She had such a great time that this year, at the end of her travels through South America, she stopped in Buenos Aires to spend another 3 weeks volunteering before returning home.
The soup kitchen is located in Villa 21-24, and feeds the large kindergarten next door as well as the inhabitants of the villa. The kitchen is run by volunteers from the villa itself, and receives donations and food from the government so that it can keep on going. However the ladies there work really hard from early in the morning, so they were very happy to see a familiar face like Emma’s ready to help them!
Although her Spanish is basic, Emma still developed a strong bond with those who she worked with and was touched to receive a goodbye card on her last day. It won’t be a goodbye for long, as she plans to return in the future, and we are sure that the ladies in the soup kitchen can’t wait to see her again!
We walked into the daycare to sixteen babies all under the age of one, crawling over the foam flooring, sucking on eyeless, hard dolls, and falling turtle-back during frequent attempts to stand. Our Communications team intended to stay for an hour to take pictures for Maxine’s last day volunteering; instead, we left three hours later with slobber on our clothes, applesauce in our hair, and stiffness in our backs we would only feel the next morning. We left feeling accomplished, helpful, and happy, making plans to return the next day.
If you want a challenging but rewarding experience by making a difference for underprivileged families who can’t afford private daycare, join one of Voluntario Global’s projects working with kids. Located on the outskirts of the city in low-income neighborhoods are daycares in constant need of an extra pair of hands from all corners of the world - hands to hold and coddle babies; to feed them the nutrients they need to grow; to ensure they can develop while getting their basic needs in a safe environment.
Work among superwomen
On a regular day at the daycare, the influx of toddlers falls on the laps of two caretakers. I could barely put on a baby’s bib during his tantrum, and one of them saw my struggle, picked him up, put his bib on with one hand and continued to bottle-feed another on her lap, all in one swift motion. Superwoman, I tell ya.
Maxine, Voluntario Global volunteer from Australia, worked at the daycare for only two weeks, and was hailed a “god sent” as one of the caretakers put it, despite Maxine’s feelings of occasionally being a burden because of the language barrier. It seems nurturing a crying baby doesn’t need any verbal translation, and the caretakers’ appreciation for Maxine’s help was expressed through hugs and a party for her final day.
Make a difference during babies’ critical time of development
We were five unintentional “caretakers” the day we went to the daycare, and even with only half of the babies in attendance, it was a lot of work to entertain, feed, clean, and give each one of them the attention they deserve for their healthy development.
I sat amongst the crawling lot, my legs like mountains for climbing, my shoe a foreign binky to suck (which I replaced quickly with a stuffed bunny), and my glasses a new source of entertainment for curious eyes. Our Communications team jumped in with open arms alongside Maxine, and we left with full hearts, among happy, napping babies. We even managed to get a couple of cute snaps.
If you are able to adapt easily, and are quick to learn —the language, the customs, the culture— you will thrive in this environment. Maxine, Australia, Volunteer at Daycare
Learn more about this project and ask questions, here!
Buenos Aires is often described as a ´melting pot` of different styles, cultures and influences, and this is most obvious in the city`s mish mash of architectural wonders.
Perhaps the most interesting example of such extreme contrast lies in the sight of the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento hidden along a small side street, nestled between towering skyscrapers. Tourists often question why you would chose to hide such a beautiful, historic building behind monstrous tower blocks, and real story behind this architectural antithesis is truly fascinating.
Mercedes Castellanos de Anchorena had ordered the construction of the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento at the start of the 20th century. Her family lived in the Palacio San Martin, a huge and extravagant building which is used today as home to the Foreign Service Department. Mercedes said that seeing as she had her own palace to live in, then her God should also have his own palace, and thus the church was built across the Plaza San Martin. It was specifically placed so she had the perfect view of it from her family`s residence, and was planned to be the family mausoleum in years to come.
Corina Kavanagh was a wealthy and aspiring woman. She had plans for her daughter to marry the son of the aristocratic Anchorenas family. However, Mercedes rejected this proposal. Kavanagh took revenge by building an enourmous block of flats right in front of the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento, blocking it from view and placing an obtrusive obstacle between the family mausoleum and their home. Only Mercedes´ body now rests in the crypt beneath the church, the rest of her family lie in the Recoleta Cemetery.
Today the Kavanagh building stands tall above the barrio of Retiro. Designed to mimic the skyscrapers of New York, it has 105 apartments, with the largest occupying nearly 700 square metres. The building provides us with an example of architectural warfare and an act of everlasting revenge.
After 10 years, Voluntario Global and its volunteers from all over the world continue to write chapters in the everlasting narrative of volunteering in the city of Buenos Aires.
Join one of our projects today: http://voluntarioglobal.org
Every March 24th in Argentina, a public holiday is held to commemorate the anniversary of the last military dictatorship in the country, which took place on this date in 1976. After this began the Dirty War of Argentina, in which around 30,000 people disappeared - thought to be killed by the government for having dissenting opinions. This period of time, from 1976 to 1983 was a period of state terrorism, and heavy repression and censorship was exercised over the Argentine people, notably anybody associated with socialism. Freedom was heavily restricted, mothers had their babies stolen and people who did not agree with the government were tortured for information, often before being “disappeared”.
Every year on this day Argentinians march to remember the people lost in this period, many clutching pictures of disappeared friends and family. All around, people wear t-shirts and hold signs emblazoned with the phrase “nunca más” - “never again”. This year, Voluntario Global volunteers came together to talk and learn about the importance of this day in Argentinian history and culture. We then joined the march from the volunteer house down to the Plaza de Mayo. This is a significant place on this day, due to the Asosiación Madres de Plaza de Mayo, a group of mothers of the disappeared people who have gathered in the square outside the government house every Thursday since 1977. The mothers and grandmothers have had some success from all their years of fighting and since they started, 119 sons and grandsons have been found. The Plaza de Mayo was filled with people from all different social groups, who had united to seek remembrance and justice.
It was a great experience for our volunteers to engage with a topic that is so powerful and emotional in Argentina, and to promote a cultural exchange by showing solidarity with political issues in this country.
Why did you choose to volunteer? Why choose to volunteer in Buenos Aires? Are you going alone? Is it even safe in Argentina?
I was asked these questions a lot before finalizing my decision to come to Buenos Aires. I suppose they were decent questions to ask but what bothered me most was how many back home didn’t quite give Buenos Aires a chance. But I’m glad I did. To be honest, it doesn’t really matter where you volunteer. It’s the reason behind why you volunteer that matters most. It isn’t a selfless deed because volunteering is an exchange, it isn’t a one-way street. No matter where you go or how long you go for, you will learn a thing or two, meet some of the most incredible people and in due time, gain memories that will last you a lifetime.
So why volunteer, and in Buenos Aires no less? There is just something about this city and this country that sweeps you off your feet the moment you land at the airport. This country most definitely has a heartbeat of its own. Everything moves about 3 times faster than what you’re used to and this is coming from a Singaporean who’s used to life in a big city. I wanted to experience a world so different from my own. To be thrown out of my comfort zone and to learn independently. Volunteering isn’t just about giving back. It’s about helping others just as much as it is learning from others, a lesson I’ve learnt in the 3 months that I’ve been here in Buenos Aires. I have another 2 months here in Buenos Aires and I must say that home can certainly wait. I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to this city I now call home.
I'm a communications volunteer in Voluntario Global, an organization that is dedicated to bettering the lives of the people in Argentina. They work alongside kindergartens, orphanages, soup kitchens, health clinics and hospitals to name a few. My volunteer work involves heading down to these projects and creating videos and capturing pictures as a platform for them to spread awareness on the cause they believe in.
A typical day would involve travelling to sites on the outskirts of the city and meeting coordinators and directors who run the kindergarten for instance. An hour or two is spent capturing footage and conducting interviews. After which we spend time with the children or even sit with the ladies and listen to their stories. I must admit, my Spanish isn’t the best and although it was a barrier, it was never an issue. I’ve met women who’ve dedicated their lives to bettering that of others. Women who sacrifice so much to bring smiles to the faces of others. They find so much joy in the simplest of things and it made me put a lot of issues I was facing in my life into perspective. There’s a saying that goes along the lines of how a problem you face today will be insignificant tomorrow. Made me realize that some problems I was facing weren’t even problems to begin with.
The women here in Voluntario Global are a force to reckon with. They march to their own beat and hold their beliefs close to their hearts. They welcome anyone as part of their family and they sure get the job done and done right. There is always so much life and laughter in the Voluntario Global house which I live in which also serves as a workspace for these ladies. They encompass what it means to love your job and are such an inspiration to me.
I’ve learnt so much and I wouldn’t trade this experience in for the world. Buenos Aires has certainly grown on me. I suppose what I’m trying to say is, give volunteering a go. Don’t deny yourself the opportunity to experience something new. If you get the chance, do it. And most importantly, never let your own fears stop you from taking on new challenges. You never know. Your volunteering experience might teach you a thing or two about yourself too.
Want to experience the best of Buenos Aires whilst not blowing your meagre backpacker's budget? The city is full of hidden wonders and cultural excursions which can be enjoyed without spending a penny.
1) During your first few days in Buenos Aires, you can get to know the city via a Free Walking Tour. These are a nice relaxed way to find out more about the histories and interesting stories behind important buildings which may have gone unnoticed in your solo explorations. The tours can be in English or Spanish, with the morning one leaving at 10.30am from the North-Western corner of El Teatro Colon and covering the city as far out as Recoleta. The afternoon tour leaves at 3.30pm from outside Congresso and focuses on the central road Avenida de Mayo. (Feel free to tip the guide at the end of the tour, they do an amazing job!)
2) Casa Rosada is one of Buenos Aires' most iconic buildings, where Evita famously gave her speech from one of the balconies. On weekends the house is open to the public with free half-hour tours. This is a great opportunity to delve into the history and changing times of the city.
3) Recoleta Cemetery is another important place to visit not only for it´s magnificence and grandeur but also for the fascinating stories behind some of the designs of the graves. Tours in English run every Tuesday at 11am, but this is only for a short time longer! At the end of the year they plan to charge $100 pesos for entrance into the cemetery so be sure to make the most of this opportunity
4) The Madres de la Plaza de Mayo walk around the plaza on Thursdays in protest against the government´s handling of affairs during the Dirty War and in memory of their ´disappeared´ children or grandchildren. This is an important sight to see, but be sure to do extra research on the tragic events of the past.
5) Buenos Aires has lots of museums and art galleries which are free to the public. Grey and rainy days can be improved by wandering through the rooms of Museo de las Bellas Artes in Recoleta (av. Libertador) or getting lost in the history of the city at Museo del Bicenetnnario. It´s even nice to escape the sunshine and visit Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (free to students on Wednesdays!)
6) The nightlife in Buenos Aires can get expensive, but you can enjoy most good clubs for free if you arrive before a certain time (usually 1 or 2am). It´s worth being one of the first people in an empty club before it fills up around 3 or 4am as this can be a great way to save money and allows you to party at some incredible, up-market venues with Buenos Aires' elite without spending anything! (Until you buy drinks of course)
7) Buenos Aires' districts provide entertainment enough just to wander their streets and watch the portenos go about their daily lives. Palermo offers green parks and good shopping (or window shopping!), whilst Recoleta has wonderful bakeries and beautiful buildings. La Boca offers a very European feel with Tango shows in the street and Caminito to walk along.
8) The San Telmo Markets held on Sundays can keep you occupied for hours walking the cobbled streets. They offer everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to handmade journals to cheap trinkets and second hand tableware. A great way to keep busy whilst soaking up the culture!
9) Buenos Aires is a politically turbulent city with a complex past. Throughout your stay, you will no doubt witness a few Protests and Marches along the main streets. These can be great to watch and follow, usually ending up at Plaza de Mayo. Along the way the groups will perform, play music, and explain their political message.
10) Finally, the city has many Churches and religious buildings which are usually free to enter and look around and can be awe inspiring to take in.
VOLUNTARIO GLOBAL
Voluntario Global helps local communities by being available to discuss anything that local organizations need, and offering ideas for further change and development.
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CONTACT
Location: General Pacheco. Buenos Aires. Argentina
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