MY CITY
BUENOS AIRES
GONZALO MUNOZ
Argentinian architect Gonzalo N. Munoz's love of travel has been with him since an early age. Coming from the coastal city of Mar del Plata, and having grown up in Necochea, he admits that "so many comings and goings as a child are reflected in how much I like to travel."
More recently, a study exchange with a German university allowed him to spend time abroad, and opened his mind to getting to know as many countries and cultures as possible.
Wherever he travels, he likes to understand - and capture - the culture of the places he visits. Not just the sights and sounds, but also the food: "I think it's the best way to share moments with the locals."
F1FTY fell in love with Gonzalo's awesome shots of Buenos Aires, where he now lives, so we asked him to share his own take on the city...
PALERMO
Sightseeing Central
"One of the top and most important tourist destinations in Buenos Aires is Palermo, the largest and most modern neighbourhood for sightseeing in the city, and one of the best neighbourhoods to find accommodation in Buenos Aires. You can choose between a furnished apartment, a hostel, a hotel or an aparthotel, all of which vary in price and type.
Palermo is a neighbourhood of Buenos Aires with a lot of life, but very safe, with a variety of activities to do either day or night. Everything can be found within a few blocks: some of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires, fashion designer stores, pubs, bars and discos. Palermo has several subdivisions such as Palermo Soho (named after the New York Soho) and Palermo Hollywood (because there are some television channels, radio and film studios). If you want to eat something and have a nice experience, your choice is Niño Gordo."
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PUERTO MADERO
Playground of the rich + famous
"The neighbourhood over the coast of Buenos Aires is the most modern part of the city. With stunning glass skyscrapers, elegant restaurants and trendy nightclubs, Puerto Madero is enjoyed by the rich and famous people.
It is a young neighbourhood that emerged from the largest urbanisation project in the history of Buenos Aires. In 1993, the city government remodelled the old docks that had been part of the port, giving way to opportunities for a new development in the city, in a safe and ideal area for leisure and luxury living.
Puerto Madero is nowadays considered as the most important business centre and also one of the tourist attractions that you cannot miss when you are in Buenos Aires. One tip is that in front of this incredible neighbourhood there is a Protected Ecological Reserve. At your departure do not forget to try a meat sandwich in the food trucks of the Costanera."
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CAMINITO
Old school charm
"A colourful and charming neighbourhood right next to the old port of Buenos Aires. La Boca is synonymous with tango and football. With its multicoloured houses and taverns, the neighbourhood clings to its tradition of tango, passion for football and Italian roots.
Today, it is one of the most important cultural centres and tourist attractions of Buenos Aires, thanks to the variety of walking tours, football matches in the famous Boca stadium and its tango shows. Do not forget the important museums such as that of the artist Quinquela Martin and the Fundación PROA, a new contemporary spot that brings works from the current artistic scene."
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SAN TELMO
Breathe in the history
"The oldest residential neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, San Telmo breathes a special historic atmosphere. As one of the most important centres during the 19th Century, San Telmo has preserved many of the architectural sites, museums, beautiful antique shops and old churches of Buenos Aires that today serve as a backdrop for business, cultural events and day-to-day activities.
San Telmo is a great place to walk on a Sunday afternoon. Enjoy the fair, do some sightseeing, eat and go have a coffee in one of the impressive remarkable cafes. Undoubtedly highly ranked in the top 5 places of Buenos Aires, San Telmo is one of the best places in Buenos Aires to really get an idea of the Argentine culture. In its antique market you can get old things of the classic Argentine and world culture since it is a town of migrants. Do not forget to enter the 'Conventillos' that are now transformed into restaurants such as the Defence Passage."
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MICROCENTRO
Feel the buzz of the business district
"Buses, taxis, and people rumble along the narrow streets and sidewalks of the frantic 'microcenter'. The peak time is usually during office hours. Located east of 9 de Julio Avenue - the widest avenue in the world - Microcentro is full of companies, bank headquarters, multinational corporate offices and government institutions. On Fridays, businessmen take off their ties, while they drink some pints of beer in Irish pubs and bars located in the area.
After office hours, Corrientes Avenue dresses at night, to give us the best lights in the city with its imposing theatres. Of course, at the end of our visit to the theatre, pizzerias await us along this avenue open until late at night. Something that you cannot miss is to try the Argentine pizza that is not the Italian one, El Cuartito or Guerrin are my favourites."
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All photos are copyright 51 Squared B.V. except: Portrait (Image courtesy of Gonzalo N. Munoz). This feature was not paid for in any way.