If you’ve had enough walking and want to venture farther a field, it might be time to hop in a taxi, especially since a cross-town taxi ride still goes for under $10. Just ten minutes away from the Art Hotel are the sites of the city center, like the Casa Rosada (the presidential palace); the Congress; the Plaza del Mayo; and Jorge Luis Borges’ old haunt, the venerable Café Tortoni. You might also take in a concert at the famous Luna Park Stadium nearby, or wander the renovated docks of the old port in Puerto Madero,
where apartments and restaurants are taking over abandoned warehouses. Walking across Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest street in the world, is also a must.
Another ten-minute taxi ride will take you to the colorful if over-touristed alleys of La Boca, with its street tango dancers and sketch artists. On the way back, stop in picturesque San Telmo and wander along its cobblestone streets as you peruse the innumerable antiques stores that fill the area.
By now it’s time to explore the city’s dining scene, and there are plenty of Argentine hot spots quite near the hotel, like über-chic Gran Bar Danzon, with it’s black-and-white dining room, where you can try nouvelle Argentine cuisine in the company of some of the city’s young up-and-comers.
Another great option is to head to Palermo Viejo (separated into its newly named components of Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood) and you can take the Green Line of the BA Metro, which is located just a few blocks from the Art Hotel. Palermo Viejo is the rejuvenated bohemian heart of the city, and there you will find some of the city’s most innovative cuisine, ranging from the hip Bar Uriarte (owned by the same team that operates Gran Bar Danzon), to the more traditional and always popular La Cabrera, to the nouvelle Vietnamese Green Bamboo with its extensive menu of savory delights. If you are not yet sick of steak and are more in the mood for a traditional Argentine parrilla, or grill, you can find plenty of options in this area as well, like the adorable La Dorita (a favorite among locals), or the sleek Soberbia 22, which has a lively open kitchen and whose owner, Aldo, personally makes sure that each diner has the best experience possible.
After dinner, stroll through the quaint, leafy streets and window-shop at the area’s one-of-a-kind boutiques and art galleries. Once you’ve digested your dinner, follow some of the city’s youth who are sure to be roving Palermo Viejo’s nighttime streets as they hop from bar to trendy bar around the Plaza Serrano before hitting the clubs. And don’t hurry through any part of the evening, since you won’t find anyone at the discos before two or even three in the morning.
It’s a relief to know that after your night out you can sink into the plush, overstuffed beds at the Art Hotel for a peaceful night’s sleep before another big day in the big city. With its central location, beautiful rooms, accommodating staff and delightful amenities, the Art Hotel is a great option for travelers to Buenos Aires.
Art Hotel
Azcuenaga 1268
Barrio Norte, Recoleta
Buenos Aires, ARGENTINA
+54 11 4821 4744
© Eric Rosen