Are you wondering what Buenos Aires has on offer for visitors this summer? Check out this list of activities for ideas on how to beat the heat and enjoy the city over the summer.
Aires Buenos Aires
The City of Buenos Aires presents a complete program of cultural activities for the entire family this summer as part of its Aires Buenos Aires initiative. From January 8 to February 20, residents and visitors alike can enjoy a variety of offerings including movies, theatrical productions, open-air milongas (tango dance parties), children’s shows and workshops, circus performances, and musical events at venues around the city. Visit the Aires Buenos Aires website for more information and a schedule of events (coming soon).Dakar Rally
The Dakar Rally, a grueling off-road endurance race from Argentina to Chile and back, kicks off in Buenos Aires on January 1. On December 30 and 31, visitors can check out the “Dakar Village” exhibit at La Rural Exhibition Center. Then, meet the drivers and see a few of the vehicles that will be participating in the rally at the inauguration ceremony on New Year’s Day. The race concludes in Buenos Aires on January 16, and race enthusiasts can attend the closing ceremony. For more information, visit the official Dakar Rally website.
Buenos Aires Fashion WeekFrom February 22-24, fashionistas can indulge their passion at BAFWeek, an event featuring creations from Argentina’s best-known designers. Models will strut their stuff in the latest fall and winter fashions, and designs will be on display in 40 showrooms at La Rural.
Buenos Aires Playa
Can’t escape the soaring temperatures and humidity of Buenos Aires for a get-away at one of the Atlantic coast beach towns? Don’t despair – the City of Buenos Aires brings the beach to you instead with Buenos Aires Playa. Two different sites, Parque de los Niños and Parque Roca, offer a bit of sun and sand courtesy of artificial beaches, complete with umbrellas and beach chairs. Apart from soaking up the rays, you can play beach volleyball or soccer, listen to live music, or get your groove on at the dance classes offered. Entertainment for the little ones includes various children’s workshops and a playground.
Grab a towel and head to one of the city’s many pools for a refreshing dip. Located in the Belgrano neighborhood, the largest swimming pool complex in South America, Parque Norte, offers both kiddie and adult-only pools, water slides and a wave pool. Splash away the afternoon with a day pass with access to the pools for between $35-$50.
The Club de Amigos, located in Palermo, offers non-members the opportunity to use its pool. For more information, contact the club at (011) 4801-1213 or visit the club’s website.
If you’re in search of a bit of sophistication and pampering, the Caesar Park Hotel in Recoleta provides access to its gym, sauna and other facilities in addition to the pool. Click here for more information.
Beat the Heat in Air-conditioned Comfort
If the heat and humidity have you red-faced and sweaty, escape to one of Buenos Aires’ many air-conditioned havens.
Take in a bit of art and culture while relishing a blast of cool air at some of the city’s finest museums. Three of Buenos Aires’ top attractions – the MALBA, the National Museum of Fine Arts, and the Evita Museum – allow you to browse the works of art and learn more about Argentina’s history in a cool, comfortable environment.
An afternoon at the movies offers another surefire method of escape from a hot, sticky day. Many movies are screened in English with Spanish subtitles, meaning that even those with less-than-perfect Spanish can enjoy a film. Solid bets for air-conditioned bliss include Atlas at Patio Bullrich and Hoyts at Abasto Mall.Lastly, you can indulge your shopping bug in climate-controlled comfort at any number of Buenos Aires’ shopping malls. The aforementioned Patio Bullrich and Abasto Mall are good options, as well as Alto Palermo and Galerías Pacífico.
