Heading to Buenos Aires? Stop Here First

If it’s your first time in Buenos Aires, begin your exploration with this guide brought to you by ManAboutWorld correspondents John Walker and Gavin Patterson who recently visited ManAboutWorld last covered Buenos Aires in December 2013.

Croque Madame and the Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo
Lunch at Croque Madame in Buenos Aires is a total treat. Set in the old coach house of the Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo, this divine little restaurant has class and sophistication at a reasonable price. Arrive early and you will secure one of the sought after tables surrounding the fountain in the garden. The elegant decor inside hints at the splendour associated with times past. The museum opens for free tours at 2pm and, although sometimes overlooked by visitors, it is an absolute must. Filled with exquisite European antiques, paintings and sculptures, this grand mansion houses some of the most priceless works in this part of the world.

Aspen Square, Palermo Soho
To find a hotel like Aspen Square is definitely a tip to be shared. The rooms are large, tastefully furnished

and very comfortable. The staff couldn’t be more accommodating and helping visitors become acquainted with their beautiful city is what they do best. Breakfast is hearty and all inclusive and if you need to unwind there’s a small gym and pool on the top floor. The best part is the location in the heart of hip Palermo Soho, just a few minutes walk from the best restaurant precinct in Buenos Aires. It’s a safe and restful sojourn for the savvy traveler.

Peuteo Bar, Palermo Soho
Sampling gay bars in a foreign city can sometimes make you feel like Cinderella; it can be hard to find the right fit. Peuteo Bar in Palermo Soho has the magic mix of evening chic, fun and frivolity. Perfect for quieter cocktails during the week, on Friday and Saturday night the party anthems are pumping and the place is packed. Combine a dinner in trendy Armenia Square with drinks around the corner at this cosy, hospitable little bar. Most will find it a perfect fit and you might just meet a few of the local handsome princes.

Esquina Carlos Gardel Tango Show
Esquina Carlos Gardel Tango Show is about flare and passion, agile leg flicks and close sultry embraces. The orchestra above the stage ensures the rhythm of Tango is incisive, exciting, powerful and provocative as the tango dancers, in their brilliant colourful costumes, charm and mesmerise the audience. The show highlights both traditional and contemporary tangos with open gestures, intricate footwork, elegant lifts, kicks, and drops. The show is held in a beautiful traditional theatre which oozes the luxury and splendour of the tango era with its refined furnishings, nostalgic artworks and photographs. An all-inclusive, á la carte dinner is served before the show.

Pepo Pepona Gay Restaurant
A welcome kiss by the owner hints at a night full of friendly festivities at Pepo Pepona. Although the waiters will deliver a serving of ground pepper you will never forget, dining in Buenos Aires’ only gay restaurant is definitely not the ‘main course’. That would be the entertainment which begins about 12am with four extremely handsome and very well-endowed strippers gyrating and pulsating around the tables for optimum crowd pleasure. Each representing an erotic fantasy, the doctor, once out of his scrubs, was able to work his stethoscope with specialist precision. Hot and bothered, you’ll be begging for an encore. Don’t miss this evening of lustful, latino treats.

BA Gay Travel
Armando at BA Gay Travel (IGLTA affiliated) will design a tour or package a holiday to suit your needs. His 7 night Gay Buenos Aires and Iguazu Falls extravaganza with flights, transfers, private English speaking guides and accommodation is a sensational way to experience some of the best the country has to offer on a short stay. The company also specializes in gay wedding ceremonies and will arrange all the legal and celebratory details while you enjoy a relaxing, leisurely time in the city. Prices are affordable and the service is outstanding. Local knowledge and understanding will make your vacation truly memorable and hassle-free.