Elegant yet busy Buenos Aires with its 14 million inhabitants encapsulates the essence of the Argentinean. The world's ninth largest city is the political, economic, and cultural capital of Argentina and the geographical gateway to the rest of the nation.
Despite modern construction Buenos Aires has managed to preserve old traditions and
charming corners. Tidy high-rise apartment buildings are interspersed with 19th C houses. Buenos Aires' compact tree-lined center is reminiscent of Paris.
Buenos Aires has 47 barrios or neighborhoods, each with its own character. Palermo, La Recoleta, and Belgrano contain wide boulevards lined with palatial mansions, luxury high-rises, and large parks. San Telmo and La Boca, have a distinctly working-class feel. The Tango is enjoyed at many clubs in the area. A spontaneous tango might be witnessed at Plaza Dorrego's Sunday flea market.
Downtown, the Plaza de Mayo is the traditional focus of activity, and the site of mass protests. Nearby Avenida 9 de Julio, known as the world's widest thoroughfare, is a pedestrian's nightmare. Avenida Santa Fe is the most fashionable shopping area.
Buenos Aires locals are referred to as Porteños because many of them originally arrived by boat from Europe and started out in the city's port area. Porteños like to philosophize about national identity; with South American vs. European, a perpetual obsession.
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