The rivalry between Brazil and Argentina dates back to colonization times with historical roots and it isnt only restricted to football.

We argue about who’s better at football, which side of the Iguazu Falls is prettier, who makes the best bbq, the list just goes on and on.

But the rivalry stands aside when talking about tourism because as much as our hermanos love our home country we also love crossing the border to the Argentinian capital.

There’s so much to see and do in Buenos Aires, here are just a selection of my favourite:

Cafe Tortoni

The elegant Cafe Tortoni has survived the crowds of tourists that visit it everyday without losing its charm. The most traditional coffee house in Buenos Aires was established by the French in the mid 19th century working as a bohemian and literary hub at the time. Some say it is overrated but it is the first place that comes in mind to those recommending an authentic Argentinian place to go for a coffee and media luna (croissant) or dinner followed by a tango show.

Santelmo

Santelmo is the oldest neighbourhood and quite bohemian with its cobblestone streets, old buildings, churches, museums and a wide variety of restaurants and cafes.

Check out the mid-week indoor markets on Defensa avenue for some hidden gems and bric-a-brac. But make sure you are in town over the weekend so you can head to the very popular Sunday flea markets for antiques, arts, crafts and souvenir browsing while having a chance to watch local street artists and dancers perform.

The Pink House

It is hard to not think about Evita Peron (or even Madonna’s impersonation of her) when stopping for a photo at the most emblematic building in Argentina, Casa Rosada. The Pink House is the official executive mansion in Argentina and is home to a museum housing objects relating to the presidents of the country.

El Caminito

El Caminito is the little colourful walkway in the Boca barrio (or neighbourhood) with its bright coloured painted houses where artists, crafters and restaurant touts gather.

La Boca is also home to La Bombonera, Boca Juniors stadium where you can watch live football matches. A must see for the football fan.

Recoleta cemetery

Wandering along Recoleta cemetery may sound like a bit too gloomy for your holiday plans but its mausoleums, tombs and corridors curiously populated by a hord of cats, have been visited by tourists worldwide for a reason. The architecture is impressive and when you can spot the crowd, you’ve found its most visited area, Argentinas sweetheart, Evita Peron’s tomb.

Recoleta markets

The park surrounding the cemetery is filled with stalls and it’s transformed into Recoleta markets on weekends. This is where you will find the best value for money souvenirs, local crafts and arts with plenty of variety to choose from. Items on offer range from junk items to much more expensive arts and antiques.

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Also in the Recoleta borough there’s a Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes or Fine Arts Museum, where you can find significant works of the European masters from pre-Renaissance days to the present. There’s a vast collection of the 19th and 20th century Argentine sculptures and paintings. But most importantly, it’s free entry.

Floralis Generica

Outside the museum there is a sculputre made of steel and aluminium entitled Floralis Generica. This sculpture was a gift to the city by Argentinian architect Eduardo Catalano in 2002 and it has a mechanism that allows its petals to open in the morning and close in the evening but unfortunately it is currently out of order.

Calle Florida

Head to Calle Florida if you want to spend your spare pesos and get good value for money. You will find a numerous choice of retail shops and restaurants along this pedestrianised street. You can also watch tango dancers and singers, human statues and all sorts of buskers and street performers at dusk.If you want to experience Argentina’s nightlife don’t expect going out before 1am unless you want to open the nightclub.

Buenos Aires Night life

Nightlife in Buenos Aires starts pretty late and it goes until as late as you manage to stay awake for. However if you are in Buenos Aires over a Monday night, do yourself a favour and head to Ciudad Cultural Konex for the very popular percussion group La Bomba del Tiempo. The group consists of 17 musicians and does mostly drumming improvisation for the first hour (it starts at 8pm) and it brings a different guest every week for the second hour of their show. The venue is an old oil factory and it is absolutely fantastic especially during summer nights.

Puerto madero

Puerto madero is the commercial district of Buenos Aires with its high rise buildings and pricey waterfront restaurants. The area has undergone an urban renewal in the early 90´s becoming a trendy borough. The asymentrical Puente de la Mujer (Womans bridge) links the east and the west docks.

El Ateneo

The stunning former theatre El Ateneo is the favourite stop for those who love books, music, theatre and arts in general. Located on the shopping street santa fe avenue it was built in 1919 and was turned into a book and music shop in the early 2000s.

Dulce de Leche

When in Argentina think dulce de leche for breakfast lunch and dinner, especially if you are have a sweet tooth. If you dont know what dulce de leche is think caramel but 100 times better. Don’t leave Argentina without trying : alfajores (rounded biscuits) filled with dulce the leche (Havana is the most popular brand) and my favourite is dulce de leche ice cream at freddo, definitely one not to miss.

Buenos Aires is a stunning city and it is hard to understand until you have been there. Great food, entertainment, wine, sightseeing and although it is hard to admit, our neighbours make great hosts!