Christmas is over, days lengthen and thoughts turn to winter sunshine getaways. Old favourites like Portugal or Tenerife are a short flight away. Or for a long-haul escape, how about Barbados, Dubai or jetting down to one of our favourite South American cities?

Maybe it’s time to pack your tango shoes, research Evita and Argentina’s complex politics, tune into La 2x4 Tango Radio and look forward to delicious Argentinian asado in Buenos Aires.

Captivating neighbourhoods

Will it be a quick visit before venturing further in South America, or a more detailed exploration of Argentina’s vibrant, beguiling capital? Either way, expect Buenos Aires to live up to its reputation as South America’s most European city. Maybe because we’ve always been travelling onwards, we’ve spent time near the city centre.

From bases in Monserrat, Retiro and Puerto Madero (recommended for first-timers) we’ve never tired of getting our steps in around the city’s captivating neighbourhoods. With a few security-related exceptions – reputable taxis are recommended for La Boca and San Telmo – walking is perfect for discovering hidden corners in ‘The Paris of South America’.

Political demonstrations are common, particularly near the Congress building and Plaza de Mayo. Last time we visited, a one-day general strike livened things up. They happen; that’s Argentina! We took local advice, enjoyed a day by the Hilton’s pool, then continued exploring. Twenty-four hours later, at Pizza Congreso Plaza opposite the protest epicentre, the welcome and medialunas were as good as we remembered from years before!

Walking shoes and curiosity

From La Recoleta cemetery to Puerto Madero’s waterside restaurants; from the history-imbued Casa Rosada to supper and tango at exquisitely restored Confiteria La Ideal, walking shoes and curiosity are key to maximising your BA experience.

Use commonsense, wear a Seiko instead of the Rolex around town and heed locals’ security advice. Then go explore in the footsteps of the Peróns, Diego Maradona and rapper, Duki. Enjoy the southern hemisphere sun under fluttering blue-white Argentine flags and admire the obelisk and giant images of Eva Perón on Av. 9 de Julio. And try not to trip over the city’s ‘bolardos bala’ – knee-high ‘bullet bollards’ – while admiring its intricate fileteado artworks!

If you manage to exhaust the city’s delights, the Tigre Delta, a ferry ride to Uruguay, or an estancia experience in Buenos Aires’ hinterland will surely deliver contrast. Downtown or out of town, Buenos Aires is about sunshine, tango, football, great food, rich history, stunning architecture and those welcoming porteños. You’ll love it!