Argentina – August 2023
Hotels: Holiday Inn (Córdoba) | InterContinental Buenos Aires (Buenos Aires)
I was so excited to be visiting Argentina for many reasons. First, it was a new continent for me! Second, if you haven’t already figured out where Lionel’s name came from, then let me fill you in. — Ahem. Messi. And lastly, and most importantly, we were headed to our good friends’ wedding!
The first week of our trip was spent in Córdoba visiting with our friends and their family leading up to the wedding. It was a huge change from how we normally travel, and we loved and appreciated every moment we got to spend with them. There is something so special to experience a country with locals and being invited inside their home and life.
From the very start of our journey, I became aware of how accommodating and welcoming to families Argentina is. We were constantly pulled to the front of lines through the airport by both officials and just other people waiting in line simply because we had a baby. Crossing the street? I was told the cars will not stop for pedestrians, but many times when we had the stroller, they would allow us to cross safely first — instead of the usual barely tapping of the brakes at 90 mph while people ran across.
And absolutely everywhere we went, if they noticed the baby, they were head over heels for him. Lionel was loved on by friends, family, and so many strangers while visiting, and we were constantly offered so much help with him. We are so blessed and lucky to have had so much support on such a huge adventure with only a 7-month-old!
We were left with so much sadness leaving behind our friends as we continued our trip exploring in Buenos Aires just the three of us.
Palermo
The Palermo area is split into two sections — Soho and Hollywood. In the Soho area, you’ll find tons of shopping, while Palermo Hollywood is more filled with delicious restaurants and murals lining every street. We spent a good portion of our day exploring and stopping for lunch and treats along the way.
We were very fortunate that our driver through Welcome Pickups (a car service I arranged for airport pick up and drop off that would include a car seat) was available to taxi us each morning, so Lionel would always be safe. However, for the way home every day? Joe hit me with his famous last words of, “We can walk. It’s only an hour.” Cue London’s 3-mile trek all over again.
So back towards our hotel we went. At least we got to see a good portion of the city while Lionel took an hour and and a half nap — “only an hour walk” but the math ain’t mathing?
Boca
The next morning, we headed south into Boca. This area is recommended to avoid at night, since it can be a bit more unsafe. I believe this has to do with the rowdiness of the crowd attending soccer games at the stadium, but during the day is filled with tourists and tons of street vendors. The small area of Caminito is full of brightly painted buildings and tons of character. We only explored for a few hours — skipping a meal since our driver advised the food isn’t the tastiest — before having him pick us up and heading to the next barrio.
Puerto Madero
For the second half of the day, we exploded Puerto Madero, the newest area of Bueno Aires. This area is located along the river with restaurants lining up and down as far as you can see.
Close by, we were also able to walk to the Casa Rosada, a.k.a. “The Pink House,” a.k.a. the president’s house, and see it’s gorgeous architecture.
Recoleta
The next morning, we started our day in Recoleta, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Joe had always dreamt of visiting Evita’s tomb and leaving flowers, so we headed there first. The cemetery is quite impressive, lined with huge, gorgeous, and elaborate tombs lining walkways. My husband — the man who has called me multiples times to let me know he can’t find his car in a parking lot, so he’ll be late — somehow knew exactly what rows to twist and turn down leading straight to her tomb. Confused would be an understatement from me.
After paying our respects, we continued wandering the barrio, eventually stopping in El Ateneo Grand Splendid, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. We’ve been collecting baby books for Lionel from all our adventures since getting engaged, so it was the perfect tourist stop for us!
On our way back to the hotel that afternoon, we passed by the Obelisco monument for a quick picture. Joe was attending the Boca Juniors futbol game that evening, which as I mentioned above, can get pretty rowdy. We were advised it wouldn’t be safe for women or kids, so Lionel and I enjoyed a night in having dinner at the hotel bar. Unknown to us, we were staying at the same hotel the players stay at before a game, so while wandering the evening before, we had gotten to quickly meet some players too.
San Nicolás
On our last full day, Joe was getting his traditional vacation tattoo, so little Lionel and I would be exploring on our own. We headed out that afternoon towards Galerías Pacífico, the prettiest mall in Buenos Aires. We wandered the many shops in the surrounding streets and through the gorgeous mall interior. It was a bit hard to shop though, being it was all winter clothes, and I would be returning to 100+ degree weather back home.
For lunch, we went to check out Mercado de los Carruajes around the corner, a market filled with gourmet food shops. The place actually ended up being a bit underwhelming as far as food options, and even more disappointing all the churro stands were completely closed. Nonetheless, we found some tasty nachos and enjoyed a break before heading back to the hotel.
Food Recommendations:
Juan Pedro Caballero – We stumbled across this place and ended up having the most delicious churros ever. They took quite a bit to be made, but well worth the wait!
La Cabrera – An amazing asado restaurant in the Palermo barrio. The waiter, like always, adored Lionel and kept showering him in kisses and compliments.
Abra Cultural – Absolutely gorgeous interior at this Italian restaurant. They even have their own art showroom upstairs.
I was unsure what to expect this trip, but Argentina quickly became one of our favorite destinations. My husband’s favorite, but I’m sure that has to do with Messi. Between the gorgeous architecture, the culture, and the friendliest people, — sans the ladies telling me I’m being a bad mom for not having socks on the baby and making me cry — there’s so much to enjoy throughout this beautiful country.
We enjoyed every moment of our visit and can’t wait to return in the future to explore more of the wonderful places Argentina has to offer.
As far as getting by if you don’t know Spanish, I can’t say too much since it does happen to be my husband’s first language, so he did all our communicating. The day I was on my own though, it was a bit difficult even being in touristy areas — and even though I’ve practiced Spanish the last 570 days in a row.
• Everyday Davis • 