Buenos Aires is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in South America, home to more than one third of Argentina's population. The city's dynamic mixture of Latin and European culture is reflected in its eclectic architecture, distinct cuisine, and lively social life. Visitors can explore the rich qualities of the many distinct barrios (neighborhoods) of Buenos Aires, with styles ranging from upscale Recoleta, which maintains an intricate blend of Spanish colonial and French classical architecture, to La Boca, which is the city's most Bohemian quarter famous for its colorful streets lined with brightly painted houses, and San Telmo, which is one of the most beautiful and historical barrios in Buenos Aires universally known for its trendy cafes and popular antique shops. Famed for being the birthplace of the ever-popular dance, the tango, Buenos Aires is also home to the world-famous Teatro Colón, numerous museums and theaters, and a botanical garden that draws enthusiasts from around the world. Porteños are friendly people who live their lives passionately and can often be found all around the city discussing world politics, economics, fashion, or football (soccer) in an animated style distinct to Argentines.
Climate
Buenos Aires has a temperate climate. Spring, summer, and fall occur at opposite times of the calendar year than in North America. Winter (June to September in Buenos Aires) is comparatively milder than it is in New York City. Frosts are rare and snow has fallen only once in the past century. The climate during spring and summer is humid, and summer (December to March) can be quite hot.
Customs and Culture
Argentina's highly regarded cuisine possesses both European and traditional Latin American influences. In Buenos Aires, pizza and pasta are as readily available as regional specialties, such as empanada and asado, also known as Argentinean barbeque. Grilled meat is an Argentinean staple, with steak and beef ribs especially common. If your diet includes meat, you absolutely must check out a popular parrilla to sample the asado. There are many delicious choices for vegetarians, too, like tasty cheese and spinach empanadas, pastas, and salads.
Every neighborhood in Buenos Aires boasts excellent dining options, students should spend some time finding the best restaurant in their favorite barrio. Like Italians, Porteños enjoy sitting down for long meals where they can enjoy spending quality time with friends and family. Restaurant staff in Argentina will not rush a bill to you, but leave you to your dining experience for as long as you wish. If you are ever invited to eat out by a local be prepared to enjoy a languid meal for 2- 3 hours.
Tipping at restaurants can be a bit complicated in Buenos Aires. In most restaurants, the tip is not included in the bill and you are expected to give a 15 % tip separately (and most often in cash) to the waiter. In most cases, if you are paying with a credit card you will be asked to give the waiter a separate cash tip, so it is wise to always have some cash on you when eating out.
Porteños are extremely friendly and have the custom of giving you a kiss on the cheek upon every meeting. The way it usually works is that a friend will introduce you to his or her friend, who will probably greet you with one kiss on the cheek immediately after. You will naturally start greeting your new friend with a kiss every time you see him or her thereafter. But that first introduction is needed before you start greeting others with a kiss. It is up to you to adopt this custom, if you don't feel comfortable Argentineans are pretty easy going and very likely to understand.
Lastly, Argentineans like to drink mate with a close group of friends. If you get an invite to join this warm custom be prepared to share a mate cup with others while engaging in some very interesting conversation with the locals.