THE WEEKENDER

A long-weekend jaunt to Buenos Aires might seem a little extravagant at first, considering the distance between Canada and Argentina. But with recent fare sales to South America and the continuing threat of volcanic-ash-related delays at European airports, B.A. might just be the perfect getaway destination this summer. Here, our guide to your first visit to the Paris of the South.

Where to Stay: We are obsessed with the Faena Hotel + Universe, a chic boutique hotel in the Puerto Madero waterfront neighbourhood. Designed by Philippe Starck, the hotel overlooks both the Río de la Plata and the city’s marshy Ecological Reserve.

The Sights: Get your culture fix at the MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires), which features modern and contemporary Latin American art in a beautiful, airy building along the Avenida Figueroa Alcorta. Afterwards, wander the grounds of the Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta) and marvel at the magnificent and derelict beauty of the final resting place for the likes of Eva Perón and Raúl Alfonsín. If your visit to Buenos Aires includes a Sunday, do spend the afternoon at The San Telmo Antiques Fair, where local artisans and vendors hawking vintage goods compete for attention amidst a sea of street performers and tourists. The street fair surrounds Plaza Dorrego, where you can grab a café con leche and watch free tango performances (of varying calibers) every day.

Shopper’s Delight: While many of the city’s high-end designer stores are clustered in the Recoleta district, the best local shopping can be found in the Soho Palermo and San Telmo neighbourhoods. Skip the mass international chains and support local talents such as Vicki Otero, whose architectural designs had us thinking of Yohji Yamamoto at Acne Studios price points.

The Perfect Steak: Beef is practically a religion in Buenos Aires, and for good reason. While the city has a plethora of international dining options, such as Peruvian favorite Astrid y Gaston, the most affordable and memorable meals to be had in the city usually involve a grill meeting the most delicious steak you’ve ever had. Everyone in the city seems to have their own favorite parrilla, but we are particularly fond of El Trapiche and Jon Julio, both in the Palermo district.

By Truc Nguyen

(Photos by Eric Liberda and Truc Nguyen)