Visitor Info in Buenos Aires

Visitor Info

Tourist information centers at the airports and in six locations around the city provide maps, though few brochures, and have English-speaking personnel. Look for centers at/on the Caminito; Calle Florida; Centro Cultural General San Martín (Avenida Sarmiento 1551); the Obelisk; Puerto Madero; and the Retiro bus station (corner of Avenida Antártida Argentina and Calle 10). For friendly guidance and brochures, maps, and even planning tips, try the information counter on the second floor of the Galerías Pacífico shopping center at Calle Florida 753.

To see things from a local's perspective, contact the Cicerones de Buenos Aires (11/4431-9892. www.cicerones.org.ar), a free service that pairs you with an enthusiastic Porteño to show you parts of town -- and parts of life in Argentina -- you might not see otherwise.

You can get information over the phone weekdays from 9 to 5, from the Dirección de Turismo del Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (11/4313-0187. www.buenosaires.gov.ar). Its excellent Web site has printable walking tours and other suggestions. The Secretaría de Turismo de la Nación (National Secretary of Tourism;, Av. Santa Fe 883, Microcentro. 11/4312-2232 or 0800/555-0016. www.turismo.gov.ar) has a 24-hour hotline that's toll-free from any point in Argentina.