My husband and I have a trip planned to Buenos Aires in mid-May to attend the wedding of a good friend. It is a short trip - we arrive thursday morning and depart sunday evening. With recent concerns about the war in Iraq, SARS, and the general crime rate in BA, my family, in-laws, and husband are questioning the sense of making this trip.<BR><BR>First - can I get any feedback on the crime in BA. Is it safe to travel using cabs, public transportation etc.? There is a lot of info on the state dept site about muggings, armed robbery, kidnappings etc. <BR><BR>Second - any recommendations for how to best utilize the very short amount of time we have in the city? We are staying at the Marriott Plaza Hotel (convenient because the wedding reception will be there). Any must-sees? Should be book a tour? Anything to avoid? Also, we are considering extending the trip a day.<BR><BR>I appreciate any feedback and advice. I want to make this trip as planned and I need some good info to persuade my husband that it will be a great experience. <BR><BR>thanks, Rachel

RDR2Q: Don�t hesitate to go to this wonderful city. You should stay at least 5 days to enjoy it more: Nice <BR>to walk the streets, very friendly people, excellent food.<BR>I would recommend to take a 3 hours tour to have a general idea and then concentrate on the neighborhood you like the most. Buy any travel guide of BA before you board the plane so you�ll have an idea where to go.<BR>As for security, just as in any big city, be aware of lonely and dark streets, pickpockets, etc. You will not find, in my opinion, more crime than in any big city in the US.<BR>We had the best of times there and no problem with insecurity. <BR>No need to take public transportation because taxis are very cheap: 1-3 US$ per ride, just take radio-taxis. In your hotel they will explain.<BR>Any specific question please ask...<BR>Enjoy!<BR><BR>

BA is safe. I also read the information on the state dept site before my trip, but it was more useful to ask Cintia who lives in the city and has a lot of expertise. There´s plenty of information available in this forum and her advice is straight to the point and honest.<BR>I took remis, taxis and radio-taxis, and found no big difference among them.<BR>I´ve been to Europe five times and I think that Buenos Aires is just as dangerous as Madrid, Paris or London. And I agree with orionve: BA is a wonderful city.

We just left there a few weeks ago. It was great, and just like any city you need to be careful. Try and blend in and not look like a tourist. Practice your spanish, and enjoy. Stay in a good hotel, and get a car from the hotel to pick you up. No problems, and just a nice as ever. Everything is very reasonable with the exchange 3 to 1.

Our family had just visited Ar.(BA &amp; Iguazu) during the high of the Iraq war.We didn't see any violent demonstrations( but read news about some McDonalds got vandalized overnight )I'm sure all that is done now.<BR>Sars: Haven't heard of spreading there.<BR>Crime &amp; safety in BA ?-I agreed with these previous posters &amp; their suggestions. We always exercize our saty rules ( at home too )- didn't have any problem there. <BR>Last : We had a great time in AR.,it is a wonderful destination ,and people we encountered there were all good to us .You should really extend your trip since it's a long flight ,( I assume you're comming from the States ?)we also highly recommend this lady Cintia- Her Email: [email protected] - as you probably seen her many other refferences here.Have a good trip!

I just returned from BA yesterday...the weather is fall like.....cool at night, warm sunny days....<BR><BR>On a previous trip, my wife and I took a city tour with Cintia...highly recommended...it will provide you with an overview of the city, and you can pick and choose the sites you want to explore in more depth....with a limited amount of time,a tour would help orient you quickly...<BR><BR>must sees depend on your interests....San Telmo on Sunday, a Soccer match, tango dancing in the evening, museums....world class cuisine...theater....all this and more is in BA....pick and choose from your interests.....<BR><BR>I enjoy just walking up and down the pedestrian mall....which begins at Florida and Marcelo T. Alvear, just across the street from your hotel.....and extends to Lavalle....at night there are lots of street entertainers, especially on weekends...jugglers, tango dancers, mimes, guitar players (ranging from awful to outstanding)....<BR><BR>Puerto Madero offers an endless variety of restaurants and cuisine....Rosada is my current favorite....the food here is Argentine....steak and seafood (the pink salmon baked in paper is outstanding)....<BR><BR>enjoy and if you can extend your trip several days....go to Iguazu Falls....one of the wonders of the world! The Sheraton Iguazu offers wonderful views of the falls....<BR><BR>

I was there last March.No problem.<BR>However have to be alert and follow advice of locals regarding where not to go at night.<BR>take radio taxis, there are many good companies, or ask for a good remise company that is cars with chauffer they charge the same or less than taxis. They can take you to the wedding and pick you up for instance they are inexpensive and good. Good cars nice drivers be sure is a company someone recommends to you. Every day I took one from calle Callao and Santa fe to a location called San Isidro, like a 25 minuts drive and cost me 6 dollars.

Thanks to everyone who has replied to my message! We are getting excited about the trip and were able to extend it one day.

Hello RDR2Q,

There is someone named Cintia who would be a marvellous guide-she lives in Buenos Aires and can really &amp; truly help you out. If you would like her e-mail address please let me know. She comes highly recommended.

Why listen to the state department? They are paranoid! And much of the info is out of date. For instance, when Jonas Savimbi was killed it took them over six months to update the Angola information. Use the FCO website, but even that can be a bit OTT. BA is safe. Go.

I found the State Department warning for BA could be applicable to any big city. Not to worry, it is a great city.

Hello Sweetsue,
I left a message for you on &quot;other topics&quot;--on timeshares. Please have a look-thanks