Basic Questions about Buenos Aires
Jan 4th, 2011, 09:03 AM
#1
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Basic Questions about Buenos Aires
We are 2 couples leaving for Bs As (from U.S.A.) next week. We have a few questions. Thank you very much in advance.
Can Americans eat the salads, etc. and drink the water? How do people dress for dinner for the nicer restaurants? Do you have any special recommendations for restaurants? Can anyone recommend a tour company that does a 1/2 day Jewish sights tour, (or advise of any to avoid because of a negative experience)?
Again, many thanks.
Can Americans eat the salads, etc. and drink the water? How do people dress for dinner for the nicer restaurants? Do you have any special recommendations for restaurants? Can anyone recommend a tour company that does a 1/2 day Jewish sights tour, (or advise of any to avoid because of a negative experience)?
Again, many thanks.
Jan 4th, 2011, 10:18 AM
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I wish you would have come here sooner. Yes, one can eat the salads--this is perfectly fine, but although the water is purported to be safe, I always had bottled water- w/wo gas.
In terms of restaurants, you can find some salient information that others have posted previously. Just type in BA restaurant recommendations.
Dress when you go to good restaurants. Men don't have to wear coats or ties but nice shirts, etc. I wore my black silk shirts and dress slacks when I went to good restaurants. The women looked stylish.
Lastly, if you want an independent guide who can make reservations for you to visit the Jewish sites, etc., contact Marcelo at www.ciceroneba.com.ar. He can also make suggestions for restaurants, for he took me to some good ones. Marcelo has been highly recommended by others and me at this site. I last used his services in 2010 (May).
In terms of restaurants, you can find some salient information that others have posted previously. Just type in BA restaurant recommendations.
Dress when you go to good restaurants. Men don't have to wear coats or ties but nice shirts, etc. I wore my black silk shirts and dress slacks when I went to good restaurants. The women looked stylish.
Lastly, if you want an independent guide who can make reservations for you to visit the Jewish sites, etc., contact Marcelo at www.ciceroneba.com.ar. He can also make suggestions for restaurants, for he took me to some good ones. Marcelo has been highly recommended by others and me at this site. I last used his services in 2010 (May).
Jan 4th, 2011, 10:47 AM
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When I went to Colonia as well as to an estancia-- I used Tangol which is a tourist agency in the center of town. Do a google check for specifics, please.
I'd suggest your going to the following sites for info., too: http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/gui.../overview.html
http://baculturalconcierge.com
http://travelline.com.ar
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel...nos_Aires.html
www.buenotours.com/buenos-aires-nightlife
http://www.travelsur.netargentineexc...thingstodo.htm
I truly hope that I typed correctly in order for you to access. Perhaps you'd like to divide up the research between the two couples.
I'd suggest your going to the following sites for info., too: http://travel.nytimes.com/travel/gui.../overview.html
http://baculturalconcierge.com
http://travelline.com.ar
http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel...nos_Aires.html
www.buenotours.com/buenos-aires-nightlife
http://www.travelsur.netargentineexc...thingstodo.htm
I truly hope that I typed correctly in order for you to access. Perhaps you'd like to divide up the research between the two couples.
Jan 4th, 2011, 10:53 AM
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Three of the above recommendations do not work, but the first one will be of MOST interest and assistance for you. Sorry--my eyes and hands did not correctly cooperate because I found all of the preceding listings in the above post amongst my "Favorites."
Others can chime in because they've made recommendations previously, and perhaps a local can tell you about the Jewish Tour segment.
When I was in Buenos Aires with a tour group in 2007, a large contingent of tourists in my group were Jewish. They took this tour--had to take passports with them. I had an interest in doing this tour but time did not warrant my doing so. When I return later this year--I want this experience.
Others can chime in because they've made recommendations previously, and perhaps a local can tell you about the Jewish Tour segment.
When I was in Buenos Aires with a tour group in 2007, a large contingent of tourists in my group were Jewish. They took this tour--had to take passports with them. I had an interest in doing this tour but time did not warrant my doing so. When I return later this year--I want this experience.
Jan 4th, 2011, 12:38 PM
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<I>Can Americans eat the salads, etc. and drink the water? </I>
Yes. I am always careful when I travel, Europe, US or anywhere else. I had no trouble at all when we visited BA nor do I have any living here.
<I>How do people dress for dinner for the nicer restaurants? </I>
The way you would dress for any nicer restaurant. slacks, skirt/dress, nice trousers, nice shoes, no sneakers..
<I>Do you have any special recommendations for restaurants? </I>
There are sooo many... what kind of food, etc ?
<I>Can anyone recommend a tour company that does a 1/2 day Jewish sights tour, (or advise of any to avoid because of a negative experience)?</I>
The Cicerones are a fantastic group of Free guides, you tip them, they don't charge a fee.
You get together with them and tailor the tour you want.
http://www.cicerones.org.ar/index_spa.php
I have never heard of a negative experience with The Cicerones. Be aware that there are other tour guides who use the word cicerone in their business name too... but they are not The Cicerones and they charge for their services.
Again, many thanks.
Yes. I am always careful when I travel, Europe, US or anywhere else. I had no trouble at all when we visited BA nor do I have any living here.
<I>How do people dress for dinner for the nicer restaurants? </I>
The way you would dress for any nicer restaurant. slacks, skirt/dress, nice trousers, nice shoes, no sneakers..
<I>Do you have any special recommendations for restaurants? </I>
There are sooo many... what kind of food, etc ?
<I>Can anyone recommend a tour company that does a 1/2 day Jewish sights tour, (or advise of any to avoid because of a negative experience)?</I>
The Cicerones are a fantastic group of Free guides, you tip them, they don't charge a fee.
You get together with them and tailor the tour you want.
http://www.cicerones.org.ar/index_spa.php
I have never heard of a negative experience with The Cicerones. Be aware that there are other tour guides who use the word cicerone in their business name too... but they are not The Cicerones and they charge for their services.
Again, many thanks.
Jan 4th, 2011, 01:11 PM
#6
Just to add as you are leaving so soon: If you want to do the Jewish Tour, I have been informed that you will need to have note from your Rabbi, in addition to Passport information provided in advance.
If you contact a guide or service that provides such a tour, they will let you know. This is security related - Turkey, apparently, and other countries have similar requirements to allow entrance into Jewish sites.
Have a wonderful trip.
~MarnieWDC
If you contact a guide or service that provides such a tour, they will let you know. This is security related - Turkey, apparently, and other countries have similar requirements to allow entrance into Jewish sites.
Have a wonderful trip.
~MarnieWDC
Jan 4th, 2011, 05:48 PM
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Thank you all so much for your prompt replies and great help!
We would really like to try different types of food and restaurants: parillos, seafood, empanadas, Italian, a place in Once area, ice cream, etc. Also, is there a recommended place for wine tasting or related experience? (Or is this not a good idea)?
We are going to Iguazu falls and also to an estancia. (We are considering an excursion to Colonia, but unsure if it is worth the time).
Thanx so much!
We would really like to try different types of food and restaurants: parillos, seafood, empanadas, Italian, a place in Once area, ice cream, etc. Also, is there a recommended place for wine tasting or related experience? (Or is this not a good idea)?
We are going to Iguazu falls and also to an estancia. (We are considering an excursion to Colonia, but unsure if it is worth the time).
Thanx so much!
Jan 4th, 2011, 06:10 PM
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When I was in Buenos Aires in May of 2011, I went to Tangol and purchased my tickets for a day's trip to Colonia. I found it worthwhile. The boat trip over was pleasant, and we we docked and got off of our large vessel--an English-speaking guide met 8 of us; we boarded the bus and first went to the old historical portion of town which was quiet and not crowded, a great day to take many photographs. Afterwards we boarded our bus again and did other pertinent areas in Colonia, had lunch (I did not particularly care for it. ...would have preferred to have gone to my own chosen restaurant). ...got back on the bus after an hour of leisure and did another touristy bit; then it was either to return at 4:30pm or later that evening which would have allowed one to do lots on his or her own time.
I liked the architecture, the old, old cars, the difference in culture and look of the people!...found this trip to be worthwhile and plan to return because my battery on camera went dead. ...didn't have a replacement; thus I have only about five pics.
...glad you're going to an estancia and to Foz do Iguazu. ...loved both the Brasilian and the Argentine sides. ...took some other tours while in the area which were dynamic--hydroelectric plant or dam--...can't remember and know they are different.
I liked the architecture, the old, old cars, the difference in culture and look of the people!...found this trip to be worthwhile and plan to return because my battery on camera went dead. ...didn't have a replacement; thus I have only about five pics.
...glad you're going to an estancia and to Foz do Iguazu. ...loved both the Brasilian and the Argentine sides. ...took some other tours while in the area which were dynamic--hydroelectric plant or dam--...can't remember and know they are different.
Jan 4th, 2011, 06:20 PM
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If you have weeks to spend here, Colonia plus Iguazu Falls sounds good. But if you are here for a shorter time, then you might want to choose between Colonia and the Estancia.
I would recommend Estancia Ombu and San Antonio de Areco http://www.lonelyplanet.com/argentin...Argentina.html
Marnie can tell you a lot about these places
Restaurants.. Look at the TimeOut Guide online.. you can get up to date lists ..
There are so many ..
Come over to TripAdvisor and look at those forums too. There are lists and lists of places to eat etc.
I would recommend Estancia Ombu and San Antonio de Areco http://www.lonelyplanet.com/argentin...Argentina.html
Marnie can tell you a lot about these places
Restaurants.. Look at the TimeOut Guide online.. you can get up to date lists ..
There are so many ..
Come over to TripAdvisor and look at those forums too. There are lists and lists of places to eat etc.
Jan 4th, 2011, 07:36 PM
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Another vote for the Timeout guide for restaurant recommendations, we used the print version last year. There's a Peruvian restaurant they recommend--which has amazing cerviche, they called it the new sashimi, divine!
The restaurant in MALBA (Museum of Latin American Art) wss excellent, the food and the view from the top floor of Fundación Proa is also great. The pizza in BA is the best I've ever had and the icecream...
The restaurant in MALBA (Museum of Latin American Art) wss excellent, the food and the view from the top floor of Fundación Proa is also great. The pizza in BA is the best I've ever had and the icecream...
Jan 5th, 2011, 02:26 AM
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wkwb42a: the above unfriendly post from peter_gs should be considered inadequate, particularly since it comes from a poster who became a member today and has since then been extremely active, predominantly by promoting a certain website.
Therefore, be so kind as to disregard his comment. Even better, I hope you'll never even get to see it.
You'll have a great time in our country.
Therefore, be so kind as to disregard his comment. Even better, I hope you'll never even get to see it.
You'll have a great time in our country.
Jan 5th, 2011, 07:46 AM
#13
OP:
I have heard very good reports about wine tasting at Anuva; here is a link to some info.
http://exposebuenosaires.com/blog/anuva-wine-tastings/
My two favorite places for EMPENADAS are:
CUMANA on Rodriguez Pena just below Santa Fe &
El SANJUANINO on Posada, just before Callao
They have other regional specialities as well.
Enjoy yourselves; Oh, and as Scarlett mentioned, San Antonio de Areco is only a 1 hour bus ride away and you are in the Pampas in a charming, small, gaucho town. Estancias are nearby and can be enjoyed for a day or overnight. Here is the link to my Fodor's Trip Report:
http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...t-4th-week.cfm
I have heard very good reports about wine tasting at Anuva; here is a link to some info.
http://exposebuenosaires.com/blog/anuva-wine-tastings/
My two favorite places for EMPENADAS are:
CUMANA on Rodriguez Pena just below Santa Fe &
El SANJUANINO on Posada, just before Callao
They have other regional specialities as well.
Enjoy yourselves; Oh, and as Scarlett mentioned, San Antonio de Areco is only a 1 hour bus ride away and you are in the Pampas in a charming, small, gaucho town. Estancias are nearby and can be enjoyed for a day or overnight. Here is the link to my Fodor's Trip Report:
http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...t-4th-week.cfm
Jan 5th, 2011, 09:09 AM
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Again, many thanks to all of you!!
We are waiting for final email confirmation from Marcelo for private tourguiding! For future reference, Cicerones has informed us that one needs to make arrangements with them more in advance than what we tried to do, (which is now). I did send them one additional email requesting Jan. 17 or 18, which would give them almost 2 weeks notice. We'll see.
We had already booked some time ago Estancia Susanna, for a "dia del campo". We hope that it will be a good experience.
I am looking forward to those yummy empanadas, and I will check out your other recommendations too.
Looking forward to reading your trip report later, Marnie, (when I have time to enjoy it thoroughly).
Muchas gracias.
We are waiting for final email confirmation from Marcelo for private tourguiding! For future reference, Cicerones has informed us that one needs to make arrangements with them more in advance than what we tried to do, (which is now). I did send them one additional email requesting Jan. 17 or 18, which would give them almost 2 weeks notice. We'll see.
We had already booked some time ago Estancia Susanna, for a "dia del campo". We hope that it will be a good experience.
I am looking forward to those yummy empanadas, and I will check out your other recommendations too.
Looking forward to reading your trip report later, Marnie, (when I have time to enjoy it thoroughly).
Muchas gracias.
Jan 6th, 2011, 09:48 PM
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If you have the time and desisre to make empanadas--take the 1.5 hour cooking class with Teresita who lives about an hour outside of Buenos Aires. Consult her wonderful ad and all of those reviews, mine being the longest one, on www.TripAdvisor.com.
Last May I took the shuttle bus from the town's centre and went there. My bus driver, who could speak no English and I no Espanol, pointed me in the right direction to her street. Teresita and her husband live about twenty minutes from the town's center, and her explicit directions truly helped me.
I had a fantastic "discovery" with Teresita and her guests. This is one experience that I wish to do again when I am back in Buenos Aires. (I hope in October of 2011....)
The empanadas that all of us made along with the lovely white wine and the overall ambience will always remain in my travel memory!
Last May I took the shuttle bus from the town's centre and went there. My bus driver, who could speak no English and I no Espanol, pointed me in the right direction to her street. Teresita and her husband live about twenty minutes from the town's center, and her explicit directions truly helped me.
I had a fantastic "discovery" with Teresita and her guests. This is one experience that I wish to do again when I am back in Buenos Aires. (I hope in October of 2011....)
The empanadas that all of us made along with the lovely white wine and the overall ambience will always remain in my travel memory!
Jan 6th, 2011, 11:56 PM
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wkwb42a,
I can recommend Gabriel Blacher who was my guide in BA this July and again later in August. Gabriel is an excellent guide who is happy to work with you to ensure you get the most form your BA tour. His English is excellent and also speaks Spanish, German and Hebrew (he is Jewish). His email is [email protected]. In addition to providing guided tours, Gabriel is happy to do great walking maps that make exploring on your own very easy and pleasant at your own pace.
Enjoy BA,
Pol
I can recommend Gabriel Blacher who was my guide in BA this July and again later in August. Gabriel is an excellent guide who is happy to work with you to ensure you get the most form your BA tour. His English is excellent and also speaks Spanish, German and Hebrew (he is Jewish). His email is [email protected]. In addition to providing guided tours, Gabriel is happy to do great walking maps that make exploring on your own very easy and pleasant at your own pace.
Enjoy BA,
Pol
