My time in Buenos Aires was extremely limited. Being pushed to cut my trip short by Corona, I flew from El Calafate directly to Buenos Aires.

With my hotel calling me and telling me to leave the country the moment I landed, I had only a day in the city, and almost everything was closed. I was able to see the outside of a few places and walk around part of the city.

Sights & Culture

PUENTE DE LA MUJER

The Woman’s Bridge is a favourite spot for locals to take profile pictures. Lining the bridge, well-dressed women and their boyfriends with cameras are lining up to take a picture. The bridge is one of several joining the mainland to Barrio Rodrigo Bueno, a small island with a handful of hotels and businesses and the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur.

The bridge gives excellent views and is itself quite distinctive. At night, its colorful lighting makes it even more impressive.

CASA ROSADA

Argentina’s famous presidential Palace, the pink stone building, is surrounded by heavy iron fencing. Guided tours are offered in more normal times, and if you hang around long enough, you’ll see politicians come and go from the building. Often reporters are set up outside to give a dramatic backdrop to their political narrative.

You can also see the famous balcony of Perón and Evita.

The building is surprisingly delicately lit at night, given its size and importance.

Museums & Galleries

BUQUE MUSEO FRAGATA

A training frigate from 1898 has been converted into a nautical museum. Beautifully restored and moored next to Puente de la Mujer, it was closed during my visit due to Corona.

MUSEO DEL BICENTENARIO

On the edge of Casa Rosada, the National History Museum is in a former customs house.

MUSEO HISTÓRICO NACIONAL DEL CABILDO Y LA REVOLUCIÓN DE MAYO

A cultural museum in the former colonial government building facing Plaza de Mayo. Also closed during my visit.

Parks & Gardens

PLAZA DE MAYO

Named for the Revolution of May 25, 1810, which occurred on this square and led to Argentina’s independence, the Plaza de Mayo is a must-visit spot in Buenos Aires.

The Pirámide de Mayo, built in 1811, can be seen in the centre of the square.

Restaurants & Bars

CAFÉ TORTONI

Halfway along the Avenue de Mayo, Café Tortoni can be found.

Opened in 1858, this french style coffee house is famous locally and internationally. Visited by the elite, it has been described as one of the ten most beautiful cafes in the world. Einstein, Hilary Clinton, Robert Duvall, and a vast collection of South American poets and playwrights are known to have visited.

The churro and hot chocolate were incredible.

Alvear Icon Hotel

After two weeks on a boat, I wanted some luxury, even if it was just for my one day in Buenos Aires. Coming off a ship from Antarctica, my clothes were practical but not fancy.

Even after I cleaned up in the colossal marble bathtub, I had nothing suitable for the on-site restaurants and so settled in to eat a fantastic pizza from room service in my fluffy bathrobe.

Sports & Activities

Arcangel Tattoo

Traditionally, sailors who crossed the equator got a tattoo of a turtle—sailors who cross the antarctic circle tattoo themselves with a penguin. After visiting the Galapagos, I blended the tradition for the equator by having a line drawing of a sea turtle I swam with and photographed. With little open in Buenos Aires, I took the chance to mark my Antarctic crossing with a tattoo of the penguin who came to visit me on Neko Harbour.

The shop is pristinely clean, the artist took my photo and quickly turned it into an accurate, simple line drawing, and the cost was extremely reasonable.