Sensual, nostalgic, and fiendishly difficult to learn, tango emerged in the city's portside neighbourhoods in the mid-19th century and has since conquered the world. Today, Buenos Aires is a place of pilgrimage for tango dancers from all over, and the dance is still very much alive - danced by the young and young-at-heart well into the early hours every night of the week. As well as witnessing traditional social dancing and learning some steps at a milonga, you can treat yourself to sumptuous dinner-shows with spectacularly choreographed performances, and see live orchestras playing everywhere from cosy neighbourhood bars to grand symphony halls.
 

2. You'll experience sporting passion like never before

The city's cosmopolitan, multicultural identity was forged in a melting pot of cultures, from native American and colonial Spanish roots, to the influences of immigration from Italy, France, Great Britain, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. You'll see this eclectic mix of influences in the city's architecture, food and in the character of its people. And while Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city always looking towards the latest trends, we also have passionate pride for our history and tradition. Feel the nostalgia in the cobbled streets of neighbourhoods like San Telmo, visit old cafes where poets used to gather, witness traditional gaucho displays of horsemanship and folk dancing at the Feria de Mataderos, and explore the political history of the Plaza de Mayo, where huge crowds turned out to see Eva Perón speak. 

Designated Ibero-American capital of Gastronomic Culture 2017, the city boasts outstanding culinary options, from elegant 19^th and early 20th century “bares notables” to some of Latin America’s most acclaimed contemporary restaurants and bars. Dining is important in Buenos Aires, and you can enjoy the world's best steaks, Argentina's famous malbec wines, and hearty Andean fare, plus there's pizza, pasta and ice cream on every corner thanks to the city's Italian heritage. Buenos Aires boasts several restaurants recognised in Latin America’s 50 Best. Local treats to look out for include the traditional infusion mate and addictive alfajores - chocolate-covered double-deck cookies filled with caramel-like dulce de leche.

Long seen as Latin America's capital of culture, Buenos Aires has almost 300 theatres, 380 bookstores and 160 museums, and some of them will take your breath away. The Teatro Colón is one of the world's best opera houses, with outstanding acoustics and beautiful interiors, the Ateneo Grand Spendid is considered one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, and you'll find creative, artistic expression not only in the many galleries and cultural centres, but in the streets themselves. The city has its own traditional form of folk art known as fileteado, recognised as cultural heritage by UNESCO, and you can find incredible street art on every corner (pay a visit to the incredible 2000m² mural El regreso de Quinquela in Barracas).

Buenos Aires leads the way in Latin American fashion and design, and is a fantastic city when it comes to shopping for unique gifts or new styles from independent designers. With everything from modern malls stocking local and international brands to historic markets and fairs, the city has something for every taste, but perhaps the biggest stars are the top-quality locally produced leather goods and the incredible antiques and native handicrafts you can pick up at the city's markets and fairs. 

Buenos Aires is the place to connect with the life and work of Pope Francis, who was born and raised in the city. You can visit his childhood home and the schools he attended in the neighbourhood of Flores, the prison where he worked in Villa Soldati, and the Metropolitan Cathedral, where for 20 years he led mass as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. There's a free Pope Francis bus tour that visits many of his old haunts. Buenos Aires is also home to Tierra Santa - the world's first religious theme park!

10. You'll make great friends

Perhaps the biggest attraction of Buenos Aires is the city's people. No matter how long you stay, you're bound to make friends and feel at home. Porteños, as the city's residents are called, are warm, friendly and very affectionate. They greet with a hug and a kiss, and talk for hours over a dinner or a drink. Expect to be engaged in conversations on all topics, to be invited to try mate, the local infusion and a social ritual in itself, to receive help whenever you need it, and to be made to feel welcome at all times.