Travel guides are great and useful but only to a certain extent. They cover all the possible must-see’s and must-do’s that you don’t even know what is really worth checking out anymore. Not to mention, the used-to-be cool spots might have turned into a tourist trap without the proper ‘evaluation’ in the books. This past weekend, we came across an awesome local Insider’s Guide on Buenos Aires from the true in-the-know tastemakers: Robert Duvall, Narda Lepes, Gustavo Santaolalla, and Marta Minujín. It is definitely one of the best recommendation lists we’ve seen lately. The suggestions they made stay away from the typical and really are a breath of fresh air. And at Vamos Spanish, we have a few off-the-beaten-track gems that we can share too! Here they are:
Fresh Produce// We love to start our Saturdays by heading to this Farmer’s Market in Chacarita, called El Galpón, to stock up on some fresh locally grown food. If you want organic freshly pressed peanut butter with cacao, you can find it there! How awesome is that?! http://www.elgalpon.org.ar
Jazz Lover// Jazz is by no means a popular music of choice here in Buenos Aires, and it’s definitely not easy to find them in live venues or on radio. That’s why Thelonius Club holds a very special spot in our hearts. It’s the live jazz place to have a great night out! http://www.thelonious.com.ar
Regional Flavor// La Peña del Colorado is not only a place to go with friends but also a great place to go when you have visitors in town. They serve up amazing regional Argentine cuisine (their tamales are to die for!) and have traditional folklore concerts every night. Reservation is highly recommended! http://www.lapeniadelcolorado.com
Flea Market// Mercado de Las Pulgas is just a fun place to roam around for a couple of hours even if you have no intention to buy anything. The market takes up the whole block of street Conde, Dorrego, Gral. E. Martínez and Concepción Arenal. Open Tues. to Sunday from 10am – 7pm.
Art Book Store// Purr Libros and Librería Cobra are not your typical book stores. They carry independently published books that are in the genre of modern, contemporary arts and design. What make them even more special is that their stores are used more like un espacio de arte (art space), where you will find special exhibitions, especially in the latter, they organize workshops (bookbinding!), outdoor movies and concerts.
http://www.purrlibros.com http://www.cobralibros.com.ar
Vamos
