Buenos Aires, we're back. The Paris of South America to many, La Ciudad de la Furia to those in the know, welcome to one of the world's great cities. A place where tango was born, musical legends created and where many people once they've visited continue to come back to, it's a city that has its place in history past, present and future. MotoGP's arrival to 'BA' brings us to back to the ultimate capital city destination and after a year away from Argentina, it's good to be back in this metropolitan capital. The party may start in the afternoon but by the time you finish, you’ll find yourself closer to the next day's sunrise instead of the previous day's dusk.
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You can't go far wrong with the starting point of the Obelisco monument, standing tall and proud in BA's thoroughfare of Avenida 9 de Julio and the iconic Avenida Corrientes. It's a crossroads, a symbol, a navigation point as to where you are in the city. Next to San Nicholas - which is widely regarded as 'El Centro' locally - this is a gateway to the excitement that lies beyond. Head north and you arrive to elegant Retiro, south and you'll stumble into colonial San Telmo, east to the mighty Rio Dique and Puerto Madero and west for the Jewish quarter.
Let's start with a Buenos Aires icon and that is San Telmo. Not only are these streets some of the easiest on the eye in the entire city but they're packed with bakeries, bars and coffee bean roasters, all leading to a central meeting point and that's the market itself. Food, drinks, fresh produce, souvenirs and more, no it's not a tourist trap market of fame but a genuine, honest, hard working hall of locals that are more keen to welcome than they are to sell. From San Telmo, Buenos Aires is a football fan's oyster.
The Bombonera... just writing it makes the hairs go up on end. The iconic D-shaped, three-sided stadium is home to the feared, revered and cheered Boca Juniors. Diego Maradona's home and enveloped by streets that bare his face on countless murals, this is a football – and sports – fan's dream. The bars and shops that line the street of the main entrance entice you for one, two or perhaps even more local refreshments, a choripan and if you've got space, a sweet to cap off lunch before going to La Boca.
La Boca? 'What's that?' This is postcard Buenos Aires, the image you search for when touching down. The birthplace of tango: that harsh, elegant, delicate and intricate dance. It packs a punch, full of staccato, accents and emotions and oozes through the colours of the district where not only can you see it but also take lessons in one of modern dance's most dramatic. Remember the Choripans next to La Bombonera? Well, have space for more here - cheap, plentiful and delightful.
Fancy swapping the grounded, humble beginnings of La Boca? Well then, we're all about Puerto Madero, the 'look at me' modern, chic and glam side of the capital. Cocktails, beers, shots or Malbec, this is a place to be any day of the week that ends in 'y', including tomorrow. The River Dique comes alive to party and elegance whilst you can cross back into the city centre itself on the Puente de la Mujer and more than likely enjoy a free tango show. But even after all the drinks, laughs, live music, dance and stroll through one of not just Argentina's but also South America's plushest - and still affordable - neighbourhoods, Buenos Aires comes back and surprises you.
The Casa Rosada: Pink House, the working office for the Argentinean President which, with the ‘Albiceleste’ waving in the port breeze, is the landmark of this great capital. Plaza de Mayo sits just behind, scene of many historic moments in Argentina's history and is a focal point in the centre of the city. If you're yet to venture to the likes of Retiro then this could well be the perfect start before you work your way through the city's straight of empanada spots and steakhouse hangouts. Retiro offers an even bigger slice of the affluent pie than Puerto Madero; where the latter's wealth is new, exciting and fuelled by those who want to be seen - and rightfully so - the former's is more discreet, classical and blends botanical with urban. Ground level must-gos and sky-high upper society rooftops, the area is packed full of those who want to be something and those who already are.
It is only right we hype the things that deserve and likewise give you alternative in your trip to Argentina's capital - which likewise serves as a gateway to the rest of this enchanting country. For those of you who are rock fans, then how can any mention of Buenos Aires go without a mention to the kings of Rock en Español, Soda Stereo; from the NH Hotel to Soda Stereo Corner, true fans can get a sense for the legendary rock band. For ultimate Soda fans (which admin is), Cerati's final resting place is in Chacarita, as is Carlos Gardel's, tango’s godfather.
MotoGP is coming to one of the world's capitals, we've already said that but the point we're saying is that to maximise your trip, these are some of the gems in the country's capital. Whilst enjoying your time at the track across the weekend, there's almost not enough time to do everything else. That's why we can't wait to get back to Buenos Aires - because when we last visited there to race in the late 90s, there wasn't enough time to see it all. Now, you'll see it all and more.