- The Botanic Gardens (Avenida Santa Fe 3951 at the intersection of Las Heras avenue) opened in 1898 as the foremost work of world-famous French landscaper and architect Carlos Thays. It's been estimated that 5,000-6,000 plants species occupy the garden's eight hectares. The garden is ornamented with sculptures and fountains - a great photographic opportunity.
- The Buenos Aires Zoo is a fantastic place to spend the day. You can find many animal species, as well as art and sculptures.
- The Galileo Galilei Planetarium (intersection of Belisario Roldán and Sarmiento avenues) is five floors and has a circular room with 360 seats. The planetarium is equipped with one hundred projectors approximately. You can view the moon, the sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, as well as 8,900 stars.
Palermo is the largest and most populous barrio in Buenos Aires. It's broken into the following districts, each with their own individual flair:
- Las Cañitas
- Palermo Chico
- Palermo Viejo
- Palermo Hollywood
- Palermo SoHo
Las Cañitas
Las Cañitas is the safest of all of the central Buenos Aires neighborhoods. The area is distinguished among the cool, stylish, and nouveau riche as the place to dine out, have a drink, party, and be seen. Many of Buenos Aires' most beautiful men and women can be seen dining in Las Cañitas on a Saturday night.
The polo field's proximity makes the neighborhood bars and restaurants a great place for the polo fans to catch the stars of the field dining out on the town. Buy them a drink and join them in celebrating their victories.
Palermo Chico
Palermo Chico was designed by architect Carlos Thays (the designer of the famous Botanical Gardens) and constructed in 1912. The central theme of Thays' design is "green spaces." The streets in this neighborhood house some of the finest, most expensive mansions in the capital.
The Museum of Latin American Art (MALBA) can be found at: Av. Figueroa Alcorta 3415. There's a very cool Ferrari café on the far right corner of the museum's grounds. This area also houses a few embassies. (An important note: there is no subway access to Palermo Chico.)
Palermo Viejo
Palermo Viejo began as a bohemian haven for artists, writers and intellectuals. Once forgotten, and riddled with run-down buildings, it's now the trendiest neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Many of the unique fashion boutiques can be found in this charming neighborhood.
Today, you can count 50+ unique bars and internationally-flavored restaurants in this area. Of course you can find local cuisine, but this area is well-known for its international flavor.
Palermo Viejo also splits into Palermo Soho (to the south) and Palermo Hollywood (to the north). The railroad tracks and Avenida Juan B. Justo act as the separating line.
Palermo Hollywood
Palermo Hollywood takes its name from the multiple TV and movie studios, producers, writers, directors and radio stations. If you're looking to star in a telenovela - you need to start hobnobbing around Hollywood.
The focal point of Palermo Hollywood is Plaza Serrano (a small oval park at the intersection of Serrano and Honduras). The square is the center of art, commerce and energy. Lots of energy! You can buy jewelry, clothing, paintings and many items beyond description. The funky bars, restaurants and shops that surround Plaza Serrano make it a favorite hang-out for the porteños and the tourists.
Palermo SoHo
Palermo SoHo is celebrated for its boutiques owned by local designers, with some amazing restaurants thrown in. We highly recommend Basica Vanguardia, a funky fashion boutique located at Malabia 1968. The owners speak English and they have limited quantities of designer t-shirts and jeans for men, as well as dresses and skirts for women.
Read more about Palermo here (Wikipedia).
