Buenos Aires hits the must haves—interesting history, phenomenal food and great shopping. It's a great walking city with beautiful architecture. Make sure you check out an authentic tango club, where you can watch local Argentineans dance the night away.
Where to Stay: There are plenty of beautiful hotels in the Recoleta neighborhood, which is the perfect combination of historic and upscale. I fell in love with the Park Hyatt Palacio Duhau, with it's stunning lobby and courtyard.
Where to Eat: Argentina is known for it's free range, grass fed beef. If you love beef but are weary of it's sourcing, this is the perfect place to enjoy it. We really loved Don Julio's, where the walls are lined top to bottom with wine bottles. This spot will make you an Argentinian Malbec lover if you are not already. Another of BA's staple steakhouses (called parrilladas) is Parrilla Peña, which has a more laid back, traditional feel and enormous steaks. Have tea at Las Violetas, an spacious, beautiful cafe that has been open since the 1800s. For an elegant, elaborate (and delicious) tasting menu, visit Aramburu. The food is absolutely phenomenal and the presentation is flawless.
Where to Shop: Use this opportunity to buy anything and everything leather. Belts, bags, wallets, boots, and most importantly, leather jackets as far as the eye can see. There are plenty of ready to wear options, but the custom shops are where you'll find something particularly special. Visit Bettina Rizzi, where they can make on the spot adjustments on existing models, or a completely custom design in under two days. I have had my classic black Argentinean leather jacket for three seasons now. It shows no sign of wear and I get asked where it's from almost every time I wear it. There is also great high end shopping in Recoleta.
