Buenos Aires: The Paris of South America

• HelloHola
  [o-la]
• GoodbyeChau
  [chau]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fa-vor/de na-da]
• Thank youGracias
  [gra-sias]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón
  [per-don]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [ko-mo es-tas]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y vos?
  [bien. ee vos]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablás inglés?
  [a-blas in-gles]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [no en-tien-do]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [me gus-ta-ria ver el me-nu por fa-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [no co-mo car-ne]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sa-lud]
• I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor
  [ki-sie-ra pa-gar por fa-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ayu-da]
• Go away!¡Andate!
  [an-da-te]
• Call the Police!¡Llamá a la policía!
  [ya-ma a la po-li-sia]
• Call a doctor!¡Llamá a un médico!
  [ya-ma a un me-di-ko]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [es-toy per-di-do/a]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [es-toy en-fer-mo/a]

• I'd like to buy...Quisiera comprar...
  [ki-sie-ra com-prar]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [so-lo es-toy mi-ran-do]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-to kues-ta]
• That's too expensiveEs demasiado caro
  [es de-ma-sia-do ca-ro]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pwe-de ba-har el pre-sio]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [ke o-ra es]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [es la u-na]
• Half past (10)Diez y media
  [diez ee me-dia]
• MorningMañana
  [ma-nya-na]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tar-de]
• EveningNoche
  [no-che]
• YesterdayAyer
  [a-yer]
• TodayHoy
  [hoi]
• TomorrowMañana
  [ma-nya-na]
• 1Uno
  [u-no]
• 2Dos
  [dos]
• 3Tres
  [tres]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwa-tro]
• 5Cinco
  [sin-co]
• 6Seis
  [seis]
• 7Siete
  [sje-te]
• 8Ocho
  [o-cho]
• 9Nueve
  [nwe-ve]
• 10Diez
  [diez]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [don-de es-ta]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal es la di-rec-cion]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Me podés mostrar (en el mapa)?
  [me po-des mos-trar (en el ma-pa)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (colectivo)?
  [kwan-do es el pro-ksi-mo (ko-lek-ti-vo)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [un bo-le-to (a)]

Buenos Aires was initially founded by Spanish explorer Pedro de Mendoza in 1536. However, due to attacks by indigenous peoples and difficulties in sustaining the settlement, it was abandoned. The city was re-established in 1580 by Juan de Garay, becoming a permanent settlement and an important port for Spanish trade.

During the colonial period, Buenos Aires flourished as a hub of commerce due to its strategic location. The city was part of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata, which was established in 1776. Buenos Aires' port was crucial for the export of silver from the mines of Potosí in present-day Bolivia, significantly contributing to its economic growth.

In the early 19th century, Buenos Aires faced two British invasions in 1806 and 1807. Despite initial successes, the British forces were ultimately repelled by local militias and citizens. These events boosted the city's sense of autonomy and pride, laying the groundwork for future independence movements.

The May Revolution of 1810 marked the beginning of Argentina's struggle for independence from Spanish rule. Buenos Aires was at the heart of this movement, with the First Junta established on May 25, 1810. The city continued to be a political and cultural focal point throughout the subsequent wars of independence, culminating in Argentina's declaration of independence in 1816.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Buenos Aires underwent rapid modernization and expansion. The city attracted a wave of European immigrants, which significantly influenced its culture and demographics. During this period, iconic landmarks such as the Teatro Colón, Avenida de Mayo, and numerous grand palaces were constructed, reflecting the city's prosperity and cosmopolitan character.

The mid-20th century was marked by the rise of Juan Domingo Perón and his wife, Eva Perón, who left a lasting impact on Argentine politics and society. Perón's presidency (1946-1955) brought significant social and economic changes, but it also led to political instability. Buenos Aires witnessed numerous protests, coups, and political upheavals during this era, shaping the city's contemporary political landscape.

From 1976 to 1983, Argentina was under military dictatorship during a period known as the 'Dirty War.' Buenos Aires was a central stage for the government's campaign against suspected dissidents, resulting in thousands of disappearances and human rights abuses. The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, a group of women who protested against the disappearance of their children, became an enduring symbol of resistance and human rights advocacy.

Since the return to democracy in 1983, Buenos Aires has experienced a cultural renaissance. The city has become renowned for its vibrant arts scene, including tango music and dance, world-class theaters, and burgeoning street art. Buenos Aires continues to evolve as a dynamic metropolis, blending its rich historical heritage with contemporary cultural trends.

Buenos Aires is served by two main airports: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP). Ezeiza primarily handles international flights and is located approximately 30 kilometers from the city center. Aeroparque handles mostly domestic and some regional flights and is conveniently situated just a few kilometers from downtown. From Ezeiza, you can reach the city center by taxi, shuttle bus, or private transfer. From Aeroparque, taxis and buses are the most common modes of transport.

Buenos Aires has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, the Subte (subway), and trains. The Subte is the fastest way to get around the city, with six lines covering most of the key areas. Buses, known as 'colectivos,' operate 24/7 and cover virtually every corner of the city. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also widely available. For a unique experience, consider taking the Tren de la Costa, which offers scenic views of the Río de la Plata.

The official currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful and can be found throughout the city. Be aware that some ATMs may have withdrawal limits and fees, so it's wise to check with your bank beforehand.

While Buenos Aires is generally safe for tourists, certain neighborhoods have higher crime rates, especially for crimes targeting tourists. Areas like La Boca, Constitución, and parts of San Telmo can be risky, particularly at night. Always stay vigilant, avoid displaying valuables, and stick to well-lit and populated areas. It's advisable to use registered taxis or ride-sharing services rather than hailing cabs off the street.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, medical, and fire services. Major hospitals in Buenos Aires include Hospital Italiano and Hospital Alemán, both of which have English-speaking staff. Pharmacies are widely available and can dispense over-the-counter medications. It is highly recommended to carry travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and accidents.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly but comfortably; Buenos Aires is known for its fashion-forward residents. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale areas. Religion: Do respect religious customs, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do have a SUBE card for using buses and the Subte. Don't block the doorway or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a kiss on the cheek; a handshake may be used in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like empanadas and asado. Don't rush through meals; dining is a social experience in Buenos Aires.

To experience Buenos Aires like a local, visit traditional 'barrios' like Palermo, Recoleta, and Belgrano. Enjoy a coffee at a historic café such as Café Tortoni. Take part in a tango night at a 'milonga' to experience the local dance culture. On Sundays, visit the San Telmo market for antiques and street performances. Finally, don't miss a football match at La Bombonera or El Monumental to feel the city's sports passion.