San Telmo: The Soul of Buenos Aires

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeChau
  [chow]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor
  [por fah-vor]
• Thank youGracias
  [gra-see-as]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón
  [pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [may goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [may goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [may goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prar]
• I'm just lookingEstoy solo mirando
  [ehs-toy soh-loh mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs d'yehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sehs]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (colectivo)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (koh-lehk-tee-voh)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

San Telmo's history begins in the late 16th century when it was part of the original Spanish settlement of Buenos Aires. The area was initially a site for wealthy merchants and aristocrats, establishing their grand homes along the banks of the Río de la Plata. The construction of the San Telmo Church in 1734 marked the neighborhood's religious and social significance in the colonial era.

During the 19th century, San Telmo transformed as waves of immigrants from Europe arrived, particularly from Spain and Italy. This influx shifted the demographic landscape, and the neighborhood became home to a burgeoning working-class population. The once-opulent mansions were converted into tenements, leading to the development of a vibrant community characterized by its diverse cultural influences.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, San Telmo became known for its rich cultural scene, particularly as a cradle for the tango. The dance emerged in the brothels and bars of the neighborhood, blending African, European, and local influences. This period solidified San Telmo's reputation as a key location for the development of Argentine identity and cultural expression.

In the mid-20th century, San Telmo faced urban decay as wealthier residents moved to more affluent areas. The neighborhood suffered from neglect, but the late 20th century saw a revival, spearheaded by artists and young professionals drawn to its historic charm. The establishment of the San Telmo Market and the Feria de San Telmo (an arts and crafts fair) helped to reinvigorate the area, attracting tourists and locals alike.

Today, San Telmo is celebrated for its vibrant street life, historic architecture, and cultural institutions. The neighborhood hosts numerous festivals, art galleries, and tango shows, reflecting its rich heritage. Preservation efforts have maintained the area's historic character while also accommodating modern businesses, making it a focal point of Buenos Aires' cultural and artistic landscape.

San Telmo is conveniently located in the heart of Buenos Aires. From the city center, you can easily reach San Telmo by taking the Subte (subway) Line C to the San Juan station. Alternatively, buses such as lines 29, 39, and 70 also connect the area to other neighborhoods. If you're coming from the Ezeiza International Airport, consider taking a taxi or using a ride-sharing app, which will take approximately 40-60 minutes depending on traffic.

San Telmo is best explored on foot due to its charming cobblestone streets and vibrant atmosphere. Public transport options include the Subte, with the nearest station being the Independencia on Line C. Buses are also available, and you can use a SUBE card for convenient travel. For a more leisurely experience, consider renting a bicycle from local shops, as many routes are bike-friendly.

While San Telmo is generally safe, tourists should remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Areas around Plaza Dorrego, especially during the weekend market, can attract pickpockets. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit streets and be cautious on Avenida Independencia. Always keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. For non-life-threatening issues, you can visit a local hospital or clinic. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For minor health concerns, pharmacies are widely available in San Telmo.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking and light clothing, as the weather can be warm. Don’t wear flashy jewelry that might attract unwanted attention. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don’t engage in loud conversations on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hola' and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes, especially at parrillas (steakhouses). Don’t expect quick service; meals can be leisurely.

To experience San Telmo like a local, visit the San Telmo Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage in conversations with local vendors to learn about their crafts. Don't miss the tango shows in the streets, particularly on Sundays. For a unique experience, explore the street art by taking a guided tour, which showcases the vibrant expressions of local artists.