Recoleta, Buenos Aires

Located in Recoleta, between the pedestrian thoroughfare of R.M. Ortiz and Recoleta cemetery, are two giant, evergreen trees which are referred to as El Gomero (Rubber Trees). They resemble magnolias and but are so large that their branches must be supported by beams on the ground in order to keep them aloft. The larger of the two was planted by a group known as the Brothers of Recoleta around 1800 and has recently had a fence put around it's base in order to try and better protect and preserve the tree. It is situated directly behind La Biela Cafe (on the corner of Quintana and Ortiz) and was actually donated to La Biela by the city. The smaller tree (although it is still enormous) is located directly across the street between Quintana and Avenida Alvear.

Recoleta neighborhood has almost everything to do. It is good to stay in a hotel or appartment there because you can have cinemas, bars, restaurants and attractions just by walking distance.
The most famous cemetery of Buenos Aires is there. Some of the most important characters of Argentina's history are there like Evita.Tango legend Carlos Gardel is buried there as well. Skulls and bones at the entryway lead to a silver altar, intriguing tile work and chapels at the cemetery church, dating from 1732 and considered one of the best-preserved examples of Argentine colonial architecture.
A wide range of activity unfolds in Recoleta from plastic art displays and exhibits to concerts, theater and dance productions, poetry recitals, dramatic performances and electro-acoustic computer-generated music, and video-graphic shows. Adjacent to the auditorium, the Buenos Aires Summer Amphitheater holds rock, jazz and fusion concerts, parades, and dance spectacles.

What's the most expensive space in Buenos Aires? Well, you'll have to die to get some of it, because one square meter of land in the Recoleta Cemetery goes for at least $20,000 and that's only if someone's willing to sell.

For some reason, I enjoy walking through cemeteries. Maybe it's because they make me think about a person's life as a whole instead of seeing it in mere moments. Here, the tributes to the lives that once were are so magnificent that one is forced to stop, if not in contemplation, then in awe. Some of the graves are simple structures and others are sculptured marvels.

The list of people resting here reads as a who's who of Argentine history, but the most famous of all is Eva Peron whose grave is always covered with flowers from people paying their respects.

The first time I went to Buenos Aires I was sitting at one of the many cafes along the Recoleta within 2hrs of arriving into the country. This was my first experience of Argentina. What an introduction! Its such a great place to enjoy the food and to do a lot of people-watching. On weekends there are also some very good markets here. There is often some kind of music or buzz of activity. I often returned here I liked it that much. Every visit to BA wouldn't be complete without going to La Recoleta! You must go!!!

On Saturday mornings (although things really don't go into full swing until noon or a little after) this hillside becomes chock full of stands selling all kinds of arts, crafts, jewelry, knick knacks, etc.

Since many tourists attend this fair and the walkways tend to get jammed with people, this is a prime opportunity to get pickpocketed. By the same token, there are quite a few uniformed police circulating, but just be aware.

There are some interesting sights to see in La Recoleta, but much of its charm lies in simply walking around and enjoying the atmosphere. It really feels like you could be in Europe as you see bakeries on street corners, modern internet cafes, restaurants and exclusive apartment buildings with brass-handled doorways and sharp dressed doormen.

La Recoleta is an exclusive neighborhood in Buenos Aires where I spent much of my time since my hotel was located here. I would highly recommend staying here, as it is a bit quieter than downtown and Av. 9 de Julio. Plus, with the whole city is much cheaper than it once was, so staying here isn't too outrageously priced.

Much of the area is characterized by tree-lined streets and exclusive residential buildings. It's a great place to just relax, do some window shopping or to grab a coffee at a sidewalk cafe.

The Recoleta Cultural Center has a cool Children's Museum on the first floor that encourages kids to interact. In fact, it's officially "forbidden not to touch" here. The center also houses permanent and touring art exhibits as well as a theater for both musical and acting performances.

The building was once the cloisters of theFranciscan monks. There is a small suggested donation.