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It’s easy to see why La Boca is one of the best places to visit in Buenos Aires. With roads lined by colorful buildings, street art, and music wafting through the air, you won’t be short of things to see and do. La Boca is a traditionally working-class area that’s starting to undergo a revamp thanks to the influx of tourists. It oozes European influence as it was once home to Italian and Genoan settlers in the 19th century. From the epic La Bombonera football stadium through to some of the best art galleries and where to eat, here are the must-see spots in La Boca, Buenos Aires:
1. Visit La Bombonera Football Stadium
La Boca is the open-air football stadium, otherwise known as La Bombonera. It’s home to the Boca Juniors and the stadium is well-known as the ‘football home’ of legend Diego Maradona. Be sure to time your visit with a game — it’s one of the best football experiences in South America as the stadium has a capacity of 49,000 and the atmosphere is always electric. (www.coloradoriveradventures.com) There’s an onsite museum for those who want to find out more about the history of the stadium and some of its best games.
2. Explore the Historic Streets of El Caminito
El Caminito, or ‘little walkway’ in English, is a historic alley in La Boca known for its cobble-stones and colorful houses. The houses are brights and typical shanty houses of immigrant families who arrived in the 19th century. While exploring, visit a conventillo, which are the old houses where mainly Genoan immigrants used to live, many of which are built from steel and are on stilts. Today, the majority of them have been converted in souvenir stores and cafes.
The El Caminito street, which is almost a museum in itself, is packed with street artists, musicians, and stalls selling trinkets. If you’re lucky you might even see traditional Argentine tango dancers pulling moves. It’s a tourist trap so take care with your personal belongings here.
3. Visit The Museo Bellas Artes de La Boca
The Museo Bellas Artes de La Boca Benito Quinquela Martín is an excellent cultural activity where you can find out more about Argentine artists. The museum is set within the former house of local artist Benito Quinquela Martín and displays some of his best work. There are also pieces by other Argentine artists on display.
4. Watch A Tango Show at El Teatro de La Ribera
If you want to see Argentina’s traditional tango, head to El Teatro de La Ribera where you can catch a show. The theater has been kitted out by artists and boasts a beautiful interior. The building was donated to the city by Quinquela Martín and you can also spot murals by Martin in the main hall.
5. Puerto Madero
Puerto Madero is a dockside area that’s been remodeled over the years. It’s now home to excellent steak houses, bars, and skyscrapers, plus is a great spot to walk around a try one of Argentina’s famous steaks.
Need some more inspiration for your vacation in Argentina? What about visiting one of Argentina’s best beaches or exploring the colonial city of Salta?
6. Eat at El Obrero
El Obrero is one of the best places to eat in La Boca. It’s an authentic Argentine restaurant that draws celebrities and tourists alike. The restaurant has been in the hands of the same family for around 70 years and serves up traditional Argentine cuisine.
7. Fundación Proa
Fundación Proa is a modern and contemporary art museum. You can find regular exhibitions with displays from local and international artists here. Many people go to hang out at the museum’s cafe that has picturesque riverside views.
8. Usina del Arte
Another art gallery worth visiting is Usina del Arte, which is set in a former 20th-century electric power plant. It features two auditoriums and a gallery, with work by local and international artists.
9. l Matterello
I Matterello is a traditional Genovese trattoria, drawing on La Boca’s Genovese cultural heritage. It’s known for serving up delicious plates of pasta and is a must-visit when in La Boca!