Welcome to FlyerTalk.

There is a nice cafe in Palermo, on Av. del Libertador across from the Rose Gardens that is called Cafe Martinez. On the exact corner of Av. del Libertador and Oro. There are a number of Cafe Martinez outlets across the city, and I understand most of them offer wireless internet free of charge (when you order coffe and a little something to eat, etc.).

While vegetarians are the clear minority in Buenos Aires, you should have no problem in getting most restaurants to conjure up something vegetarian. A big smile and a polite request will take you a long way in just about every restaurant. Even if its a parrilla, you can feast on the salads which are always available.

Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood are good places to check out art galleries... but La Boca also has a couple of spots. Exhibits are plentiful. Check out the Centro Cultural Recoleta also. The best established big name galleries are in the Recoleta area also, among others you should check out Zurbaran. Auction houses may also be a good source, I suggest you try Firpo & Cia.

Palermo to downtown is good either by subway, or taxi. Taxis are inexpensive in Buenos Aires, especially if you do you math in US dollars. Bus is also an option, but its less comfortable especially during peak hours.

Cheers,
Gaucho100K

I forgot to touch upon this point. The Asian cuisine places will of course have dishes with these ingredients, although I will caution you on the overall level of Asian cuisine in Buenos Aires. Many of the fusion restaurants have incorporated these materials into their menu, although they will not always be available.

There are of course vegetarian restaurants that will cater to your exact needs, unfortunately, Im just about as die-hard carnivore as you can get so Im a lousy critic of these establishments.

Check out this link for a couple of places I could find after a quick internet search:

http://www.restaurant.com.ar/main/bu...dad=1&stat=yes

Ive been told that this place is a must for beer lovers. I havent visited it but again, the reviews are quite good.

RUBIA Y NEGRA
LIBERTAD 1630 - BARRIO NORTE (RECOLETA )
CIUDAD DE BS AS
Tel. 4313-1125

Apparently they have a Gourmet beer concept, coupled with sushi...? If someone does check the place out, please post here and tell us how it went.

Thank you so much!

We love Indian food, but didn't think it would be available in Argentina. It's good to know that there is so much variety there.

How is the vintage shopping? I heard from friends that have visited that the shopping is unbelievable. Cheap, and you can really find unique clothes. Is this also in Palermo Soho?

Also, what do the portenos do during the weekends?

Thanks to saint and other who took time to answer my question (both on and off the board) re apartments. We are going in October and will give it a try. I was in BA in April, but had to cut my trip short so my stay was only three days. We expect to be there at least ten days this time and will truly explore.

One further question. I will break off for a couple of days to take my daughter to Asuncion, Paraguay where she will spend a month with family friends. Is there any advantage/disadvantage in buying the tickets EZE-ASU in advance (e. g. through Aerolineas Argentinas) versus waiting and buying them in BA? We will be getting one r/t for me and a one-way for her as she will depart to the US from ASU.

Again, thanks in advance. Will post on apartment experience after return.

Great. Just what I needed. Another freakin' reason to go to Buenos Aires again. Thanks a lot, Gaucho.

Thanks again for continuing to think about the beer drinking visitors to your city! -Shakti

Im no expert in the vintage clothing deptartment, but if there is something to be had, then Palermo Soho is probably the place. Overall, the shopping will be attractively priced, even if its new & designer clothes.

Porte�os are very similar to other megapolis dwellers. The parks are very popular, coffee houses, many that have "dachas" will exit the city and head to the country clubs, etc. etc.

Just a sec... that info was not for you, you have been told to stick to wine and only wine...

The one advantage I can think of is picking up a discount fare that will be less available as the travel date nears. Then again, I think you need to get the fare quoted first as maybe due to residency and other issues your daughter is eligible only for the "fuller" fares and you may have no advantage in buying super early. Im afraid I dont know how full the Paraguay flights are, so I can be of further help.

Beginning and end of month they are busier. I think it may have to do with maximum stays for Paraguayan nationals on business or short-term employment assignments in Argentina or max. tourist visas. (Then again I could be wrong on why, but that beginning/end of month crowd seemed to be the case a few years back.)

Im not sure that Paraguayan tourists need a visa to enter Argentina.

Not for tourist purposes apparently:

[quote]National PARAGUAY (PY)/Destination ARGENTINA (AR)
Passport required.
Also accepted, provided coming from Brazil, Chile, Paraguay or
Uruguay:
- Cedula de Identidad ( Certificate of Identity ); or
- Carteira de Identidade ( Identity Card ); or
- Documento Nacional de Identidad ( National Document of
Identity );

Visa not required for a stay of max. 3 months if coming for
touristic purposes only.
extension for another period of max. 3 months is possible.

just to let everybody know, Buenos Aires is a spectacular city. Even on a rainy day like today.

I have heard of the Cicerones and looked at their web site and it looks like a great service they provide and is something I would like to do on my next trip to BA (hopefully it will be in November!!!) Was just wondering if all that is expected is to pay the Cicerone's meals and transportation. Or is some kind of a tip in order. Would not want to come off looking cheap - however also would not want to come off as being tacky or condescending.

Also , how long in advance should you start making the arrangements with the Cicerones?

Gracias..
Raquel