La Boca

La Boca is one of Buenos Aires’ most famous, and infamous, neighborhoods. We were warned — by blogs, guidebooks, and even our taxi driver, “muy peligroso” — that it could be a dodgy area for tourists. A working-class neighborhood, La Boca is equally known for its muggings and its world-famous soccer club, the Boca Juniors. As advised, we stuck close to the main drag of Camanito. We went into it knowing it was a tourist trap. Tango dancers on the street and tchotchkes bearing the Argentinian flag — it’s not even close to an authentic experience of the city, but over the top and fun anyway. I really wanted to go and shoot the brightly colored buildings, traditionally decorated with leftover paint from the boats that dock nearby. The sun came out half way through our visit and a few great shots made it all worthwhile. Just like Times Square, you know it’s corny, and yet you go anyway. See how happy cheesy can make us?

La Recoleta Cemetary

Recoleta is one of BsAs’ toniest neighborhoods, and also home to the famous Recoleta cemetery. It’s the final resting place for some of Argentina’s most respected, wealthy and famous deceased.

Wandering through the rows of mausoleums reminded me a bit of being in Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris.

The mausoleums range from meticulously maintained to total disrepair. The details of each tomb are incredibly personal, decorated with elaborate statues, engraved dedications and even family photos.

It can be a bit of a maze to navigate, but we purchased a map from an English-speaking tour guide at the front gates.

Of course, Recoleta’s most famous resident is the beloved Eva Perón. The local stray cats know exactly where the crowds gather, too.

Puerto Madero
Once the main port serving BsAs, Puerto Madero underwent a massive renovation in the ‘90s and is now a booming waterfront district. New restaurants, shops and high-end apartment building have sprung up in recent years. One of the highlights is the pedestrian bridge, Puente de la Mujer (Women’s Bridge), built by architect Santiago Calatrava. It’s a great spot for strolling and stopping for drinks at an open-air restaurant. It’s also the place I shot one of our favorite photos of the trip.