El Ateneo Bookstore

El Ateneo was one of those things we read about, but had no idea how cool it really was until we stepped inside. It’s a grand, old theatre turned bookstore. We’re both big readers and could happily spend hours browsing.

We headed straight up to the upper levels to look down on the whole space, taking in the views of the ceiling and the main floor from above. Despite containing only libros en espanol, we wandered around for quite a while admiring the books and the space.

And of course, fitting right in with the bookstore and Buenos Aires vibe, they had turned the stage into a cafe. We had coffee/tea and split a giant hunk of brownie with ice cream.

Nature Preserve

Another spot we checked out is one that typical tourists don’t always get to. A ten minute walk from the Puerto Madero area, the Reserva Ecológica de Buenos Aires is over 800 acres of protected open space in the Rio de la Plata riverbed, just outside the city. The long winding path is great for jogging or bike riding (rentals are available nearby) and lined on both sides with pampas grasses, left. Being just outside the fast pace of the city reminded me a bit of being in beautiful green spaces of Central Park and still being able to see the buildings of the Manhattan skyline.

San Telmo Flea Market

We also checked out the open-air flea market in the San Telmo neighborhood. It’s open every Sunday in Plaza Dorrego, with a range of antiques like silverware, clocks, jewelry and other knick knacks. We picked up a tiny silver pill box for me and a brass llama statue for my dad.

Argentina is of course famous for the tango, and there’s lots of pressure to go see a show while you’re there. We skipped them. It just seemed like it’d end up being expensive and inauthentic if we went someplace on a flier we’d been handed. If we knew some locals who could have taken us to the real deal, we’d probably have gone.

BsAs is possibly best known for it’s nightlife… world-class clubs full of stunning hotties partying till well past dawn. I’m sure it’s all spectacular. We never saw it. Personally, I think you should be able to find ways to have — ahem — hot honeymoon nights without a thumping bass and a wait at the door. But if you’re interested, check it out here.