1. - The Barrio Parque Neighbourhood
It is a part of Palermo Chico. It is located on Avenida Figueroa Alcorta, between the streets of Tagle and San Martín de Tours, and does Ombú Street, from which several attractive streets open up, flank a characteristic area around a rotunda. Here you will find a sprinkling of luxurious Petits-hotels, and on the Avenidas you will find duplex or triplex departments according to how many floors each family occupies, most with swimming pools and other amenities. It is a totally residential area. You will not find any shops on any of its quiet streets.

2. - Plaza Grand Bourg Square
Facing Mariscal R. Castillo Street you will find the Plaza Grand Bourg, which is an area with beautiful trees, of which we can mention the jacaranda, which have been brought from the Province of Misiones, which show off their mauve flowers in the spring. There are also some very nice trees with yellow flowers that have been brought from the Province of Salta.

Splendid buildings and traditional mansions surround the square. Some are private property and others are occupied by foreign embassies.

A small plaza close by holds the Monument to the Immortal Grandfather - Monumento al Abuelo Inmortal, represented by the General José de San Martín with his two granddaughters, which was inaugurated in 1950, at the centennial of his death, and it is the only monument to the founding father that shows the general dressed as a civilian.

3. - The San Martin Institute - Instituto Sanmartiniano
The building is a replica of the house where the Libertador lived with his daughter Mercedes in Grand Bourg, France, during the last years of his life. It is an interesting place to visit, with its rooms and a library. It is located on the picturesque Street of Rufino de Elizalde Nr. 2800. It is open to the public Mondays through Fridays between 9:30 AM and 7:30 PM. Tel.: 4802-3311.

4.- The Belgian Embassy - Embajada de Bélgica
This spectacular mansion in a neoclassical French style can be found on the majestic Street of Rufino de Elizalde Nr. 2830 in Palermo Chico. The mansion was built by the architect Alejandro Bustillo for the Tornquist family; but in 1932, the building was acquired by the Belgian government to convert it into its diplomatic residency. The facade of this picturesque mansion, apart from being very attractive, is also an architectural accomplishment of the first order, its symmetry and side wings are in harmonious balance with the terrain surrounding it.

Today the mansion is the cultural seat of the National Fund for the Endowment of Art, under the leadership of the Argentinean businesswoman Amalita Lacroze de Fortabat. It is located on Rufino de Elizalde Street Nr. 2831.

6.- The Palacio Alcorta Palace.
This building at the corner of Avenida Figueroa Alcorta with the San Martín de Tours Street and the parallel Avenida Ortiz de Ocampo, is from 1927. It was first occupied by the American carmaker Chrysler, which tested the cars it sold on the terrace of the building. Then the property was transferred to the Arsenal Command Unit of the Argentinean Army. Finally it was converted into an interesting complex with apartment lofts, a restaurant named the Renault Museum, and flexible spaces that can be used for parties, receptions, fashion shows and business events.

7.- The José Hernández Museum of Argentinean Motives - Museo de Motivos Argentinos José Hernández
Specially dedicated to the conservation and diffusion of the folk culture heritage of the country, it holds one of the most valuable collections of Criollo silverware from the XVIIIth to the XXth century, as well as a variety of regional handicrafts, amongst which we can mention the poncho, the typical Quechua indian square cloth overcoat with hole for the head very common all over South America. The museum is located on the traditional Avenida del Libertador Nr. 2373. It is open to the public Wednesdays through Fridays between 1 PM and 7 PM; and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between 3 PM and 7 PM.

8.- The Buenos Aires Museum of Latin American Art - Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires - MALBA.
This museum holds more than 200 pieces from the private pictures art collection of the Argentinean businessman Eduardo Constantini, considered one of the most important on the planet. The collection includes paintings by Antonio Berni, Diego Rivero, Frida Khalo, Fernando Botero, Diego Rivera, Xul Solar and Tarsila do Amaral, amongst other great talents of Argentinean and Latin-American art. It is located on Avenida Figueroa Alcorta Nr. 3415. Tel.: 4808-6500.

9.- The Parque 3 de Febrero Park or the Palermo Woods.
With its magnificent artificial lake, surrounded by gazebos and old trees, the Palermo Woods - Los Bosques or Gardens - Jardines de Palermo, as they are popularly called since 1875, make up the green lung of Buenos Aires. We are talking about 25 hectares (around 60 acres) for relaxation at only 10 minutes from the centre of the City.

It was the first real park of the City and the initiative came from the then Nation's President Domingo Faustino Sarmiento. Today, during weekends, the streets are turned into pedestrian use, and you will be able to see many people leisurely strolling along its bridges, gazebos, under its large streetlamps, ships and beautiful tree shade.
Within the Park you will find:

The "Rosedal" Rose Garden: an elegant garden of beautiful design, which has a plethora of rose shrubs and other plants.

The "Patio Andaluz": another enchanted place created in 1929. Its gazebo holds a colourful tile fountain and an arbour, both donated by the Municipality of the Spanish City of Seville.

The Garden of Poets - Jardín de los Poetas: Here you will find statues of famous poets, such as William Shakespeare, Paul Groussac, Alfonsina Storni, Dante Alighieri, Federico García Lorca and Antonio Machado, amongst others.

Access is from Avenida Casares and Avenida del Libertador.

10.- The Eduardo Sívori Museum of Fine Arts.
Specialized in Argentinean art from the XIXth and XXth centuries. In front of this museum you can find the marble sculpture "the Kiss" - "El Beso", done by Jean Paul Baptiste Gask representing two lovers out of Greek mythology: Leander and Hero. Entrance is through Avenida Infanta Isabel Nr. 555.

11.- Planetario Galileo Galilee Planetarium
The Galileo Galilee Planetarium or Observatory was built in 1966 by the architect Enrique Jan and opened to the public the following year. It is located in an area of the Jardines de Palermo, to be more precise, in the Plaza of the same name.

Its spherical cupola with a diameter of 20 metres (Yards) is covered in aluminium, and allows for the scale projection of illustrative images of the heavens and other real life like phenomena. Every day, pupils from different schools visit the place to watch the projections on the Universe or other themes related to science.

In the centre of the exhibition hall of the observatory you will find the Zeiss V Planetarium. It weighs two and a half metric tonnes, is five metres wide and is of German origin. Each of its two spheres holds 16 projectors that can turn 360 degrees on their axis, which enables them to project up to 9000 stars. The show illustrates the origin of planets and constellations and also recreates sunrises and sundowns.

On the ground floor there is a museum, which has a moon rock on exhibit, which was a gift by the American president Richard Nixon (1913-1994), which age is estimated in between 2500 and 3000 million terrestrial years.

By the entrance, close to the small bridge that spans the pool of water, you will find a metallic meteor, weighing one and a half metric tonnes, which was found in the Chaco Province, in northern Argentina.

The Plaza del Planetario has been declared a Place of Historical Interest, and the Planetarium has been declared a Historical Monument. It can be found at he corner of Avenida Sarmiento and Belisario Roldán Street. Tel.: 4771-6629/4772-9265.

12.- Statue of Little Red Riding Hood - Estatua de Caperucita Roja
This piece of art illustrates the classic tale by Charles Perrault (1628-1703), a French Paris born author who became very famous for his children's tales. Since 1972 it is located close to the Avenida Adolfo Berro in the Jardines de Palermo Gardens.

13.- The Japanese Garden - Jardín Japonés
This splendid garden was designed in accordance with the classical Japanese spirit by the civil engineer Isakari and the landscape architect Yatsuo Inomata, and later donated by the Association of Japanese Immigrants - Asociación Japonesa of Argentina to the City of Buenos Aires in 1979.

The beauty of the place combines prolific gardens and water pools. The different plant species, its lakes with colourful carps, the wooden curved bridges connecting the different islets, together with the Tea Ceremony House, where handicrafts from the Orient are on display, all make up for a nice show for the visitors.

It is open to the public every day between 10 AM till 6 PM. There is an area where you can purchase both outdoor and indoor plants. It is located on Avenida Casares Nr. 3401 in the Jardines de Palermo Gardens.

14.- The German Square - Plaza Alemania
In the centre of this attractive plaza located between Avenida del Libertador and the streets of Castex, Cavia and Avenida Casares, you will find the Monument to the Bountiful Argentinean Agriculture and Cattle Breeding - Monumento a la Riqueza Agropecuaria Argentina, a gift from the German community in memory of the centennial of the Revolución de Mayo Revolution.

15.- The Spaniards Monument - Monumento de los Españoles
The real name of this bronze and marble monument, located at the corner of the Avenidas del Libertador and Sarmiento, is the Magna Charta and the Four Argentinean regions, but it is better known as the "El Monumento de los Españoles" since it was a gift from the Spanish community on the centennial celebration of the Nation's Independence.

The monument's most outstanding feature is the statue symbolising the Republic, in white marble, and of a height of approximately 25 metres, which symbolises the new Free Nation. Around its base there are four bronze figures in the neoclassical style, which represent the Regions of El Chaco, the Pampa, the Andes and the Río de la Plata River.

16.- Monument to Sarmiento
At the corner of Avenidas Sarmiento and del Libertador, facing the huge Monument to the Spaniards and close to the Japanese Garden you will find the Monument to Sarmiento (1811-1888), done by the world-renowned French sculptor Auguste Rodín. It was inaugurated in 1911. On a base of Carrara marble, rises the bronze statue of this Argentinean founding father, born in the Province of San Juan, and who promoted the need for culture and education in the new nation.

17.- Monument to Urquiza
The equestrian statue of this caudillo bman leader, who was born in the Province Entre Ríos, can be found in the corner of the Avenidas Sarmiento and Figueroa Alcorta. José de Urquiza was the first president of the Argentinean Confederacy after the approval of the 1853 Constitution.

18.- The Paseo de la Infanta Shopping Street.
This original pedestrian shopping street, located at the junction of the Avenidas Infanta Isabel and del Libertador, was built under the railroad track bridges. There is a fast food restaurant, some new and modern bars, and also an international type restaurant "Buenos Aires News", which at night turns into a well-visited disco place. There is also a car sales outlet and an important art gallery, as well as a children's playground.

19.- Monument to Carlos III
This sculpture is located on the Plaza General Páez, facing Avenida Sarmiento, and at the corner of the Avenidas del Libertador and Iraola in the Jardines de Palermo Gardens. It was inaugurated in 1985 during the visit of the King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía of Spain. It honours the Spanish King Carlos III, who created the Viceroyalty of Río de la Plata in 1776, which capital was the City of Buenos Aires.

20.- Monument to Luis María Drago
It was done in 1934 and was installed in the Plaza General Páez. It pays homage to whom was Foreign Relations Minister of Argentina in 1902, and who, at the time, expressed the Argentinean rejection at the British aggression of Venezuela, when the latter was unable to meet payments on its foreign debt which set the basis for what later to become part of International Law, which prohibits any state to attack another for economical reasons.

21.- The George Washington Statue
It was a gift from the United States on occasion of the celebration of the centennial of the Revolución de Mayo Revolution in 1910. This bronze figure of the first US president, standing on a granite pedestal, can be found in front of the US Embassy at the corner of Avenidas del Libertador and J. F. Kennedy in the Jardines de Palermo Gardens.

22.- The Avellaneda Monument.
In memory of Nicolás Avellaneda, born in the Province of Tucumán, who was president of Argentina from 1874 to 1880. During his presidency, the law was passed that consecrated the City of Buenos Aires as the Federal Capital of the Argentinean Republic. It was sculpted in marble and rises from an enormous rock where four female figures look out into the four directions of the compass. It was inaugurated in 1935, in the area of the Jardines de Palermo Gardens.

23.- The Argentinean Horse Racecourse - Hipódromo Argentino
It was inaugurated on May 7th, 1876. Four years later, the president Carlos Pellegrini founded the Jockey Club, at the time of a spectacular development of the City of Buenos Aires. The Racecourse has a museum on horses, in which you can find out, amongst other things, that the horse called Resbaloso had the honour of being the first winner of the first race ever held here. The track is 1100 metres (Approximately 1.77 miles) long and its width can hold up to 21 horses at a time. The main entrance is through Avenida del Libertador Nr. 4105.

24.- The Argentinean Polo Grounds - Campo Argentino de Polo
Facing the Argentinean Racecourse on Avenida del Libertador, you will find the Argentinean Horse Polo Playing Grounds, where the Open Argentinean Polo Championship is held in November each year, apart from many other tournaments and exhibitions. This sport was introduced by immigrants of English origin in 1870, and Argentina is today recognised world wide as a serious competitor on an international level in it.

25.- The King Fahd Islamic Cultural Centre - Centro Cultural Islámico Rey Fahd.
This imposing complex with an extension of three hectares (Approximately 7 acres). It was inaugurated in September of 2000. It has a school, exhibit and conference halls, a library and two mosques: in the men's up to 1000 faithful can pray together and in the women's around 400. The minaret towers over the patio and the central cupola roofs the mosque's prayer hall. It is located on Avenida Intendente Bullrich Nr. 55 and Cerviño, facing the railroad tracks and close to the Palermo Station.

26.- The Fairgrounds of the Argentinean Rural Society - Predio Ferial de la Sociedad Rural Argentina.
Each year since 1886, these fairgrounds hold the biggest cattle, agricultural and industrial show in the country, amongst various other exhibitions. People come here from all over the country and from abroad and the shows are of a very high standard, specially the horse shows. It is considered one of the biggest and best show grounds in the world. You can access it from the Avenidas Santa Fe, Sarmiento and Cerviño.

(The closest Underground subway station is Plaza Italia - Line D).

27.- The Botanical Garden - Jardín Botánico
Designed by Carlos Thays in 1898, it was inaugurated ten years later and holds a series of statues, fountains and around 7000 plant species from all over the world, extending over a space of 7 intensely green hectares ( approximately 15 acres) in the heart of the City.

From Asia you will find plants like the ginkgo biloba; from Oceania: acacias, eucalypti and casuarinas; from Europe: Oaks, Walnut trees and Elms; and from Africa: Ferns, palm trees, date palms and trees of the rubber family. Furthermore, North America has provided the majestic sequoias seen in the garden and, amongst others, Argentina has contributed with its yellow flowered tree the local "Tipa" or Tipuana speciosa Benth.,or Machaerium tipu Benth

There is also a school that teaches gardening, a museum, a library and a greenhouse in the Art. Noveau style. It has been declared a Historical Monument. The main entrance is through Avenida Santa Fe Nr. 3951, and is open to the public between 8 AM and 6 PM every day of the year.

(The closest Underground subway station: Plaza Italia - Line D)

28.- The Zoological Garden - Jardín Zoológico
Founded by president Sarmiento in 1875, it holds an important diversity of native and exotic wildlife, in pavilions that reproduce the natural habitat of each specie. Once more, we owe the design to the French architect Carlos Thays. It covers an area of 18 hectares. (approximately 40 acres). .

This zoo offers a spectacle apart when we start looking at the animal "dwellings". For example. The gothic pavilions for the bears, the French palace with its slate roof, which holds the lions, or the enormous almost a thousand square metres reproduction of an Indian temple housing the elephants.

We recommend a round tour, including the snake collection, the bears, the lion's pit, other cats, elephants, sea lions, camels and Aldabra turtles, hippopotami, giraffes, monkeys, not to forget the aquarium and the rainforest area, which reproduces the habitat of the plants and animals that live in the subtropical forest.

Just outside its gates you will be able to take a ride in the picturesque locally so called "mateos", which are nothing but ornamentally painted horse carriages to partake of an agreeable ride around the neighbourhood, and specially through the Parque 3 de Febrero Park. It is located in the corner of the Avenidas Sarmiento, del Libertador, General Las Heras and República de la India Street. It has been declared a Historic Monument. Visiting hours are between 10 AM and 7 PM. Tel.: 4806-7412.

(The closest Underground subway station is Plaza Italia - Line D).

29.- Plaza Italia Square.
A strategic point where the Underground subway, the railroad and also an intense stream of colectivos and private vehicles come together. It is a spot of convergence for many people that visit or work in the neighbourhood, where you will find the Rural Society, the Zoo and the Botanical garden. In the centre of this square there is a monument to the memory of Giusseppe Garibaldi, a persevering fighter for the unity of Italy. It was inaugurated on July 19th, 1904. It is located at the corner of Avenidas Santa Fe and Jorge Luis Borges.

30.- The Avenida Costanera Norte.
It is the prolongation of Palermo, and has been turned into a big gastronomical and recreation centre on the bank of the river. It has an attractive riverside embankment pedestrian walkway running parallel to the well known Avenida Costanera Norte Rafael Obligado, a quiet place to take a stroll whilst taking in the horizon, the sun rising or just the many ships that navigate up and down the river. On a clear day you can even make out the City of Colonia, on the Uruguayan riverbank.

Much of its fame is due to its ever-present riverbank food carts that make up a row of eating places, some of which have turned into quite luxurious restaurants, where you can enjoy the best Argentinean asado or beef, as well as international cuisine. You will find them all along the picturesque Avenida, most of them on the northernmost part.

At night, the action moves on to the East River Bank Complex - Complejo Rivera Este, to Punta Carrasco Point, where you will find a plethora of restaurants and bars, which, in the end, all turn into a giant common disco place. If you are lucky enough to catch the reflection of a full moon mirrored on the surface of the river, it will turn into a memory to treasure forever.

31.- The Holy Land Theme Park - Parque Temático Tierra Santa.
Tierra Santa is the world's first Christian religious theme park. Visitors can interactively participate in the different phases of Jesus' life: His birth, childhood, youth, the Last Supper, Calvary, death and resurrection.

Each of the more than 30 stage houses here to be found, offers a historical recreation of the most well known evangelical incidents, all enriched by the participation of live actors: a giant Nativity scene with more than 250 real size figures is the centre piece of a moving Sound and Light show.

It is open to the public from Thursdays through Sundays. You will find within the area of the Northern Park - Parque Norte with access through Avenida Rafael Obligado Nr. 5790 at Costanera Norte.

32.- The General San Martin Mounted Grenadier Regimental Museum - Museo del Regimiento Granaderos a Caballo General San Martín
One of the most important and treasured relics in this museum is kept in a chapel guarding the curved sable of General José de San Martín, who created this Mounted Grenadier Regiment. There are also oil paintings from the early XIXth century, uniforms, weapons, and old photographs, amongst other treasured pieces. Entrance is through Avenida Luis María Campos Nr. 554. It is open to the public Mondays through Fridays between 11 AM and 1 PM.

33.- The Mercado de Pulgas de Palermo Flea Market.
Here you will find second hand stuff and antiques. Open to the public Mondays through Sundays from 10 AM till 7 PM. It is located on Dorrego Street Nr. 1600.

34.- The Eduardo Sívori Museum of Fine Arts - Museo de Artes Plásticas Eduardo Sívori
This museum is located in what used to be a well known disco in the area during the eighties and nineties, next door to the traditional establishment called the "Hostal del Ciervo", a bar catering to the not quite so young.
Here you will find paintings of Argentinean artists from the XIXth and XXth century. Just a few metres away, within this same beautiful area you will find the sculpture of the Stag - El Ciervo, a bronze sculpture by the famous French sculptor Le Coutier. It is located within the area of the Jardines de Palermo Gardens. It is open to the public Wednesdays through Fridays between 1 PM till 7 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 3 PM to 7 PM.

35.- The Second Hand Book Stalls on Plazoleta Santa Fe
Located at the junction of Avenida Santa Fe and Uriarte Street, it is the place to find all types of second hand books. Open Saturdays, Sundays and holidays between 10 AM and 8 PM.

HOW TO GET THERE.
There are many ways to reach this area. All along the Avenida Santa Fe you will find many transport options that will take to every point of the City and Greater Buenos Aires. There are also trains and Underground subway lines that will take you to the neighbourhood barrio of Belgrano and the centre of the City.

Underground subway stations, the line D stations of Plaza Italia and Palermo.

Bus lines
12, 15, 29, 36, 37, 38, 39, 41, 55, 57, 59, 60, 64, 66, 67, 68, 93, 95, 106, 108, 111, 118, 130, 141, 152, 160, 161, 166, 188 and 194.

THE OLD PALERMO - PALERMO VIEJO
Starting out at the Plaza Italia towards the east, Old Palermo - Palermo Viejo represents the oldest part of the neighbourhood barrio. However, it is a traditional neighbourhood of broad streets and old mansions with few high rise buildings, which makes for a quieter neighbourhood. Here you will find old trees, narrow streets and picturesque views. It is located between the Avenidas Córdoba and Santa Fe.

It used to be a hangout for petty thieves and other people of doubtful character, but also a refuge for poets of the stature of Evaristo Carriego and Jorge Luis Borges, as well as a place where the tango of that time survived in this bohemian milieu. Today it is an area of small restaurants and interesting antique shops, somewhere to spend an afternoon or nights in, when the light of the streetlamps make the shadows come alive and cast a peculiar and attractive light over the scene.

Palermo Hollywood
It is an area dedicated to arts, design, good food and cultural activities. It roughly encompasses the city blocks surrounded by the Avenidas and streets of Santa Fe, Juan B. Justo, Niceto Vega, Dorrego and Paraguay. It owes its popular name to the presence of to two television channel studios, as well as several belonging to independent producers. By definition it has become a place frequented by artists.

Its most important central gathering place is around the small square Plazoleta Julio Cortázar, also known as "La Placita", located between the Serrano and Honduras Streets, which has become a place where the younger generation hangs out.

Due to the heavy influx of clothes and decoration designers, it has become an area at the vanguard in fashion and handicrafts. It is also a cultural area, the favourite of bohemians and intellectuals with ties to art and literature.

Both Old Palermo Viejo (known as Palermo Soho because of its affinity with the areas of this same name in London and New York.), towards Avenida Coronel Díaz, and Palermo Hollywood, towards Avenida Dorrego, are divided by Avenida Juan B. Justo.

The streets adjoining the studio of América TV have become a gastronomical meeting point, which in the last year only has seen more than forty bars and restaurants open, run by young and creative chefs, which delight the visitors with their different and novel cuisine.

It is also an important area for entertainment with many pubs and discos. But even more than that, it is an area with many art galleries, designer houses and bars with shows of alternative theatre, cycles of live music with jazz, funk and soul, even parlour games such as backgammon, checkers and chess and others, which all make up for interesting ways to spend an evening.

Thus, Palermo Viejo has renewed itself until becoming one of the central Porteño night spots.

PLACES TO VISIT

The House of Jorge Luis Borges
This is the house where the poet and author lived at the start of the century. Here his sister Norah was born, and in this house he wrote his famous poem on the mythical foundation of the City - "FUNDACION MITICA DE BUENOS AIRES", which is evoked in the Square at the corner of Borges and Paraguay Streets. Main entrance is from Serrano Nr. 2135.

The Orthodox Cathedral Church of Saint George - Iglesia Catedral Ortodoxa San Jorge Located at Scalabrini Ortiz Nr. 1247.

Plaza Julio Cortázar Square
On August 27th, 1994, the small square located at the corner of Serrano and Honduras Streets (previously named Racedo) was given the name of Julio Cortázar. This ceremony was accompanied by a hopscotch (Rayuela) competition honouring the author's most famous book - La Rayuela. It is a small circular place, surrounded by bars, a music hall and a disco place. It is a Mecca for young people. It is located between the Jorge Luis Borges and Honduras Streets.

Calle Borges Street
Between Honduras Street and Avenida Santa Fe you will find Borges Street, which used to be called Serrano (1997).

Casa Rosada Thames and El Salvador
A "modern building" which still conserves the balcony and the old door in the corner. This picturesque old mansion with its wall painting evoking a scene from the work of the well-known dramatist Samuel Beckett can be found on El Salvador Street, between Thames and J. L. Borges Streets.

The Handicrafts Circuit La Trama - "Circuito Artesanal La Trama"
Open Fridays and Saturdays between 8 PM and 3 AM, and Sundays between 5 PM and 11 PM, when not raining, this fair has the attraction of being the only nocturnal fair in Buenos Aires, where only handicrafts are on display and sale. It is located on Bonpland Nr. 1660.

HOW TO GET THERE.
Many different kinds of transport can be found along the Avenida Santa Fe, which will take the visitor to all points of the City and the area of Greater Buenos Aires. There are also trains and underground subways that will take you to Belgrano and the Centre.

Neighbourhoods Palermo