Things to do in San Fernando

The Obelisco stands tall in the center of Buenos Aires. It is perhaps the city’s most recognizable icon. The large stone pillar surrounded by lights and electric screens draws comparisons with New York’s Times Square. The column itself resembles the Washington Monument.

Exceptional shopping, exciting nightlife, beautiful parks and fine food and wine is what you can expect in the glamorous Palermo area of Buenos Aires. When you visit Buenos Aires, take the short journey to the neighbourhood of Palermo, located in the northeast of the city. It has attractive tree-lined streets and cobblestone alleyways and there is plenty to see and do there both day and night. Palermo is trendy, hip and happening – 'the place to be seen'. This is historically an area where the rich and famous choose to live and it's where many embassies are located today.

The history, character and charm of a city is often revealed by the stories behind the people who have lived and died there. This is also the case in Buenos Aires. La Recoleta Cemetery is where many of the city's wealthiest and best-known figures have finally been laid to rest.

Florida Street is the most prominent shopping boulevard in the city. It is a traffic-free zone full of many different types of stores. Travelers often visit the street to pick up souvenirs of their trip. Find many leather shops, vendors and street performers. You can usually pay in dollars here to get a better rate than the official peso. With the street’s central location and eclectic range of shops, it has become a principal destination for Buenos Aires visitors.

Surrounded by historical monuments and the site of political demonstrations and national celebrations, Plaza de Mayo reflects the interesting history of Buenos Aires and Argentina. It was mapped out in 1580 by Juan de Garay during the foundation of the city. Today the square is widely considered to be the most important in Argentina.

The pink façade and palace-like architecture of the Casa Rosada (Pink House) make it one of Argentina’s most recognizable and photographed buildings. The nation’s equivalent of the White House, the casa has been the home of the presidential offices since the 1860s. Walk in the footsteps of Argentina’s presidents and learn about the country’s political history.

The Teatro Colón is a major Buenos Aires landmark and a world-renowned venue for opera and ballet. It is also the home of the Buenos Aires Philharmonic Orchestra and hosts classical music concerts. Opened in 1908 with a performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida, the theater has since welcomed some of the biggest names in opera and ballet, including Feodor Chaliapin, Igor Stravinsky and Luciano Pavarotti.

La Bombonera (the Chocolate Box) is the stadium of one of the most illustrious soccer clubs in South America, the Boca Juniors. The stadium takes its name from its unusual design; it has one flat side with the rest of the stadium arched around it. The grounds have a seating capacity of 49,000 and have also hosted music concerts over the years. Look for the museum, VIP boxes and paintings as you tour the inside.