Buenos Aires – statistics & facts
The Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, often called ‘the Paris of South America’, is not only one of the cities where tango originated from, but also the capital of Argentina and one of the three most populated metropolitan areas in Latin America. The city is located on the western shore of Rio de la Plata, the world’s widest river, as an autonomous district distinct from the Buenos Aires province. During 2023, the capital also ranked among the best-rated cities for travelers in the region.
The second foundation saw a much greater success, in June 1580, at the hand of Juan de Garay as the city of the Holy Trinity, alongside the port of Saint Mary of the Fair Winds. This settlement started the grounds of what became the capital city of the Viceroyalty of Rio de la Plata, and later the Argentine Republic. The ties between the Buenos Aires and trade have been at the heart of the city from the start, the commerce routes and the port are still an important part of its development, making it one of the economic capitals of the continent and still ranking as one of the biggest container ports in Latin America.
The capital of Argentina is also a touristic, cultural, and culinary center of South America, from La Recoleta Cemetery to the Ateneo Grand Splendid, or gastronomic tours in Palermo. Tourists have a large variety of options to visit in Buenos Aires. Nonetheless, international tourism hasn’t recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the number of inbound air travelers dropped 93 percent, and according to the last available data, the figure hasn’t fully recovered to pre-pandemic figures. The average price of hotels also varies according to months, during 2023 the most expensive nights were recorded in the month of October with room rates averaging 158 U.S. dollars per night, while February was the cheapest.
A short glimpse of history
The history of Buenos Aires has never been a bed of roses, since it’s first foundation in 1536, by Spanish conqueror and explorer Pedro de Mendoza. The city was established to create a stronghold to defend the territory from the Portuguese. At first, the relationship between the conquerors and the Querandí was friendly, but rapidly became problematic with vicious attacks on its indigenous inhabitants. The City of Our Lady Saint Mary of the Fair Winds saw tremendous difficulties due to the poor conditions of the area and the scarcity of goods, suffering from famine, sickness, and occasional raids from the Querandí which led to the city being abandoned in 1542.The second foundation saw a much greater success, in June 1580, at the hand of Juan de Garay as the city of the Holy Trinity, alongside the port of Saint Mary of the Fair Winds. This settlement started the grounds of what became the capital city of the Viceroyalty of Rio de la Plata, and later the Argentine Republic. The ties between the Buenos Aires and trade have been at the heart of the city from the start, the commerce routes and the port are still an important part of its development, making it one of the economic capitals of the continent and still ranking as one of the biggest container ports in Latin America.
Football and tourism
Football and Argentine culture are something inseparable, the passion for the sport is clearly shown and more visible in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. In fact, three out of the five most valuable clubs in the Primera División are within the city limits. With both Boca Juniors and River Plate leading by far the ranking of most titles in Argentina. The match between the two clubs is internationally known as “Superclásico” and is one of the most fierce and passionate games in football, to the extent that it becomes dangerous for fans. In 2018, the final of Copa Libertadores was between River and Boca in the stadium of the latter, but had to be canceled and played later at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, due to violent outbreaks and to ensure fan’s safety.The capital of Argentina is also a touristic, cultural, and culinary center of South America, from La Recoleta Cemetery to the Ateneo Grand Splendid, or gastronomic tours in Palermo. Tourists have a large variety of options to visit in Buenos Aires. Nonetheless, international tourism hasn’t recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the number of inbound air travelers dropped 93 percent, and according to the last available data, the figure hasn’t fully recovered to pre-pandemic figures. The average price of hotels also varies according to months, during 2023 the most expensive nights were recorded in the month of October with room rates averaging 158 U.S. dollars per night, while February was the cheapest.
