Buenos Aires

« In Buenos Aires, there's a famous neighborhood, La Boca, which you'll find mentioned in practically every guidebook. It's positioned as an authentic spot near the first port of the city. Colorful shanties, narrow streets – it’s a romanticized view, easily attractive to the average tourist.

For a leisurely stroll around La Boca, one small alleyway stands out, Caminito, surrounded by harebrained street vendors and souvenir stalls (you can find countless photos online). But it’s worth passing through three alleys to truly feel the pulse of La Boca's life: crumbling houses, locals with their unique flair, cars with shattered windows, and police patrols every 300 meters, keeping tourists from slipping into the comparatively quiet blocks.

The area indeed has a dangerous vibe; I definitely sensed it when I stopped to take a photo and lost sight of my friend while we were strolling in a trio. At some point, a local was lurking around in shorts and a cap, and he headed towards me. I spotted him only after a couple of alleys (and I accidentally strayed into a spot that was a bit sketchy 🤦). Style points go to where there are passersby, and there I was, cornered by a local in police uniform, looking rather too casual to be patrolling.

All in all, touristy La Boca isn’t exactly welcoming; it’s all pretty staged, and that’s immediately obvious. Right around Caminito, you'll find cool spots with street art and colorful façades – it's about the only unique thing that draws attention in La Boca. If you're after genuine port romance, it's way better to head to Valparaíso in Chile, where authentic places thrive without the fake color schemes, a stunning ocean view, and beaches (and ten times less hassle). »

« La Boca, often regarded as an exotic area, derives its name from "the mouth." The reputation isn’t the best; it’s considered a bit unsafe, and upon arrival, there is this instinct to secure your belongings, like tucking your bag close to you—a must! 😅

A friend of mine shared a safety lesson while using public transport, mentioning that expectations might not align with reality. My overwhelming thought upon entering the neighborhood was: “What are we even doing here?!” 😵 I secured my backpack and dashed through the colorful alleys filled with local households and oodles of photo opportunities. How are those tourists snapping pictures without worrying about losing their phones? I pondered her words as I took in the vibrant surroundings.

The atmosphere is lively, with children playing and small barbecue spots in every corner. It truly gives off a quaint vibe and feels like a genuine local neighborhood.

After navigating through the bustling streets, we arrived at Caminito, known for its charmingly colorful houses. It's quite touristy, but it’s still worth a visit. There’s a noticeable charm that attracts countless visitors, although it feels slightly commercialized now. We ventured around the corner to find that iconic backdrop of vibrant houses—perfect for some snapshots!

Headed to the waterfront, the uniqueness of the area continued, with artistic installations and an industrial feel that’s surprisingly appealing for leisurely strolls.

In summary, while La Boca has seen changes and perhaps less of the criminal activity it was known for, it has transformed into a tourist hotspot. This neighborhood is definitely fascinating, resonating with the sort of charm that ensures it remains a top contender for visitors seeking authentic experiences. »

« La Boca, often regarded as an exotic area, derives its name from "the mouth." The reputation isn’t the best; it’s considered a bit unsafe, and upon arrival, there is this instinct to secure your belongings, like tucking your bag close to you—a must! 😅

A friend of mine shared a safety lesson while using public transport, mentioning that expectations might not align with reality. My overwhelming thought upon entering the neighborhood was: “What are we even doing here?!” 😵 I secured my backpack and dashed through the colorful alleys filled with local households and oodles of photo opportunities. How are those tourists snapping pictures without worrying about losing their phones? I pondered her words as I took in the vibrant surroundings.

The atmosphere is lively, with children playing and small barbecue spots in every corner. It truly gives off a quaint vibe and feels like a genuine local neighborhood.

After navigating through the bustling streets, we arrived at Caminito, known for its charmingly colorful houses. It's quite touristy, but it’s still worth a visit. There’s a noticeable charm that attracts countless visitors, although it feels slightly commercialized now. We ventured around the corner to find that iconic backdrop of vibrant houses—perfect for some snapshots!

Headed to the waterfront, the uniqueness of the area continued, with artistic installations and an industrial feel that’s surprisingly appealing for leisurely strolls.

In summary, while La Boca has seen changes and perhaps less of the criminal activity it was known for, it has transformed into a tourist hotspot. This neighborhood is definitely fascinating, resonating with the sort of charm that ensures it remains a top contender for visitors seeking authentic experiences. »

« Buenos Aires leaves a bit of a strange impression. During our three-day stay here, we found only a couple of places worth mentioning. In the photo, you can see one of them - the central square in front of the presidential palace. The city is quite dirty, and there are very few beautiful buildings; those that exist seem to be in some disrepair, with graffiti everywhere saying things like "Vasya was here." Additionally, people aren't particularly friendly, especially compared to their neighbors to the north. Overall, we definitely wouldn't choose to come here for a second vacation. However, we hope that Argentina as a whole will leave us with better memories. »

« In the heart of BA, it's just a picture-perfect city. But today we ventured into some rough neighborhoods and immediately realized we were in South America ;) »

« Buenos Aires captivates me even more this time; it has its own charm and atmosphere. Especially in San Telmo, if you peek into a passage like this - you’ll find art galleries, little shops reminiscent of flea markets, and bohemian coffee places with creative people enjoying coffee and chatting with each other. ☕✨ »

« I've always had this inexplicable feeling that New York is like Europe in North America, and Buenos Aires is like Europe in South America. I'm not sure about New York yet, but my feelings about Buenos Aires are completely confirmed. What a beautiful European city! »

« I love the creativity and taste of the people in Buenos Aires. You won't find the same old clichés written on the walls like elsewhere. Everything is way more interesting here :) »