Curio Collection Local Guide, Buenos Aires
We sent Buenos Aires local and photographer extraordinaire, Paula Amenta to the Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton to experience the beautiful hotel, shoot some photos, and create a Curio Local Guide for Buenos Aires full of tips and local secrets just for you.
Name: Paula Amenta
Occupation? Musician, photography lover
Preoccupation? Searching for beauty everywhere
What is the best thing about Buenos Aires? I love Buenos Aires for its cultural mix, huge parks, museums and for being the historical center of my country.
Can you sum up Buenos Aires? Buenos Aires is the most cosmopolitan city in Argentina and each of its beautiful neighborhoods is diverse. Thousands of tourists arrive every year to explore them and the Latin-American culture comes alive in the music, the dancing and the strong European roots in the oldest architecture.
What is a perfect day in Buenos Aires? A warm and sunny Sunday walking around the neighborhood, visiting fairs and trying new foods.
What are the people like in Buenos Aires? Like most Argentines, the people in Buenos Aires are warm and welcoming. They are football fans and like to go out until sunrise. They always want to show that their city is one of the best destinations in the country.
If Buenos Aires was a person who would it be? Carlos Gardel
What was your impression of the Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton? I was surprised when I entered the huge gate at the entrance of the hotel! From outside I couldn’t have imagined its immensity given it is located in the middle of one of the most historic and important plazas of the city, surrounded by typical restaurants and fairs. When I walked into the lobby everything was magical, sophisticated and luxurious. I loved, and couldn’t stop staring at, all the plants and vines growing up the incredible architecture. There is a small forest within this beautiful hidden hotel, as well as some remarkable local art.
What were your favorite experiences at the hotel? It was one of the best hotel stays of my life. Everyone’s attention to detail was impeccable and every Team Member I encountered was very kind. I talked a lot with the team and by the end of my stay, I felt we were already friends. Additionally, the food at Anselmo Lounge was gourmet and they made me vegetarian dishes which is something that doesn’t always happen. They used a lot of fresh, local produce and made some amazing dishes that are local to our great city of Buenos Aires.
Describe a perfect day in Buenos Aires for a visitor staying at the hotel: If possible, I’d recommend having their hotel stay fall on a Sunday. That day of the week the Plaza Dorrego , right in front of Anselmo Buenos Aires, has the beautiful and famous antique fair and flea market that is historic to Buenos Aires.
They should walk around the fair and shops at the Mercado de San Telmo, only two blocks away. In this neighborhood, called “San Telmo”, there are many “parrillas” where you can have lunch and order traditional Argentine Malbec wine, salads and Argentine meat (the best known is the “bife de chorizo.”)
Another charming and important neighborhood of the city is La Boca. On Sundays, La Boca has a great fair with tango dancers in the street. Everything there is musical and colorful and you can buy great souvenirs. This is just 10 minutes from the hotel via taxi.
For dinner you should go to Puerto Madero, an area with many restaurants and bars with a wonderful view to the river. Don’t forget to try the Dulce de Leche dessert!
If you like art, architecture, classical music or ballet, the Teatro Colón is the best option to enjoy an evening show. It is located in the middle of the city in front of the famous monument Obelisco and very close to the hotel.