I arrived in BsAs on a rapidly dwindling bank account, and despite the fact the country is in an economic crisis, they act oblivious to the fact and prices can be really high, with small chance of negotiation or special deals. However, there’s always a way – here are some tips that helped me stretch my stay in the city a bit longer:
1. You don’t have to spend a penny on many of the city’s main sights and activities.
All of these are FREE:
– Stand on Evita’s balcony on a guided tour of the government building, the Casa Rosada.
– Join a BA Free Tour with knowledgeable and entertaining local guides (see my review on my blog)
– Or just walk yourself round – get lost, soak up the atmosphere and spot diverse sights such as the Obelisco, the impressive Italianate congress building, La Boca with its multi-coloured houses, and the renovated docks area. Plus don’t miss the miles-long San Telmo market on Sundays.
– Get back to nature with a stroll around the surprisingly tranquil ecological reserve.
– Coo over the flora and fauna (read: stray cats) in the Botanical Gardens.
– See the works of internationally acclaimed artists in the Museo de Bellas Artes.
– Peruse the amazing El Ateneo bookshop in a renovated theatre.
2. Get your lunch at a kiosco – you’ll spot one of these unassuming corner shops on every block. Venture inside and you’ll be surprised to find a range of great homemade sandwiches for around AR$15 each – just see how all the locals queue out the door at lunchtimes – and you’ll save at least half of what you would pay in a café. For dinner, look out for rotiserias (rotisserie shops) or the many Chinese-run supermarkets for buffets of hot comidas para llevar (food to take away), often priced by the kilo (so you’ll pay on average AR$20 for a 500g dish).
3. Of course treat yourself to the occasional meal in one of the city’s restaurants or a coffee in one of its characterful café-bars. Look out for all-you-can-eat buffets and special deals or menus that might include two courses and a drink for the same price as one dish. Some restaurants even have deals before 10pm, making use of the quiet time before the locals come in to eat. Make the most of happy hours in bars – which can range between 5-10pm.
4. Find accommodation deals on websites such as Expedia.com.ar, Despagar.com and Hoteles.com; this is how I booked all my accommodation in the city and I got to stay in a wide range of hostels and even a hotel for much lower than the walk-in prices. You can try negotiating prices for longer stays with hostel staff, too.
5. Take the Subte (subway) – easy to use and at just AR$2.50 (approx 30p) per journey, it’s miles cheaper than taxis. Even better – walk – the central sights are surprisingly walkable and you’ll get to see even more of this great city.
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