Buenos Aires: Layover Edition

I arrived in Buenos Aires Argentina at 12 PM and left the next morning at 9 AM. So this was not a deep cultural experience, it was a long layover from Uruguay to Chile. But, I still managed to eat 4 dinners, and form some strong opinions.

Here are my main takeaways from my 21 hour layover.

• 1st - I cannot understand them. Their Spanish has that heavy “sh sh sh” accent and my brain simply would not. At the time, I was A2 in Spanish (elementary level of proficiency, you can do routine tasks like shopping, describing your immediate surroundings, and handling basic needs) SO.... I should have been able to communicate with people...I did, but it was a struggle. Be prepared.

• 2nd - It's expensive relative to other major South American cities.

• 3rd - Buenos Aires is very white. Many Argentinians are of Italian descent and a lot of people have Italian last names.

• 4th - People are abrasive. Whatever stereotype exists for New Yorkers and their brashness, Argentinians do that too. Just louder and with that "sh sh sh" accent.

  
  

Where I Stayed

Some people will wince looking at this photo lol. Definitely not the best hostel I've stayed in...location was great in Palermo at the Play Hostel. The building was huge, and felt like a proper cool college dorm. It was only $9 USD a night, I could only sleep there for about 6 hours anyway, so it was fine.

What to Do in Buenos Aires During a Layover

All I did was walk around Palermo, shop, and eat at 4 different restaurants. No museums. No tango. Just vibes, food, and judgment. My main priority was the food. Buenos Aires is a famous food and fashion hub after all.

I ate the following:

1. Pizzeria La Mezzetta - Argentina has a huge Italian population and they love to say they have the best pizza in the world. Pizza is my favorite food, so I was most excited for this.

   This place has a line down the block sometimes and almost 30,000 Google reviews. It is famous.

   And yet… I could not tell you why. It's focaccia based and I was irritated I waited in line for it.

   

2. Don Julio - At the time, Don Julio was ranked the #1 restaurant in South America. It is definitely a vibe. Fancy birthdays, bachelorettes, lots of wine, lots of steak.

   I went mostly to check it out and drink wine because I do not even love steak like that.

   You kind have to come.

1. El Preferido de Palermo - This place is famous for schnitzel and ranked #24 best restaurants in Latin America. The wait staff felt rude and I left wondering what the hype was about. The food was fine, I got chicken, the restaurant is sexy though. I didn't order their signature milanesa so go check it for yourself but order their signature dish unlike me.

   
   

   

2. Gran Dabbang - Gran Dabbang is an Indian restaurant ranked #18 in Latin America.

   The food is good, but the portions are small, the prices are high, and everyone inside was a foreigner. At one point I thought, why did I choose to eat Indian? When I am literally in Argentina for 1 day? Skip.

Final

While 21 hours is not enough time to fully understand a city, my takeaway is still valid for me. Between the crusty pizza, one bodega guy who spoke to me crazy, and the prices, I am much more excited to visit Mendoza next time. Maybe let's go for your bachelorette?