Is Buenos Aires More Like Paris or New York City?

Is Buenos Aires more like Paris or New York City? Although Buenos Aires is a city that never sleeps, like New York, walking through its streets, you will realize why it is known as the Paris of America. There was a time when Buenos Aires dreamed of being Paris. Nowadays, you will find a city with European style in South America, full of activities and cultural events.

The city combines Latin American and French style, and that makes it unique. Anyway, we should clarify that Buenos Aires is not Paris and is not in Europe. It is dirtier, the traffic is heavier and it is much more insecure.

There are samples of French architecture throughout the city's downtown. One example is the Palacio San Martín (now Ministry of Foreign Affairs) at Arenales 761. The construction was inspired by eighteenth century French architecture. Another example is the impressive Military Circle, at Santa Fe Avenue 750, and the Galerias Pacifico, located in Florida and Avenida Cordoba. These are a copy of the galleries Bon Marché, which no longer exist in Paris. You can also visit the National Museum of Decorative Art and Oriental Art (former Palacio Errazuriz) on Avenida del Libertador and Pereyra Lucena.

The Jardín Botánico and the Parque Tres de Febrero, designed by landscape architect Charles Thays, create also a French environment.

Is Buenos Aires more like Paris or New York City? Te answer is Paris. But not only for the French buildings. There is a hidden route that is not mentioned in the guidebooks. The city is discovered by walking patiently on the sidewalks, bending at the corners and especially looking up while walking.

If you follow this advise, you can reach the innermost passage Dr. Rodolfo Rivarola, between General Perón and Bartom Mitre. It is also recommended to walk along the Avenida Alvear and walk through Barrio Norte, the French neighborhood of Buenos Aires.