Romina Gutierrez, 32, is a photographer from Buenos Aires. She currently lives in Barcelona, where she works as Picture Manager at Splendia. We asked her about her favourite places in her native city – from museums to eateries and this is what she said…
Which is your favourite barrio in Buenos Aires?
San Telmo in the old town preserves the charm and magic of the colonial era. On Sundays an antique fair takes place in its narrow alleys, where street art, locals and tourists cross paths.
What are your favourite design and architecture landmarks?
I like the Obelisk, situated in the intersection of Avenida Corrientes and Avenida 9. De Julio, two of the most important avenues of the city. Also, the Kavanaghbuilding at the centre in front of the emblematic San Martin Park was one of the first buildings in the city and is still one of the tallest buildings of the Rivera. Everyone who travels to Buenos Aires should visit the Teatro Colon, which has just turned 100 and has been restored for that same reason. It is considered one of the world’s most important opera houses for its spectacular acoustics, as well as its exquisite decoration.
What is your favourite view of the city?
The best view of the city can be found from the ecological reserve, located in Puerto Madero, the most modern area of Buenos Aires.
Which is your favourite museum?
The MALBA is essential. It has the biggest collection of Latin American art in Argentina. It provides a great opportunity to explore its interesting installations, as well as the art of Latin America. I also like the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, where you can find works from renowned artists like Modigliani, Manet and Brueghel, among others.
What should you eat in Buenos Aires and where?
You have to try the meat, which is the dish par excellence. The most traditional way of preparing it is the asado – grilled meat. Other than that I would go for another traditional dish, such as the stuffed Argentinean empanada. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the most exquisite wines from the Mendoza province.
For the luxury traveller, the restaurants located in the Costanera Norte and Puerto Madero offer quality in a modern and exclusive environment. For the bold and informal traveller, I would recommend going to the typical bars in every barrio, whether it be San Telmo, Barracas or Recoleta, where you are served home cooked dishes by the owners. That’s where you’ll find the most pure and authentic cuisine.
Pizza is worshipped in Argentina. The excellent Pizzeria Guerin on Avenida Corrientes serves the best pizza in all of Buenos Aires; it shouldn’t be missed!
Which is your favourite place for dinner, drink or coffee?
The Café Tortoni, where the most renowned tango figures used to meet, for its beauty and history.
Lastly, if you only had 24 hours in Buenos Aires, what would you do?
I would visit its parks; the parks of Palermo 
with its lagoons and large trees, Plaza Francia for its fairs and street shows and Parque Lezama, which is nostalgic and gray, just like Buenos Aires. I would also go to Avenida Corrientes, the avenue that never sleeps, where bookshops, cafes, theatres and pizzerias don’t close their doors.
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Senka
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Nice post, BA is going to be one of my next trips!