A business traveller’s guide to Buenos Aires

Source: Exec Digital UK

Date :12/02/2008 16:38:10

In association with Lonely Planet, Exec presents this month’s essential guide to the world’s great business destinations. Here, we look at Buenos Aires’ Microcentro, the heart of Argentina’s resurgent economy.

The Microcentro is the administrative, business and commercial centre of Buenos Aires. Its heart is the Plaza de Mayo, bordered by the Casa Rosada, Cabildo and Catedral Metropolitana, and home to Las Madres de Plaza de Mayo. Its spine is the busy main shopping thoroughfare of pedestrianised Florida, which runs from elegant Av de Mayo, with its cafés and bookstores, all the way up to Plaza San Martín in Retiro.

Florida is best avoided at lunchtime and at the start and end of each work day, when it’s impossible to walk without getting pushed around. Also best avoided is pedestrianised Lavalle, a tacky street of cinemas, souvenir shops and touristy eateries that crosses Florida. Running parallel to this, however, is Av Corrientes, which is full of theaters and concert venues and, on the other side of Av 9 de Julio, bookstores, more theatres and cafés.

ARRIVAL

Nearly all international flights arrive at Buenos Aires’ Aeropuerto Internacional Ministro Pistarini, better known as Ezeiza. Left luggage is available next to the Farmacity store on the ground floor of Level A. Domestic flights, and flights to and from Uruguay, leave from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, a short distance from downtown.

Remember, an international departure tax is levied on flights leaving Argentina and is rarely included in the price of your ticket. You can pay the tax in US dollars (US $18), Argentine pesos or Euros after check-in, and then have the tax sticker placed on your ticket.

WHERE TO EAT

CASA ROCA

San Martín 579, Microcentro

While for most city workers lunch means waiting in long lines for a greasy slice of pizza, you’ll be delighted to note that in this 19th-century Italian-Renaissance mansion a very different lunch is played out every weekday. The former home of President General Roca has been transformed into an elegant, almost otherworldly restaurant. The gourmet three-course menu is big on French classics handled with a light touch.

ESPLENDOR RESTAURANT & BAR

Hotel Esplendor, San Martín 780, Microcentro

The restaurant of the stylish Hotel Esplendor is equally as breath taking as the hotel itself. A gorgeous light white space is the setting for chef Agustín Longo’s fantastic fare (try the Patagonian lamb) and the lunchtime set menu (Monday to Friday) is a steal.

WHERE TO STAY

Caesar Park Hotel, Recoleta

A short walk or taxi ride from Microcentro, the Recoleta barrio is a haven from the hustle and bustle of the business district. Conveniently, it’s also home to some of the city’s top hotels, including the Caesar Park.

Make sure you check out the views from the upper floors; on a clear day, you’ll be able to see Uruguay. Rooms cost around $270 per night.

Four Seasons, Recoleta

The Four Seasons chain has a massive reputation, so it’s always a nice surprise to be reminded that, unlike some of its rivals…

Click here to read the full Buenos Aires travel guide