Buenos Aires, is the capital city of Argentina and a cosmopolitan jungle, offering wild night life and exuberant Argentineans who delight in a city that positively pulses with rich culture and intense national pride. If Cape Town is the Mother City, with a dainty population of 3.5 million, then Buenos Aires is its flamboyant and loud brother where 12 million tango the streets.

Football lovers pay homage to the game every Sunday at their shrine, the La Boca Stadium, with Diego Maridona presiding as king. Affectionately known as the ‘Paris of the South’, Buenos Aires is a perfect getaway for the South African adventurer and a visitor friendly alternative to Europe itself. For the first timer, Tortolli bar in Callao Avenue is a perfect nugget of glamour and elegance where European, Italian and French roots are interwoven with the sultry Latin American essence. You can plan an afternoon tee-off at the first class Jockey Golf Club with its breathtaking views and when the golf is done fit in some spectator sport on the race track and watch the thoroughbreds gallop along.

To us lucky enough to live south of the equator, it offers the added ease of no visas, no vaccinations and a great exchange rate. With plenty of escorted tours on offer you can embark on varied excursions in and around the city or take off on your own into the city’s vivacious energy. Getting around the city is greatly assisted by the subway, ‘subte’ and affordable taxis.

Merge with the rhythm of the streets by stepping into the Avenida 9 de Juliois, which is the widest avenue in the world. Its famous white obelisk is a fantastic point of reference. Find the taste of the tantalizing restaurants in many neighbourhoods, but Las Canitas is a must, complimented with polo matches nearby.

Enjoy traditional Argentinean dishes and don’t miss out on the locals’ favourite, the empanada. Any braai (parrilla), connoisseur will love the meat dishes, especially the Chorizo sausage which is spicy and absolutely delicious. Wine lovers are also in for a treat; aim for the red Lopez, fermented from the renowned Malbec grape, particular to Argentina. For the sweet tooth, grab a box of Alfajores and share them when you get home, you’ll make friends for life

Shoppers will enjoy the retail therapy on offer in Florida road and it is even more pedestrian friendly as there are no cars to contend with. One of Eva Peron’s favourite social causes was the advocacy of women’s rights and not only did she leave a legacy of improved political conditions for women but she did it with style and shopping aficionados will delight in the boutiques and markets and the deluxe malls like Galerias Pacifico.

Dancin' in the streets

The cobblestone streets of the old city quarter, San Telmo, are a highlight, where you will experience the bygone opulence of the 1930’s. It’s famous for its Sunday market in Plaza Dorrego, and everyone seems to be dancing as couples tango in the streets.

Uptown is the ritzy spot, Recoleta and this is where Buenos Aires goes chic and distinctly Parisian. Take the time to see the architecturally magnificent cemetery. Then head east to the historical Plaza de Mayo Boulevard, which includes Casa Rosado, the Presidential Palace where you can imagine listening to Eva Peron’s impassioned speeches.

In La Boca quarter, spy on the locals passionate tangos in Caminitoc Road and for a more complete taste of Argentinean music and performance artists (from Andes to Southern Patagonia), book yourself in for a Tango Show at the El Viejo Almacen or Michelangelo.

To get away from the buzzing metropolis, take a half day tour to the parks and gardens of Palermo or visit the local Estancias for a traditional Gaucho Fiesta. In November, capture a ride at the ‘El Abierto de Palermo’, the premier polo tournament of the year. With the wealthy elite, you will be in for a veritable treat of divine haute couture style and captivating sportsmanship.

Allow yourself to be seduced by Buenos Aires; it’s a place that will get the soul stirring and the heart pumping. Warning: you will be charmed by the people; where a wink and a smile shows devotion to all things aesthetic, whether it’s your wife or a goal so keep your sense of humour, as their natural wish is to celebrate life itself!

    Take that golf break with Greenside Golf: Seven nights from R15 000 per person sharing. Valid April – 1 June. R17 510 per person sharing from June – 30 September.
    Includes return flights ex Cape Town, seven nights accommodation in a four-star hotel, breakfast daily, two rounds of golf at San Andreas and Jockey Golf Clubs, preferential tee times, experienced golf guide, return airport and golf transfers in private vans and private city tour with english-speaking guide. Excludes airport and departure taxes, items of a personal nature, international Airport Taxes (approximately $18), caddies and carts (approx $20-25 for the round per person), tips.

    To book call 021 701 1209 or visit www.greensidegolftravel.com.