Parks Guide

Don't let the size and structure of Buenos Aires fool you, it's a surprizingly green city. Known for being centrally planned and mostly man-made, the city bosts some of the most green spaces and recreational areas in the world for a city of its size. Whether you're here for a short vacation or an extended stay, here are a few parks which are sure to give you the outdoor fix you need to balance out your urban adventure.

Parque Rivedavia:

Though it's kind of off the beaten path from the towering hotels of Puerto Madero and the posh shopping and restaurants of Palermo Soho, this park is a hit with local residents. The park is gated and miraculously clean, partly because of a dog ban enforced by the city. While there are no athletic fields, it's a great place to catch some rays and lay out in the lush green grass. Fun Fact: The Electronics Feria. This is a daily outdoor market of bootleg movies, MP3 cds, video games, and various computer programs. If you have a moral obligation to copyright infringement, stay away. The average cost per disc is $5 pesos, no questions asked.

Address: Avenida Rivedavia 3800

Jardin Botanico Carlos Thays:

In the heart and hustle of Palermo, the Jardin Botanico truly exemplifies a quality man-made urban escape. Winding paths lead you through lush imported palms and local flora. The paths are quiet, yet safe, and once you've emersed yourself in the center of the park, it's quiet enough to forget you're in the city. It's a great place to bring kids as well. There's a well-maintained giant playground in the park's center. The botanical greenhouses themselves seem a bit inaccessable, however, the greenhouse structures themselves have a vintage, somewhat gothic appeal. Fun Fact: This park is considered one of the best make-out spots in all of Buenos Aires. It's not unusual to see up to 20-30 young Argentine couples locking lips along the secluded paths and shaded lawns. If you're not into PDA, stick to the playground.

Address: Avenida Santa Fe 3951

Bosques de Palermo:

This park has two sides to it, day and night. During the day its one of Buenos Aires largest and most active parks. There are many joggers, rollerbladers, bicyclists, and lounging sunbathers. There's a small lake in the center where people paddle lazily in rowboats and a bus Sunday morning Feria, or outdoor market. Fun Fact: This park is locally known for being the largest Transvestite prostitute meeting place in the city. As local legend has it, the residents of Palermo had a problem with street walkers cruising the streets in their residential neighborhood a few years ago. Rather than tirelessly arresting and patrolling for them, the police gave them sanctuary in the park after dusk.

Address: Avs. Del Libertador, Dorrego y Figueroa Alcorta.

Parque Centenario:

One of Buenos Aires' newly refurbished parks, Parque Centenario is graffitti free, dog free, and safe. It's located in Caballito, a quiet, yet wealthy area which is considered to be the geographical center of the city. Like most parks, there's a large Sunday Feria and ample green space for athletics. There's an amphitheater which holds free concerts in the summer, and a shallow lake with ducks, geese, and fish in the center. Fun Fact: the blocks surrounding the park are home to The National Science Museum of Argentina, The Leloir Institute for scientific research, and the Marie Curie Cancer Hospital.

Address: Aves. Diaz Velez, Patricias Argentinas, Campichuelo, and Angel Gallardo.

Jardin Zoologico:

This 45-acre zoo lies adjacent to the Jardin Botanico in Palermo near Plaza Italia. The zoo is a popular attraction for families and young portenos, and it's convenient location and cheap admission ($8 pesos, $2.60 USD) makes it an easy half-day trip. Aside from the usual animal suspects, this zoo boasts an albino tiger, a petting zoo, and a seal show, as well as other rare and endangered animals which make appearances from time to time. The monkeys seem to be a big hit with the kids, and there's plenty of space between pens so it's not overwhelming while walking around. Fun Fact: There are miniature horses to take pictures with outside of the zoo gate. They are typically decorated in elaborate costumes and wear sombreros.

Address: Avs. General Las Heras and Sarmiento.