Summer in Buenos Aires is a time to spend outdoors and enjoy the Open Air. Yes, a lot of the city consists of busy streets full of cars, buses and people in a rush but it is also full of parks, plazas and green spaces so there are plenty of places for you spend some time relaxing in the sun or taking shelter in the shade when it all gets too much! In fact, there are so many beatiful parks, it is hard to narrow it down to a short list but here goes:
1. Bosques de Palermo / Parques 3 de Febrero
This is the largest park in Buenos Aires and arguably the most beautiful. In fact it is so big, it is more like a collection of parks and so there are so many different things you can do here. In the middle of the park, is the Rosedal (or Rose Garden) which in summer is absolutely beautiful and apparently has over 15,000 rose bushes. It is like a peaceful oasis away from the traffic and noise of the city. Also, every weekend in January and February, the Rosedal transforms into an open air autocine where you can enjoy a film in the open air and it is absolutely free. You can also arrive on foot so don´t worry about not having a car! At the side of the Rosedal, is a lake where you can hire a pedalo and a running track loops the whole way around the lake and the rose garden. This is always full of joggers, cyclists, rollerbladers and skateboarders. Any way of keeping fit outdoors, you can find it here. El Parque 3 de Febrero also includes the Japonese Garden, the Planetario Galileo Galiliei and the Museo de Artes Plásticas “Eduardo Sivori”.
2. Plaza Francia
Plaza Francia is a really popular place to spend an afternoon reading or drinking mate with friends. It has a very social feel, there are many people selling food and drinks and there is always something going on. At the weekend, there is a large feria which can sometimes feel a little touristy but it is certainly worth a look around. The plaza is close to the Centro Cultural de Recoleta and also to the famous Recoleta cemetery so there are plenty of other places to visit when you are nearby. Also close to Plaza Francia, (across the street next to the large university law building) and to the side is another park with the Flor de Metal. The flower is special because it is open during the day and it closes when the sun goes down. The reflection of the water during the day and the lights by night make it a beatiful sight any time of the day.
3. Parque Centenario
Parque Centenario has just reopened its gates after refurbishment and now boasts 24 hour security, more lighting more trees and an altogether cleaner park. This park is also huge and here, you can also find an ampitheatre with a capacity of over 2000 people which often holds cultural events so it is worth checking online for a list of events. There are new and improved playgrounds for the kids, a skateboard and bike track, aerobics and fitness programmes for pensioners. There really is something for all ages. If you are not looking for something active, there is a lake in the park which is full of ducks and large fish (not to mention the hundreds of dogs that are taken for a walk here!) and they have just laid new grass and planted flowers and trees so this summer might be the perfect time to enjoy them.
