Argentina

Cost of living

What a month costs

Prices swing with inflation and the exchange rate, so dollars go far but budgets shift.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Buenos Aires

1. Recoleta CemeteryMarble mausoleums and the grave of Eva Peron in a maze of grand avenues.
2. Teatro ColonOne of the world's great opera houses, famous for its acoustics.
3. Caminito, La BocaBrightly painted lane where tango and port history meet.
4. Plaza de Mayo and Casa RosadaThe pink presidential palace facing the historic main square.
5. El Ateneo Grand SplendidA century-old theater reborn as a jaw-dropping bookshop.
6. Palermo parksRose gardens, lakes and jogging paths across the green Bosques de Palermo.
7. San Telmo Sunday marketAntiques, street tango and crowds along Defensa street.
8. Puerto MaderoReclaimed docks with waterside walks and the white Puente de la Mujer.
9. MALBASharp modern collection of Latin American art in Palermo.
10. Avenida 9 de Julio and the ObeliscoThe city's giant central boulevard and its landmark monument.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. Colonia del Sacramento, UruguayA cobblestone colonial town one hour across the river by ferry.
2. Tigre and the Paraná DeltaBoat rides through leafy river channels an hour north of the city.
3. San Antonio de ArecoClassic gaucho country town with ranches and silverwork about two hours away.
4. Mar del PlataThe big Atlantic beach city where Porteños escape in summer.
5. RosarioRiverside city with grand architecture and a relaxed pace up the Paraná.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Cafe TortoniThe grand old cafe on Avenida de Mayo, open since 1858.
2. La BielaRecoleta institution with sidewalk tables under a huge rubber tree.
3. El Gato NegroFragrant historic coffee and spice house on Avenida Corrientes.
4. Las VioletasBelle epoque cafe in Almagro with stained glass and pastries.
5. Cafe de los AngelitosOrnate tango-era cafe near Congreso with live shows at night.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. Don JulioWorld-famous Palermo parrilla for wood-fired steak and Malbec.
2. La CabreraGenerous Palermo steakhouse known for heaping plates and sides.
3. El CuartitoBeloved old-school pizzeria packed since 1934.
4. GuerrinCorrientes street classic for thick fugazzeta pizza by the slice.
5. El Preferido de PalermoRevived corner bodegon serving Spanish-Argentine comfort food.
6. La BrigadaSan Telmo steakhouse where the beef is cut with a spoon.
7. ChilaRefined Puerto Madero tasting menu spotlighting Argentine produce.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. La Panaderia de PabloSan Telmo bakery-cafe with strong coffee and fresh pastries.
2. Le Pain QuotidienReliable Recoleta spot for eggs, bread baskets and long tables.
3. BirkinPalermo brunch favorite for pancakes, eggs and specialty coffee.
4. NininaBright Palermo bakery doing full breakfasts and cakes all day.
5. HavannaThe classic chain for coffee and dulce de leche alfajores.
6. Le BleFrench-style bakery with croissants and medialunas across the city.
7. Croque MadameGarden brunch inside a Recoleta mansion museum courtyard.
8. Oli CafePalermo specialty coffee shop popular for morning eggs and toast.
9. Confiteria IdealRestored downtown salon serving coffee and medialunas by day.