La Boca Buenos Aires
Like a Little Italy of any important city in the world, La Boca is the most picturesque of all neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. By the late 1800´s it was the harbor of Buenos Aires. La Boca means “the mouth”, as it was the mouth of the river Riachuelo, consequently, it was the entrance of all vessels coming from Europe. It was actually the first port and the place where all immigrants found their first shelter in Argentina.
Its famous 100 meters street “Caminito” (also the title of a typical argentine tango), is the soul of La Boca. A handcraft fair alongside Caminito during the week-ends and holidays is an odd offer for visitors.
This extravagant zone is completely different to the old and to the modern Buenos Aires. The romantic stories says that tango was born in La Boca, that prostitutes, mafia, sailors, immigrants lived there, giving a huge variety of personalities. Thus, as usually happens in a port, La Boca becomes a mysterious and attractive point for everybody, even porteños are fond of the neighborhood, specially the fans of Boca Juniors, the well-known soccer club, “the most important of the world” as many says. Its stadium, known as “la bombonera” (chocolate box) and museum is visited by tourist as well as fans. Sundays are different in La Boca when Boca Juniors plays in its own stadium, where crowds of “hinchas” (fans) go to encourage the team. In those occasions the zone could be unsafe, therefore, we do not recommend a visit.
A typical or even particular feature of La Boca is that all houses are full-color painted. The reason might be that the immigrants used the remaining paints found in the nearby docks to decorate their humble buildings, made of metal, with balconies. The cobblestone streets are in lower level than the footpath because of the periodic floods that occurred during past years.
At present, La Boca is a small cultural refuge, since many artists, bohemian and handcrafters have settled in the zone. There are also educational centers, such a photograph and cinema schools and different art studios.
Although La Boca is a working class district and not safe at dark, there are some interesting points that deserve a visit, such as:
Teatro de la Ribera: it is a theater and houses the museum of the famous painter Benito Quinquela Martín and includes other modern argentine artists. Quinquela Martín is very appreciated and considered one of the argentine big painters. His works regarding La Boca, El Riachuelo and its neighborhood are very impressive.
Caminito Street: a pedestrian street plenty of handcrafts, paintings, and popular sellers of souvenirs. It is not unusual to hear tango singers and dancers during week-ends.
Club Atlético Boca Juniors and its Museum: Romulo Maccio and Perez Celis, two important local artists painted a mural and the external façade of the club.. Inside, the museum encompasses cups and trophies, t-shirts collections, a movie theatre, general information, a memorabilia tour, the last Maradona ´s t-shirt, among other amenities. For soccer fanatic :it is possible to buy tickets and see one of the games of the Boca Juniors team
The wax museum: The unique museum of wax in Buenos Aires. Its collection is mainly an exhibition of La Boca itself, or La Republica de La Boca, as named by its inhabitants who certainly are very proud of their identity
Vuelta de Rocha:. A synonym of la Boca. This little square is just a meeting point. In the past the immigrants used to meet there to remember their abandoned homes in Europe.
La Boca Buenos Aires Map
WHEN VISITING BUENOS AIRES STAY AT BUENOS AIRES HABITAT APARTMENTS
We offer luxury apartments in Buenos Aires fully furnished. Whether you are traveling for a 3 days holiday or extended stay in Buenos Aires, we can assist you to find the apartment that suits you.
Our apartments are located in the best and safest locations of Buenos Aires, click here to view our exclusive selection of furnished apartments in Buenos Aires
Please contact us to obtain personal assistance for your stay in our furnished apartments or for further information about real estate services in Buenos Aires.
