Buenos Aires — By Pablo Juan Augustinowicz on September 12, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Filed under: Attractions, Buenos Aires, Family Friendly, food and drinks, ice cream, jardín Japonés, Outdoors & Recreation, palermo, recoleta, Reserva Ecológica, Tours, traditions

Six Things to Enjoy During Spring in Buenos Aires

When Autumn arrives to the Northern Hemisphere, it means it is time for many earthling creatures to migrate South. Some human beings also fly south to escape the harsh cold weather. Buenos Aires is a great destination to take advantage of the reversed seasons. Spring in Buenos Aires spells lots of great activities to do outdoors. Here is a short list of things to enjoy.
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Go for a Nature Walk in the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur
Steps from downtown, at the far end of Puerto Madero, is the entrance to the Reserva Ecológica, 350 hectares of wilderness that was designated as an ecological reserve in 1986. Part grassland, marshland, and forest, the reserve is home to hundreds of animal species. A circular gravel path leads right up to the edge of the Río de la Plata and provides a pretty view of the Buenos Aires skyline. Bikes available for rent ($8/hr).
Avenida Tristán Achával Rodríguez 1550, Costanera Sur. Admission is free.
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Play in the Palermo Woods
Inaugurated in November 1875, Parque Tres de Febrero (aka Los Bosques de Palermo) is more than 80 hectares of green in the middle of Palermo. Highlights include two artificial lakes, a rose garden, the Museo de Artes Plásticas Eduardo Sívori, and the meditative Jardín Japonés. The beautiful Rosedale, home to nearly 12,000 roses, often hosts free Sunday afternoon jazz and classical music concerts in the summer. Sunbathe, bike ride, rollerblade, jog, or rent a paddle or rowboat ($20-30/half hour, daily from 11am till sundown).
Avenida Adolfo Berro between Avenida Sarmiento and Avenida Casares. Open daily. Admission is free.�
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Find Zen at the Jardín Japonés
Created in 1967 to commemorate the visit of then Crown Princes Akihito and Michiko, the Jardín Japonés is a Zen oasis located in the corner of Parque Tres de Febrero. The small but worthwhile Jardín Japonés boasts a library, bonsai nursery, koi filled fish pond, teahouse, and sushi restaurant. Japanese cultural events are held here as well.
Avenida Figueroa Alcorta and Carlos Casares. Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Admission fee $5, children under 6 free. Restaurant open Wednesday to Monday from 10 am to 6pm, and 7:30 pm till midnight.

Chill out in Plaza Francia
Around the corner from the Recoleta Cemetery is Plaza Francia, home to an impressive weekend arts and crafts fair. Artisans crowd the plaza with stalls selling everything from clothes to jewelry to art. Locals and foreigners flock here to shop for souvenirs, drink mate, play music, practice capoeira, and learn circus tricks.
Avenida del Libertador and Pueyrredón. Fair open Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 10 am to7 pm.�
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Enjoy an Ice Cream
Cool down after a long day of sightseeing at an ice cream shop. Argentine helado closely resembles Italian gelato, and comes in indulgent flavors such as dulce de leche with brownie, mascarpone with red berries, and banana split. Volta, Persicco, Freddo, Munchi’s, and Chungo are the big names, but any brand is sure to please.

Take a Day Trip to Tigre
Less than an hour by train from the downtown Buenos Aires is the riverside town of Tigre and the Delta del Paraná. Canals, water activities, and beaches make Tigre the ideal getaway. The water may not be crystal clear (sediment accounts for the brown color), but it’s safe to swim. Wander around the city, take a river taxi from the Estación Fluvial to a deserted island, or visit the Parque de la Costa amusement park.
Trains from Buenos Aires to Tigre depart from the Retiro train station daily until midnight. The Mitre line offers two options: direct service to Tigre, or change at the Mitre station to the Tren de la Costa.