Argentina travel

Daily life in Argentina's cities is much as it is in those of southern Europe: businesses and shops open early, close for a long break at midday, and stay open into the evening; social life takes place both in the streets and in lively bars and nightclubs; and meals are an opportunity for convivial exchanges.

Buenos Aires is renowned for its steakhouses (asados criollos, but nearly every culinary tradition is represented in one or more of the city's restaurants. Mate, the native tealike beverage brewed from yerba mate leaves, is popular in countryside and is drunk from a gourd through a strainer; it is either sipped individually or shared in an important social ritual. Argentina is one of the largest wine producers in the world, and its varietal red wines are highly prized by connoisseurs, though most production goes toward supplying high domestic consumption.

Tipping: Service charge is sometimes added in hotel restaurants but tipping is largely discretionary. It is normal to leave a 10% tip in restaurants and bars.

Almost all Argentines are descendants of immigrants from Europe, and Argentine culture is a lively blend of European customs and Latin American innovations. Tango, the music and lyrics (often sung in a form of slang called lunfardo), is Argentina's musical symbol. Tango is the traditional music and dance of Argentina and each night performers showcase this heartfelt art form in clubs in most major cities. Today tango has worldwide popularity, and the rise of neo-tango is a global phenomenon with groups like Tanghetto, Bajofondo and Gotan Project.

Nightlife in Buenos Aires is particularly vibrant and the city has become a centre for South American clubbing, boasting line-ups of world famous visiting and home-grown DJs…