Exploring Buenos Aires | National Geographic

When I first visited Buenos Aires, I immediately fell in love. To me, there's no city like this in the entire world. My name is Kristen Borg; I'm a travel enthusiast and a contributor for National Geographic. I first came through here on my way to Patagonia, taking some time to explore. Buenos Aires is one of the best decisions I ever made.

The moment you step outside, you're immersed in Argentinian culture, like at the delicious parrillas. Today I'm visiting El Desnivel. This local parrilla is a traditional restaurant where open fire grills are used to slow cook local Argentinian meat into incredibly tender barbecue. The smell is indescribably good and permeates the air. It was fun to get a crash course in all the different cuts of beef served, and with all of the parrillas to choose from across the city, you can find that hidden gem of your own.

After lunch, I always like to stretch my legs, and there's no better place to do that than Palermo Park. There's a reason it's so popular with the locals, and at nearly a thousand acres, it has the most open space that you can find in the city center. From unique flower gardens to boat rides, there's so much to do and see, and I know I'll always have the perfect backdrop for a beautiful photo.

Off the beaten path is Estancia Vieja María, an old-fashioned hotel on a ranch. Places like this are perfect to relax and catch your breath. We got to learn about Gauchos here. The Gauchos are legends in Argentina; they have a rich history spanning back to the early 1800s, helping Argentina gain independence from Spain. Their culture has continued to be passed down over generations as they work as ranch hands, looking after horses and preparing meals for the estate. Seeing their way of life is an experience in itself.

Every time I visit Buenos Aires, I wish I would have stayed longer. Towards the end of my trips, I often find myself waiting to return. [Music]