She Said, She Said: Two Travelers' Contrasting Views on La Boca, Buenos Aires
We travel together nearly 24/7 and share countless interests, yet our perspectives often differ. Introducing our new series, She Said, She Said, where we share individual takes on our adventures. In this debut, discover Dani's take on our afternoon in Buenos Aires' vibrant La Boca neighborhood, followed by Jess's honest opinion of this iconic tourist spot.
She Said: Dani’s Perspective on La Boca
The vivid houses of Caminito, La Boca's alley-turned-street museum, captivated me during trip research. Historically a working-class area in the 1800s, La Boca housed shipyard workers near the river mouth ('boca' in Spanish). When the port relocated, many left, abandoning homes around Caminito. In the 1950s, a local artist painted the fading facades, evolving it into today's colorful spectacle of houses, tango, and steak.
Once quiet, La Boca now buzzes with tourists. Undeterred by the crowds, I focused on the photographer's paradise of colors. Stepping off the bus, tango dancers posed for photos, props invited 'tango gear' snaps, cheesy cutouts lined Plazeta de los Suspiros, and waiters lured diners.
Expecting the tourist vibe, I embraced it, capturing stunning shots on a sunny spring day.
We enjoyed a restaurant tango show on Magallanes—ubiquitous here with stages and steaks. Opting for coffee, we witnessed Buenos Aires' finest tango performance yet.
Before leaving, we visited Fundación PROA, a modern art museum recommended in our guide, For 91 Days in Buenos Aires. Its glass-fronted building on Avenida Don Pedro de Mendoza overlooks the river mouth. At just 12 pesos ($2.50), it's a steal. The second-floor café offers river views and tempting eats.
Dani's Tip: Visit La Boca despite its touristy feel—it's no 'real' Buenos Aires, but essential. Embrace the stroll, souvenirs, and tango with eyes wide open.
She Said: Jessica’s Perspective on La Boca
Meh—that summed up my bus ride to La Boca. Dani insisted, but sunny weather, friends, and my occasional pleasant surprises from tourist spots won me over.
I knew the lore: colorful buildings, tango, Caminito. Immigrants built culture here in shipyards, shaping Argentine identity. It symbolized 19th-century trade entry.
Fascinating history suits a museum ($10 entry, exhibits, weekend tango). Instead, Caminito's an outdoor tourist trap, caricaturing its past amid crowds, shops, and pricey eateries.
Low-key tango for overpriced steaks or $5 water? Surprisingly enjoyable—perhaps admiring the dancers' lives or abs.
I liked the stroll, colors, and tango music's inspiration (minus dancing for me). Still, not worth it. Lacking a photographer's eye, I saw inauthenticity; surroundings feel risky (though safe for us).
Jessica's Tip: If visiting, prioritize Fundación PROA—clean, modern art, sharp design, river views. The rooftop café serves fresh fare, coffee, desserts on a shaded patio—perfect escape.
