Unusual Things To Do In Buenos Aires On Your South American Trip

You’ve already been browsing for books at Teatro Gran Splendid, seen a tango show in San Telmo, checked out some graves at Recoleta and gone on a tour of Teatro Colón, so what’s next? Buenos Aires has a number of weird and wonderful lesser-known attractions that appeal to a different kind of traveler. Check out the top five.

Dine at a puerta cerrada (closed doors)

There are plenty of top-quality steakhouses serving up unbelievably succulent beef all throughout Buenos Aires, but did you know the best food in the city is actually behind ‘closed doors’? Puerta cerrada is a type of secret restaurant held in a private home, offering five-star degustation menus by some of the city’s best chefs in an intimate setting. Extremely popular with foodies, puerta cerradais a great way to meet new people while wining and dining the evening away. Ask for recommendations, or check out Casa Felix.

1. Visit Santa Tierra

Amusement Park

On the other end of the spectrum, this rather strange and kitschy religious theme park just outside of Buenos Aires is a recreation of Jerusalem that narrates the life of Jesus through animatronics. There’s a carousel ride of manger animals, a Nativity light show, a reenactment of the Last Supper and plenty of dioramas and displays. The main attraction is a 60-foot (18-meter) fiberglass Jesus statue that resurrects every hour on the hour. Amen.

Go on a Man Tour

Visiting Buenos Aires on a lads’ trip? Then check out city’s manliest tour. The Man Tour is a great way to explore the city’s hidden wonders and, contrary to the name, it’s suitable for women, too. It starts with the guide taking you to a barber shop for a straight-razor shave (sorry ladies, this is the only male-only activity!) before leading the group around the city while enjoying manly delights such as whiskey, cigars, beer and empanadas.

2. Learn about where we poop at the Museo del Agua y de la Historia Sanitaria

Museum

Housed in a magnificent 19th-century palace is the quirky Museo del Agua y de la Historia Sanitaria (Water and Sanitation History Museum), which displays a fascinating collection of toilets, faucets, bidets and other sanitary-related artefacts. The palace itself was built as a water pumping station and still plays an important role in providing water to the people of Buenos Aires so that they can cook, clean and bathe.

Try a speed dating language exchange

It’s not technically speed dating, though it could be if the conversation runs smoothly enough. Spanglish Exchange is a regular event that pairs native Spanish and English speakers together in a Palermo bar to practice their language skills. Each language is spoken for five minutes before switching to the other for five minutes, allowing both parties equal time to hone their skills. After the 10 minutes is up, participants rotate onto a new partner. It’s a great way to practice a language and meet new people at the same time.

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