Café Tortoni

Before arriving to Buenos Aires, my aunt told me about this beautiful, vintage café located just steps away from la Casa Rosada. This coffeehouse has been a cultural icon since its door opening in 1858. Great artists and intellectuals like Carlos Gardel and Jorge Luis Borges would gather here on a regular basis. So when I was on the neighborhood, I decided to grab some coffee and just relax after a long day of sightseeing.When I got there, I was surprised by the people waiting in line outside the street. It was only a matter of 10 minutes when a waiter called my name and walked me to my table. Once inside, you can appreciate the Belle Epoque decor and the french atmosphere of a café in Paris. There is also a side gallery and a small stage for tango performers; where every Tuesday night you can catch a performance. I ordered a cappuccino and a chocolate alfajor--which to my surprise was the best one I tried in Buenos Aires. Even though you have to wait to be seated and its frequently crowded by tourists, you should definitely go. It really is a special place where you travel in time and get nostalgic by the lives of the older porteños.

A wonderful place to duck into for a lunch of soup, sandwich and tea. It was my last day in Buenos Aires and I was trying to catch the rest of the historical sites on my list. I’m sooo glad I was able to fit Tortoni’s in. If your short on time you can take in a Tango show and have a delicious dinner.