Buenos Aires - 24 hours

[7SeasLover]

We are arriving in Buenos Aires on a Saturday morning. Our cruise ship, NCL Crown, sails at 5 p.m. on Sunday. I currently have a private tour booked, but now I'm wondering if I should cancel and just go shopping on Florida street.

 

We are booked at the Hilton Buenos Aires. I think I may want to have a leather jacket made, but I doubt I'll have enough time.

 

I wonder if the two of us gals (late 50's) should try to do BA on our own (using the concierge and the hotel's tour desk) and cabs or if we'd be better off spending $314 on a private tour. The tour place will also pick us up at the airport and take us to the pier.

 

Any suggestions? We really do want to shop and if we take a private tour, that'll take away from our shopping time.

 

:confused:

[Keith1010]

I would do the private tour for a few reasons.

 

The private tour should give you a very good overview of Buenos Aires along with its history. It is a beautiful city with a very european look. I just think you will learn a good deal more from a tour then just riding and walking around.

 

Now, one other caution. While Buenos Aires is a very nice city due to the economic problems that the country went through only a few years ago the crime rate increased quite a bit. While better now, you do need to be careful when you walk the streets of Buenos Aires. Do not wear flashy jewelry and keep your purse close to you. And, in terms of taxis do not just get into any taxi. Make sure someone has called the taxi for you.

 

In the end, you have to figure out what will please you the most. If purchasing a leather jacket is the number one priority then you should do that first. All I'm saying is that if you walk around/take cabs on your own just be what I like to say street smart. (eg., very observant about your surroundings).

 

Now, maybe the hotel can arrange a shorter private tour for you or even they might offer a group tour. I'm just saying that you might want to be on some tour rather than trying to tour on your own. So, maybe you can do both, just a more moderate tour.

 

You'll just need to factor in those costs plus the cost of transporation since it seems that your private tour includes some additional transporation (eg, airport to the hotel, and hotel to the cruise ship). The airport to the downtown city is about a 45 minute drive which could be more or less depending on traffic.

 

I have been to Buenos Aires multiple times (business and pleasure) and the most recent time was February, 2005. My wife and I will be on a cruise that includes Buenos Aires this February as well. So, we enjoy this location. Just be observant and careful.

 

Keith

[7SeasLover]

Thank you very much. This has been very helpful. I think I will stick with Carlos and PrivateTours.