Gonzo
03-17-13, 04:06
I wanted to get this info out on the forum to help out any newbie who wants to visit interesting neighborhoods in BA. A most colorful area is the Boca neighborhood, south of San Telmo, bordering at the base of the Rio Plata in the S.E. Section of the city. If you pick up any tour guide book you will see photos of the brightly colored houses for which it is famous. Boat workers used to paint their houses from leftover paint from boat painting when it was an Italian fishing neighborhood many years.
It is also rumored to be famous for being a not-so-safe neighborhood. In fact, a buddy of mine who previously went to BA recommended me not to go, regaling me of a story of a gunpoint stickup. Glad I didn't listen to him.
Last Sunday Daddy Rulz and I decided to go to the Boca neighborhood. We took the bus and it was very easy. Here is the info: it's the 152 bus going South / East on Sante Fe (at least it is in Recoleta). The bus will say Boca / Oliva on its front header. Take it all the way till the end, which is at the last street in front of the river.
The Boca neighborhood is right there at the end of the line. Going on a Sunday meant the bus was not crowded, and you can notice the neighborhoods getting poorer and rundown as you approach Boca. However, once in Boca, I noticed the densest amount of police presence as in all of BA. It's clear how important this neighborhood is to BA as symbol of tourist safety and the gov't is doing its part. The place was lively, packed with tourists, but not overly so, and a lot of fun. Great place to have lunch in the street in front of many restaurants, many with entertainment.
Daddy Rulz and I walked as far north in the Boca neighborhood as to the Boca Juniors stadium. About 6 blocks from the river, and that's where the police presence fades and it seems not a good idea to go any further north.
But the good news is that the area seems safe and _definitely_ is a must see place for sightseeing in BA. Going on a Sunday seemed to be a good idea also. Hope this helps for any newbie contemplating visiting this area.
It is also rumored to be famous for being a not-so-safe neighborhood. In fact, a buddy of mine who previously went to BA recommended me not to go, regaling me of a story of a gunpoint stickup. Glad I didn't listen to him.
Last Sunday Daddy Rulz and I decided to go to the Boca neighborhood. We took the bus and it was very easy. Here is the info: it's the 152 bus going South / East on Sante Fe (at least it is in Recoleta). The bus will say Boca / Oliva on its front header. Take it all the way till the end, which is at the last street in front of the river.
The Boca neighborhood is right there at the end of the line. Going on a Sunday meant the bus was not crowded, and you can notice the neighborhoods getting poorer and rundown as you approach Boca. However, once in Boca, I noticed the densest amount of police presence as in all of BA. It's clear how important this neighborhood is to BA as symbol of tourist safety and the gov't is doing its part. The place was lively, packed with tourists, but not overly so, and a lot of fun. Great place to have lunch in the street in front of many restaurants, many with entertainment.
Daddy Rulz and I walked as far north in the Boca neighborhood as to the Boca Juniors stadium. About 6 blocks from the river, and that's where the police presence fades and it seems not a good idea to go any further north.
But the good news is that the area seems safe and _definitely_ is a must see place for sightseeing in BA. Going on a Sunday seemed to be a good idea also. Hope this helps for any newbie contemplating visiting this area.