Hout Bay Manor is a 5-star boutique hotel nestled between Chapman’s Peak and the village’s eclectic fishing harbor. From the turquoise parasols accenting the tea garden to the cowhide rugs and plaster big-five sculptures peppering the walls, I knew this place was going to be just what I needed after my 12-hour flight from Frankfurt. And it was.

Die Strandloper ... in Langebaan

White-glove service assisted with car service to Langebaan, a day tour to the Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point and reservations at the in-house restaurant, Pure (where I tried my first Springbok—it was perfection). Amanda and Michelle could not have been better hosts. What makes Hout Bay special? It’s a great urban village for those wanting to be near the Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point, as the drive from Cape Town center is easily over an hour. The Workshop pub and independent stores just around the corner from Hout Bay Manor make this the perfect urban oasis en route to see one of Africa’s most photographed landscapes.

Next up: Stellenbosch. About a 30-minute drive from central Cape Town on the backside of Table Mountain, Stellenbosch is South Africa’s wine capital. No trip to Cape Town is complete without sipping your way through its many vineyards and wineries.

Hawksmoor House

Hawksmoor House is a rustic, Dutch-Colonial farmhouse abutting lavender fields and grape vines with views of Table Mountain. The charm of this estate is immediate, but is exponentially increased upon entering: antiques, porcelain and a long communal dining table take the show. An open-to-guests kitchen serves complimentary afternoon cake and brandy for eating on the back veranda while Jack and Alice – the resident German Pointers – frolic in the lush scenery. The Hawksmoor makes its own award-winning wines and my travel companion, Daniel, and I were lucky enough to be invited to a live filming and tasting of their wines upon check-in. This communal experience not only made our stay here more memorable, it introduced us to Kirstin, the fabulous estate manager who not only knows wine, but makes it a point to chat and get to know her guests.

The caveat at staying at a place like the Hawksmoor is that we didn’t want to leave, even when there was so much to explore. Mornings at the garden pool were followed by wine tastings and meals at Delaire, Simonsig and Tokara estates. Three-to-four-course Michelin-quality restaurants will run about $60 per person including wine—that’s about three to four times less than New York Michelin prices, so we indulged.

The Bay Hotel

Lastly, Camps Bay was our home for the last four days of our stay. Merging with Clifton, Camps Bay is the see-and-be-seen beach promenade along Victoria Road. The Bay Hotel rests at the foot of the majestic Twelve Apostles mountain range, with envious views of the cable car sweeping the clouds to the zenith of Table Mountain. Infinity pools overlooking the beach allow for both leisure and sightseeing at once. Central Cape Town and Table Mountain were both about a 10-minute drive from Camps Bay, so the Bay Hotel is highly recommended to travelers seeking a beach holiday with a still-somewhat-central location.

V&A Waterfront

It was in central Cape Town where I tried zebra and warthog, two meats I would never think of even attempting to eat. But they were both love at first bite. Central Cape Town is also home to the V&A Waterfront, where seaside shopping, dining and nightlife bring the port to life. It’s here, too, where Cape Town’s answer to the London Eye stares deeply into Table Mountain for joyous views across the city bowl for the young or the young at heart.

The view from Table Mountain

In retrospect, it’s the people that will bring me back to Cape Town and the fact that this is the city where I got engaged. Views from Table Mountain, lazy days spent on Muizenberg beach and all-day seafood beach-grilling in Langebaan are all competing close, close seconds.

Side note: A country that was not too long ago ripped apart under the race-segregating Apartheid law is now blooming under new light. One of the first things I noticed after stepping foot into any business in Cape Town – be it my hotel, a restaurant or retailer – was that the fabric of this city has been knitted together by whites, blacks – the entire population. It’s a result of the 1994 reformation that moved South Africa light-years ahead of its past. Being a witness to these different cultures participating in everyday life as one demonstrates that intolerance in this rapidly emerging Third World country is recognized as unacceptable – a lesson the First World could learn from.

(Images: neiljs; Hipstamatic, Joshua Clark)

Airline loyalty: Choose your alliance carefully

All airline alliances have their upsides and downsides, but one of the criteria for picking yours will depend on your home airport. Cities like Chicago and Washington D.C. have the best Star Alliance connections, while Boston and New York have oneworld and Sky Team alliances. As of April 2011, Delta (Sky Team)  no longer has an expiration date set for miles, which means you can keep more in the bank toward your free reward flight.

Offset costs by touring more than one country

The euro-to-dollar ratio definitely doesn’t work in the dollar’s favor, so yes: traveling to Europe can be pricey if it’s not done right. When I traveled last year to Vienna, a city on the euro, I also visited Budapest and Prague, which use the forint and koruna, respectively.  These two currencies work in the dollar’s favor, thus allowing for more liberal spending. The same goes for travel to Brazil, a country that already works in the dollar’s favor, but with Argentina right next door it makes Brazil even look expensive.

Hotel rewards

I’m not the type of guy that likes to stay at the cookie-cutter business hotels, so I do my research and plot my boutique hotels out well in advance. I use Hotels.com, a Cheapflights.com hotel partner, for their Welcome Rewards program. After 10 prepaid nights booked through Hotels.com they give you a credit for the average cost of your 10 paid nights. The credit is often enough for a free night’s stay.    

Pre-payment

Before traveling I like to make sure that my “essentials” and “entertainment” have been separated, with regard to finances. Essentials will include things like hotels, train and any internal plane tickets for continuing travel. These can all be prepaid, and when doing so, makes it much easier to budget in order to truly enjoy the vacation.

Open jaw plane tickets

Open jaw is the fancy-schmancy airline term for flying into one city and returning from a different city. If taking my advice and touring more than one country, open-jaw tickets are the way to buy. Open-jaw tickets sometimes cost less than round-trip tickets, too. Flying between your arrival city and your return city will then only require a one-way ticket and also save on the hassle of returning back to where you started your trip. With all the low-cost carriers around, flying one-way can be accomplished for under literally $10, depending on route.

(Image: Dave Clements)

My maiden voyage to Morocco, like most visitors’, started in Spain—the jet-set, Andalucían village of Marbella. Marbella, widely known for its beach parties and extravagant villas, is only a half-hour drive from the Malaga Airport—the best starting point for exploring Morocco north to south.

Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar brought me back in time—a time of when modern conveniences aren’t monopolized by smartphones and the latest technologies. It’s this digital respite that I crave… in doses.

Tangier, the main passenger port of Morocco, is a spice that takes a little getting used to, but one I grew to love. When it first hits the tongue it packs a loud, in-your-face flavor, which soon becomes palatable and quite addicting. The Kasbah is the place to stay in Tangier. A livable labyrinth so to speak, it invites you to get lost (which you will, but happily). Pay one of the children playing kickball or tag within the Kasbah walls a few Dirhams ($.50) and they’ll gladly walk you home. Dar Nour, a guesthouse I can’t recommend highly enough, has a roof deck surrounded by minarets where hearing the calls to prayer is life changing. The fresh orange juice and mint tea doesn’t hurt either. Grab a chapeau, a lounge chair and take in the friendly chaos of the rug shops, spice markets and daily Kasbah life in full motion below.

By Moroccan train I arrived in Casablanca. Train travel is the best method of transport, with first-class tickets costing about $20 one-way. Casablanca, while very popular, didn’t pack the flavor I had hoped. Made popular a destination by a movie of the same name, I found this city rather bland and commercial. Casablanca is a great stopover for a day, as it’s the halfway mark between Tangier and Marrakech. The Casablanca site to see is the Hassan II mosque. Being the largest mosque in Morocco and seventh largest in the world, its setting on the Corniche at sunset is surreal.

Next up: Marrakech. A three-hour train journey from Casablanca, Marrakech is the jewel of Morocco. Marrakech is a full-flavored, widely-loved spice that no one can resist. A little bit sweet and a little bit savory, Marrakech is a city that you can mold and make yours. Want crazy? Stay in the medina. Want relaxed? Stay in the Palmaraie. I chose to stay at Dar Sabra in the Palmeraie for its palm-lined pools, museum-worthy art and dining to die for.

Marrakech is the best option for taking a hammam, which every Moroccan itinerary should include. It is essentially a full-body exfoliation with black soap made from olives, taking place in a steam room. The best option: Les Bains de Marrakech, located at the edge of the medina.

Dining in Marrakech is a reason to go in and of itself. My favorite restaurant, Azar, included a full-course meal of typical French-Lebanese-Moroccan fusion, accompanied by a traditional belly dance. Its location in the Hivernage district of Marrakech is also the nightlife epicenter, so while in Rome… err—Marrakech…

Lastly, a two-hour bus ride from Marrakech swept me to the seaside oasis of Essaouira. My first thought: Am I in Morocco or Greece? The white-washed, blue-trimmed houses dotting the Kasbah play trickery with the eye. I stayed at a typical Moroccan riad in Essaouira, where the glass roof opened to the skies. Birds fly in and chirp the day away, while incense and tea permeate the parlors. The roof deck of Villa de l’O is the next best thing to actually being on the beach. Essaouira was definitely the dessert finish of the desert.

All good things come to an end, but I’ll be back here again. From the opportunities to polish my French skills to the scenery like none other, I’d be a fool not to get lost in a Kasbah or two again in this mysterious land we call Morocco.

• Essaouira's port

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• Outdoor artwork at Dar Sabra

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• The pool at Hotel Dar Sabra

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• Josh strolling the streets

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• Desert roads to Essaouira

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• A view of Villa de l'O

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• A panoramic shot of Essaouira

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• A charming suite at Villa de l'O

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(Images: Daniel Gunia)

Hungary Parliament in Pest

Charles Dickens may have written A Tale of Two Cities depicting London and Paris, but Budapest also lives up to the title.

The “Paris of the East,” Budapest is a grand metropolis set on the banks of the Danube River, splitting the city down the middle – one half being Buda and the other half Pest.
 
Pest, my bank of choice, was where I stayed and spent most of my time within the city—Astoria, to be exact. Action-filled and buzzing, Pest allows for activities all hours of the day from shopping and café-hopping by day to live music and infinite dining options by night.

The first stop on my Budapest itinerary was the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. Guarded by a mammoth lion at its entrance from Pest, the suspension bridge is the gateway back in time to Buda Hill.

Once across, a steep climb up Buda Hill rewarded me with the Fisherman’s Bastion at its peak.  An ivory castle, almost identical to an elaborate sand castle, is what stood before me in its grand splendor. Swirling spires with sweeping verandas and balconies gave view of the whole city from Parliament to Pest.

Central Buda, Budapest

Descending down to the Danube, hunger (no pun intended) pangs began to set in. Directly across from Parliament was an appropriately named restaurant, Corner Restaurant. My thought: If the food isn’t good, at least the view will be. Typical Hungarian food was the menu, and while in Rome…

Hungary, known world-wide for its Paprika, uses this spice as a common denominator to many of its dishes. I opted for the Paprika chicken and noodles, a generous breast and leg with a paprika sauce over butter noodles.

Two glasses of Pinot Noir later and an après cappuccino: 4,400 Forint ($20). In what U.S. city can you get a delicious entrée, two glasses of wine and a cappuccino for $20 and under? Probably none.  Budapest, still on Forint currency, makes staying within any type of budget completely possible, and with ease at that.

In the Astoria neighborhood of Pest is one of the best night-spots I’ve ever been to anywhere in the world. Enter through large, draping black rubber panels, like those at a truck loading dock. Lights flicker, hallways are empty, and voila: You’re in a 3-floor alleyway-makeshift-club with broken bathtubs converted to chairs, a room of computer monitors mounted on the walls and rows of high flickering torches. This is Szimpla Kert. Beer and wine flow like the Danube, but I was also told they have nibbles at their café.

Budapest Chain Bridge

Budapest may be the mother ship to late-night recovery. After all, Budapest is home to the thermal waters that make their 20-or-so thermal spas. Hungary, occupied by both Romans and Turks (Ottoman Empire) created shrines to these thermal waters.

While there are newer thermal spa centers within Budapest, I wanted to soak in the history—literally. Rudas Bath resembles a mosque. Columns supported a central dome overhead, the whole structure showing much wear and tear. This was beauty. Private cabin for storing clothes/belongings, access to thermal waters and steam was 1,500 Forint ($7).

Not all cities are created equal and Budapest proves this. From fast-paced Pest to bathing in Buda, this city has it all. Those who appreciated the good life and all its indulgences will appreciate Budapest at about half the price of any other world-class city.

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Story and photos by Joshua Clark.

Prague's Astronomical Clock

The capital city of the Czech Republic is not only one of the most energetic cities in Eastern Europe—it’s also one of the most beautiful. Friendly on the wallet, Prague’s currency is the Czech Koruna, which makes sleeping, eating and playing in Prague highly affordable when compared to some of its neighbors.

Old Town Square is where I stayed and fully recommend. Winding alleys with wrought-iron gates give way to side-streets and goliath Gothic churches. Along the path, steep entrances downward will find you in domed-roof wine cellars with a fast fist ready hand you a pour and invite you in.

Old Town Square is most noted for its Astronomical Clock by day and nightlife all other hours of the day (and night). The Astronomical Clock is composed of three elements: “The Walk of the Apostles,” the astronomical dial and a calendar dial. In other words, this medieval clock does more than tell time—it displays the positions in the Zodiac of the Moon (including its phase) and Sun, as well as the month.

Charles Bridge in Prague

Five-to-ten minutes by foot from Old Town Square is the Charles Bridge. The bridge, ornamented with ornate statues, screams old. In fact, nothing in Prague screams ultra-modern or new, which is what makes this city so breathtakingly beautiful. All day long, the bridge holds as a stage to street art and folk music, which combined allow for a leisurely hangout.

At the opposite end of the bridge protrudes Castle Hill, crowned with Prague Castle at its zenith. This, by far, is the best view of the whole city. Vistas span the river and across back to Old Town. Postcard-perfect red tiled roofs, manila walls and clusters of church spires and clock towers allow for the perfect snapshot. Prague Castle, a sight in itself, is the largest castle complex in the world and houses the St. Vitus Cathedral—which can only be described as a Gothic gem.

When the sun sets behind the hill is when Prague starts to party. Pilsner, a local beer native to the Czech Republic is typically around 40 Koruna ($2). Two dollars for a superb, local beer? Yes, no typo here.

A favorite haunt of mine was an eclectic dive named Chapeau Rouge. Mannequin heads, red lights, grungy portraits and your everyday-dive-bar knick-knacks graffiti the walls. Locals sit around discussing the week’s past events under the red mood lighting with 90’s Alternative Rock as the backdrop.

St. Vitus-Prague Castle

The subterranean-set get their bodies in motion to the area’s best up-and-coming DJs in the basement level. Chapeau Rouge was also next door to my hotel, Buddha Bar Hotel, so my ins and outs were convenient, to say the least.

 My high expectations of Prague were surely upheld during my visit. From the inexpensive dining options to the culture-rich paths paved through the city, one can’t afford not to go to Prague.

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Story and photos by Joshua Clark.

Central Zurich

Maybe it’s the dreamy chocolate you think of or the first knife you may have owned? Maybe it’s that watch on your left wrist or bulging bank accounts that jump to mind first. These are, in fact, all Zurich.
              
After touching down on SWISS International Airlines in Zurich I made my way to the city center via rail. Approximately 10 trains per hour connect the Zurich airport with central Zurich, costing 6 Francs ($6) and 10 minutes of your time. A friend of mine showed me around his hometown.
              
The first stop of ours was the University of Zurich, where my friend Leopold attends. A large terrace just outside the main entrance gives a lofted view over the whole city and lake. What struck me as odd was that there were no modern buildings in sight.

Where’s all this big-wig banking taking place? Following Leopold’s lead, he showed me: The banking that you hear about so much hear takes place right in the old town city center, right in the old, classic buildings. As the lunch hour approached, suits hustled across the Bahnhofstrasse for their steak lunches. Looking the estate planners of Paris Hilton and Donald Trump directly in the eye was surely a possibility.
 
Sloping streets that led us to hot chocolates at Globus wrap around the central lake with the Alps showing who is boss. Lake Zurich is a focal point of the city and accomplishes what so many cities try to do. Their urban green space is synonymous with perfection, allowing for summertime recreation right in the heart of the city. The wintertime recreation spots are clearly evident by the nearby snowcapped mountains.

Globus, a Swiss leader in luxury retail, has a café at their ground level. Hot chocolates, pastries and other European snacks cover their counters. While shopping at Globus may not be affordable for all wallets, a hot chocolate of fine Swiss quality will run about 5 Francs.

Getting back to the airport is just as simple as arriving. Check the platform for the next train traveling in that direction from the Bahnhofstrasse Main Station. Read signs in German, French, Italian and English, because the first three are all widely spoken in Switzerland.

Lake Zurich

My time in Zurich was short, but much enjoyed. An impromptu flight layover left me in Zurich for eight hours. It was divine intervention that my long layover happen where I have a friend residing. In short: Zurich is very expensive, but why wouldn’t it be with the widest wallets in the world?

Allowing a day’s layover in Zurich is the way to go, especially since the city can be scaled by foot in a day. Eating off the beaten path is affordable and enjoying the scenery is free. After all, Zurich has been named the most livable city in the world.

As the Franc is equal to the U.S. Dollar (at the time of my trip, at least), no mind-boggling, split-second conversions are needed here. Brushing up on German, French or Italian language skills can be put to use anywhere in the city. For this, and reasons prior, Zurich is a destination not to be missed.

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Story and photos by Joshua Clark.

Rathaus Christmas Market, Vienna

When temperatures start to drop in Europe, the airfares follow suit. Coincidently, this makes the perfect time of year to visit Vienna. Vienna, known for its music, kaffeehauses (coffee houses) and ornate architecture is known for something a little more festive during the winter months: Its Christkindlmarkt.

The free-to-enter Christmas Markets are a great way to explore Vienna’s food and famous facades. The Rathaus, or Vienna’s town hall, is one of the most visually stunning structures in the city, while being host to the largest Christkindlmarkt in Vienna.

Baked goods aside, scents of fresh pine, steaming heiße Schokolade (hot chocolate) and cloves and orange from the glühwein (hot wine) spiral through the Rauthauspark all of December. Most drinks, with or without alcohol, can be purchased for just a couple Euro. Candies, baked goods, ornaments and candles are sold at the farm-like stands that carve the pathways through the park. Items sold are inexpensive, local and make for great keepsakes or gifts.

Stephansplatz, a short stroll from Rauthauspark, is primarily the epicenter of Vienna. The pedestrian-only streets are put in motion with city shoppers and street performers, but the real star of the show is the Stephansdom. One of the tallest churches in the world, the Stephansdom is also one of the most beautiful (Notre Dame has met its match). The roof tile work and ornate spire are best viewed from the lofted, all-glass bar named Onyx, housed within the Haas Haus as part of the Hotel DO&CO.

Just five minutes by foot toward Karsplatz will land you at the Café Sacher. Sacher is made famous for its recipe-protected Sachertorte, or chocolate cake with apricot jam. As one of the most famous cakes in the world, it’s without saying that other cafes have their variations—most notably Café Demel. The history between these two dueling cafes is convoluted and interesting, so much so that the battle of the Sachertorte has been raised to Austria’s high courts. I say try both! 

My time in Vienna was spent with great friends, who all live in Austria. Having traveled over Thanksgiving holiday, their kind gesture of goose dinner with sweet red cabbage, chestnuts and dumplings in a traditional Viennese pub made me feel right at home. Having been to many cities all over the world, Vienna is one of my favorites. Vienna is so rich with public sites that wallets stay happy, especially if traveling by foot.  I’d do winter in Wien, again.

Story and photos by Joshua Clark.

Triple Bridge Ljubljana

Ljubljana  (loo-BLEE-A-na) is a small, quant-in-appearance European capital city that packs an energetic punch by night. Ljubljana, at the crossroads of Austria, Croatia, Hungary and Italy, has the perfect location due to its short driving distance to the Klagenfurt area of Austria. Zagreb, Croatia and the Trieste/Venice area of Italy are also within a two-hour drive.

Antiq Hotel

Due to its location, Ljubljana is host to ethnic plates from its neighboring countries, such as the gnocchi (7,50 Euro) I had at Chupiteria, a funky Alice-In-Wonderland-esque café adorned with an up-side-down hanging cow, oversized throne dining chairs and plastic mannequin legs kicking out from the walls. Other trendy, yet quite affordable, cafes perimeter the river Sava, as alleyways and winding side streets link Triple Bridge and the Ljubljana Castle Hill.
 
Antiq Hotel (from 77 Euro) was my home away from home in the pedestrian city center of Ljubljana. Each room is decorated uniquely, but flamboyant colors, patterns and fabrics are the common denominator. My room included a separate living area, two baths and workspace, so the value is evident. The hotel’s location really can’t be beat either, as Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Ljubljana Castle Hill and the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation are all within a five-to-ten minute walk from the hotel.

Inside of Chupiteria

The snow had just started to fall during my gnocchi dinner at Chupiteria, where I sipped a Caipirinha and chatted with the bartender before venturing out.  As mentioned prior, Ljubljana does not disappoint at night. Ljubljana has a pedestrian-only downtown, so it’s worth exploring the winding alleys and side streets to really find the hidden gems—which is exactly what I did on my way back to Antiq Hotel.

I came across Pr Skelet (Skeleton Bar) tucked in an alley beside the river. The skeleton hanging by the door, accented by a blue light may turn some away, but it piqued my interest. Winding concrete steps lead to a dungeon where skeletons take watch over the pub—some in compromising positions, which adds an appreciated air of silliness to the bar. 

Skeleton Bar

Overall, Ljubljana is a city I feel is undervalued and under-visited. I compare Ljubljana to a large Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts with its creative undertones, diverse food and vast music options. The people that I encountered in Ljubljana were some of the friendliest I’ve met. Those seeking big-city options with small-town hospitality will feel right at home in Slovenia’s capital city.

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Story and photos by Joshua Clark.

Floating Clubs, Belgrade

The largest city of the former Yugoslavia, Belgrade has a past of political conflict and unrest that is undeniable. Its past is somewhat of a sensitive subject, being the once-capital city of Yugoslavia, the not-long-lived Serbia-Montenegro and lastly—Serbia. Its borders have changed many times over the decades, but they are open.

Contrary to popular belief, Americans are quite welcome to Serbia. What was the past is still evident in the visual undertones of the city, but Serbians are now celebrating the modern-day Serbia—and that they do very, very well.

In Serbia, Belgrade in particular has been on the savvy European vacationer’s bucket list for years, due to its world-famous nightlife. It doesn’t hurt that Belgrade is quite inexpensive, too. For this, Belgrade is beginning to appear on the American radar–and for good reason.

The Victor, Belgrade

Belgrade’s nightlife that is known world-wide is generally in reference to the area where the Sava and Danube Rivers join.  These quays, where dozens of rafts are moored, give life to the floating club.  No matter what your age or music taste, there are barges that quench all thirsts—figuratively and literally.

By day (or night), Old Town Belgrade is an area that can be explored by foot. Knez Mihailova, Belgrade’s pedestrian-only shopping street, is a great place to spend the afternoon sitting at café after exploring Kalemegdan-the Belgrade Fortress. From the fortress, vistas are priceless as views span New Belgrade across the river, Old Town Belgrade and the fortress itself. This is where old meets new. Where Pobednik (The Victor) was erected offers the best views of the city.
              
Serbia has yet to join the Euro and the Serbian Dinar makes Belgrade a still-affordable Eastern European capital. A centrally located five-star hotel will cost about $100 USD per night with antecedent-star hotels even less. Hotel Zira, for example, is a five-star hotel within this price range, inclusive of tax, Serbian breakfast and buffet dinner, plus free international phone calls (yes, I called the U.S. and received no additional charges). The added bonus of its style, location and attached shopping mall make Hotel Zira a valuable option.
              

Belgrade Fortress, Belgrade

Overall, Belgrade may not be the classical, gothic-influenced city one pictures when they think of Eastern Europe, but its rich history and affordability make it a worth-while stop to any Eastern European itinerary, especially if you’re into exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations before they become mainstream. If that’s the case, get going.

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Story and photos by Joshua Clark

La Bocca

After being escorted through the stained-glass doors of the Faena Hotel+Universe in Puerto Madero, I found myself interrupting a fashion shoot with the model in mid-pose, cameras flashing away. I immediately knew that this was going to be a great place to stay—and it was.

Puerto Madero is a new, up-and-coming neighborhood along the river, and as the name suggests—a port. High-end shopping, riverside cafes and green space make this neighborhood highly desired by Porteños (people of Buenos Aires). Puerto Madero, while not exactly city center is a convenient hub for exploring La Bocca, Palermo and Recoleta—all no more than 10 minutes by taxi.

Palermo Soho Art

I had heard only rave reviews about Palermo Soho, which is where I spent my first few days. Flooded with bright colors, Palermo Soho offers inexpensive independent-boutique shops ($1 per 4 Argentinean Pesos), funky restaurants and a young, vibrant artistic crowd. This is the only place I bought clothes in Buenos Aires. If you desire well-made, quality clothing at reasonable prices, then your trip here could easily pay for itself.

Recoleta Cemetary

Next was Recoleta, mostly known for the cemetery and resting spot of Eva Peron (Evita). Elaborate detail by way of stained glass doors and ornate sculptures towering 12 feet into the air make these headstones more like shrines. The cemetery is massive. The tombs’ height and close proximity ultimately creates secluded, winding paths all through the burial grounds.

La Bocca, the last of my stops, literally translates to ‘The Mouth’ and sits along the banks of the Rio de la Plata. La Bocca is drenched in vibrancy, with housing facades splashed with four or more colors. It was here that I perused paintings of local artists in the open air while couples hip-locked in tango spun around me, cheek-to-cheek. Milongas, or tango halls, pepper the neighborhood. Its Italian roots do not go unnoticed, especially with regard to the food and music. La Bocca is also home to the best steak I’ve ever had—and probably ever will have.              

A week in Buenos Aires was the perfect amount of time for me. The city is huge in area, so visiting different neighborhoods each day allowed for an unrushed, pleasant stride to the beat of my own drum. If you can’t make it to Paris, or the Euro is holding you back, consider Buenos Aires and bring your Pesos instead.          

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© Cheapflights Ltd (Story and photos by Joshua Clark)