Buenos Aires La City And Surroundings

Galerías Pacífico. The designers of this huge shopping center envisioned a grand artcade modeled on Paris’ Bon Marché department store. They succeeded. Begun in 1889, the glitzy complex includes relaxing, modern cafes and upscale stores with intricate facades, not to mention a great place to escape the heat. Spread throughout the shopping center are numerous colorful murals, painted in both modern and classical styles. On the ground floor is the Centro Cultural Borges, which has a space for photography and modern art exhibitions and offers both tango shows and lessons. (On the 700 block of Florida. S Florida. ☎5555 5110. Open M-Sa 10am-9pm, Su noon-9pm. 30min. guided tours twice daily. Free.)

Correo Central (Main Post Office). Modeled on New York City’s post office, the James A. Farley Building, construction on this imposing, intricately carved stone edifice started in the early 20th century. Its grand steps overlook a large grassy square, while inside, beautifully maintained wooden furnishings sweep up to the vaulted ceiling high overhead. In the front entryway, there’s a small museum (closed at publication) dedicated to the post in Argentina. As of March 2008, the building is closed for renovation and will not reopen until 2011. The main branch of the postal service has since been moved to a new location a few blocks away. (Sarmiento 151. S LN Alem.)

Convento De San Ramón. Though the white arcades of this small convent are themselves attractive, the main draw of the complex is the lovely courtyard at its heart. In the early afternoon, porteños converge here to sit, chat, or eat lunch among the manicured paths, trees, and flowers—one the few patches of green in Microcentro’s concrete jungle. On your way out, be sure to drop by the beautiful Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Merced next door and glance up at the towering Banco Francés building—not that you’ll be able to miss it. (Reconquista 269. S Florida or LN Alem. Open M-F 10:30am-5pm. Guided tours Th 4pm. Free.)