Long considered the premier cosmopolitan destination in Latin America, Buenos Aires hit rock bottom in 2001 with the peso crisis. Up until that time, it was one of the world’s most expensive cities, which caused many travellers to avoid it in favour of its cheaper Latin neighbours.

But the crash has actually had a rejuvenating effect on the country’s soul. The people of Buenos Aires, known as Porteños, have recovered with great gusto. The peso has regained some of its former strength and this city’s glorious social scene has come back to life with avengeance. Old cafés are once again full of patrons, and new restaurants, bars and shops are opening at a rapid pace.

Luckily, the prices for most things have remained at very reasonable rates. In Buenos Aires, hotels fall into a range of categories, from cheap and simple hostels to luxurious five-star properties. As tourism continues to rebound throughout the city, new hotels are rapidly opening while older ones are being renovated.

All of the major neighbourhoods in the city have a fair share of lodging options. When choosing your hotel, you should consider where in the city you wish to hang out the most and find a room there. Hotels in Buenos Aires fill up quickly in the high season, so you should book ahead, at least for your first night or two.

This city oozes colourful Latin charm and you’ll soon find you probably didn’t schedule enough time to enjoy all the sights. From the ubiquitous tango dance clubs and smoky cafés to the plethora of grand architecture, there is easily enough to fill a week. Buenos Aires is broken into several distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own history, style and role. Take the time to explore each one properly and you will soon gain an understanding of this politically charged, deeply social and cosmopolitan city.

The 2001 peso crash also led the Argentineans to become more introspective. This self-reflection has led to a flourishing pride in all things Porteños, the word used by the city’s locals to describe themselves and their culture. Fashion is back in full force and the grand old theatres and tango clubs are thriving. It’s the perfect time to come and experience this fantastically unique Latin city and revel in its revival.

Buenos Aires was first founded in 1536 by the Spanish, who were in the search for gold, but these first settlers suffered hardships from the very beginning. They encountered stiff resistance from the native tribes and were forced to move farther inland. Also, Spain itself neglected Buenos Aires in favour of the riches which were pouring out of Peru and Mexico.

Despite this, the settlement slowly grew over the decades as a trading point for smuggled goods. During the 17th century, raids from the French, Portuguese and Danes became more frequent. Over the next two centuries, the Porteños maintained a rocky relationship with their Spanish overlords.

On 25 May, 1810, the locals of Buenos Aires demanded the resignation of the Spanish viceroy. This action triggered the Latin American revolt against Spanish rule. Argentina’s official independence in 1816 was followed by many years of bitter conflict between the two political groups: the Unitarists and the Federalists. The construction of the Argentine railroad sparked massive economic growth in the city, which attracted immigrants from all over the world.

Argentina’s culture has been greatly affected by its, mostly European, immigrant population. Thus, many visitors to Argentina feel it has a strange resemblance to Europe. Buenos Aires boomed in the early 1900s, making it the most cosmopolitan city in Latin America. Today, more than one-third of Argentina’s 32 million people live in Buenos Aires and it is still one of the premier cities in South America.

The seasons in Argentina are the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere. Summer falls between December and February, when temperatures can be stiflingly hot and humid. Much of the city’s shop are closed during this period and many people head for the coast or other cooler climates. Yet January is one of the busiest tourist months, so hotels are often fully booked yet many restaurants and attractions have limited hours.

During the winter months of June through August, you won’t find any snow in Buenos Aires, but you will get lots of chilly, wet weather. As in many places, the best time to visit is during the spring (September through November) and autumn (March through May). Spring brings the lovely flowering jacaranda trees which paint the city purple, and perfect temperatures to match. Autumn, as you’d expect, also has near perfect weather and minimal crowds.