( CNN ) -- Argentina is a huge , diverse country . Large cities and breathtaking vistas are just some of your travel options there . Every journey has to start somewhere , and many people choose to begin in the capital city , Buenos Aires . Not every adventure is about climbing mountains or rafting rivers . Sometimes , the thrill you seek comes from culture and urban exploration . CNN 's Jose Manuel Rodriguez recently visited Buenos Aires while on assignment for Café CNN , and carved out time to share some travel suggestions . Explore history , culture . Buenos Aires is defined by intensity , beauty , glamour , architecture , tango and an unexpected nightlife . Not to mention , good steak . But the flavors of Argentina are not just steak and Malbec wine . International cuisine is everywhere in Buenos Aires . The great French restaurant Petanque , located at 596 Defensa , is a cozy place where you can sample local foie gras and wine from Salta in the foothills of the Andes . Beyond the cuisine , there are many points of interest not to be missed during a visit to Buenos Aires . The neighborhood of San Telmo has witnessed many of the city 's transformational events . During the mid-19th century , it was home to the wealthiest of Buenos Aires . By the end of that century , the area was affected by an epidemic of yellow fever and many of its residents migrated to the north . Restoration of part of this architecturally rich neighborhood began in the 1970s , leading to a wave of artists , bohemians and antique shops . Today it is the most significant root of South America 's antique markets and features 500 shops that offer all sorts of vintage collections . On Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. , a flea market fills the Plaza Dorrego as eager tourists and collectors search varied and eccentric antiques . The 'Soho ' of Buenos Aires . The area of `` Palermo Soho '' arose from a real estate boom in the area that brought fashion designers , artists , galleries and restaurants to the traditional neighborhood of Palermo . These new arrivals refurbished old houses , making the area a fashionable destination filled with art and good food . It 's called Soho colloquially , evoking the legendary Soho areas in New York and London . The area is surrounded by boutiques , exclusive salons , gourmet tearooms and restaurants that serve fusion food . The restaurant Casa Cruz is one of the best around . Elegant , understated and modern , it 's one of the most expensive and luxurious in Buenos Aires . The ambiance is its best asset , although the art and sophisticated cuisine are not far behind . The top-flight menu makes it a favorite of celebrities . Casa Cruz is located at Uriarte 1658 , and in that same area there are excellent places for afternoon tea with an English flair . Pierina Tea House , at Gurruchaga 1875 , blends elegance , good taste and tradition . Just past Juan B. Justo street begins `` Palermo Hollywood , '' a nickname inspired by the producers and TV channels that settled in the area . The residential area has gained plenty of nightlife , and there are many `` grills '' where you can eat delicious Argentine beef . Romanticizing Argentina 's history . Perón Perón offers an ample menu and is located at Angel Carranza 2225 . The restaurant aims to recreate the aesthetic of the Peronist '40s . Throughout the restaurant there are propaganda posters for the Peronist party , which is one of the oldest political parties in Argentina . It originated with the government of Gen. Juan Domingo Perón , who was married to Evita Duarte . The restaurant has an atmosphere of camaraderie and great fanfare . Diners who meet here embrace and celebrate shared jokes at long tables like an extended family . Among its customers are the young and old , activists and even a few anti-Peronists . Political discourse is everywhere in the air here and discussed with passion . To better understand this passion , visit the Evita Museum . The museum , located at Lafinur 2988 , explores the life of the woman whose husband , Juan Domingo Peron , was twice elected president of Argentina . Evita Perón is a mythical figure in Argentina and around the world , praised and criticized by many . Perón 's body was laid to rest in the historic Recoleta Cemetery , and the burial site is a popular tourist destination . For further museum exploration , tour the Casa Rosada where the president 's offices are housed . The Government Palace and the Museum of the Bicentennial are nearby , bringing together the complex political , social and cultural aspects of Argentina .
Buenos Aires is a starting point for many visits to Argentina . The city is a great place to mingle with locals , experience South American culture . Wander the streets , dance the tango , try museums and eat delicious food . Have you been to Argentina ? Share your stories of adventures there .