Top 7 travel apps that will help you on your next trip

Smartphone apps can help you save time and money whenever you are on the road. Here are the 7 travel apps we liked the most, and we want to share them:

1-Find the Best Airline Itinerary for the Lowest Price

The Kayak app is worth downloading: Its sophisticated filters allow to search by criteria such as preferred airports for layovers (Android, iPad, iPhone, Nokia, Windows Phone; free). Find the itinerary you want, then wait till you’re at a computer and book via the airline’s Web site or an ­excellent travel agent (to avoid potential snags caused by online travel agencies).

2-Snag a Better Seat on the Plane

The Seat-Guru app tells you which seats are still available, study their pros and cons (which have the most legroom, which don’t recline, which are next to the lavatory) so you can choose wisely. We’ve heard that sometimes Seat Guru is not accurate, especially for United flights (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch; free).

3-Be the First to Learn About Flight Changes

There are several apps that promise to track your flights and notify you of any ­delays or gate changes, but FlightTrack Pro’s alerts are faster, more accurate, and more thorough than others. Android, iPad, iPhone; $9.99).

4-Eat Where the Locals Liketo Eat

The LocalEats app helps you to find that ­colorful local restaurant just two miles off the highway that you would never have known about. Choose “Nearby” and the app will pull up non-chain spots close to you that are recommended by local food critics. (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch; 99 cents).

5- Convert Foreign Prices into Dollars

The XE Currency app will help you to calculate dollar values instantly, using real-time exchange rates (Android, BlackBerry, iPad, iPhone, Windows Phone; free).

6- Know the Forecast

The Weather Channel app tells you what to ­expect hourly throughout the day as well as for the next ten days. (Android, BlackBerry, iPad, iPhone, Kindle Fire, Windows Phone; free)

7- Find a Map Anywhere, Anytime

Maplets provides maps for almost everything: national parks, ski resorts, subways, college campuses, rail systems, and much more. Download the maps when you have a free Internet connection so you can pull them up later when you don’t (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch; $2.99).

Tell us, which one is your favorite?

Berlin LIVE: Berlin meets Buenos Aires

This year is the 20th anniversary of the sister-city arrangement between Buenos Aires and Berlin. It is a solemn occasion for Berlin’s Mayor Klaus Wowereit to travel to Buenos Aires and to celebrate this jubilee.  On March 31 at 7 p.m., an anniversary event under the motto “Berlin LIVE: Berlin meets Buenos Aires” will be opened by the city government of Buenos Aires, the capital’s marketing campaign be Berlin, visitBerlin and selected actors from Berlin and Buenos Aires in the Centro Metropolitano de Diseño CMD, the city’s design center.

Klaus Wowereit’s visit is special because, in addition to confirming the strong bond between Buenos Aires with such an inspiring city like Berlin, it will be the first international visit to the Design District.

From March 31 to April 9, the CMD will provide space for exciting exhibitions and presentations from Berlin as well as cooperation projects between Berlin and Buenos Aires such as: an art exhibition with the title “Icon and symbols of cultural identity. Buenos Aires – Berlin.” by the IDBerlin, an extraordinary concept of food production and urban development presented by the Markthalle Neun from Berlin-Kreuzberg, an exhibition of design objects “made in Berlin” by the International Design Festival Berlin DMY and many other projects. In the evening of March 31, the LiCHTPiRATEN will present the old fish market hall in the CMD in a whole new light, accompanied by Argentinian tango dancers.

Everyone in Buenos Aires who is interested in Berlin should visit, experience and celebrate these 20 years of successful cooperation.

Centro Metropolitano de Diseño
Algarrobo 1041 (C1293ABA)
Ciudad de Buenos Aires
Argentina

(+5411) 4126-2950
cmd@buenosaires.gob.ar

Buenos Aires by Bike

Bicing is the name of a ‘community bicycle program’ in Barcelona inaugurated on March 22, 2007, similar to the Vélô service in Toulouse, and Vélib‘ in Paris.

This Bicing system or Public Bicycle Sharing System is also working in Buenos Aires: the city government lends a bicycle for free for a period of up to two hours. They can be removed in Bicing stations and be submitted in another city Bicing station.

If you’re a tourist in town, you can now use the Public Bicycle Sharing System to get to know the City in a different way. Head to the closest station, show your original passport and provide a photocopy. You will also need to leave your personal information and contact information of the place you’re staying at: address, hotel name (as applicable) and telephone number. They will take your picture and you´ll have to punch in your PIN number. You sign the affidavit accepting the terms and off you pedal!
The service is free of charge and is available Mondays through Fridays from 8 AM to 8 PM and on Saturdays from 9 AM to 3 PM..

Another option for tourists to visit and discover a different Buenos Aires is to rent a bicycle, for example with La Bicicleta Naranja or Bike tours. They have a large fleet of bicycles, perfectly suitable for street circuits. This service includes safety helmets and locks.
They also organize tours where you’ll be immersed in history, culture and current affairs of the city through the eyes of the locals.

However, whether renting a bike or touring, it is interesting to know which streets are those with greater exposure to risk. And based on the same, determining routes or walks. The most dangerous streets are the avenues Rivadavia, Corrientes, San Juan, Cordoba, Belgrano, Santa Fe and 9 de Julio.

Check in this map where to ride safely: Ciclovias.

And make sure to wear sunscreen 😀

What to do in Buenos Aires when it rains?

1- Visit the Planetarium Galileo Galilei

The Planetarium Galileo Galilei, located in the Palermo, presents  a special show with the purpose of getting kids in touch with the universe. For generations, “porteños” have been amazed at its dome, which can simulate a night full of stars, or the meteorite located in the hall of this nice place.

Cosmic collisions, the current show , is about the unimaginable explosive encounters that shaped our solar system, changed the course of life on Earth and continue to transform in the future our galaxy and the universe.

Tuesdays thru Fridays at 4, 5, 6, 7pm

http://www.planetario.gov.ar

Tickets $30 pesos

2-Visit Mercado de las Pulgas

Located on the boundary of Palermo, on the corner of Dorrego and Conde, Colegiales can just claim the Mercado de las Pulgas (flea market) as its own. The open shed consists of 143 stores filled with antiques, retro furniture, chandeliers, vintage posters, and many more miscellaneous goods.

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 7pm on the corner of Dorrego and Conde.

3- Have the 5 o clock tea at Confitería Las Violetas

luxuriously decorated– with red and gold accents adorning stunningly high ceilings, stained glass from the original building, and grand pillars that will make you feel like you have somehow found yourself in a royal tearoom.

Av. Rivadavia 3899 at the corner with Medrano. It is open daily from 8am until close

4-Visit a bookshop cafe

A must visit bookshop is the– ex-theatre Ateneo Grand Splendid. If you don’t feel like leaving Palermo, then go to Libros del Pasaje

5- Forget all previous suggestions…and check into Home Hotel Spa

Leave the noise and grit of the city behind and step into our Spa, a space where relaxation reaches new heights. Our Spa at Home Hotel Buenos Aires offers you a range of massage, body & facial therapies to suit your needs, moods and wants.

You deserve it…

What to do in Buenos Aires on Christmas and New Year’s eve? Here’s the agenda for the toast.

This holiday season gives us an opportunity to spend time with our loved ones, to think about our achievements and also to go out and celebrate, specially in the hot summer nights of Buenos Aires.

What to do after Christmas dinner, the main Argentine celebration? How to spend New Year’s eve?

Enjoying drinks and dancing until the wee hours are required precepts. There are lots of options and here’s our pick:

CHRISTMAS

• Hype: Every Tuesday, Kika Club has international Djs set showcasing the latest in indie music, hip hop, dubstep and electro. Although they have not yet confirmed guests for the 24th, hosts Matt Ashley, Nacho Menendez and Fabricio Ruiz will warm up the track, promising a different Christmas Eve. Free Admission before 1 am at Honduras 5339. A similar party will be held on December 31st. More info at www.facebook.com/hypeba .
• Magic: This Christmas, Niceto Club will welcome guests with one of the most recognized DJs on the national scene: Javier Bussola, who will perform a six hour set, non stop. Niceto Vega 5510 . More info at atwww.facebook.com/magicBA.
  
• La Loka: With variety of fun drinks, this bar located in the heart of Palermo offers a Christmas Eve party on the terrace to enjoy a lovely summer night. Nicaragua 5549. A similar party will be held on December 31st. More info at www.facebook.com/LokaOficial.

NEW YEAR –

• Groove: 2014 New Years Eve will be hosted by Simon Patterson, Irish DJ that rocks Irish clubs of London , along with one of the best producers and dj trance, John Askew . Both local talent accompanied by Javier Bussola. Santa Fe Av 4389 . More info at www.facebook.com/BuenosAiresTrance
• Piso Compartido: A special party for all expats of Buenos Aires. This special edition will vibrate with an international flavor.  Niceto Vega 5510 . More info at www.facebook.com/fiestapisocompartido.
• Pony Line: For those looking to start the year in a cool and stylish atmosphere, then the bar of the Four Seasons Buenos Aires Hotel is the place to be. Famous for its great cocktails and great food and music. Posadas 1086. More info at www.facebook.com/PonyLine .

Last Gallery Night of the year!

Photo: http://www.argentina.ar

On Thursday, December 12, the last night of the Gallery Nights 2013 will be held, this time in Palermo.

The spaces will be open as usual from 7pm to 10pm to present the artists and show their latest creations.

Since this is not a tour, we suggest you to view the map and the start your own tour where you prefer .

Gallery Nights in Palermo will run between the limits of Santa Fe ave., Córdoba ave., Ravignani nad Gascón . To facilitate visitors access, a free shuttle service will be implemented with fixed stops so that the public can access all points of the circuit on a more practical and convenient way.

A classical Buenos Aires must that cannot be missed.

Colectivaizeishon: a book about Buenos Aires

Colectivaizeishon. Action and effect of taking all the buses in Buenos Aires. (Dictionary of the Royal Academy of Spanish)

This is a book about Buenos Aires and the Argentinized Englishman who woke up one day and decided to take all her buses.

It is not a book about buses. It is a book about how we experience, perceive and use the space of a city. It is a book for all those people who have ever wondered “what happens if I just stay on until the end of the line?” It is a book for all those who ever looked at a map of the city they lived in and realised that, in spite of the years, they didn’t know half of their own city.

In a period of seven months in 2011-2012, freelance writer and translator Daniel Tunnard spent around 400 hours travelling on every one of the 140 bus lines that criss-cross the capital. It was, as he saw it, a chance to explore and interact with parts of the city he had never been to; an opportunity to turn something functional into an experiment; a reason to put on a pair of trousers.

Colectivaizeishon’ is a collection of the observations, reflections, and revelations he made during all those long bus rides.

Another point of view to explore the city.

http://www.danieltunnard.com

Responsible Consumption Fair: sustainability and consumer consciousness

With more than 70 stalls of sustainable entrepreneurs, the Responsible Consumption Fair will be the first permanently established one in Buenos Aires. At the fair, sustainable designers and entrepreneurs can meet and offer their products and services.

What is responsible consumption?

Responsible consumption is the choice of products and services, not only based on their quality and price, but also for its environmental and social impact.

Under a sustainable development paradigm, where economic, social, environmental and also cultural and political factors are in harmony, producers adapt their processes by appealing to creativity and innovation. Values ​​such as the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle), fair labor conditions, solidarity and fair trade is increasingly incorporated when developing new projects.

The Responsible Consumption Fair aims to promote sustainability and responsible consumption, as well as being a space of awareness and dissemination of various environmental issues that affect us in the city of Buenos Aires.

At the Fair you will find different products, including clothing, toys, objects, accessories, tableware, jewelry, securities and personal care items. There are also other activities planned that include workshops, lectures, live music, and contests.

When & where?

• Every Sunday from 10 am to 6pm ( summer time from 10 am to 7pm)
• Av Pres Julio A. Roca (Diagonal Sur) 600-800 (between Av Belgrano and Alsina).

 

Popemania in Buenos Aires

From May 11, the City of Buenos Aires will offer a guided tours around the life and pastoral activity of His Holiness Pope Francis.

We believe that those who make this journey they will find not only a story of life, but also teachings and values ​​that are the foundation to build together a better society every day.

Walking tours

Flores

• Days: Every Thursday at 3pm
• Starting point: San José de Flores Basilica; Av Rivadavia 6950
• Estimated time: 1.30 h
• Free. No prior registration.

Attractions:

1. Basílica San José de Flores
2. Colegio Nuestra Señora de la Misericordia
3. Solar de la Infancia
4. Plazoleta Herminia Brumana
5. Escuela Nº 08 D.E. 11 “Cnel. Ing. Pedro Antonio Cerviño”

Plaza de Mayo

• Days: Every Tuesday at 3pm
• Starting point: Catedral Metropolitana, Rivadavia and Bolívar. (Plaza de Mayo in front of the Cathedral)
• Estimated time: 1.30 h
• Free. No prior registration.

Attractions:

1. Catedral Metropolitana
2. Arzobispado de Buenos Aires
3. Pasaje Roverano – Peluquería Romano
4. Puesto de diarios
5. Iglesia San Ignacio de Loyola
6. Iglesia San Francisco de Asís

Bus tour

• Days: Saturdays, Sundays and holidays | Hours: 9am 12pm and 3-6pm
• Departure and arrival point: Basilica San José de Flores, Av Rivadavia 6950
• Estimated travel time: 3 hours
• Free tour

All tours have limited spaces, that’s why we suggest you to book in advance to circuitopapal@buenosaires.gob.ar

Phone: 4114-5791

Buenos Aires Food Week: Seven days of fine eating in Buenos Aires.

Many of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires will offer, for a week, special menus at promotional prices in a unique opportunity to enjoy great food from the hand of the best chefs.

From April 15th to 21st, the best restaurants in the city will become more accessible to everyone. The Buenos Aires Food Week is an annual event in which restaurants will offer luxury menus for a week, both at noon and night at promotional prices. “The goal is to democratize access to haute cuisine,” explained from the organization.

Each menu will have three steps (starter, main course and dessert), with a fixed price of pesos $ 99 for lunch and pesos $ 169 for dinner (drinks, service and tip not included).

Participating restaurants in this first edition are:

• Agraz – Caesar Park Hotel
• Astrid y Gastón
• Azema
• Bice
• Blanch
• Brasserie Petanque
• Cardon
• Casa Cruz
• Club 31 restaurant – Grand Hotel
• Deriva
• Doppio Zero
• Dos Mares
• Honor y Causa
• La Brasserie – Marriot Plaza Hotel
• La Rosa Náutica
• Le Grill
• Mooi
• Mullu
• Piegari Vitello e Dolce
• Plaza Grill – Marriot Plaza Hotel
• Pony Line Bar – Four Seasons Hotel
• Root – Intercontinental Nordelta
• Sivela 465 – Mio Hotel
• Social Paraíso

Reservations can be made on the website www.bafoodweek.com

We strongly recommend booking in advance.

Bon Appetit!