“The City of Good Winds” (literal translation from Spanish), Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is the second-largest metropolis in South America, after São Paulo in Brazil. And it has many “big things” – the 9th of July Avenue (Argentina’s Independence Day) is the widest avenue on the continent and one of the widest in the world (150 meters); the city’s port, situated at the mouth of the Río de la Plata River, is one of the largest in the world; the Teatro Colón is one of the largest and most beautiful opera houses globally; and its subway system is one of the first in the world.
But all these are just dry statistics. The truly significant feature of Buenos Aires is its unmistakably European appearance. This is reflected both in the old buildings, constructed in the Art Deco architectural style, and in the modern structures; as well as in the nightlife culture, which resembles that of Paris – cafes, shopping promenades, and cultural institutions. The European look of the city is the result of Italian, Spanish, and English influences, brought here by a massive wave of immigration from Europe during the 19th century.
And how could we talk about Argentina without mentioning tango – the sensual dance born right here in Buenos Aires – and football, which has seen better days, along with the famous love for meat, and the zest for life typical of Latin America.
After taking in Plaza de Mayo and the “Pink House,” the presidential palace known from the movie Evita about the legendary Eva Perón, and strolling down Avenida de Mayo, which is like Barcelona’s La Rambla on steroids, don’t miss the historic Café Tortoni. After a hearty meal and dessert, find a relaxing spot to enjoy a cigar. Smoking laws in Argentina are sensible, with the guiding principle being not to smoke where it might disturb others. Here are a few places that will enhance your time with a cigar and a drink in hand.
The Oak Bar
The Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires is a popular destination for many tourists, thanks to its historic center and stunning architectural wealth. Avenida Alvear, which runs through it, is the most prestigious and distinctive of all the streets, home to a wide array of haute couture boutiques, embassies, and former palaces. One of these, Palacio Duhau, built in 1890, was transformed into the Park Hyatt Hotel, yet it has retained much of the luxury of the former family palace, including red marble floor decorations.
The luxurious lounge, The Oak Bar, also enjoys a particularly classical heritage. Its carved wooden panels were crafted from oak trees by French artisans for a castle in Normandy in the 17th century. When the owner of the castle passed away, his widow sold the panels to Mr. Louis Duhau, who brought them to his palace in Argentina. The 28-seat lounge, named after these oak panels, features an impeccable design that creates a relaxed atmosphere – comfortable leather armchairs, a crackling fireplace on winter days, and a terrace overlooking the manicured gardens. Aristocracy at its finest.
The bar offers a fine selection of single malts, rum, gin, whiskey, and top-tier cognac. Cocktails and martinis are also crafted for guests, and within the original vault of the palace, which has been restored, you’ll find the finest cognac and armagnac, as well as cigars to enjoy on the lounge’s terrace.
Avenida Alvear 1661, C1014AAD
(+54) 11 5171 1515
www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/argentina/palacio-duhau-park-hyatt-buenos-aires/bueph
Vuelta Abajo Social Club
A few years ago, Nicolás Weil had the opportunity to open a special place for cigars in Buenos Aires. He did so in the prestigious Belgrano neighborhood, and the place immediately became a success. Named after the renowned tobacco-growing region of Vuelta Abajo in Cuba, the venue is committed to offering proper attention to cigars and the accessories surrounding them. Shortly after, a second branch opened in the Recoleta neighborhood, and then, with accumulated experience and knowledge, the flagship lounge of the network was opened on the 15th floor of the Comega Tower.
The lounge consists of several areas, each with its own design and atmosphere. Guests can choose the style that suits them best – heavy leather armchairs and chandeliers from the early 20th century, a long bar area offering original cocktails, or the wonderful outdoor terrace, where on a clear day, one can see Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay, on the other side of the Río de la Plata Bay. Adjacent to the terrace is a modern-style VIP section, designed for private events and parties.
In the rich walk-in humidor, more than 70,000 cigars from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Nicaragua are stored, along with a variety of pipe tobaccos. The drink selection is extensive, as expected, but before reaching them, guests can enjoy carefully crafted dishes by chef Manuela Carbone, who, together with the local cigar sommelier Marco Avogadro, selected dishes that complement the cigars.
At this lounge, they understand well: the taste and aroma of a burning cigar – that’s enjoyable; too much smoke around – not so much. That’s why sophisticated smoke extractors have been installed to ensure a pleasant atmosphere at all times. Smoking cigarettes is prohibited here.
Av. Corrientes 222, C1043
(+54) 9 115578 7953
https://vueltabajo.com.ar
Cohiba Atmosphere
Exactly three years ago, the Cohiba Atmosphere lounge opened in the San Telmo district, just a few blocks from the “Pink House.” It is part of the Cohiba cigar lounge network by Habanos S.A. from Cuba. The lounge is located inside Palácio Raggio, a building constructed in 1901, which was recently declared a national historic monument.
The lounge blends the old original design with modern technology. For example, to enter its walk-in humidor, which houses all the leading Cuban cigar brands along with a wine cellar, guests must authenticate themselves with a biometric fingerprint scan, recorded upon entry.
The bar offers all the sought-after drink types to complement the cigars, and the in-house restaurant serves both Argentine and international cuisine. In addition to the main smoking area, there are two meeting rooms available for business gatherings in the signature Cohiba atmosphere.
Moreno 518, C1091AAL
(+54) 11 3210 4600
www.habanos.com/en/noticias/nuevo-cohiba-atmosphere-en-buenos-aires
