InterContinental Buenos Aires

Start the day with coffee and a croissant at the Cafè La Puerto Rico, an atmospheric spot, open since 1887, just four blocks from the hotel. Afterwards, walk to the Plaza Congreso which is a good place to get a taste of where you are. The monuments in the centre of the plaza were built to commemorate Argentine independence and are rich in symbolism. The granite steps leading up to the main statue represent the Andes mountains and the wading pool on the far side represents the Atlantic Ocean. I feel that the architecture in this area is a good example of the blend of Spanish and native influences that have made this city what it is.

You can have a great lunch at the restaurant Monserrat, which does an absolutely sumptuous steak, and then visit the bustling Recoleta neighbourhood. This area has big parks, handicraft markets and lots of coffee shops where you can watch Buenos Aires buzz around you. And for history buffs, you will find the extraordinary Recoleta cemetery, where the graves of Argentine aristocrats almost appear to compete with each other for splendour in death. You can take a guided tour or just walk around and enjoy the splendour of this place, which also houses the remains of Eva Perón.

A classic place to eat just two blocks from the hotel is the Palacio Español, which used to be a club for our Spanish ancestors but is now a restaurant with fabulous seafood. Afterwards, you can see a captivating tango show at El Querandí, a romantic club with a very intimate feel. The sensual dancing is quite mesmerising, with every sway of the hips or flick of the head holding your gaze. The whole experience harks back to the class and style of the golden age of Buenos Aires.