Argentina (Buenos Aires)

Microcentro

The microcentro refers to the area around pedestrianized shopping street Florida and Lavalle and also encompasses the banking district. During the week this is Buenos Aires’ busiest area and cutting your way through the uninterrupted stream of north-south foot traffic in Florida requires a degree of determination. The financial district, or la City is no longer the scene of such frantic money-changing as it was during the era of hyperinflation, but it’s still hectic, its narrow streets thronging with gesticulating bank workers and echoing to the sound of a thousand mobile phones.
The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Merced, at Reconquista 207, is one of the most beautiful and least visited churches in Buenos Aires. Favoured by political and military figures through the ages, its sombre interior walls are heavily ornamented with gilt and tiles, creating an air of gloomy sumptuousness. Next door is one of the city’s best kept secrets, the Convento de San Ramón with a jewel-like patio where, amongst palm trees and bird song, you can relax in the restaurant located under the recova and take a break from the madness outside.