Further Distractions
Jardín Japonés (Japanese Garden)
The lungs of the city are situated in a long green belt of land sandwiched between heavily populated residential districts and the Rio de la Plata. There are many fine parks in the Palermo neighbourhood, including the Parque Tres de Febrero (Third of February Park), Paseo Rosedal (Rose Garden) and the Jardín Botánico (Botanical Gardens). But the Jardín Japonés is one of the best open spaces for quiet contemplation away from the noise and pollution of the city centre. Created in 1967 as a gift from the Emperor of Japan, the garden is a quiet and tranquil park of Asiatic shrubs and trees beautifully landscaped around a small lake bubbling with huge carp fish. Walkways and an ornate red bridge connect an island in the middle of the lake, which is decorated with rockeries, fountains and statues of Japanese design. A pagoda-style teahouse contains a Japanese cultural centre and restaurant.
Avenida Casares 2966, near Avenida Figueroa Alcorta
Tel: (011) 4804 4922.
E-mail: info@jardinjapones.com.ar
Website: www.jardinjapones.com.ar
Transport: Bus 37, 67, 102 or 130.
Opening hours: Daily 1000-1800.
Admission: $2.
Puerto Madero
A few years ago, a visit to the industrial wasteland of Puerto Madero, as it was then, would have been inconceivable. But an ambitious regeneration project has turned this former working dock into a lively and popular area for a stroll, a drink or a bite to eat. Old docking cranes stand guard over the water to remind visitors of the area’s historical importance and it is possible to walk on-board the restored 19th-century ship, the Fragata Sarmiento. One side of the dock is lined with old redbrick warehouses, which now house offices above bars and restaurants. The other side features modern glass office buildings, hotels and residential buildings, plus many more bars and restaurants. The two sides are connected by an architectually designed suspension bridge that swings open to let boats pass. Puerto Madero is sandwiched between the city centre and the Parque Natural Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur wildlife reserve.
Transport: Subte line B to L.N. Alem; bus 33, 54, 56, 62, 105, 126, 146, 152 or 159.
Parque Natural Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur
Avenida Tristan Achaval Rodriguez 1550
Tel: (011) 4315 1320 or 4129.
Opening hours: Daily 0700-2000.
Admission: Free.
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