About Argentina
The Latin root of Argentina is ‘argentum (silver)’. In this context, we recommend taking a look at “The South”, a story by writer Jorge Luis Borges, to gain a better understanding of the country’s extraordinary history and its valuable underground resources. Argentina has been an independent country since 1816. A federal republic governed by a presidential system, Argentina has 23 states and a federal district. Keep reading for more information on Argentina, its capital and some of its other cities.
Getting to Argentina
Turkish Airlines operates direct flights from İstanbul to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, every day of the week. With departures from İstanbul Airport, flights arrive at Buenos Aires Ministro Pistarini International Airport or at Jorge Newbery Airport. Passengers traveling to other Argentine cities must transfer via airports in the capital. The İstanbul-Buenos Aires flight takes around 18 hours. To fly in the most comfortable conditions and with the privileges of Turkish Airlines, you can browse the Argentina flight ticket page.
When to visit Argentina
As one of the world’s most important centers of Latin culture, Argentina is home to breathtaking geographical beauty stretching along the Atlantic Ocean and the Andes. Spring is a wonderful time to explore the country’s lush forests and national parks, exotic wildlife, picturesque towns and bustling cities. As the country lies below the equator, spring falls in September, October and November. March, April and May constitute the autumn season in the Southern Hemisphere and also offer favorable conditions for visiting most of the country. Skiing in the magical Andes Mountains is an option during the winter months of June, July and August, while the summer months are December, January and February. It should be noted that many of the country’s festivals and carnivals take place between January and March.
Where is Argentina?
Separated from Antarctica in the south by the Drake Strait, Argentina is bordered by Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay, as well as the South Atlantic Ocean.
The capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, and other cities
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is a large metropolis with a population of 15.4 million as of 2023. Notable for its sunny days and one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America, Buenos Aires is also ranked among the world’s most romantic cities: a title well deserved, as the tango – the dance of love and anguish – was born in Buenos Aires. The city’s cultural heart is the Avenida de Mayo district, home to the world’s widest street, Avenida 9 de Julio. Some of Buenos Aires’ many highlights include the Buenos Aires Latin American Art Museum, the Palermo Rose Garden, the Recoleta Cemetery and the Barolo Palace, one of the most original buildings of the city, as well as the colorful Caminito.
Cordoba
Cordoba, the second largest city in Argentina, is also the capital of Cordoba province. In addition to its importance as an industrial center, it houses numerous universities and has a very young and dynamic population. In this province famous for its salami and honey, some of the highlights include the Cordoba Cathedral, the Santa Teresa Monastery, the General Paz Cultural Center, the Industrial Museum and the Botanical Garden.
Rosario
Rosario, the birthplace of Che Guevara and star footballer Lionel Messi, is Argentina’s third-largest city and the largest city in the state of Santa Fe. A port city with many rivers, Rosario is a prominent cultural center where many of the country’s activists, intellectuals and politicians live. Some of Rosario’s highlights include Independence Park, the Juan B. Castagnino Municipal Museum of Fine Arts and the National Monument to the Flag, set along the cliffs overlooking the Paraná River.
La Plata
La Plata, the capital of the province of Buenos Aires, is the fourth largest city in Argentina and has a population of almost one million as of 2023. The design of this colorful city, which attracts attention with its grid city plan, is attributed to the renowned architect Pedro Benoit. The city also features original architectural structures. Among its other highlights are La Plata Museum, the Municipal Museum of Fine Arts, La Plata Cathedral and Casa Crutchet (Crutchet House).
Dining in Argentina
Argentina is the world’s largest producer of beef and, according to data from the World Population Review, the country also consumes the most beef worldwide. Unsurprisingly, asado – grilled meat – is considered one of the national dishes.
- Grilled meat, referred to as barbecue, asado or parrillada
- Provoleta, a pulled-curd provolone cheese that is usually grilled and served hot
- The light and delicious dessert, dulce de leche
- Choripan, a hearty sandwich of chorizo sausage on a crusty bread roll, is a street snack often consumed before football matches.
Practical information on Argentina
The capital of Argentina: Buenos Aires
The official language of Argentina: Spanish
The currency of Argentina: Argentine peso
