After an 18-hour direct flight from Dubai, I finally landed in Buenos Aires, capital city of Argentina, the country of tango, wine, Eva Peron, Maradona and – more recently – Pope Francis.

Extremely tired from the travel, as soon as I reclaimed my luggage, I got in the first taxi available outside the airport.

On the way to my hostel in the old district of San Telmo, I was suddenly struck by the hugeness of the Avenidas and the elegant blocks of buildings.

Despite the lure of my bed, after checking in, I went out for dinner and a quick look around the neighbourhood, until I could resist sleep no longer.

It is an opportunity to taste food from an authentic parrilla barbecue and, most of all, enjoy tango

I woke early the next morning eager to satisfy my curiosity, wolfed down the continental breakfast and set off down the streets to discover this magnificent city.

A few metres from the hostel I found myself strolling across the historic Plaza De Mayo.

Grey skies above Plaza De Mayo. Right: Street performers of all ages entertain passersby.

Argentina’s president lives in the iconic Casa Rosada.

This huge square is surrounded by important buildings such as the cathedral of Buenos Aires, the Banco Nacional, the Casa del Gobierno (better known as Casa Rosada), where the President lives, and the National Museum of the Cabildo.

The square is always full of movement with visitors wandering around appreciating its beauty, locals passing by and protesters voicing their issues against the system.

Next I visited the nearby Museum of History of Buenos Aires, then passed by the Ministry of Defence to have lunch in a typical local cafe.

That evening, I made my way towards Palermo, an area whose name originated from the Italian immigrants who emigrated to Argentina before and after World War I and made a living there.

This is the trendiest district of the city with a great vibe, elegant and youthful at the same time.

Packed full of interesting restaurants offering different cuisines, restobars, parrilla grills, wine bars, cafe-bookshops and boutiques, it’s the place to spend a Saturday night in style just meeting the locals and wandering around.

On Sunday, the place to visit is definitely the huge San Telmo market, which sprawls along the district’s streets.

There are so many things to buy, ranging from souvenirs, arts, crafts, records, memorabilia, crafts and typical Argentinian decorations.

It is an opportunity to taste local food from an authentic parrilla barbecue and, most of all, appreciate and enjoy tango street performances, especially in the main square Plaza Dorrego. It became one of the highlights of my visit.

I caught another opportunity to appreciate the authenticity and charm of San Telmo at a tango show in the heart of this amazing district, where elegance and passion joined with precision as locals danced to traditional music.

San Telmo is the city’s oldest neighbourhood, known as barrios, also famous for its colonial architecture as well as the tango studios and theatres, reflecting the character of Buenos Aires.

Another barrio is La Recoleta, which is mainly populated by the affluent portenos (‘people of the port’, as the citizens of Buenos Aires are called).

An interesting attraction is the La Recoleta Cemetery, where many notable people including Eva Peron, known better as Evita, are buried.

In 2013, CNN listed this cemetery among the 10 most beautiful burial places in the world.

Heading towards Avenida 9 de Julio, I could suddenly feel all the chaos you would expect in the world’s widest avenue.

The extremely busy, 12-lane street honours Argentina’s Independence Day: July 9, 1916.

The impressive Teatro Colon opera house can also be found along the avenue.

Chaotic with a New York City feel, seeing this road is a must, especially at night as it is magnificently lit up.

Boca Juniors’ famous stadium, La Bombonera.

La Boca is home to the famous Boca Juniors and their stadium La Bombonera, where legendary footballer Diego Armando Maradona played. Visitors to the club’s museum at the stadium – officially known as Estadio Alberto J. Armando – suddenly encounter a three-metre-high statue of the legendary footballer at the entrance, which was unveiled in 2006.

The museum portrays Boca Juniors’ history and achievements in detail and includes useful illustrations for those less familiar with the game.

Outside, I was entranced by the colours of the houses as well as the ever-present tango clubs and dancers that attract many visitors every day. The area is also full of Italian taverns.

There is so much to say and describe about Buenos Aires: diverse, passionate, elegant and at the same time rebellious.

It is one of the world’s most beautiful and attractive cities and I would gladly return any time.