Los Bosques de Palermo

The beautiful green fields of Palermo
Word to the wise: The park's official name is Parque Tres de Febrero, but most prefer to call it "The Woods of Palermo."

Noteworthy for: Most days you'll catch spontaneous performances, from aerial acrobatics to skateboarding.
Just as New York has Central Park and London has Hyde Park, so Buenos Aires has the sprawling and fun-packed Bosques de Palermo. Made up of a series of interconnecting parks all beautifully tended with tree-lined pathways, ponds buzzing with bird life and overflowing flower beds, you'll also find a free outdoor gym, a 1.6km running track, exercise classes like tai chi and yoga, a botanical garden and a zoo.

Perhaps most impressive is the Jardins Japones (Avenida Figueroa Alcorta y Avenida Casares; ARS 16). These carefully sculpted gardens are considered some of the best-kept in the city. Wander over the tiny bridges spying gigantic koi in the ponds and admiring the landscape, or stop for a snack in one of the teahouses. The sushi restaurant has a spectacular setting though is unfortunately overpriced. There are usually exhibitions and workshops too, from shiatsu lessons to lectures on Japanese horticulture.