What are the best and the worst areas of Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro?

• I'm thinking of studying abroad to either Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro for one semester. Here's my reasoning for both cities... BA: First and foremost, I'm a Spanish major, so going here would allow me to take more of my required classes. Also, Buenos Aires seems like a gorgeous city with a relatively laidback atmosphere (for an urban setting, at least). RIO: However, I am much more interested in Brazilian history and culture than I am Argentinean. Also, I love learning new languages, so I think it would be really fun (and pretty easy for someone familiar with Spanish) to learn Portuguese. And of course the biggest plus for Rio is its SPECTACULAR natural beauty! What do you all think? I'll tell you a little bit about me so that you can hopefully tell me which city you think is the best fit. I absolutely love beach culture and hanging out in and near the ocean, so that's a plus for both cities. I'm also into culture, like theater, dance, music, art. I love being active, so I would definitely participate in lots of sports and dancing and adventure-type activities (i.e. bungee jumping) in the areas nearby. Most of all, I just enjoy learning and experiencing new things! I really, truly appreciate any advice you can share on either or both of the cities. P.S. I know I said I like to dance, but I'm not really interested in the tango. I know that's so unsophisticated of me! It just seems so slow-paced and compact. So if you were going to list that as a pro for BA...

• Answer:

  Mmmmm, both cities are simply great and have been to both but I would go with BA simply because it is more culturally "open" than Rio. Let me explain: Rio (or any city in Brazil) is quite into its own brazilian culture, its language, its food, its traditions, etc. Even the clothes you see in Brazil are made in Brazil, they are a very "local" culture. They do embrace diversity but they are very into themselves as brazilians. In BA on the other hand, you will find the same relaxed atmosphere than in Rio but their culture is not just tango and empanadas, they have a more international openess in their bars, restaurants, etc. There is more of a "urban atmosphere" in BA plus, it's near Punta del Este (3 hours in Buquebus) so you can explore nice beaches, it's close enough to Brazil (Florianopolis is very close!) to explore brazilian culture and language, plus you'll know the language so it would be easy for you to communicate with everyone. Culturally speaking, there are more things to do and see in BA, museums, opera, theatres, etc. I would chose BA but that's what I would chose! Ah and I hate tango too! Tango is just for tourists in BA, locals hardly dance that! Good luck and have fun in whichever city you chose, both are great and you wll have a great time in any of those cities.