For a city break bursting with vibrant energy, bright colours, and rich culture, the cities of Latin America will add an extra beat to any traveller’s heart. From beautiful streets and buzzing markets to sunshine and surrounding beauty, here are five Latin American City Breaks:
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is a city pulsing with passion, where technicolour streets and the tap of tango music create an exciting energy that is hard to match. Latin American city breaks
The city’s grid layout makes it easily accessible to explore by foot. Marvel at the striking architecture of the central barrios, where colonial and 19th century French and Italian influences are matched by the distinctly Spanish layout. Gaze at the neo-Gothic structure of the Palacio Barolo or take time to explore the English Clock Tower.
La Boca is like a box of crayons!
Wander through the city’s oldest neighbourhood, San Telmo, where open-air art galleries and vendors fill the streets.
Browse the bargains and antique treasures at Plaza Dorrego or visit the Sunday Feria where hundreds of stalls line the streets of Calle Defensa.
Visit the Museo de Arte Moderno and the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo for an exploration of Argentinian culture or discover the country’s history at the Museo Historico Nacional.
Buenos Aires is bursting with flavour, with plenty of options for every kind of foodie. Try the iconic Argentinian empanadas at Ña Serapia in Palermo or grab a lunchtime snack from the famous Café Tortoni. For dinner, sample the best Argentinian steak and wine at Don Julio.
Catch a Tango show at a milonga after dinner or finish the evening with tasty tipples at Bar 878. For something more laid back, sip some of Argentina’s best produce at Vico Wine Bar.
Stay at the Tango de Mayo Hotel in San Telmo, and enjoy comfortable rooms and a happening rooftop bar in this beautiful location. Latin American city breaks
Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena, known as the queen of the Caribbean Coast, is one of Colombia’s coolest cities. A place of exquisitely preserved historical beauty, lying within centuries-old colonial stone walls.
Walk through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover cobbled alleyways, leafy plazas and beautiful balconies hanging over the streets. Spend some time in the shade at Plaza Bolívar, where you might even see a traditional dance performance.
Escape the midday heat and visit the Museo de Arte Moderno or the Zenu Gold Museum.
Experience the beauty of one of Cartagena’s finest colonial buildings at the Palacio de la Inquisición.
Look out over the turquoise ocean from the colonial fortress, the Castillo De San Felipe De Barajas, or head out by boat to Playa Blanca and while away the afternoon on the soft white sand. Latin American city breaks
My heart is in Cartagena!
When wandering leaves you hungry, treat yourself to some refreshing lunchtime ceviche at La Cevicheria or enjoy sumptuous local seafood at La Mulata. Book a table at Carmen for dinner. This popular restaurant excels in innovative seafood dishes served alongside an award-winning wine list.
In true Colombian style, Cartagena has a fantastic nightlife scene. Cafe Havana is best to salsa into the small hours or experience the cool of old-school Cartagena at Donde Fidel.
Book your stay at Casa San Augustin in the heart of Cartagena’s Old Town. This stunning hotel designed around a 300-year-old aqueduct offers a unique oasis in a prime location. Latin American city breaks
Book your Latin American city break with JourneyHero!
Guadalajara, Mexico
Guadalajara is gorgeous, and an underrated competitor to Mexico City for a city break. With a wealth of historic sights, rich cultural heritage and a mouth-watering food scene, there is so much to explore in this exciting city.
Guadalajara is mariachis of fun!
Visit the Plaza de Armas, and gaze at the double-spired Guadalajara Cathedral and the historic Governor’s Office that frame this square.
Wander through Liberation Square and visit the Regional Museum of Guadalajara.
Visit the Government Palace where inside you’ll find stunning murals from the artist Jose Clemente Orozco. Head to Tlaquepaque and shop for beautiful hand-made pottery in the Mercado de Artesanías.
Escape from the bustle and enjoy the zen tranquillity of the Japanese Gardens in Parque Colomos.
Guadalajara has some of the best food in Mexico, with everything from exceptional street food to regional and high-end cuisine. Try the city’s famous birria at Birreria las 9 Esquinas or enjoy farm-to-table ingredients, sourced from the restaurant’s rooftop garden at Allium. For something special, book a table at the fine-dining hotspot, Restaurant Alcalde.
Head to the Plaza de Los Mariachis in the evening to see the city’s famous Mariachi bands or visit the nearby town of Tequila for a taste from the source. Enjoy hand-crafted cocktails and live jazz at La Oliveria or enjoy an incredible craft beer selection at Patan Ale House.
Book your stay at Baruk Guadalajara Hotel de Autor and enjoy stylish rooms and a relaxing spa.
Miami Latin American city break
Though Miami is in the USA, its Latin American population has hugely influenced the culture and character of this city, making it a great addition to this top five round-up.
Miami’s Little Havana boasts authentic Cuban culture with everything from its history, street art, live music, and food. Explore a stunning collection of Cuban art at the Cubaocho Museum & Performing Arts Centre or learn more about the neighbourhood’s history with a guided Cultural Walking Tour.
Visit the Futurama 1637 Art Building where works by local and Cuban artists are on show.
Browse the shops on Lincoln Road or spend a day in the sun at Miami Beach.
That Miami beach is So-ho nice!
Little Havana is a foodie neighbourhood, filled with tasty Cubanos and excellent eateries. Sanguiche Miami serves the best Cuban sandwiches in the city, whilst La Camaronera is a local favourite, serving fabulous fried snapper rolls. In the city, treat yourself to dinner at Yardbird Southern Table & Bar where traditional chicken dishes are served alongside an impressive drinks list. For the best Chinese food in Miami, it has to be Hakkasan,
Miami’s nightlife scene is one of the main reasons travellers visit this lively city. Little Havana is best for salsa, or head to the nightclubs on South Beach, where incredible venues such as the E11EVEN Miami will keep you dancing day and night.
Stay at the Fountain Blue Hotel, one of Miami’s coolest hangouts.
Panama City, Panama Latin American city breaks
Panama City is a financial and trade hub of Central America. With modern skyscrapers framed by ocean and jungle, this fabulous city has so much to offer.
Check out the open-air museum, Mi Pueblito for a glimpse into the colonial history of Panama or admire colonial art at the Museo de Arte Religioso Colonial. The Museum of Modern Art is a wonderful place to see some exhibits from Latin American Artists, whilst the Biodiversity Museum is a beautifully designed building where visitors can learn about Panama’s incredible wildlife.
Wander the cobblestone streets of the Spanish Colonial settlement of Casco Viejo and visit the Panama Canal Museum. Shop local handicrafts at Santa Ana Market, or head into the city to shop at Soho Mall.
A panorama of Panama City!
Enjoy typical Panamanian cuisine at El Trapiche, where the best of local produce is served alongside pretty terrace views. Taste your way through dozens of seafood stalls in Mercado de Mariscos serving the freshest bites of fish.
Book dinner at Maito and enjoy a gourmet dining experience of international flavours.
Head to Tántalo rooftop bar after dinner and enjoy creative cocktails and breath-taking vistas. Sample the best of Panama’s brews at La Rana Dorada, a marvellous micro-brewery serving quality beers and top-tier pizzas.
Stay in the converted colonial building of the Central Hotel Panama and enjoy gorgeous rooms and excellent service in the historic centre.
From striking landmarks and bustling streets to fantastic food scenes and booming nightlife, each of these cities is sure to leave any visitor energised. Wherever you decide to go, I am sure you will leave with a newfound Latin passion for life.
Love,
Isabella