La Boca--La Boca, on the banks of the Río Riachuelo, developed originally as a trading center and shipyard. Drawn to the river's commercial potential, Italian immigrants moved in, giving the neighborhood the distinct flavor it maintains today. La Boca is most famous for giving birth to the tango.

At the center of La Boca lies the Caminito, a pedestrian walkway (and a famous tango song) that is both an outdoor museum and a marketplace. Surrounding the cobblestone street are shabby metal houses painted in dynamic shades of red, yellow, blue, and green, thanks to designer Benito Quinquela Martín. Today, many artists live or set up their studios in these houses. Along the Caminito, art and souvenir vendors work side by side with tango performers -- this is one place you won't have to pay to see Argentina's great dance. Sculptures, murals, and engravings -- some with political and social themes -- line the street. This Caminito "Fine Arts Fair" is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

To catch an additional glimpse of La Boca's spirit, walk 4 blocks to the corner of Calles Del Valle Iberlucea and Brandsen. Estadio de Boca Juniors -- the stadium for Buenos Aires's most popular club de fútbol (soccer club), the Boca Juniors -- is here. Go on game day, when street parties and general debauchery take over the area. For information on football (soccer) games, see the Buenos Aires Herald sports section. Use caution in straying too far from the Caminito, however, as the less patrolled surrounding areas can be unsafe. Caution: Avoid La Boca at night.