La Boca, a barrio near the docks, is renowned for tango, colorfully painted houses, and Italian influenced culture. Unique but kitschy, it feels like one of those places locals never go unless a friend is visiting from out of town. Every big city has such neighborhoods – places unabashed in their pursuit of tourism dollars. This is where you go to buy key chains in the shape of Argentina and eat overpriced pizza and take pictures with tango dancers. Both sides – tourist and local – know the deal. The locals make it easy – menus in English, relatively safe streets ((This, however, is a very concentrated effort and applies only to a few city blocks. Wander too far out of those touristy La Boca streets and you’ll find yourself in some of the more dangerous parts of Buenos Aires.)), ultra-friendly waiters, credit card machines. The tourists pay a premium for that convenience, and get to briefly imagine a false reality in which all Argentinians live in bright pink houses and dance tango in the street. It’s a fun little day trip. Everybody wins.
