La Boca is a working class district of Buenos Aires. It has a reputation of being prone to more crime than central areas. Tourist areas are relatively safe; going beyond the unmarked borders (crossing a street can be enough) of the tourist area can put you at risk of trouble. As of late 2008, three American tourists were robbed at knifepoint during the afternoon near Puente Trasbordador (tranporter bridge) a few blocks away from the Caminito Street. No matter which country of travel, tourists should exercise caution during all times of the day.

La Boca

Restaurant and bar owners in the parts of La Boca away from the tourist areas are only too happy to see tourists, as their establishments are not as crowded as the popular areas. Expect quality local style food and service at a low price. Just remember that a much higher crime rate exists in these areas.

See

• The Clara Chevalier Museum is AR$ 3 and included a guided tour by Ms. Chevalier herself (in Spanish, but you will be able to understand each other with a bit of spanish and english). She is a bit of an eccentric, but has a painting in Cafe Tortoni. The museum includes her paintings, a recreation of her childhood bedroom in the old home destroyed by autopista construction, and an old conventillo which once housed six families. There is a copy of an old deed for the property, as well as items such as a ticket printer from the old Boca railroad. You can get somewhat of an idea of living was like back then, with the bathroom, although most of it is focused on her paintings and her youth.
• The Port - one of the defining images of BA is the brightly coloured houses clustered by the port / river. Seems a bit "for the tourists", but travelling here gives you a glimpse of the "other side" of BA beyond the elegance.
• La Bombonera - the 49,000 capacity home of Boca Juniors - the most famous football club in Argentina and club of its most famous son - Diego Maradona. The large crowd is loud and passionate - watching a match is not for the faint hearted. Besides regular football matches, La Bombonera can be visited. You will be guided through the changing rooms, the viewers areas and you will also spend some moments on the very playing field.

La Boca has the caminito pedestrian street with arts and crafts. There is also a river cruise you can take from there. There is a huge metal structure across the river which is picturesque. Tango dancers are in the cobblestone streets. You may try to catch a row boat to Avellaneda on the other side of the water for $0.50 pesos, but the rower may not allow you to if you are a tourist, citing it´s dangerous (peligroso). There is no subte to La Boca, but buses go there. The buildings are painted in bright colors.

Eat

• The panaderia has a fantastic cheesecake for 0.90 pesos per slice. It is less sweet, and has crust on the top also.
• La Perla is a bit overpriced, but very nice if you want a view of the old bridge.

Do

• Row boats across the river. (be aware that the other side is known to be very dangerous)

Go next

• The 64 bus will take you right back to Plaza de Mayo.