Argentina: Top five things to do in Buenos Aires

Tango in Buenos Aires. Photo / Thinkstock

Fancy taking a punt at polo or tackling the tango? Get to BA, says Megan Singleton.

With Air New Zealand launching direct flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina, in December, I scooted over to check out some of the best things to do there.

1. See a football game

Football is a passion here with 30 teams in Buenos Aires at more than 30 home stadiums across the city. However, you'll never get a ticket as season passes are sold out. But never fear, go with a couple of hard-case tour guides who will "rent" you a membership card for the night, and prepare to chant your head off.

2. Tango lesson

Of course, one must learn to tango when in BA, so because I had never worked my feet in such fashion before, I went to a lesson followed by an appearance at one of the many milongas in town. But if you don't want to dance, I'd still recommend popping along to a milonga just to drink in the vibe. Be aware that they don't get started until 11pm at the earliest.

3. Polo riding

Being terrified of horses, I was not looking forward to my polo lesson, but it was actually brilliant fun. We met the horsey set at Puesto Viejo ranch and watched a game, then donned our gear to look the part and tried hitting the ball around for an hour or so. If you're more of a pro than me, you'll love the option of staying in the 10-room hotel here and having lessons each day and games each afternoon. (Read Megan's account of taking a polo lesson here.)

4. Empanada cooking class

I love to learn to cook local food on location, so it was with great delight that I found myself kneading dough and dicing fillings to make scrumptious empanadas. If learning to barbecue Argentinian-style is more your thing, you can do that too at Cook Abroad classes.

5. Evita

Argentina's queen of hearts is undoubtedly Eva Peron, or Evita, as she was affectionately known. Her legacy and death is shrouded in mystery and just enough skulduggery to shine intrigue over her resting place. A tour of Recoleta Cemetery is a fascinating insight into what became of Evita.

Air New Zealand flights to Argentina will go on sale in early April.