Jardín Japonés (Japanese Garden)
The Jardín Japonés is one of the most pleasant open spaces in the city, and is the perfect antidote to the noise and bustle of the city. Created in 1967 as a gift from the Emperor of Japan, the garden is a tranquil park of Asiatic shrubs and trees beautifully landscaped around a small lake bubbling with huge carp. The garden is something of a hub for the city's sizeable Japanese community and the Japanese restaurant is well worth a visit for lunch.

Avenida Casares 2966, near Avenida Figueroa Alcorta
Tel: (011) 4804 4922.
Website: www.jardinjapones.com.ar
Opening hours: Daily 1000-1800.
Admission charge.

Puerto Madero
An ambitious regeneration project has turned this former working dock into a lively and popular area for a stroll, a drink or a bite to eat. The old redbrick warehouses now house galleries, bars and restaurants. Old docking cranes line either side of the dock, which is spanned by the Puente de la Mujer (Bridge of the Woman). The area does feel a little sterile, but that may improve as more projects are completed.

Docks 3 and 4, Avenida Alicia Moreau de Justo

Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur
Built on land reclaimed from the River Plate, this 360-hectare (890-acre) ecological reserve has become a verdant park packed with plants and creatures typical of the region. Paths for walkers and cyclists (bikes are for hire at the entrance) crisscross the park where there are many viewing platforms from which you can spot numerous species of birds.

Avenida Tristan Achával Rodríguez 1550
Tel: (011) 4315 1320.
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 0800-1800 (April-Oct); 0800-1900 (Nov-Mar).
Free admission.