Argentina boasts an exceptional standard of food and drink, although choices are often restricted to meat, pasta and pizza. Argentines tend to dine very late (2100 is considered early). Famed for the quality of its steaks, Argentina is a meat eater's dream and a visit to a parrilla (grill) restaurant should be on a visitor's must-do list. Conversely, pure vegetarian food is hard to find but most restaurants have vegetable options and salads are widely available. Traditional confiterías (cafes) as well as more fashionable resto-bars (restaurant-bars) are popular in big cities. Japanese, Thai and Asian fusion food is increasingly popular in Buenos Aires.

Argentine wines have flooded the international market in recent years and are famed for their quality and value. All the big brand spirits are found in Argentina - although at heavily inflated prices, but there are many fine local varieties.

National specialities:
• Bife de chorizo (rump or sirloin steak).
• Bife de lomo (tenderloin or filet mignon).
• Empanadas (little pastry pies stuffed with beef, chicken, vegetable or cheese).
• Parrillada (mixed grill) which might include morcilla (blood sausage).
• Alfajores (shortbread-type biscuits sandwiched with dulce de leche - caramelised milk sauce).

National drinks:
• Yerba mate (tea-like drink).
• Quilmes is the national brand of lager.
• Malbec wine.

Legal drinking age: The legal age for drinking alcohol in a bar/cafe is 18.

Tipping: Around 15% is acceptable in restaurants as well as bars (unless you were dissatisfied) which waiting staff rely on to survive.

Argentines like to party and even the smallest of towns in rural areas have late night bars and discos. Nightlife in Buenos Aires is particularly vibrant and the city has become a centre for South American clubbing, boasting line-ups of world famous visiting and home-grown DJs. Things rarely get going until midnight and the music keeps pumping until well after daylight.

Tango is the traditional music and dance of Argentina and each night performers showcase this heartfelt art form in clubs in most major cities. People who want to dance themselves can learn and practise the tango at lively milongas (tango nightclubs). There are many theatres and concert halls in Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Mendoza, which put on plays and performances by Argentine and international groups and orchestras.

Buenos Aires has traditionally enjoyed a reputation as a shopper's paradise, but don't expect any bargains. Smart, but mostly bland, shopping centres are lined with boutique shops selling local and international fashions. For an altogether more atmospheric shopping experience, visit one of the country's many local ferias (fairs).

Leather goods can be made to measure in a few days. Native arts and handicrafts are also popular and can be purchased in special markets in most tourist areas. Chocolates from Bariloche and wines from Mendoza make particularly welcome gifts.

Try to shop ethically wherever possible. Beautifully crafted textiles, furniture and clothes are sold by Pasion Argentina (www.pasion-argentina.com.ar) which supports often forgotten indigenous communities. Tierra Adentro (www.tierraadentro.info) sells exquisite, fair trade native silver jewellery, textiles and furniture crafted by aboriginals.

Look out for the ‘Tax Free' shopping sign which means foreign visitors can claim back the 21% sales tax on any purchases made in the country. For more information, go to www.globalrefund.com.

Shopping hours: Generally Mon-Fri 0900-2000, Sat 0900-1300, but many shops close for a long lunch. Opening hours are often unpredictable.