Eva Peron may have put South America’s sultriest city into the global eye, but travellers here will be lured in by much more than Evita. There are European touches like narrow cobblestone streets and the French architecture around the Plaza del Congreso. Then there’s the allure of tango, both in dance halls and in shows such as local favourite Carlos Gardel. El Zanjon de Granados is a fine history/archaeology museum, MALBA is an example of the world-class art here, and Teatro Colón has opera to impress even the most discriminating ear. The city is also a shopper’s haven. Chic Recoleta has international and local boutiques selling clothes, jewellery and the plush leather goods Argentina is known for. Eclectic San Telmo is a treasure chest of antiques. Palermo Soho is a hip shopping enclave featuring up-and-coming designers. Less than an hour away are sprawling estancias where gauchos (Argentinean cowboys) roam on horses across the pampas, just as they have for hundreds of years.