The city of Villa Ballester is located in northern greater Buenos Aires, one of the highly urbanized cities in Argentina. The city is named after Pedro Ballester— his family started developing their familial farming lands here and it became a small town. It was established on the 26th of October, 1889 but the city, as it is now, was born after the commercial partnership between Ballester and Guillermo Lacroze.
Originally called the Sociedad Villa Ballester, the Linea Mitre, a commuter railway, passes through the city, which is a major factor in the rapid growth of the city itself and provides easy access to Buenos Aires. Being a relatively young city, Villa Ballester offers several enjoyable activities and interesting sights. Here is a list of the best things you can do, in and around Villa Ballester, when visiting this exciting city!
1. Stroll around the city
The city of Villa Ballester is a relatively small city and it is easy to get around in, whether by foot or otherwise. With a highly urbanized population of fewer than 40,000 people, Villa Ballester is a city that is young and vibrant and always moving. Going around the city will show visitors the extent of the growth it has experienced throughout the years while giving a feel of the local vibes.
2. Visit the Casa Carnacini Espacio Palaez Art Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Casa Carnacini Espacio Palaez Art Museum, also known as the Museo Casa Carnacini, is a modern art museum located in Villa Ballester. Only 10 years old and founded in 2007, the museum showcases exhibits that focus on Argentinian modern art. The building in which the museum is housed was owned by Ceferino Carnacini, an artist.
The museum was built to preserve and spread the cultural heritage of Carnacini artworks. Aside from Carnacini’s masterpieces, works from other artists, such as Picasso, Miro, Goya, and Pujia, to name a few, are also housed in the Casa. It is open daily, from 10 am to 8 pm and entrance to the museum is free.
Casa Carnacini Espacio Palaez Art Museum
Address: Calle Pueyrredon 2729, Villa Ballester, Buenos Aires, Argentina
3. Visit the Nuestra Señora de la Merced Church
The Nuestra Señora de la Merced Church is the local Catholic church in Villa Ballester. Its amazing white spiral tops, resembling baroque style, are very prominent and easily recognizable. A festival in honor of the patron of the church, the image of Mary as Nuestra Señora de la Merced, is held every September.
Visiting this local church is a great way to observe the people living in Villa Ballester and learn more about how they express their faith and live as a community.
Nuestra Señora de la Merced Church
Address: Calle Lamadrid 2560, Villa Ballester, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Facebook: Nuestra Señora de la Merced Church
4. Have a picnic at Plaza Roca
Plaza Roca is a public park which is open 24 hours a day, every day. Locals use this park as a center for entertainment and leisure. While walking around the park, one can see the locals as they are— from the kids riding their bicycles and skates, to the elder ones taking a stroll by the trees.
Plaza Roca is most definitely an ideal place to have a picnic— whether during the day or night! The ambience and liveliness of the plaza is sure to make it one of your favorite spots in Villa Ballester.
Plaza Roca
Address: Calle Gral. Roca 3201, B1653MXG Gran Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
5. Get a taste of local cuisine
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The local cuisine in Villa Ballester, (and really, for most of Argentina), is a fusion of Irish, German, and Latin influences, which makes it a treat for anyone looking for your not-so-usual grub. There are several restaurants that are worth trying in the city:
Terrazas de Ballester is a restaurant that serves German cuisine and seafood dishes. They serve gourmet dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings for shrimp to crab and everything in between. They also serve pasta dishes and they have a brewery and a bar. They are open Mondays to Saturdays, from 12 noon to 11:45 pm.
Pizzeria La Mezzetta dates back to the 1930s, and it still maintains its original ambiance. It is a casual dining pizzeria that offers dishes that include pizzas to empanadas. Although it is a casual dining establishment (sort of like a fast food place), it has limited seating— so, while it is a very open and busy place, it also has a very homey feel. They are open daily, from 8 am to 1 am.
Lo de Fito is a restaurant that serves a variety of Latin dishes but their specialty is steak. They are open from 11 am to 11:45 pm, daily. They also offer catering services for events and small-venue fiestas.
Terrazas de Ballester
Address: 118 Lavalle 2588 esq. Lacroze, Villa Ballester, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Website: [Terrazas de Ballester (http://www.ballestergourmet.com.ar/la-juanita.html)
Pizzeria La Mezzetta
Address: Av. Alvarez Thomas 1321, Buenos Aires, Argenrina
Facebook: Pizzeria La Mezzetta
Lo de Fito
Address: Mercedes 4280, Argentina
Facebook: Lo de Fito
6. Visit the Shrine of Villa Ballester
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Also called the Schoentatt Shrine, the Shrine of Villa Ballester is almost 40 years old. It is a beautiful shrine for the faithful, built by missionaries from Schoenstatt, Germany, almost 90 years ago. This shrine is both a beautiful structure and also a very simple and graceful testament of the faithful, in Villa Ballester.
Shrine of Villa Ballester
Address: 124 Colón 3550, Villa Ballester 1653
Facebook: Shrine of Villa Ballester
7. Join the lively nightlife
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The nightlife in Villa Ballester is vibrant and buzzing and there are numerous bars you can visit here!
Nina Gastrobar is a cocktail bar that also offers dishes such as tapas and other meat delicacies. Live bands and artists play every night for the entertainment of the guests. It is an ideal place to just relax and enjoy some music with friends and their buckets of beer. They are open from 6:30 pm to 3 am, from Thursdays to Sundays.
Lo de Bilbo is a brewery, bar, and restaurant. Their menu ranges from alcoholic beverages to pizzas. Due to its very casual and social ambiance, it is a great place to socialize with fellow tourists and the locals. They are open from 7 pm until the wee hours of the morning.
Artesanal San Andres is a pub and beer bar. From the outside, it looks like a grand apartment, but inside, it is a place where one can have an even grander time. They are open from 7 pm to 3 am.
Nina Gastrobar
Address: Lamadrid 2419, Villa Ballester, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Lo de Bilbo
Address: San Lorenzo 2800, Villa Ballester, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Facebook: Lo de Bilbo
Artesanal San Andres
Address: Combet 6093, Villa Ballester, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Facebook: Artesanal San Andres
For versatile travelers
Villa Ballester is a city that is both rapidly moving but is also laid-back— it is surely a place you do not want to miss out on! Why not visit soon? With its lively nightlife and beautiful shrines, it’s a balance of both zen and fun, perfect for versatile travelers. For more information on the city of Villa Ballester, you can visit their official website here.
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