Mr & Mrs Smith

 Palermo Soho is the heart of Buenos Aires’ shopping district. Browse the boutiques for unique clothes and shoes. Calma Chica (+54 11 4831 1818) is a haven for homewares, including cowhide rugs, tabletop trinkets and locally crafted leather bags. Don’t tell the Italians, but Argentina has mastered creamy, cool gelato. Taste for yourself at Persicco (+54 11 5480 0156), which scoops densely cocoa-packed dark chocolate and tart, icy lemon. With a cone in hand, stroll through the adjacent parks or over to the riverfront.

 A towering, glassed-in wall of wine lines the back of the stunning Casa Cruz (+54 11 4833 1112) on Uriarte, a few blocks from the hotel. Pair a bottle with urban-Argentine dishes such as shrimp tamales and foie gras brûlée next to tables of Buenos Aires’ most glamorous diners. When in the land of beefy asados, be sure to bring your appetite for meat. La Cabrera (+54 11 4832 5754) is one of the best and most popular, due in no small part to its plate-dwarfing portions of steak, sausages and ribs.

 Behind the enormous doors of an old town house 10 minutes from the hotel lurks the hip little Ocho7ocho (+54 11 4773 1098). There’s an element of surprise involved – you have to ring the bell (the ideal time is around 1am) and hope to be let in. If you are allowed past the threshold, you’ll find elegant cocktails and a cool crowd.

 Tote your travel books or free reading to an artfully distressed armchair at the bright and relaxed Bar 6 (+54 11 4833 6807) on Armenia. Around the corner from the hotel, this café is also a good place to break for a coffee between visiting shops.