Mendoza Morning Self-Guided City Tour
9:00 Shopping for a Crafty Cause
Begin the day with an morning stroll through the city as the sun just starts to warm the air and peak through the leafy canopies. Wander over to Av. San Martin and step into the Mercado Artesanal Mendoza. Explore the downstairs area, where you’ll find handmade crafts from the Huarpe reservation. This cooperative brings wool mats, blankets, belts, rustic leather horse accessories and all kinds of gaucho gear from the reservation to sell in Mendoza City. Not only will your purchase be a treasure from your travels, you”ll also be supporting the local native community. Be sure you don’t forget to check out the snapshots from local photographers on you’re way out!
Address: Av. San Martin 1027 Telephone: 0261.420.4239 Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 – 19:00 hs, Sat 9:30 – 13:30 hs.
10:00 Start the day with Café and a scoop of happiness
Take a stroll down the picturesque Paseo Sarmiento Street, a popular walking boulevard lined with restaurants and shops, and stop into Bianco y Nero is Mendoza’s mecca for those that appreciate delicious sweets. This locally owned café and chocolate specialty store is one part food, one part fashion, adorned with decorated cakes, pastries and a plethora of temptations. Though the title of best ice cream in Mendoza is highly contested, Bianco y Nero would certainly be in the top 3. Why not treat yourself to a breakfast scoop of green apple ice cream and one of dulce de leche, an Argentine twist on the caramel apple and a perfectly respectable way to indulge on vacation. Or, if you’re lagging in energy, an order of espresso will be sure to sustain you for a day full of exploring!
Address: Peatonal Sarmiento 50 Telephone: 0261.420.5237 Hours: Open Daily.
10:30 Get Your Contemporary Art Fix
Take your caffeine buzz – or ice cream high – and make your way to Espacio Contemporaneo de Arte (ECA). It’s a beautiful old building filled with quirky, modern art. Depending on the schedule of events and exhibits, you might be lucky enough to stumble upon something extra fabulous, like live music or an exhibit of relics from India. Once you’ve had your fix, exit and cross diagonally through the Plaza San Martin. Dodge the skateboarders and impassioned young couples as you soak in your surroundings and snap a few pictures of the San Martin Monument.
Address: Gutierrez & 9 de Julio Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00 – 13:00 and 16:00 – 20:00, Sun 16:00 – 20:00 Closed the first week of every month for assembly. Telephone: 0261.429.0117
11:15 Munch – or lunch – in the Market
Mercado Central is a Mendoza’s historic fresh and international market, a place that has changed the culinary flavors of the city for more than 120 years. You’ll find artisan meats and cheeses, fresh fruits and veggies, beautiful displays of spices, imported ingredients and colorful stalls of foodies. After wandering the aisles, sit down at Rincon de la Boca to people watch while sipping a draft beer and munching on some freshly baked empanadas.
Address: Las Heras 279 Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30-13:00 and 17:00-21:00, Sun 9:30-13:00
Photos courtesy of contexto.com.ar
12:45 Sample Liquid Gold
Leave the market behind, and make your way back to the city center – passing through Plaza Independencia and heading west up Sarmiento Street. There you’ll find a delightful little restaurant named Verolio, where everything celebrates Mendoza’s second favorite fruit: the olive. taste local olive oils and enjoy a light lunch at this cozy spot, full of natural light.
Address: Sarmiento 720 Hours: Tues-Sun 12:30 – 24:00. Closed Monday.
14:00 Get ready for Siesta with a Flight of Wine!
Now that you’ve explored and dined, it’s time to ease into sleepy time with a delicious glass of wine. Walk a couple more blocks west, and turn right onto Belgrano Avenue until you reach the Vines of Mendoza Tasting Room. The delightful, bilingual staff will let you taste through an array of local vinos without ever having to leave the city. We recommend a guided flight of wines, to learn and enjoy this beloved drink through a comparative tasting.
Address: Espejo 567 Hours: Mon-Sat 15:00 – 22:00
