San Miguel de Tucuman On a Budget
The capital of the Tucuman Province in Argentina, San Miguel de Tucuman is the largest city in the country's northwest. The city is probably most well known as the sight where the Declaration of Independence from Spain took place on July 9, 1816. The location of this event, a colonial-style house called "Casa Historica" or "Casita de Tucuman", remains an important landmark in the city.The city sits in a transition zone between temperate climates to the south and subtropical climates to the north. The city's climate is officially classified as humid subtropical with dry winters and rainy summers. Winters have mild daytime temperatures and cooler nights with an average daily temperature of about 56 degrees Fahrenheit. July is the coldest month. Summers are hot and humid with average daily temperatures in the mid to high 70s Fahrenheit.
Sights
San Miguel de Tucuman is most noted as the place where the Declaration of Independence from Spain took place in 1816. Today there are a handful of sights around the city that acknowledge this significant moment in the country's past. Perhaps the most important is Independence House, which was the location of the Declaration of Independence in 1816. Today the only original part of the house remaining is the room where the congressmen gathered and the declaration took place. The rest of the house has been rebuilt using photographs from that time period. Other nearby sights of importance include the Government House, Plaza Independencia, the beautiful San Franciso Church, and 9 de Julio Park, one of the largest public parks in the country. At 9 de Julio Park you'll find the San Miguel Lake, the Flower Clock, and the colonial style Bishop Colombres' House, which now has a museum about the sugarcane industry. There are also some nearby restaurants and bars.Neighborhoods
San Miguel de Tucuman has a main historic center and downtown area. These areas are where you will find the majority of the sights and activities of the city. The areas are quite compact and walkable, making them enjoyable places to explore on foot.Most of the city's hostels and hotels are found in town. These are the most convenient options as they are accessible to most places. It's also possible to stay just outside of town on San Javier Hill, and enjoy a view of the city.
Activities
San Miguel de Tucuman is a cultural city. There are two large theaters, San Martin and Alberdi, as well as many other smaller, independent theaters around town. These theaters host a range of events including plays, concerts, operas, and the ballet. The Septiembre Musical is the most important cultural event of the year. This is a music festival that is held at Independence Square. The event includes both local and national musicians that range in style and genre.Like most cities in Argentina, football is the favorite sport around town. The two main football clubs are Club Atletico San Martin de Tucuman and Club Atletico Tucuman. Basketball is also a popular sport in the area. The main basketball clubs are Juan Bautista Alberdi Club, Central Cordoba Club, Belgrano Club, Villa Lujan Club, and Tucuman BB Club. Rugby has also gained popularity in the city.
Food and Dining
There are some nice high end and mid level restaurants around town, but if you're traveling on a budget or looking for something authentic and interesting, find out where the locals eat. There is a wonderful indoor market at the corner of Muneca and Mendoza that sells great empanadas, tamales, fruit, and even pizza. Prices are quite cheap and the food is surprisingly good. Ask around and you'll find no shortage of local, hole in the wall food options that will give you a unique experience while saving you a few bucks.Transportation
Most of the city's main attractions are in the historic and downtown areas. It is best to travel between sights by walking. Traffic can be very congested and most destinations are in close proximity of each other so taking a taxi is rarely worth the money. Buses are another option if you're planning on traveling a greater distance, but if you can walk, that is almost always your best choice.Related:
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