Casa Rosada

Argentina's (not so) White House
Talk of the town: To the vexation of some locals, Madonna was permitted to film the 1996 movie 'Evita' from this normally off-limits balcony.

Buenos Aires’ pink palace is Argentina’s equivalent to the White House, home to the presidential offices. The president herself does not live here but in a mansion in the suburb of Los Olivos. It is from this famous balcony on the north wing that Eva Peron – and countless other politicians – addressed her adorers.
It is unknown why Casa Rosada is pink. One theory postulates it is a combination of the colours of two political parties: red and white; another that it was painted with cow blood that dried salmon pink.

There is a small museum exhibiting Argentinean political artefacts. Guided tours take place every ten minutes on the weekends and on holidays, lasting around one hour. Book ahead and bring photo ID, but don’t expect to visit the famous balcony – it's off limits to visitors.