Arty Types: MAMM by Madeline Blasberg
If you're looking for modern art in Mendoza, you are literally going to have to go underground. Tucked away beneath the bustling, pigeon-swarmed Plaza Independencia, sits this tiny art gallery featuring a varied collection of modern Argentine art. Built as an emergency hospital for earthquakes, it's a slightly dingy space, but the rotating exhibitions, concerts and theatre keep it interesting.
Museo Municial de Arte Moderno de Mendoza . Plaza Independencia, Tues – Sun, 9am to 8pm. $8 or $5 students/OAPs, free Wednesdays
The List 2010 Winner: EAC was our top pick last year and still remains another favourite for its attractive multi-level space with quirky international exhibitions.
Shop till you drop: Ayllu by Madeline Blasberg
If you're looking to bring home something other than a mass-produced argentine trinket, Ayllu offers high quality, authentic artisanal goods that you won't find in the usual tourist traps. Friendly staff can guide you through an impressively large array of handcrafted goods from Central and South America, ranging from painted pottery, embroidered weavings, woodcarvings, leather belts, clothing, house wares, and jewelry. And before you take the thirty-minute bus ride back to downtown, stop by the in-store café for a daily special of café and a sweet treat while you double check you got something for everyone on your list. Ayllu
Ruta Panamericana 8343 Chacras de Coria – Mendoza. Open Mon – Sun
And Cut! Cine Universidad by Michael Holder
Whether it's recent Hollywood, arthouse, or non-English language cinema you're after, Cine Universidad has a diverse programme of movies on offer every night for only around 12 pesos. Being a Univerisity cinema means the audience is often made up of hip-young things, but the changing monthly season makes it possible to see movies such as Black Swan, Yellow Submarine and Trainspotting all in the space of a fortnight. Just remember that subtitles will always be in Spanish.
Cine Universidad, Lavalle 77, city centre. $12 entrance, $10 students/OAPs, (261) 420 4550, www.cine.uncu.edu.ar
Live Music: Casa Usher By Amanda Barnes
Mendoza isn't the most exciting city for live music, however if you walk a little north of the city you'll find Alameda – a bohemian neighbourhood with live music spilling out of the bars onto the sidewalks. And one of the best bars for live music is Casa Usher. With something on almost every night it varies from rock to folk and flamenco, with music to hit the spot for most tastes. Casa Usher, San Martin 2259, Alameda
Late night special: If you can stay awake until 2am, there is a new music venue in town that is the word on everyone's lips: La Mala (the bad thing!) A grimy club with no windows and a big stage, its perfect for late night live gigs and is attracting some big names from across South America. La Mala, Alameda y Maipu
It takes two to tango: Tajamar By Amanda Barnes
When you think of Argentina, you think of steak and tango. There is one place where you can get both: Tajamar, a restaurant-cum-bar-cum-live music venue. With regular tango performances and a weekly milonga you can take your pick between just enjoying the music or getting to your feet and trying it out for yourself. Tajamar, San Martin 1921, Alameda
City Sights: Cerro de Gloria By Amanda Barnes
What's the one thing we would really recommend to tourists when visiting Mendoza? Walk up Cerro de Gloria. Located at the end of the endless San Martin Park, this easy walk takes you up a small mount to a beautiful monument to (guess who...) San Martin. A chance to spot some condors, take a good look over the city and bask in the sunshine before coming back down again. Cerro de Gloria, Parque San Martin
Picnic Power: Parque San Martin By Amanda Barnes
With lots of sunny days and long siestas, Mendoza is the perfect place to picnic. Our favourite spot is the little island (accessible by bridge) on the lake in Parque San Martin. Grab a rug, a couple glasses and your favourite bottle of Malbec! Parque San Martin
Where to chat up the locals: Anywhere! By Amanda Barnes
We tried to get a definitive answer from our facebook crew, but it turns out you can chat up the locals just about anywhere! For those looking to chat up some beauties at the bars, head to Aristides (and especially PH and Bar Latina), for those who still want to wear their trainers and pullover when they are on the pull the best place is the Irish Bar on Colon, and for those on a budget you can pick up a few locals by hanging out by the lake in Parque San Martin where all the kids sit on their cars with music pumping while stealing flirty looks at each other.
Where to shake it: Rumbo Perdido By Amanda Barnes
Getting to a club in Mendoza is difficult for tourists for a number of reasons: a) they all start at 2am, b) most of them are at least a 30 minute taxi ride away, and c) they all start at 2am.... But if you can keep your eyelids open, or at least open until you get to the first sofa, then our favourite club in (or near) the city centre is Rumbo Perdido. A low key reggae/latina/funk bar where the focus is more on having a good time dancing rather than pestering college girls. Best enjoyed with a bucket of Fernet. Rumbo Perdido, San Martin 631, Godoy Cruz (10 min bus from city centre)
