A long stretch of parks and gardens running along the river bank in Palermo — Buenos Aires' answer to the Bois de Boulogne, though more democratic in character. The Bosques de Palermo encompasses the rose garden (Jardín Rosedal), the Japanese Garden, the Planetarium, a racetrack, polo fields, and several lakes with rowing boats available for hire.
At weekends the parks fill with families, joggers, cyclists, and picnickers. The rose garden is at its best in October and November (spring in the southern hemisphere), when the roses from around 18,000 plants are in bloom. The artificial lakes have pedal boats available, and the shaded paths alongside the water are good for an afternoon walk when the city heat becomes oppressive.