is buenos aires nice to visit

Is Buenos Aires Worth Visiting? Top 27 Things To See In 2024

Read On For A Comprehensive Buenos Aires Travel Guide

It isn’t hard for us to answer the question “Is Buenos Aires Worth Visiting” since we have been there twice. We had enjoyed the city so much the first time around that we vowed that we would return.  Even UNESCO has designated the city within its Creative Cities Network.

Buenos Aires is our favourite city in South America.  Its wide boulevards, enormous green spaces, colonial architecture, and fusion cuisine give it a truly European vibe.   We were especially impressed with the great food that we had enjoyed here and trying out several new places (and some that we had liked before) was on our agenda.

In this blog, we reveal our top things to do in Buenos Aires, and why we were so intrigued that we came back a second time.

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Top Highlights of Buenos Aires

✅ The city’s European flair with stunning architecture and neo-classic, art deco and art nouveau architectural styles.

✅ The great neighbourhoods of San Telmo, Recoleta, Palmero and La Boca – each offering different aspects of Buenos Aires culture.

✅ The fantastic food is highlighted by the diverse options available especially the Argentinian meats and fabulous wines.

Major Reasons To Visit Buenos Aires

The Obelisk in Buenos Aires is often considered to be the city’s iconic landmark .  It was built in 1936 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Buenos Aires by Pedro de Mendoza. The Obelisk sits atop the convergence of 3 of the city’s subway lines and in one of the widest streets in the world with 16 lanes of traffic – Avenida 9 de Julio.  It stands 67.5 metres high and each of its sides is 8.8 metres wide at the base.  

The Buenos Aires Obelisk is a key gathering location for major sporting celebrations and political demonstrations.  The area surrounding the Obelisk contains a shrub and flower garden as well as a couple of large bushes that are pruned to form the “B” and “A” for the initials of “Buenos Aires”.  This is a prime location for photographs and selfies .

✅ The best way to see a city is with a local. Check out this 5 star private tour that covers many of the major sights and can be customized.

Recoleta Cemetery

The Recoleta Cemetery is often referred to as “ the World’s Best Cemetery ”, and after spending more than an hour walking through the labyrinth of marble tombs and monuments, we can see how it got its moniker.  

It is unlike any cemetery we have ever visited.  While the tombs are all above ground, like the famous cemeteries in New Orleans, Recoleta is far from gloomy.  

It resembles an eclectic city with stately pillars and elaborate carvings that is home to nearly 10,000 deceased patrons.  Each mausoleum contains 7 to 14 people and descends 2 levels underground.  91 families (people of importance) have permanent mausoleums here that don’t pay anything for the space.

The remainder of the people buried here are on 99-year leases that at the end of the term can either be renewed or will be turned over to the state for refurbishment and resale.

The cemetery is the burial site of some of the most famous figures in Argentina, including the iconic Eva Peron, who was Argentina’s First Lady while her husband, Juan Peron was President of the country.  

Eva Peron died of cancer in 1952, but because of military upheaval in Argentina at the time, her body went missing and was not buried in Recoleta until 1972. 

Her tomb is simple compared to many others in the cemetery, but it is one of the most visited.  Her final resting place is 5 metres underground in a fortified bunker that is presumed to prevent her remains from ever becoming disturbed again.  

We have seen some pretty amazing cemeteries in our travels, including the cemeteries in New Orleans, the Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery in Jerusalem and a little-known but remarkable one in the town of Sete in Southern France.  

For us, Recoleta Cemetery is one of the most impressive and a must-see on any visit to Buenos Aires.

✅ The cemetery has so many stories and interesting facts it is best to take a tour to fully appreciate the location. Check out this 5 star tour small group tour to make the most of your time there.

Plaza de Mayo

The Plaza de Mayo (May Plaza) is virtually the birthplace of Buenos Aires.  It is in this spot that the early village was inaugurated on June 11, 1580 with the name City of the Holy Trinity and Port of Santa Maria del Buen Ayre.

The plaza takes its name from the Revolution that took place on May 25th, 1810.

The plaza saw the growth of a small village into the political epicentre of Argentina.  This has been the spot where the most significant political events in Argentina have taken place.

Today, Plaza de Mayo is surrounded by some of the most impressive buildings in Buenos Aires.   One of the most significant is Casa Rosada (Pink Palace), which was originally the old Customs House, but now houses the offices of the Argentine President.  

Casa Rosada has a famous balcony that was used by Juan and Eva Peron for the passionate political speeches that they delivered in the 1940s and 50s.  

 Another famous building, Cabildo de Buenos Aires, is a colonial-style structure that houses a museum of the Cabildo (post-colonial administrative council) and the May Revolution.  

While we were at Plaza de Mayo, we visited the Metropolitan Cathedral, home of the Archbishop of Argentina, the most famous being Archbishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who is now Pope Francis .  While he was Archbishop, he celebrated mass here for over 20 years.

The former city hall, which was built between 1891 and 1902 is also located here.  It was home to the city government until 2015.

1. Bullfights used to be held here until the May Revolution. 2. Up until the 19th century, people were afraid to gather on the open lot in front of the cathedral because they thought that spirits wandered there.  It was known as “hueco des las animas” (Hollow of the Souls).

Palacio Barolo

The Palacio Barolo is a unique building inspired by Dante’s “Divine Comedy”.   It was built from 1919 to 1923 by Luis Barolo who wanted to preserve the memory of European history and literature.

The building itself represents Neo-Gothic and Neo-Classical styles and was considered one of the tallest reinforced concrete buildings in the world .  It is 100 metres high and has 22 stories (not including the 2 levels in the basement).

The building tells the story of Dante’s Divine Comedy with the lower floors representing hell, the middle floors representing purgatory and the top floor and dome representing heaven.

There is an incredible view at 100m from the top that you can reach after climbing 8 floors up to the lighthouse.

Guided tours are available at different times during the day and last about 90 minutes. All tours finish with a visit to one of the building’s offices which is set up like it would have been in the early 1920s.  The evening tour includes a glass of Argentinian Malbec from the Mendoza Valley that is served in the office boardroom.

We did a morning tour, so while we didn’t have the wine, we certainly received a great overview of the building and its representation of Dante’s Divine Comedy.

El Ateneo Grand Splendid

The El Ateneo Grand Splendid is often referred to as one of the best bookstores in the world and having spent an hour browsing through its vast collection, we can certainly understand why!

But it’s not just the quantity of books, magazines and CDs that make this such an interesting place to visit.  The bookstore itself was created from the former Grand Splendid Theatre and Cinema and it preserves much of the original architecture of the initial structure.

We visited the El Ateneo Grand Splendid on a dreary and rainy morning in Buenos Aires, but we were instantly cheered up once we entered the bustling bookstore.

The main entrance where the lobby of the theatre used to be is now the main store and souvenir shop.  As we made our way towards the main part of the bookstore, we could see the multi-level circular theatre lined with shelves filled with the 120,000 books that make up the stock of the store.  

From the upper balcony of the large open theatre, you can look down onto the main orchestra and stage area where the decor from the original theatre is preserved and cleverly integrated into the architecture of the bookstore.

The original stage area is now a coffee bar where you can linger over a cup of hot brew and read your book! 

The lowest level, where the orchestra used to be is dedicated to children’s books and activities.  

The original theatre was built in 1919 and was a major centre of culture for Buenos Aires, featuring ballet, opera and eventually the first films that were shown there.  It was converted into a bookstore in 2000 and amazingly managed to preserve all the elegance and glamour of the original building.

Teatro Colon

The Teatro Colon (Columbus Theatre), is the main opera house in Argentina where Kim had booked a tour for us.  

I must admit, I am not much of an opera person, but was willing to do the tour, nonetheless.  I was more than pleasantly surprised.  This theatre is an architectural marvel, which was refurbished from 2005 to 2008 by more than 1500 workers at a cost of $100 million dollars .  

It has elaborate decor with carved columns, stunning stained-glass windows and skylights and spacious anterooms.  The main theatre is horseshoe-shaped and rises 6 stories above ground and 3 below.  

Teatro Colon is considered to be one of the top 5 performance venues anywhere on the globe and has hosted the best singers and conductors in the world.  The acoustics are so precise that Luciano Pavarotti, the renowned tenor, found it the most challenging theatre to sing in because it amplified every mistake.

✅ Book your tickets and guide to visit this amazing theatre by clicking here .

Congreso Nacional

One of the most beautiful buildings in Buenos Aires is the Congreso Nacional, or the National Congress of Argentina.  This magnificent structure was designed by Victor Meano, an Italian architect who won an international competition in 1895 to design the building.

While the Congress was inaugurated in 1906, it wasn’t fully completed until 1946, when the exterior marble cladding was added.  

The most imposing and recognizable element to the structure is the impressive 80 metre dome which sits atop 4 porches at the central entrance to the Congress.  The scale of the dome reminded us of the  Dome at Napoleon’s Tomb in Paris ( although this one is oxidized copper instead of gold). 

In front of the Congreso Nacional is the beautiful Plaza de Congreso, which was created on expropriated land in 1905.  The Plaza is a vast, park-like setting with monuments, gardens, and fountains. 

Of particular significance is the Monumento a los Dos Congreso whose main figure symbolizes the Republic.  The fountain in front of it symbolizes the Rio de la Plata.

A wide walkway along the north length of the Plaza is shaded by large trees.  We watched as a young couple danced the tango just off the walkway.

At the east end of the Plaza de Congreso, the main road divides this plaza from Plaza Mariano Moreno, another park-like setting with a circular fountain.  At the entrance to this plaza is a replica of Auguste Rodin’s “The Thinker”.  We saw the original of this sculpture at the Rodin Museum in Paris .

The road that divides the 2 plazas is mile 0 for all of Argentina’s National Roads.

Centro Cultural Kirchner

The Centro Cultural Kirchner was once the Post and Telegraph building of Buenos Aires and is a key architectural treasure of the city.  At 100,000 square metres (1,000,000 square feet) it contains several halls including the Sala Argentina, a chamber music hall, and a performance hall with a capacity of 500+.

The main attraction is the National Auditorium which seats over 1700 people and is considered one of the world’s most important Symphony halls.   It features a 1912 Klais organ, one of the most renowned organ builders in the world.

This magnificent building is capped by a 500 square metre glass cupola which allows incredible views of the city.

The Centro Cultural Kirchner is currently undergoing a major restoration and will reopen in early 2024.

Floralis Generica

Located in the Retiro Neighbourhood, the Floralis Generica is one of the icons of Buenos Aires that was donated by its creator, Eduardo Catalano, an Argentine architect, in 2002.  

The steel and aluminum sculpture is a gigantic silver flower that uses hydronic and photoelectric cells to open and close the flower’s petals depending on the time of day.  Typically, the flower opens at 8:00am and closes at sunset when it emanates a red glow from inside.  

Unfortunately for us, before our first visit to Buenos Aires in 2020, a fierce storm had damaged the flower, and it was not working so the petals remained partially open 24 hours a day.

We had heard that the mechanism had been fixed in July 2023, so we were excited to see it in full operation when we came in 2024.  Unfortunately (again), the flower was not working while we were here.

In any event, the sculpture itself, standing 20 metres high and weighing 18 tons is still impressive and worth a picture.

No visit to Buenos Aires is complete without experiencing a genuine Argentine Tango Show.  And this was one of the top things on our list to do while we were here.

Kim had booked a reservation at La Ventana Tango and Dinner Club, which is in the heart of San Telmo where tango was born.  

✅ Use this link to book the same Tango Show we went to – it even offers transportation.

The dinner was scheduled to start at 8:00pm followed by the tango show which consisted of 32 artists including singers, dancers, bands and “gauchos”.   

The venue is an old historical conventillo, an urban tenement built in the 19th century.  We were led upstairs to the main hall and squeezed into our seats near the back of the venue.  The tables were set up in long rows with the seats all facing the stage.  We were provided with a single-page menu that consisted of pre-set meals with 2 options – chicken or steak.  

The show started at 10:00pm and was lively and entertaining throughout the evening, lasting until just before midnight.  There were a variety of tango dances performed by couples and groups and their energy seemed boundless. Musicians accompanied the dancers but also performed solos and in small bands.  This is a great way to experience the custom that is the heart of Buenos Aires culture.

Insider Tip

It is important to understand that many popular tango shows tend to be in older, traditional venues and they can get pretty crowded.  Just keep that in mind and expect it to take a little longer to get in and out of the venue than more modern facilities.

Museums in Buenos Aires

Museo nacional de belles artes.

The Museo Nacional de Belles Artes (National Fine Arts Museum) is one of the many museums in Buenos Aires that is worth a visit.  What’s more, this one offers free admission!

We were quite impressed with the number and quality of artifacts that the museum has on display.  Aside from a rich assortment of Argentinian art, there is also a wide range of art from Europe and special sections for France with pieces from some of the world’s greatest artists including Van Gogh , Rodin , Degas and Monet.

The museum is divided into a series of rooms and halls with each area being dedicated to a different genre, period, or artist.  We started in the Argentinian section where there were works from the mid 19th century by both painters and sculptors.  

We found a few of the pieces to be quite interesting, including a sculpture by Lucio Correa Morales titled “Abel” which depicts the body of Abel after he was slain by his brother Cain.  Morales created this sculpture to represent the death of Argentinian art and as a criticism of the art institutions of his time.

A rather dark and dramatic portrait of an angry man sitting at a table and glaring out the window as his sullen-looking wife is breastfeeding across from him also caught our eye.  This was painted by Ernesto de la Carcova in 1894 and is entitled “Sin pan y sin trabajo” (Without bread and work).

One of our favourite rooms was dedicated to Auguste Rodin , the great French sculptor whose works we had previously seen in Paris.  Some of his work in this museum inspired his unfinished masterpiece “The Gates of Hell”.

Another room that was a highlight was dedicated to 19th century French Art featuring “Light and Modern Life.” On display were several works from Paul Cezanne, whose art we had been introduced to on our visit to Aix-En-Provence in the South of France.

If you are looking to visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes , it is open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11:00am to 6:00pm and weekends from 10:00am to 8:00pm, Wednesdays from 11:00am to 4:00pm.  It is closed on Mondays.

Museo Evita

If you want to learn about Argentina’s legendary icon and hero, Eva Peron, more commonly known just as Evita, then make sure to visit the Museum that is named after her – Museo Evita. The museum is housed in an early 20th century mansion that was inspired by the architecture of the Italian Renaissance.  

In 1948, the Eva Peron Foundation purchased the property and undertook major renovations to convert the mansion into a shelter for women and children.  It was in this building that Evita inspired so many young women, providing them hope as well as food and shelter.

The shelter was designated a National Historic Monument in 1999 and then, in 2002, exactly 50 years after Evita’s death, her grandniece inaugurated the former mansion as the Museo Evita in Buenos Aires.

The museum contains a wealth of artifacts and memorabilia from the life and times of Eva Peron.  There is one section that displays the clothes that she wore to public and private events.  Other sections depict her life in photographs and films that were taken of her throughout her short life.

On the second level of the museum is a section that preserves the rooms of the shelter, including the classroom and kitchen area.  

One of the most inspirational displays is a room that has a continuous loop of the most poignant parts of her final speech to the people of Argentina .  This is the speech that she gave just before she died and is the inspiration for the hit song “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina”.

The museum is in the Palmero area of Buenos Aires located at 2988 Lafinur Street.  It is open every day except Monday from 11:00am to 7:00pm.

✅ If you want to learn about Eva Peron and Peronism in detail with a visit to the Museum, click here for the perfect private tour .

Shopping and Markets

San telmo indoor market.

The San Telmo neighbourhood is the birthplace of Tango and has one of the most famous markets in Buenos Aires, a sprawling indoor and outdoor market.  

On our first visit to Buenos Aires, we had a chance to visit the Sam Telmo Indoor Market.  This market is an Argentine cultural tradition that has existed since 1897 and is truly a great place to feel the pulse of Buenos Aires daily life.

The market has restaurants, butcher shops, greengrocers, antiques, and a variety of other unique knick-knacks.

We spent our time meandering through several aisles of the market taking in the smell of fresh vegetables and fruits along with cooking dishes that were being prepared in the various bars and cafes.  

We stopped at a tiny cafe called El Hornero that had a stand-up bar in front of a brick oven.  We were told that this was the best place to try an empanada .  The tiny venue was fairly busy and after ordering we waited about 10 minutes for ours to be freshly prepared and baked.  

It was well worth the wait.  The empanada crust was hot and flaky.  The beef filling was steaming and full of rich, tangy flavour.  On our second visit, we found a local restaurant, Choripaneria, that was serving delicious chorizo sandwiches .

The nice thing about this market is that there is an amazing choice of foods from around the world, many with a distinctive South American fusion flare.  And you will find that no matter what your preference is, the food will be good, and the price will be reasonable.

✅ The perfect experience in San Telmo is a food tour where you visit many stops in the area and visit the market with a local. This tour is a 5 star experience that will give you a taste of the fabulous foods of Buenos Aires.

San Telmo Outdoor Market

Upon our arrival in Buenos Aires, we arrived at the Sunday market just before 5:00pm and were amazed at how far down Defensa Avenue it extended.  There were also a few side streets running perpendicular to Defensa that were lined with market stalls.

The street was bustling with tourists and locals browsing at the various stalls.  The market was a cacophony of sounds including music, jubilant chatter, and vendors calling people to view their wares. 

Wheeled carts of fruits and vegetables, freshly baked pastries and meats were being pushed and pulled along the busy street. 

Dancers and buskers were entertaining at some of the bigger intersections.  One particular gentleman was pushing a wagon overflowing with thermoses of hot water for the popular local matcha teas that South Americans love to share.

We even came across a parade of musicians and dancers who were making their way slowly down the busy street.  The outdoor market is not only a great spot to pick up souvenirs, but also a wonderful place to just sit back and do some people-watching.

Generica Artisinal Market

If you are looking for a different kind of market, one that focuses on local artists and artisans , then we suggest visiting the Generica Artisanal Market in Plaza Francia.

This market represents one of the oldest expressions of cultural art in an outdoor public space in Argentina and as such, was named a Tourist and Cultural Landmark of the city by the legislature of Buenos Aires.

Galleria Pacific Shopping Mall

The Galleria Pacifico Shopping Mall isn’t just another place to shop.  It is a cultural landmark that was inspired by the famous Bon Marché in Paris.

The mall was originally constructed in 1908 as part of the Buenos Aires al Pacifico Railroad offices but was remodelled in 1945 when the shopping complex was separated from the railroad offices.  At the same time, the iconic murals were added to the central dome .  

The murals were created by 5 Argentinian mural painters who created the 450 square metre work of art that beautifies the shopping gallery’s central dome.  The murals represent the artist’s interpretation of sociocultural values revolving around family and contact with nature.

The Galleria Pacifico Shopping Mall has become one of Argentina’s most successful malls and an important part of its culture.  It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1989.

We were awed by the magnificence of the murals on the ceiling of the dome which gives the shopping complex a cathedral-like feeling.  The juxtaposition of the modern, brightly lit high fashion stores lining the wide halls of the mall with the subdued tones of the domed ceiling is quite surreal.

We decided to have lunch here at the bottom of the escalator underneath the impressive murals to continue to enjoy the experience of “art meets commerce”.

Galleria Guemes

The Galleria Geumes was modelled after the grand galleries of Europe which were multi-function venues for meeting and recreation, shopping, and social events.  These were the predecessors to the modern shopping mall.

The Galleria Guemes definitely has a European flair, and in fact, when we first passed through its entrance, the grand main hall with its high vaulted and transparent glass ceilings reminded us of  Les Galleries Royale St. Hubert in Brussels .

When it was first constructed in 1915, the gallery was considered an architectural marvel.  Measuring 87 metres (285 feet) high, it was the first skyscraper in Buenos Aires, boasting 14 floors.

It also had elevators that travelled up to 140 metres (460 feet) in just 60 seconds, and a system of pneumatic tubes that served as the building’s internal mail system. 

And, one of the apartments in this location was the home to the famous author Antoine Saint-Exupery who wrote The Petit Prince and worked in Buenos Aires in the late 1920s. It is said that two of his books were inspired by his time in Argentina.

Our goal in coming to the gallery was to enjoy the magnificent 360-degree views of the city that have been enjoyed for more than 100 years from the 14th-floor observatory.

This is one place you need to visit if you want a bird’s eye view of one of the most beautiful South American cities in the world.

Parks and Green Space

Part of our love for Buenos Aires stems from the numerous spacious parks with magnificent, mature trees and green space that abound in the city.  Here you can participate in free exercise classes in the parks and throughout our stay, we were able to see small groups of people practicing yoga, tai chi and other outdoor activities.  Here is the list of parks that we visited while we were here.

Parque Tres de Febrero

Parque Tres de Febrero is the largest green space in Buenos Aires covering an area of 370 hectares (915 acres), primarily in the Palermo neighbourhood.  It is commonly referred to as the Palermo forests.

The park is predominately made up of free space, like the Rose Garden, the squares, and the many walkways, but there are some sections, like the Japanese Garden which require a fee to enter.

The park contains forests, 4 lakes, 29 squares and dozens of walkways that will let you enjoy this magnificent oasis in the city.

We started our visit to the park in the northeast corner, near the Japanese Garden (see below), keeping the Avenue del Libertador, a main boulevard which forms one of the park’s borders on our left.  

It was late morning when we arrived and the sun was becoming quite hot, so we appreciated the shade from the expansive mature trees that abound in the park.  

There were quite a few people that were exercising and working out.  We were also quite surprised at the number of dogs in the park.  Many of the dogs were part of large groups that appeared to be obedience schools.  We ended up referring to it as the “dog park”.

We took our time walking leisurely towards the Rose Garden as we just wanted to enjoy all this green space in the middle of the city.

Rose Garden

The Rose Garden is made up of dozens of flowerbeds, connected by a series of walkways, that contain over 18,000 roses .  There is also a small lake in the garden that adds to the natural setting. 

Unfortunately for us, when we finally arrived at the Rose Garden, we discovered that it is closed on Mondays.  

We weren’t able to enter through the gates, so we wandered around the perimeter to gaze from a distance at the roses and other flowers that were still in bloom. 

Japanese Gardens

Located in the north-east corner of Parque Tres de Febrero in Palermo the Japanese Garden is administered by the Japanese Argentine Cultural Foundation in Buenos Aires.  It is considered one of the largest Japanese Gardens outside the country of Japan.  

We arrived about 15 minutes before the Garden’s designated opening time of 10:00am and had to wait in a small queue of about half a dozen people for the ticket office to open.  Once it did, we were able to get through quickly and, because we were among the first to arrive, our walk through the park was serene and relaxing.  

Inside the park entrance are a couple of simple but modern wooden structures that house a cultural centre, restaurant, greenhouse, and gift shop.  The greenhouse is well-regarded because of its collection of bonsai trees.  

Just to the right of the cultural centre is the central lake which is seen throughout the park and is populated by carp and surrounded by various flora from Japan including sakura, katsura, momjii and azalea.  Orchids are also found throughout the park.  

One rather interesting feature of the lake is the steeply arched red bridge that crosses it.  Known as the Divine Bridge, it represents the entry into Heaven.  

There is also another bridge that crosses the lake known as the Truncated Bridge, and it leads to a small medicinal herb garden located on one of the lakes islands.  

Among other features of the Japanese Garden are a Peace Bell and a Buddhist Temple along with numerous granite statues and stone lanterns that are central to Buddhist traditions.

We spent about 45 minutes meandering through this very serene setting, although, if you wanted to sit and relax or spend some time in deep thought or meditation, it would be easy to stay much longer.  We also didn’t stop at the cultural centre or gift shop, so that may also add a bit of time.

Jardin Botanico

The Jardin Botanico in Buenos Aires is not just one of the many green spaces that adorn Buenos Aires. It plays a very important role in the preservation of biodiversity and environmental education for the city of Buenos Aires and Argentina as a whole.

The 7 hectare garden contains an art nouveau greenhouse that was originally constructed at the Paris Exposition in 1900.  What is unique about the Jardin Botanico, is it dedicates 5 hectares of its total space to local tree and plant species indigenous to Argentina.  

Because of its focus on biodiversity and ecological sustainability inside a fully urban location, the garden was named a National Monument in 1996.

✅ If gardening is of interest to you we highly recommend taking a private tour that shows you the major gardens in the city with a guide who knows about the history and types of plants on display.

Places To Eat And Drink In Buenos Aires

Don julio restaurant.

When it comes to food, Argentina is world-renowned for its amazing beef.  And there is no better place to feast on some fabulous tender and juicy steak than Don Julio restaurant in Palermo.

This was our second visit to Don Julio which is often listed as the Best Steakhouse in the World , the first time we were in Buenos Aries, we really didn’t know much about the restaurant other than a few recommendations that we had seen online.

On our first visit, went for lunch as the dinner time slots were all taken.  We arrived just before our noon time slot and noticed a long line of people who hadn’t made reservations but were hoping for a cancellation.  On our second visit, we booked several months in advance and managed to get a dinner reservation on our last night in Buenos Aires.  Our table was on the sidewalk patio which had not existed when we visited the first time pre-covid.

Each time we visited we were presented with cold sparkling wine and appetizers while waiting for our table. What a lovely first impression.

On both visits, we had an appetizer of fried cheese and excellent steaks with different potato sides. The meat is so tender and cooked to perfection. It is amazing to look at the counter with so many cuts of beef and then watch the chefs in the open-concept kitchen preparing your order. 

Even if you are seated outside, be sure to wander into the main restaurant to check out the steak bar where the meat is grilled.  Here you will find an array of uncooked steaks on trays along the bar and you can pick out what sort of cut you are interested in.

We found the food and the service at Don Julio to be excellent both times that we visited and we were glad that we had included this top-rated restaurant on our list of places to eat in Buenos Aires.

Consider sharing a steak and order your sides to share.  The steaks at Don Julio are immense, many weighing in at 500 to 900 grams (1 to 2 pounds).  We didn’t realize this on our first visit and each ended up ordering a rib-eye steak and appetizer.  This was way too much food for the 2 of us.

Sharing your order also has the added benefit of reducing the overall cost of your experience.

Casa Coupage

At least once on every trip, we try and find a unique eatery that features cuisine from the local region.  Kim has a knack for finding the most exclusive venues that offer a sampling of food and wine and that capture the essence of the places we explore.  

One such venue is the Casa Coupage , a private wine-tasting and pairing club owned and run by Sommelier, Santiago Mymicopulo.  

The closed-door, private restaurant was a quick 10 minute walk from our hotel and is located in a narrow converted home on a quiet residential street.  

We rang the doorbell and were greeted at the door by the hostess who presented us with a glass of chilled sparkling wine and then escorted us up a flight of stairs to the main dining area which is situated in a bright, narrow rectangular room with a long dining table that seats 12, taking up most of the space.  

As we were the first to arrive, Kim and I sat across from each other at one end of the table.  We sipped our wine and snacked on an appetizer as the rest of the guests joined us.

Santiago introduced himself and gave us a bit of background on himself and the restaurant.  He went over the menu and wines that we would be enjoying and emphasized the importance that both taste and smell have in the overall dining experience as well as how the wines express themselves in different ways when paired with various dishes.   We also participated in several scent smelling exercises.

Our tasting consisted of 7 different wines (including the sparkling wine we had when we arrived) paired with a 7-course menu.   

While most of the wines that were served were reds, including a couple of different Malbecs from Mendoza, a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Pinot Noir, one of the wines was a very aromatic and flowery Torrontés, the most famous white wine from Argentina.  Because Kim prefers whites, she was able to substitute her reds for additional Torrontés and Sauvignon Blanc.  

The Casa Coupage was a wonderful way to spend an evening and is particularly enjoyable in a small group setting where there is always a lively conversation with people from different places.  The wine tasting and food pairing is a great way to discover, in just a couple of hours, the best wines and foods that an area has to offer . 

Cafe Tortoni

Cafe Tortoni is reputed to be the oldest cafe in Buenos Aires , having been established in 1858.  It got its name and was inspired by the famous Tortoni in Paris – a place that attracted authors, artists and fashion designers.  

Cafe Tortoni has emulated its namesake and, for over 150 years, has been frequented by famous intellectuals, musicians, and artists from Argentina.  Tables bear plaques with the names of famous guests who have visited the cafe.

It is considered a “must see” spot in Buenos Aires, but if you are going to go for a visit, be prepared for a long wait .  We attempted to visit on our last day in Buenos Aires, but to our dismay, when we arrived shortly after 2:00pm, there was a long queue of people.  The wait for a table was estimated to be 1.5 hours, and unfortunately, we couldn’t make that work.  Maybe next time!

Floreria Atlantico

The Floreria Atlantico is a unique little flower shop that is also the entrance to a fabulous Speak-Easy bar hidden in its cellar below.  It is located in the northeast sector of Buenos Aires.

You enter the flower shop, which is located on Arroyo Street, and, once inside, you are led down a flight of stairs to a long narrow room with a bar on one side and seating on the other.  

The bar serves a wide selection of cocktails including some that are exclusive to the Floreria Atlantico.  Most of the cocktails are made from locally sourced gins and other spirits as well as indigenous aromatics that are used to flavour the drinks.  

This Speak-Easy is a very popular place, especially in the evenings so it is best to make a reservation.  We actually stopped on our way to dinner at another restaurant and were lucky enough to get a high-top table, but we were told that we would have to vacate it by 7:00pm as they had a reservation for that time.  

This worked out perfectly for us and we were able to order some drinks and linger for about 45 minutes before the other guests arrived.  

The featured drinks are all named after and inspired by the stories of the native peoples of Argentina.   Kim ordered a Yacurmana, which consisted of Pan Vodka, Giovannoni Dry Vermouth, rose wine, alkaline stones, citrus leaves, and juniper.  

Denis ordered a Negroni Balestrini which consisted of Principe de los Apostoles, Campari, Amaro, water from the Atlantic Ocean and Eucalyptus.

Both drinks were very flavourful and totally different from anything we had ever had before.  

Floreria Atlantico is definitely worth a visit especially if you are into local places of interest that offer something a little different from the norm.

Neighbourhoods

Palermo Soho, along with Palermo Hollywood, is one of the trendiest and most visited places in Buenos Aires .  While many tourists and locals alike come here for the exclusive boutiques and chic restaurants, we came for something different.  

Palermo Soho is one of the best places to appreciate the incredible murals and street art that cover many of the stores, cafes and restaurants that line both sides of the narrow, mostly cobblestone streets in and around Calle Santa Rosa.  

It is like walking through a vast outdoor art gallery .  Usually, this area is teeming with people, especially on the weekends.  Because it was Sunday and we had arrived before noon, the streets were still relatively quiet, which allowed us to roam the neighbourhood at our leisure and take our time to admire the more detailed and elaborate works.  

To make the experience even more enjoyable, the temperature was quite comfortable at 25 degrees celsius under bright blue skies.  

After spending a couple of hours exploring the different alleys and side streets, we found a local outdoor cafe to rest for a bit and enjoy some of the local food.  Because Kim had arranged for us to have dinner at a private wine-tasting and pairing club later that evening, we decided on a light lunch consisting of a local quiche dish that came with a mixture of fresh greens.  

The La Boca neighbourhood in Buenos Aires is in the old port area where Italian immigrants arrived from the late 19th to the early 20th century.

These immigrants built very humble houses in the area and honoured their original culture through the generations.  

The Italian influence is evident everywhere with colourful buildings, shops, and restaurants, many decorated with artistic graffiti and murals .  

The area has become a popular tourist attraction, and it is quite a bustling neighbourhood.  People are chatting and walking and even dancing tango in the streets.

One of the major venues in La Boca is the football (soccer) stadium – la Bombonera.  It is unique because the stadium and the area surrounding are all painted blue and yellow, the team colours.  

La Boca is a lively area and most enjoyed during the daytime hours.

What Is Buenos Aires Famous For?

As the capital of Argentina, one of South America’s richest countries, Buenos Aires is the epicentre of great food, excellent wine, fine culture, and a rich and dramatic history.

It is famous for its exciting nightlife, cafe culture, street art and lush, green parks and gardens.  

Buenos Aires has been immortalized by the heroic story of Eva Peron in the hit musical “Evita” and her presence is felt everywhere in the city, even today.  For proof, just check out the Ministry of Public Works building which features murals of Eva Peron on two of its sides.

Is Buenos Aires Worth Visiting For A Week?

How long to spend in Buenos Aires really depends on what you want to do.  The city is big and beautiful and has a very diverse culture with lots of history, great food and wide-open space.

We’ve been to Buenos Aires twice and spent a total of 5 days there and we still didn’t take in all that there is to do in the city, although we did cover quite a bit. 

So how many days is enough in Buenos Aires?  If you just want to hit the highlights of the city, including taking in a tango show, visiting the key monuments/buildings, and sampling a couple of the city’s great restaurants, then 2 to 3 days would probably work.  

If you really want to enjoy all the city has to offer, including visiting a couple of the fabulous museums, getting a tour of the Teatro Colon, visiting the Recoleta Cemetary and spending time in some of the wonderful green parks in the city, then we suggest you consider 1 week.  

No matter how much time you decide to spend here, from our experience, you will definitely want to come back.

Best Time to Visit Buenos Aires

Situated about two thirds of the way down the eastern coast of South America, Buenos Aires has a climate that makes it accessible year-round.  

Keeping in mind that the seasons in Southern Hemisphere are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere, the most pleasant temperatures tend to be in the spring (September to December) or in the fall (April to June).

Both of our visits were in January, the middle of the Argentine summer and the temperatures were quite warm, reaching the low 30’s Celsius (86 F).  The winter in Buenos Aries is cool, but not cold with temperatures averaging 15 C (59 F).  

Because there is so much to do in this marvellous city, no matter what time of year you are here, there is no bad time to visit Buenos Aires. 

Where To Stay in Buenos Aires

We have stayed in several properties in Buenos Aires.

✦ Our first time there we stayed in the Palermo area of the city. This was a convenient location for many sights and the boutique hotel that we booked was a nice spot. This was the Duque Hotel Boutique and Spa . The rooms were very comfortable, the staff on site was super helpful and there was a nice pool in a private area for guests.

✦ We also stayed in the downtown area at the NH Buenos Aires 9 de Julio . This was a much larger hotel and was in a good location for exploring the city centre on foot. The rooms were very spacious and the breakfast was great.

✦ Another hotel we stayed at was the Hilton Buenos Aires . This is a huge property and is often used for groups. The rooms are enormous, amenities upgraded and the lobby bar very nice. The location is a bit farther away being on the water’s edge in the marina so you will require a taxi to get around.

Is Buenos Aires Safer Than Rio de Janeiro?

In general, based on travel advisories from the US and Canada, Buenos Aires is safer than Rio de Janeiro.  

Buenos Aires definitely has a more European vibe and if you practice the same due diligence in Buenos Aires that you would in any major European city, you should be fine.

We have been to both cities and while we enjoyed Rio de Janeiro, we definitely felt more at ease in Buenos Aires – particularly at night.  The only area that we were advised to avoid in Buenos Aires at night was the la Boca area.  

Is Buenos Aires Cheap or Expensive?

This is a question that we often get asked wherever we go.  For most people visiting from North America or Europe, we think you will find that Buenos Aires (and most of Argentina) is relatively inexpensive.  

Argentina has one of the strongest economies in South America, but the exchange rate of the Argentine peso to the American dollar is quite favourable.  It also fluctuates quite dramatically so it is important to know the value before you arrive.

On our first trip to Buenos Aires in 2020, one US dollar was worth 500 Argentine pesos.  On our most recent trip in 2024, one US dollar was worth 1000 Argentine pesos.  So it was half as expensive to spend time here on our second trip.

To put that in perspective, we used Uber to get us around the city when it was raining or too far to walk.  A 20-minute Uber ride was typically around $3.00 USD.  We were also able to get light meals and a glass of wine for 2 people for under $20 USD.

What Is The Blue Dollar Exchange?

The Blue Dollar exchange rate is the “unofficial” rate of the Argentine peso to the US dollar.  While not strictly legal, it is evident everywhere in the country, especially in Buenos Aires and used to offer the best conversion rate from US to Argentinian peso.  

On our most recent visit, the official conversion from peso to USD was 850 pesos to 1 USD.  The Blue Dollar rate was 1000 to 1. 

We found out that we didn’t need to convert our USD to pesos since most small businesses preferred to be paid in US dollars and provided the Blue Dollar rate.  We decided to not convert any money since we didn’t want to be left with pesos that would need to be exchanged before we left. 

We also found that most businesses, even in the markets, take major credit cards.  We have a credit card that does not charge a transaction fee for paying in local currency so we used that for most of our purchases.

If you do decide to convert USD to pesos and you want to get the Blue Dollar rate, you can ask your hotel concierge to direct you to the nearest one. 

However, you will find traders at nearly every street corner who will make the exchange for you.  They are not hard to find because as soon as they spot a tourist they call out “Cambio, Cambio” (which means exchange).  Just be sure you know what the best rate is before you change your money.

The Final Word…Is Buenos Aires Worth Visiting?

Well, if you haven’t been able to tell by now, we will come right out and say it – Buenos Aires is one of our favourite cities ever and one we wholeheartedly believe is well worth visiting!

It reminds us of many of the great European cities like Paris, Barcelona and Vienna for its great architecture, wide open spaces and lively nightlife. The culture is alive and well and there is some fascinating history here.

We love the great outdoor spaces with lots of parks, trees and greenery.  And because of the weather, you can go outside virtually every day of the year.

And, certainly not least of all, we love the variety and quality of the food and wine here.  This is certainly a place where you can find something to suit your taste, no matter what it is.

You should definitely put Buenos Aires on your bucket list!

Denis is always up for a new adventure and has aspirations to explore a minimum of 100 countries. He originally travelled for his work going to all but one of the United States. Now he enjoys travelling for fun and his first love is African countries including Rwanda, Tanzania and South Africa. Wherever he is, he loves to check out unique destinations, try all the local foods and of course, taste the beer and wine from the region.

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A first timers guide to visiting buenos aires: helpful things to know.

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Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina, one of South America’s most diverse countries. Nicknamed the ‘Paris of Latin America’, Buenos Aires is rich in culture, filled with history, and boasts some of the most delicious food.

I visited Buenos Aires as part of my backpacking trip to Argentina . After spending two days there at the start of my trip, I fell in love and returned for another two weeks.

I honestly had no expectations for Buenos Aires. I assumed it would be like many other large cities. However, Buenos Aires has become one of my favourite cities in the world.

In this post, I’ve shared some helpful tips for planning your first trip to Buenos Aires. These include where to stay, the best time of year to visit, how long to spend in Buenos Aires, and the best things to do in the city.

While Buenos Aires is an amazing city, it isn’t always easy to navigate especially when it comes to withdrawing cash, getting around, and choosing where to stay.

How long to spend in Buenos Aires

There’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Buenos Aires. It’s one of those places where it’s easy to insert yourself into local life and spend your days café hopping and wandering the beautiful streets.

Most visitors only spend one day in Buenos Aires , using it as a stopover before heading to Patagonia or Ushuaia. I think Buenos Aires deserves more than this. I spent two weeks here and could have happily stayed longer. 

At the absolute minimum, I suggest spending at least two days in Buenos Aires. This will give you enough time to visit the main historic sights and explore one or two neighbourhoods. It also gives you a chance to enjoy a Tango show or join a food tour.

If you want to see more of what this incredible city has to offer, plan to spend five days in Buenos Aires. The city is one of those unique places where no time spent there seems “too long”. There is always something else to see or do.

The best places to stay in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a huge city with 48 different neighbourhoods known as ‘barrios’. Each of these barrios has its own distinct character and charm. Despite the city’s large size, there are only several areas where I’d suggest staying in Buenos Aires.

I’ve stayed in both Recoleta and Palermo, both fantastic and convenient areas.

Palermo Palermo is one of the best places to stay in Buenos Aires, especially if you want to experience the famous nightlife. Palermo is filled with trendy cafes, bars, and restaurants that serve cuisine from all over the world. It might not be the most traditional of neighbourhoods, but it shows off the diversity of this beautiful city.

Tip : Palermo is divided into three sub-areas: Palermo Chico, Palermo Soho, and Palermo Hollywood. All three are close together, and each is a fantastic option, but Soho is my favourite.

You’ll need to take public transport or a taxi to reach the city centre from Palermo.

In my opinion, Palermo is the best place to stay in Buenos Aires, especially for backpackers and solo travellers . It’s quite far away from the major highlights of Buenos Aires, but it’s a safe spot with lots going on.

Recoleta If you’d rather base yourself close to the historic sights, Recoleta is a good option. This is the best place to stay in Buenos Aires if you only have one or two days.

Recoleta is a traditional neighbourhood in Buenos Aires. It’s filled with classic cafes, bakeries, and Argentinian restaurants. It’s also much closer to the city centre than Palermo.

Many of the famous sights in Buenos Aires are walkable from here.

If you don’t have long in Buenos Aires and want to see the famous sights, staying in Recoleta is a fantastic option.

Microcentro (San Nicolás & Montserrat) This is the area to stay if you want the historic and political buildings right on your doorstep. It’s another great spot for exploring the city on foot.

I have to say, this isn’t my favourite area of Buenos Aires. It’s busy, crowded and can be very noisy. If you want to be close to the main sights but in a quieter area, consider Recoleta.

The best time of year to visit Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a year-round destination. There’s no “bad time” to visit as such, but there are certainly more favourable times in terms of the weather.

Being in the Southern Hemisphere, Buenos Aires experiences its warmest months between December and March. On a summer’s day, temperatures often reach about 30°C (86°F), but they have been known to go above this. In January 2024, temperatures almost reached 40°C (104°F). The humidity in the summer months can also be high.

During the winter months (June to October), temperatures tend to be more bearable. However, they remain above 15°C (60°F).

It can rain in Buenos Aires throughout the year, but December to March is typically the “rainy season”. I visited in February and March which see the most rain. There were a few rainy days including one huge storm, but it was nothing different to the likes of London or New York.

If you want to avoid the worst of the heat and big crowds, consider visiting between April and November.

Related read: Have limited time in Buenos Aires? Here’s how to spend one day in Buenos Aires

How to get from Buenos Aires airport to the city

There are two main airports in Buenos Aires: Ezeiza (EZE) and Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP). International flights land at EZE, which is the larger of the two.

EZE airport is quite a way out of the city. It normally takes anywhere between 40 minutes and an hour to get into the city from this airport (depending on where you are staying). AEP is much closer, especially if you’re staying in the Palermo area.

By taxi or private transfer

The easiest way to get into the city from either EZE or AEP airport is to take a taxi or Uber. A taxi from EZE airport into the city normally costs around 20 USD. However, tourists often fall victim to taxi scams, with drivers charging tourists a lot more money than they should.

Uber is a safer option as you see the price when booking the taxi and can pay through the app. This means the driver can’t overcharge you.

If you’re not a fan of Uber, I would recommend booking a taxi through your hotel or hostel. This is what I did on my backpacking trip to Argentina. The hostel confirmed the price with me and the driver so I knew I couldn’t be scammed.

The other option is to book a private transfer through Viator . This is more expensive but is the most popular option. A driver will be waiting for you at the airport holding a sign with your name on it. The taxi is pre-paid so you don’t need to worry about cash (other than tipping), WiFi to call an Uber or being scammed.

Shared shuttle

For those on a budget, there is the option to take a shared shuttle . This ends up being a similar price to an Uber, but if you want something arranged in advance then it’s a good compromise.

The only catch with shared shuttles is they can take a long time. You’ll be sharing the van with several others all going to different destinations. You often have to drive around to drop everyone off.

I like shared shuttles when arriving in a new country. They’re often budget-friendly and you don’t have to worry about ordering a taxi or working out public transport after a long flight.

Tip : a shuttle makes sense if you’re travelling alone. However, if there is more than one of you, it’s cheaper to get a private transfer.

Tiend a Leon has a range of shuttles and coaches to set locations in the city, including the AEP airport. 

Public transport

If you’re on a tight budget, you can take public transport from EZE airport. Linea 8 is the only bus that runs from the airport into the city. It can take up to two hours and is often crowded. I’ve also heard stories that sometimes drivers refuse to board passengers with a lot of luggage.

The only way to pay for buses in Buenos Aires is to buy a SUBE card. This is like an Oyster card in London or a Suica card in Japan. You load it with money and then tap when you board the bus.

In theory, the kiosks at the airport should sell these. However, when I was there, I couldn’t find anywhere that was obviously selling them.

Personally, unless you’re desperate, I’d try and avoid using the public bus from the airport. Theft is a common occurrence on public transport and when you’ve just got off a long flight, it’s one more thing to worry about.

How to get around Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a big city and many of the tourist attractions are spread out. Thankfully, getting around the city is relatively easy.

By foot Exploring a new city on foot is a great way to experience somewhere and find hidden gems. Buenos Aires is one of those cities where you can easily find yourself doing a ridiculous number of steps per day.

Buenos Aires is filled with hidden gems including impressive buildings, cute cafes, and beautiful parks. I loved wandering around the streets without any specific plans.

Having said that, walking between neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires can be tricky. For example, walking between Palermo, Barrier Norte, and La Boca would involve hours of walking.

I’d suggest walking around neighbourhoods, but consider getting transport between different ones.

Tip : while Buenos Aires is generally a safe city for tourists, crimes such as pick-pocketing and phone snatching do happen. Don’t carry anything valuable and don’t walk around with your phone out.

By taxi or uber Hailing a taxi or ordering an Uber is the best way to get around Buenos Aires. I prefer Uber as the price is set in advance, and it tends to be lower than a regular taxi.

By bus or subway The best way to get around Buenos Aires is to use the bus (Colectivos) and subway (Subte) system.

I was surprised to learn that Buenos Aires has an extensive subway network connecting many major tourist attractions.

To use the bus or subway (Subte), you’ll need to buy a SUBE card. Busses and trains don’t take cash, so this is the only way to pay to use public transport in Buenos Aires. You can buy SUBE cards in most convenience stores around the city, as well as in most Subte stations.

I’d suggest downloading the Moovit app. This is like Google or City Mapper and helps you to get from A to B using Buenos Aires public transport.

Argentina’s economy is incredibly unstable so prices are subject to change. However, as of March 2024, it costs 125 ARS ($0.10 USD) for a one-way subway ticket (bargain!).

Tip : If you’re worried about safety, using the trains or busses during the day is normally trouble-free. The biggest risk is having your phone snatched, so try to keep this out of sight. Pick-pockets are also known to target tourists on trains and buses.

Withdrawing cash in Buenos Aires

While many places in Buenos Aires accept debit or credit cards, you might find it easier to pay in cash. The Argentinian economy is very unstable and paying with Argentinian Pesos (ARS)  tends to provide the best exchange rate (depending on how you source the cash).

This is where things get complicated. Cash machines/ATMs in Argentina are not great. You can only withdraw a maximum of around 10,000-20,000 ARS (equivalent to about $10 – 20 USD) and there is often a hefty fee attached. The ATM at EZE airport would only let me withdraw $10 with an $8 USD fee attached. The exchange rate when doing this is also poor.

Tip : while many places will accept USD, this tends to have an awful exchange rate. Try and avoid paying in USD.

To put it simply – the best way to pay for things in Buenos Aires (and Argentina as a whole), is to use Western Union to withdraw cash. The worst way to pay for things is to use USD or a cash machine to withdraw ARS.

Using Western Union in Argentina

The best way to withdraw Argentinian Pesos is to use Western Union. This global bank offers the ‘Blue Dollar’ exchange rate, an exclusive exchange rate for tourists. This is normally 10-20% higher than the official exchange rate (and has even reached 30% in the past).

To withdraw money using Western Union in Argentina, you’ll need to download their official app . Once you’ve registered, you can send money to the bank. You’ll be asked to choose someone to “receive” the money. This can be you – you just need to have your passport ready. You don’t need to select a pick-up point, you just go to your nearest branch.

Once you’ve sent the money, the transaction will be verified (this can take a few minutes) and then it’s ready to collect. Your first transaction with Western Union is free, after this, there is a small fee.

Important note : I would recommend visiting your nearest Western Union before sending the money. Some smaller branches have limits on the amount you can withdraw and often run out of money. For example, in El Calafate, there is a small limit per person each day. Thankfully, Buenos Aires has several large branches which don’t normally have limits.

I know sending money to a random bank can be a scary prospect (I was terrified when I did my first withdrawal from Western Union), but it’s the best way to withdraw money in Argentina. Almost every traveller I met in the country had used Western Union, I didn’t once hear anything negative.

Exchanging USD

If you arrive in Buenos Aires with USD, you can exchange it at a better rate than the banks. However, I don’t personally recommend it.

The money exchangers can be found on Florida Street in the popular tourist area. You don’t need to walk for long before coming across someone asking if you want to exchange money.

While many people will tell you it’s entirely okay to exchange money this way, it’s important to know that these services are not regulated. Tourists who exchange their money in this way could be prone to scams.

Of course, it’s up to you whether you want to take the risk or not. But put it this way, using Western Union is much safer and regulated. You also tend to get the best rate.

Paying with credit or debit card in Buenos Aires

Many places in Buenos Aires accept credit cards, but there are a couple of things to be aware of.

Firstly, the exchange rate isn’t always as good. Mastercard and Visa offer “exclusive rates” which are better than the official exchange rate, but still not as good as Western Union’s. At least not when I was there.

Secondly, it’s not uncommon for restaurants, bars, and hotels to charge an extra fee for card transactions. This is especially true when paying for accommodation. My hostel wouldn’t accept a card payment without adding a 20% fee, which is a ridiculous amount.

Lastly, if you’re planning to explore more of Argentina, you’ll likely need cash. While carrying around copious amounts of cash when travelling feels wrong, it’s the easiest and cheapest way to pay for things in Argentina.

Note: while in Buenos Aires, I noticed Mastercard and Visa partnering with restaurants and bars to offer discounts. For example, there was a day when I came across several places offering a 20% discount if you paid with your Visa debit or credit card.

Is Buenos Aires safe to visit?

Buenos Aires has long had a bad reputation for being a dangerous city. However, it’s generally a safe city for tourists. As with all major cities in the world, crimes against tourists do happen, but this isn’t a regular occurrence.

Crimes most likely to occur include phone snatching and pickpocketing, especially in areas such as La Boca.

Whenever in a big city, try to follow some basic guidelines to help you stay safe. This includes:

• Keeping your valuables locked away
• Don’t flaunt your phone or camera
• Don’t walk alone at night
• Stick to the tourist areas
• Trust your instincts
• Don’t take any risks

I never felt unsafe when travelling in Buenos Aires as a solo traveller.

Solo female travel in Buenos Aires

Planning a solo trip to Buenos Aires? Yay! It’s an incredible city and a popular choice for backpackers and nomads.

As I mentioned above, Buenos Aires is generally a safe city for tourists. I met many other solo travellers, including females, all around Argentina.

It’s normal to feel nervous about visiting a foreign country alone , but I believe Argentina is a fantastic option.

Here are a few tips for solo female travellers planning a trip to Buenos Aires :

• Stay in hostels . Hostels are a great way to meet like-minded travellers. Buenos Aires has some great hostels including Casa Franca Recoleta and America del Sur.
• Join group tours . If you don’t want to explore Buenos Aires alone, consider joining tours such as a free walking tour or food tour. This will help you to meet other travellers.
• Don’t walk alone at night. While I always felt safe in Buenos Aires, I wouldn’t recommend walking alone at night, especially away from the likes of Palermo.
• Stay connected . Buy a SIM card to stay connected while travelling alone.

Related read: Check out my full guide on solo travel in Argentina

Getting a SIM card

Purchasing a SIM card in Buenos Aires is a good idea to help you stay connected. Most cafes, bars and restaurants have wi-fi, but it’s not always reliable.

The easiest option is to buy an e-sim using Airalo . Using an e-Sim means you can keep your current SIM card and number active. It’s a hassle-free way of staying connected. E-Sims only include data, so you won’t be able to make any calls.

I found the e-Sims for Buenos Aires to be more on the expensive side. As I was staying in the country for almost two months, I decided to purchase a physical SIM card.

The two major networks in Argentina are Movistar and Claro. Both are great, but if you’re visiting Patagonia , go with Claro. I met people on Movistar that had no signal whatsoever.

You’ll need to go to a Claro store to get your SIM card set up. In March 2024, I paid $7 USD for 30 GB over 30 days, which included unlimited minutes and calls within Argentina. Don’t forget your passport—you’ll need it to verify your SIM.

The best things to do in Buenos Aires

There are so many incredible things to do in Buenos Aires . This post is a general guide to Buenos Aires, so I’m not going to list everything here. But here are a few of my favourite things to do in Buenos Aires, especially for first-time visitors.

• Go on a free walking tour . Buenos Aires is full of interesting history and a free walking tour is a great way to learn more about it all. This popular free walking tour takes guests to the major historic spots in the city. If you only have limited time in Buenos Aires, it’s a fantastic activity to orientate yourself and see the highlights.
• Visit La Boca . La Boca is one of the city’s most popular spots. Known for its colourful buildings, the streets of La Boca are a lively place to immerse yourself in local life. (Despite being a touristy area, crimes such as phone snatching are a common occurrence in La Boca. Make sure to stick to the main tourist spots.)
• Join a food tour . The food in Argentina is some of the best I’ve experienced in the world. One of the best ways to experience food in a new country is to join a food tour. This option by S herpa Food Tours is one of the best-rated food tours in Argentina and the entire world.

• Watch a Tango show . No trip to Buenos Aires would be complete without watching a traditional Tango show . There are various options available including ones which provide dinner and transport. You can also catch free street performances in areas such as La Boca.
• Eat and drink your way through Palermo . This trendy neighbourhood is filled to the brim with cute cafes, lively bars, and delicious restaurants. The vibrant streets are also home to some famous street art.

Extra tip : if you happen to be in Buenos Aires on a Sunday, the area of San Telmo is filled with market stalls selling crafts, antiques, and food. 

What to eat in Buenos Aires

Argentina is a food haven, especially for meat and cheese lovers. Almost every meal seems to come with cheese, ham, steak, cake, or pastry in some form. It might not be the most flavoursome food in the world, but it’s delicious nonetheless.

Where to eat in Buenos Aires deserves its own blog post. The city is filled with incredible restaurants and cute cafes.

Here are a few of the must-try foods in Buenos Aires.

• Empanadas : No trip to Argentina is complete without trying an Empanada. These delicious pastries stuffed with cheese and meat are sold all over Buenos Aires. You won’t have to walk far to find your daily serving.
• Pizza : The food in Buenos Aires has a heavy Italian influence. The pizza in Argentina is some of the best I’ve had in my life. It’s very different to traditional Italian pizza, but delicious nonetheless. My favourite pizza in Buenos Aires is from Guerrin.

• Ice cream : Buenos Aires residents love their ice cream. In traditional neighbourhoods like Recoleta, there is an ice cream shop on almost every street.
• Steak : Another staple bite in the Argentinian diet… steak! I’m not a big meat eater, but the steak in Buenos Aires is very good. There are steak restaurants everywhere in the city. Don Julio is one of the most famous.
• Choripan : A fried sausage on some bread. It’s simple but delicious and a must-try while in Buenos Aires. Most smaller delis and grills will serve this traditional dish.
• Pastries and cakes : I wasn’t quite prepared for just how much they love their sweet dishes in Buenos Aires. There seems to be a café or bakery on every corner. Each sells every type of cake and pastry you could ever dream of. Be sure to try the Medialunas – they are like croissants but a bit sweeter. I also recommend heading to Cinna for cinnamon rolls.

Tip : I want to give a special mention to Bushi, a Japanese restaurant in Palermo. The ramen I had here was the best I’ve ever had—even better than when I was in Japan!

Drinking tap water in Buenos Aires

Tap water in Buenos Aires is technically safe to drink, but it’s highly processed. The high levels of chemicals and minerals can cause stomach upsets. I’d try and avoid drinking the tap water if you can. It likely won’t do much harm, but it could be a bit uncomfortable.  

I drank tap water in Buenos Aires on several occasions and had no issues. However, it did not taste great, so I preferred to buy bottled water.

Bottled water is very cheap in Buenos Aires. You can buy 6-litre bottles for around $1 USD.

What to pack and wear

Anything seems to go in Buenos Aires. I’ve seen people go to nice restaurants all dressed up and people wearing jeans and trainers. There doesn’t seem to be a particular dress code.

Depending on what time of year you visit, you’ll likely want warm-weather clothes, such as shorts, skirts, and dresses. However, the mornings can be quite cool, even in the summer months, so it’s worth having jeans or long trousers just in case.

I had packed light for my trip to Buenos Aires. I survived with one skirt, one pair of jeans and one pair of loose-fitting trousers.

Here are a few things to consider packing for your trip to Buenos Aires:

• Clothes for warmer weather
• Clothes for when it’s cooler including a light jacket and jeans
• A waterproof coat
• Comfortable shoes (you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking)
• Sun hat and sun protection (the sun in Buenos Aires is STRONG)
• A small day bag, preferably one that goes across your body, will help keep your belongings safe. I love this one from Uniqlo .  

Related read: Visiting Patagonia? Discover the ultimate Patagonia packing list

The Buenos Aires lifestyle

Time seems to move differently in Buenos Aires. No one ever seems to be in a rush, eating dinner at 10 pm is completely normal and most coffee shops don’t open until mid-morning.

If you’re from the likes of the USA or the UK, this might be a bit of a shock. I remember walking around at 8 am on my first morning looking for coffee but everything was shut. In the evening, most of the restaurants don’t open until 7 or 8 pm and serve food late at night.

Eating out is also a different experience. Many of the restaurants allow you to take your time looking for food and do anything but rush you once you’ve finished.

Basically, life in Buenos Aires is slow and relaxed. Do your best to embrace this. And good luck doing anything in a rush!

Up next: visiting Patagonia while in Argentina? Check out my guides to help you plan your trip.

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6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Buenos Aires at Least Once in Your Lifetime

Contributor

Buenos Aires is unlike any other city you’ll visit in your life. Why is that? Hard to say. Maybe it’s the combination of South American flair and European elegance that makes the Argentine capital stand out. From the French-influenced tango music to the Spanish-inspired “picada” appetizer plate offered at almost every restaurant in Buenos Aires, the modern-day Argentine capital offers quite a singular cultural experience. And if that’s not already enough to convince you to come, here are six more reasons to visit.

It’s crazy, in a good way.

Buenos Aires is not for the faint-hearted. This is not just a reference to the city’s mind-boggling public transit system, which overwhelms most newcomers due to the sheer number of buses and variety of routes.

It’s deeper than that. People are intense here; life is intense here. Taxi drivers will pepper you with existential questions. Fruit-and-vegetable vendors will do a psychological profile of you, dropping seemingly-random questions about your life if you start shopping there regularly. Speaking of psychology, pretty much everyone sees a shrink . Even crazier, people still prefer to read real, physical books and sit in the parks, where they often sit and stare at nothing.

Then there’s the lifestyle. Most Argentines get by on little sleep, relying on mate (yes, it’s caffeinated) to power them through their many hobbies – as in, oh, it’s almost 11pm, time to go play soccer with my old high school buddies! Not that 11pm is considered all that late here, which is just more of the crazy.

In fact, Argentines talk about how Buenos Aires tends to make people histérico , or hysterical, a word that lacks the laughing connotation it denotes in English. Why is this? It may have to do with the fact that political and economic security is relatively new to Argentina . So the system, such as it is, is not really trusted. On a day-to-day level, this means that just walking around the city you’re likely to see things that will make you gasp or laugh – because when there’s a problem, Argentines tend to either put up with it (as in, we’re seriously doing this, guys?), or come up with some kind of (often bemusing) temporary solution.

Basically, you come here and it’ll make you crazy — in a good way.

It’s incredibly creative

You can feel it as soon as you set foot in the city; the creativity in Buenos Aires is palpable. This may or may not have to do with attempts to keep capitalist materialism at bay – you won’t find a lot of international chains here, nor is advertising all that savvy, maybe because people don’t have as much spending money anyway. It may or may not have to do with the way people choose to live here, favoring time with family and friends over killing themselves for job promotions. It may or may not have to do with the fact that any kind of creativity is encouraged here, no matter how incomplete, how “bad” (by professional standards) it may be, how raw, how weird or how different. If people want to put on a show, they rent out one of the city’s many small theaters, and they put on a show. It’s that simple. This may be why Buenos Aires has the best theater scene in the region. Overall, the art scene is remarkably vibrant — if in doubt, check this out.

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It’s generous

The amount of free things you can do in Buenos Aires is astonishing. The city even has a “greeter” program, where people will show you around the city from a native’s point of view for free. Go to any city park and you’re likely to see people gathering for yoga or tai-chi classes, all likely offered free. Then there’s music, played live in so many restaurants, plazas and bars either free or a la gorra , which is Spanish for passing around a hat for donations. Want to take a class, or learn how to do something? Chances are you’ll be able to find something a la gorra , such as the hugely popular MUEVE dance program . It’s also socially acceptable much of the time to do an exchange, offering a skill you have for someone to teach or make you something.

It’s charming

This place knows how to have a good time

There’s lots of fun to be had in Buenos Aires, not least of which happens at night. Explore the city’s secret bars, check out the vibe in one of the city’s many bustling cultural centers, go to a closed-door restaurant, take a tango class – you name it, Buenos Aires probably has it, and if it doesn’t, Argentines will invent something on the spot that’s just as exciting. People party until dawn here all the time, so come visit and join the fun.

Caring culture

Buenos Aires is not one of those cities in which, in order to survive, you have to forget you’re human. If you run into trouble, people will notice and do something about it. They really care here. Many will go out of their way to help you out, be it helping you find your way somewhere, or giving you suggestions for places to go and people to meet – little things. If, for example, you get on a city bus, only to realise you don’t have enough money on your transit card, you can almost guarantee a kindly stranger will step forward and cover it for you. And they are unlikely to accept cash for their kindness. That’s because they believe in karma here: they’ll do something kind and not expect you to do anything in return, trusting that it’ll come back to them somewhere along the line, if not from you, from someone else. In short, the humanity here is what makes Buenos Aires a true joy, both to live in and to visit.

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36 Hours in Buenos Aires

By Maria Cramer Updated May 18, 2023

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Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital, can feel overwhelming. Main thoroughfares like Avenida Santa Fe are noisy and jammed with zooming taxis and groaning buses. The streets can get grimy. But elegance is everywhere and accessible to visitors. Beaux-Arts buildings along Avenida de Mayo recall the grandeur of old Europe. You can find affordable, handcrafted goods at artisan fairs that abound on weekends in neighborhoods like San Telmo, Recoleta and Mataderos. The afterglow of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory remains — a spiritual salve for many still suffering from the country’s yearslong inflation crisis . Visitors will find a city where people press on. It is that perseverance that keeps Buenos Aires vibrant and thrilling.

Recommendations

• Ecoparque , a former zoo, is now a nature preserve where many animals roam free.
• Borges 1975 is a bookshop with a restaurant and bar, as well as an intimate back room that hosts jazz acts every week.
• La Alacena Pastificio y Salumeria is a cozy restaurant where you can watch pasta makers rolling and cutting fresh rigatoni, gnocchi and ravioli.
• Jessica Kessel is a boutique selling funky, colorful leather shoes, including heels, boots, mules and flats.
• Palacio de las Aguas Corrientes , the city’s water pumping station, is an opulent example of the city’s striking architecture and houses the affectionately nicknamed “Toilet Museum.”
• El Zanjón is a cavernous and unusual museum that takes you through part of the city’s underground tunnels and explores the country’s history of slavery.
• La Casa Mínima , the narrowest house in Buenos Aires, is steps from El Zanjón.
• Parque Centenario is a quiet oasis of trees and a large lake in Caballito with a quirky Saturday fair that offers secondhand clothes and handmade crafts.
• Roux offers inventive fine dining, with produce sourced from all over Argentina.
• Estilo Campo , a steakhouse in Puerto Madero, serves expertly prepared chorizo and crispy sweetbreads away from the crowds along the Río de la Plata riverbank.
• Mercat Villa Crespo is a food market in a refurbished industrial space selling empanadas, steak, falafel, vegan ice cream and more.
• Quotidiano Bar de Pastas in Recoleta draws crowds for its pasta and is also a great spot for breakfast and Argentine pastries filled with dulce de leche.
• Presidente Bar , in one of the most affluent parts of the city, is a beautiful drinking spot that manages not to take itself too seriously.
• Corchio , which has sweet, buttery pastries and great coffee, is a perfect snack stop as you shop in Recoleta.
• Guido , one of the oldest and best-known shoe shops in the city, also sells purses, luggage and wallets.
• Lopez Taibo specializes in leather goods for men and women, including jackets, shoes and belts.
• El Ateneo Grand Splendid is a glorious bookstore in an old cinema that has kept the theater’s ornate designs in place.
• Alvear Palace Hotel in Recoleta remains one of the city’s most elegant and beautiful hotels, with a rooftop bar that has tremendous panoramic views of Buenos Aires. Doubles from around $370 (hotels generally list prices in U.S. dollars). Nonguests should still visit the bar and order the Malbec Sour, a refreshing cocktail that might remind you of a strong Lambrusco.
• Ribera Sur Hotel in San Telmo, the oldest neighborhood in the city, has comfortable, simply designed rooms that start at $95 a night, including an indulgent breakfast. It is two blocks from Calle Defensa, where every Sunday, thousands of people come from around the city to haggle at an open-air antique market.
• Malevo Muraña Hostel , a cheerful, comfortable hostel in Palermo with a charming outdoor patio and colorful décor, offers shared dorms from about $40 a person and private rooms that fit up to four people from $140 a night. The hostel is on one of the quieter streets of a neighborhood that becomes very loud at night.
• For short-term rentals , Recoleta and Palermo, safe, walkable neighborhoods teeming with boutiques, pasta shops, and cheese and wine shops, are the best locations for exploring such a vast city.
• Taxis are largely safe, but typically take cash only. (It’s best to avoid taxis outside the international airport. Instead, find the kiosk for Taxi Ezeiza , the official airport taxi service.) Uber is also available. The city’s system of buses and subways is vast and inexpensive, but can be confusing (download the navigation app Cómo Llego ). Sube cards, which you need to ride the system, are available at most kioskos, the ubiquitous candy stands.
• The Argentine peso is unstable and weak. There is an official rate, but many U.S. travelers seek out the black-market “blue dollar” rate that is usually twice as favorable. Since late 2022, tourists can also benefit from a preferential exchange rate on foreign Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards, which is close to the blue-dollar rate. Some stores and restaurants will accept U.S. dollars, another way of getting the blue-dollar rate.

Have a weekend to explore a destination? We’ve got the perfect travel itinerary.

Colorado Springs: ​​Colorado’s second-largest city, which brims with outdoor activities , is enticing visitors with a new museum and revamped hotels.

Minneapolis: Springtime is best for exploring this Midwestern city’s lakeside trails, robust arts scene and top-notch restaurants .

Maui: The beauty and hospitality of this Hawaiian island, still recovering from last year’s wildfires, remain as vibrant as ever .

Toronto: Savor the diversity of this lakefront city through its hidden bars, small-but-fascinating museums and vibrant restaurants .

Cape Town: Take a food and storytelling tour, cruise one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives and see contemporary African art in this city with stunning views in every direction .

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15 Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires

From shopping for antiques in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods to exploring the most impressive collection of Latin American art on the continent, there's no shortage of things to do in Argentina's cultural capital.

La Recoleta Cemetery Arrow

Is it creepy to fly to a city just to visit the graveyard? Not if the city in question is Buenos Aires. Located in posh Recoleta neighborhood—where moneyed porteños live—this cemetery features thousands of statues, mausoleums that resemble Gothic chapels, crypts, fairytale grottoes, sarcophagi, coffins, and elegant little houses that hold the remains of some of Argentina’s most iconic and celebrated figures.

Teatro Colón Arrow

A world-class theater for opera, ballet, and symphony, the Teatro Colón will take your breath away. If you're lucky enough to score tickets to a performance, the acoustics are spectacular no matter where your seats are. If you can't make it in for a performance, stop by for a guided tour. (English-language tours happen seven days a week at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.)

Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA) Arrow

Filled with avant-garde 19th- and 20th-century works, the MALBA showcases pieces by Frida, Diego Rivera, Antonio Berni, Wilfredo Lam, among others. Even if you've only got an hour, you can see all the hits. If you have a bit more time, do yourself a favor and check out one of the temporary exhibits, which sometimes deviate from the Latin theme.

Buenos Aires Ciudad La Boca Tour Arrow

If you're short on time and want to see the highlights of La Boca, this 90-minute walking tour, which sets off from the Caminito tourist office, is a good idea. The birthplace of tango, La Boca is most known for its colorful houses, that hold the history of Buenos Aires's working class immigrants.

Campo Argentino de Polo Arrow

Established in 1928 and known as 'The Cathedral of Polo,' this venue hosts some of the most important events in the sport, including the Argentine Polo Tournament each spring (November-December). For big name events, the stadium holds some 30,000 spectators, but tickets can get expensive. Save your money and watch local clubs compete. You can get seats up close to the action.

La Bombonera Arrow

Set in La Boca, La Bombonera stadium is home to Boca Juniors, one of Argentina's top futbol clubs. During home games, the streets of the neighborhood are a sea of yellow and blue, the team colors. The real score here is getting tickets to a superclasico game between Boca Juniors and its rival team, River Plate. You'd think fans had scored tickets to a Beatles reunion.

Feria de Mataderos Arrow

You've heard of gauchos, Argentine cowboys, but there's very little chance of seeing one in Buenos Aires itself. This outdoor Sunday market, located just outside the city limits but still within the province, features traditional Argentine cuisine, folkloric dancers and musicians and, of course, gauchos showing off their horsemanship.

Rapanui Arrow

Remember when Häagen-Dazs came out with a new dulce de leche flavor? Yeah, they got that idea from the ice cream parlors of Buenos Aires that serve up gelato-style scoops. Try the real deal at family-run Rapanui, which has four different dulce de leche ice creams.

Café Tortoni Arrow

Once upon a time, the crowd at one of the oldest cafes in Argentina might have included writers José Luis Borges and Alfonsina Storni, singer Carlos Gardel, and painter Benito Quinquela Martín. Now, 160 years after opening, the atmosphere is electric pretty much any time you visit the café for a glass of wine or espresso, but it is particularly crowded at lunch time and tea time (around 5 o'clock).

La Carnicería Arrow

If you just show up at this tiny steakhouse, you'll likely be turned away. Hipsters serious about steak, tables of Argentine males bonding over protein, and foodies keen for a different meat experience know to book ahead. Here, the cut of the day is either grilled or smoked; whichever you choose, it's a vast hunk of meat that's fit for sharing. Come for the night's second service, where there's less emphasis on 'fast' food.

Feria de San Telmo Arrow

One of the best antique markets in the world with 250 booths and stands pops up Sundays in San Telmo's Plaza Dorrego. You never know what you might find at the Feria, anything from matchbox cars to mid-century modern furniture, a limited edition record or even a first edition book. If you know what you're looking at (and your seller doesn't), you might even score a vintage Louis Vuitton bag or Bertoia chair for a song.

Niceto Club Arrow

Just about every major city has a club, the club, the one everyone will tell you to check out. In Buenos Aires, Niceto is that club. Local and international bands and DJs play here and the dance floor often gets packed to the gills. This is a club for night owls. Don't expect to show up before midnight and see any kind of a crowd. The party really gets started around 2 a.m.

La Viruta Arrow

Located in the basement of the Armenian Cultural Center, La Viruta is one of the most welcoming spaces to dance the tango. The teachers are awesome, the vibe is friendly, and the crowd is a mix of tourists, expats, and locals. Everyone is here for one reason, and one reason only: to learn how to tango. Go earlier in the night and sign up for a lesson. More experienced dancers show up after midnight and put on a show. Best to just grab a table, watch, and learn.

Context Architecture Tour Arrow

Most people have heard Buenos Aires called "the Paris of South America," and after this tour you'll understand why. You, and five other people tops, meet in front of the National Congress, make your way around Avenida de Mayo, and then walk around ritzy Recoleta and Retiro neighborhoods. The guides, mostly local architecture school grads, talk at an unrushed pace that allows for questions and conversation.

Bosques de Palermo Arrow

Buenos Aires's Central Park has it all: small lakes with boats for rent, pretty gazebos, a rose garden, a sculpture garden dedicated to iconic poets, picnic spots, running paths, stands that rent rollerblades and bikes. At almost 1,000 acres, this park is best explored from a specific starting point. Take a taxi and ask the driver to take you to the Rose Garden and then make your way to the lakes.

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25 Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires

Visiting Argentina and looking for things to do in Buenos Aires? I combined the best things to do in one list. A wide choice of what to do in Buenos Aires. Many attractions are free but I will give you some tips to get the most out of them. After all, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Did you know that you can visit the presidential palace for free or have a magnificent view from the sky in Buenos Aires? Sure, check out the video below!

Read also: how many days should I stay in Buenos Aires? 

1. Palacio Barolo

The first on my “things to do in Buenos Aires” list. It’s my personal favorite. Palacio Barolo is located in Avenida de Mayo. The construction of the eclectic-style building was finished in 1730. Palacio Barolo was designed based on the Divines Comedy. It measures 100m high and has 18 floors. At that moment some offices are located inside the building.

Palacio Barolo is open to visitors. Follow a guided tour that ends on top of the building, the lighting beacon. I suggest going when the sky is blue and one hour before sunset. A breathtaking view will mesmerize you. My absolute number one on the list of things to do in Buenos Aires. Book your tickets in advance because the tickets just before sunset are popular.

Tip: visit the rooftop bar Salon 1923 on top of Palacio Barolo. More info here.

2. El Caminito La Boca

Enjoy the colorful houses in Caminito (little walkway in English) and see how local painters bring their area to life on a white canvas. Caminito is located in the neighborhood “La Boca”. La Boca was in the mid-19th century the home of Spanish and Italian immigrants. The colorful houses came from the leftovers of paintings that they could get. Some say that the Tango was first danced here between two men. You will see some Tango shows while having lunch in one of the bars.

You can visit the houses for free in La Boca. Enter the galleries where you see all the shops and take the stairs up. This is how you can see how life before was and where they lived.

And, are you a Boca Juniors fan? Then, don’t miss the tour in the La Bombonera stadium and visit the La Boca Museum. You can book your tickets in advance.

3. Evita Museum

In the ban of Eva Maria Duarte Perón (7 May 1919 – 26 July 1952) or want to get to know more about the life of Eva Perón? The Evita Museum guides you through the lifetime of the famous First Lady of Argentina. Some surprising facts will give a better look at how life was at that time. Before there was the Evita museum, the Fundación Eva Perón was there in the early 1950s, a temporary home for women and children.

Entrance fee for non-residents: USD 5

4. Cementerio de la Recoleta

The cemetery of Recoleta is called one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. With the graves of Evita Perón (Eva Maria Duarte Perón), Noble prize winner and the daughter of Napoleon. The cemetery was created in 1822 next to the church  Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar. It contains 4691 graves all located in a 5,5 ha area. The beautiful m ausoleum gives the cemetery that special look. Explore the history of deceased loved ones.

Because the history of the cemetery is so rich in info, I suggest taking a guided tour. Most of the tourists walk directly to the mausoleum of Evita and are missing a lot of info about the cemetery of Recoleta. A tour cost only USD 10 / €9. Worth the money.

Entrance fee for non-residents: USD 11

5. Casa Rosada / Presidential Palace

You will find Casa Rosada, the presidential palace, in front of Plaza de Mayo in the neighborhood of Montserrat. Plaza de Mayo became world famous because of the silent protest of grandmothers in 1977. Still now, every Thursday around 15u30, the grandmothers walk around the plaza to keep the subject alive.

Casa Rosada is the executive office of the president. But every weekend you can visit Casa Rosada for free. In the article , I explain to you how to get a free ticket. During the tour, you will be able to stand on the famous balcony of Evita and other presidents of the nation.

Also, every day at 7 pm / 19h the flag is lowered along with an official ceremony.

Read also: visit Casa Rosada / presidential palace for free

6. Tango shows in Buenos Aires

My Argentine friends never had the urge to see a tango show in Buenos Aires because for them it was too touristic. By surprise – during a visit with my family- I went to see a tango show, even accompanied by an Argentino. The level of dance skills that I saw was amazing. Tango dance and music at a high level. There are many companies that offer tango shows in Buenos Aires. Therefore, I made a list to help you. Sure, check it out .

Read here: the best tango show in Buenos Aires. My top pick.

7. Feria San Telmo

A must-do thing to do in Buenos Aires: Feria de San Telmo on Sundays.

San Telmo, the smallest area and oldest of Buenos Aires, hosts every Sunday an antique market. The market starts from Av. San Juan until Plaza de Mayo. Wander around between all the small trinkets and maybe find historical items. Go also to San Telmo during weekdays and enter San Telmo Mercado, have a coffee, or taste the local cuisine.

Read more: visit San Telmo Mercado, the historic market in town

8. The Argentine Experience

Something now that you can experience in person, The Argentine Experience. I found it very funny and a nice thing to do in town. It was a welcome after a day walking around in the city. I booked the experience and it was an evening full of joy.

A warm welcome by the staff and let’s go. During the evening we got some info about the wines, Argentine culture, and food. And the best part was making our own food. I learned to make empanadas during a small competition in which I won :-D. A perfectly cooked bife de chorizo accompanied with a glass of wine. At last, we had a dessert that we could make ourselves too. A nice thing to do if you want to take some Argentine Experience home. You can book here.

9. Sherpa Food tour in Buenos Aires

My interest was triggered as the Sherpa Food Tour was selected by TripAdvisor as one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires. So, of course, I went to find out!

The starting point is in Palermo with a group of max 10 people. With an English-speaking guide, we discovered Palermo SoHo and 4 restaurants on the way. At each restaurant, we tasted typical Argentine dishes. Such as the morcilla (blood sausage), empanadas, and Argentine meat and drinks. A fun and easygoing evening with nice information on the go.

You learn in one evening the Argentine culture and food. A great activity.

You can book on this link the food tour in Buenos Aires . Every Monday till Saturday starting at 5:30 PM.

10. Bike tour Buenos Aires

Perfect for somebody who stays for 1 or 2 days in Buenos Aires. With a guided bike tour in Buenos Aires, you can visit the most popular places in one day. There are plenty of bike tour companies active in Buenos Aires. You can make a choice depending on how long you want to bike, the kind of tour, with an electric bike, and more. Really one of the best things to do if you want to visit Buenos Aires differently.

I made a list and compared all the companies. So, you can make a choice easy and fast.

Read here: bike tour in Buenos Aires: all the companies and tours available

11. Visit the museums in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the cultural heart of Argentina. Therefore, you will find many interesting museums in the city. For example, the National Museum of Fine Arts or The Museum of Latin American Art (MALBA). Already two fascinating places to visit with an extensive collection of fine Argentine and Latin American Arts from various periods.

I wrote a dedicated article about the 12 best museums to visit in Buenos Aires . On top of that, some museums are located in beautiful buildings and give you a view of the architecture of that time.

12. Puerto Madero

This is the area where the first European immigrants set foot in Argentina. During the 19th century, Puerto Madero was booming because of imports and exports. After the 2nd world war, trade decreased tremendously and the hangars and cranes went into decay. Until a new government set a new goal for Puerto Madero. Lofts, hotels, museums, and luxury apartments are giving Puerto Madero the look of today with Puente de la Mujer Bridge as the eyecatcher. Go with a sunset to Puerto Madero and enjoy a lovely walk while you see the sun going down. A perfect view.

Book a private city tour in Buenos Aires here .

13. El Ateneo Bookstore

Did you know that Buenos Aires has the highest number of bookstores per capita? El Ateneo Bookstore wasn’t always a bookstore. Before there was a marvelous theater with 1.050 seats in the eclectic-styled building. In the ’20s the theater was rebuilt into a cinema and in 1929 the first movies with sounds were played here. The Guardian placed El Ateneo in second place for the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Worth a visit and put it on your list of things to do in Buenos Aires.

More things to do in Buenos Aires

14. cooking class “criolla”.

In this list, I want to give you also the option to “do” things in Buenos Aires. And the cooking class “Criolla” is a super thing “to do”.

During a 3-hour cooking class, I learned how to cook traditional Argentine dishes and drinks. Such as empanadas with a glass of vermouth, little cheese breads, and a very tasty wine sauce accompanied by a tender piece of meat.

Together with a chef and a group of 8 people, we cooked a delicious Argentine meal. It is for sure an interactive and social activity in Buenos Aires. Meeting new people and having a fun evening. I can recommend this if you are not tired of a day walking around in town 😁

You can book the cooking class here.

15. Torre Monumental

In front of Retiro train station, you will see Torre Monumental also known as “La Torre de Los Ingleses”.  It has a balcony on top of the tower that was built in 1916. Secret: you can visit Torre Monumental by going up the balcony. I will give you a nice view of the city (Puerto Madero, the train station area, and Recoleta). The entrance fee is around 3 USD. So many reasons to just step inside and visit Torre Monumental in Retiro.

16. The Congress

Visit the political heart of Argentina, Congress. Argentinians are very passionate about politics and talk about it every moment that they can, sometimes with a lot of passion. From the outside, you will be impressed by the architecture. Sometimes visits to the Congress are available. Especially during the Night of the Museums. If to opportunity takes place, go and visit.

Read also: why don’t talk about politics with Argentines?

17. Café Tortoni and other famous bars

The first time I visited Buenos Aires I saw a long waiting line and busses parked at a cafe. That cafe was Café Tortoni. It was opened in 1858 by a French immigrant and many famous Argentines went there for a coffee or merienda. It’s a great location to get into the atmosphere of Buenos Aires’ 19th century. However, sometimes too crowded. After some years I discovered many other “bar notables” with the same vibe and sometimes more authentic.

Read also: what is the best time to visit Café Tortoni

18. The Rose Garden – El Rosedal

In Palermo, you can find The Rose Garden as part of Parque Tres de Febrero. More than 18.000 roses are planted in this beautiful part of the park. Ideal to take a break and relax.

The best moment to visit is in November when all the roses are in bloom. It’s my favorite place to end a day walking around in the city.

19. The water palace – Palacio de aguas corrientes

Imagine a water pump station in a beautiful palace. Palacio de Aguas Corrientes. The water pump station is dated from 1984 and still now provides the city with water. On the outside, it’s covered with over 300.000 glazed terra-cotta tiles. Inside the water company palace, you can visit the water museum. The main exhibits of the museum is devoted to the history of water and you will see hundreds of urinals and toilets. The entrance is free.

20. Teatro Colón

One of the buildings that will trigger your interest will be Teatro Colon. It’s located near the Obelisco. Teatro Colon is an opera house that opened in 1908 and rumored as one of the best opera houses in the world. The acoustic is magnificent they say. I went a couple of times to watch the Philharmonic Orchestra of Buenos Aires. Truly, a wonderful experience.

You can book your tickets here in advance and enjoy a beautiful night out.

21. The Monetary Museum

A museum little bit in the shadow of the bigger ones but definitely worth visiting. I suggest you visit the monetary museum (Museo del Banco Central) at the beginning of your stay. Ask at the desk if there is an English guide available. They will show you – with a lot of passion – the monetary history of Argentina. Behind the different currencies that Argentina had, is a great story about how Argentina became how it now is. For example, did you know that a note had kangaroos on it? Even though Argentina doesn’t have kangaroos. All because of … 😉

22. Obelisco and 9 de Julio

The most famous landmark of the city and perhaps the symbol of the city is the Obelisco. It was built in 1936 as a monument to the 400th anniversary of the city of Buenos Aires. In 1536 Pedro de Mendoza set foot here in the city.

The Obelisco is located in the middle of the widest street with 16 avenues, 9 de Julio. I and many others barely managed to cross the street in one go.

In front of the Obelisco, you will also find two large letters “BA” decorated with flowers. A nice place to take a picture. Go early in the morning to be able to take a photo without many people.

23. Visit San Martin monuments

The national hero of Argentina is José de San Martin. You will see him on banknotes, in honor of him there is a national holiday and there is are important monuments in the city.

San Martin was born on February 25th, 1778 in Corrientes (province in Argentina). He joined the Spanish army but later San Martín came into contact with supporters of South American independence.

In 1812 he sailed to Buenos Aires and offered his services to liberate South America from Spain. In 1813 there was the Battle of San Lorenzo. Where he weathered the Spaniards from the land.

He crossed the Andes in 1817 via Mendoza and together with Bernardo O’Higgins he liberated Chile. Later he liberated Peru with Simon Bolivar. Afterward, he moved to France.

In his will, he wanted to be buried in Buenos Aires. His grave is in the Buenos Aires Cathedral. You can visit it for free.

You can also visit the national history museum in Parque Lezama. You will discover the complete history of Argentina’s foundation. Including the original sword of José de San Martin. You can also see the very first flag of Argentina in the museum.

Visiting is free. An English-language paper guide is available.

24. Floralis Genérica

The Argentine architect Eduardo Catalano designed the aluminum flower in 2002. As a counterbalance to the popular landmark Obelisco. The flower opens every morning at 8 am and closes again in the evening. The hydraulic system was broken for a long time, but after a few years the flower blossoms like never before. During the evening the flower has a beautiful purple glow. A beautiful new landmark.

25. Drinking Yerba Maté

One thing you must try when you are in Argentina and that is sharing Maté. I recommend drinking it during “Mierenda”. That is the Argentina afternoon tea around 17 – 18h. Or for the Maté lovers among us, a perfect start when drinking at breakfast.

‘Yerba’ stands for the herb leaves, ‘mate’ is the drinking cup where the yerba poured in dry, afterward you add water and you drink it through a ‘bombilla’ (filter straw).

It is a very popular drink in Argentina and a perfect social thing to do. It’s a must-try when you are visiting.

I wrote an article to explain the tradition of drinking Maté. 

Continue things to do in Buenos Aires

There so many other things to do in Buenos Aires. Such as the Japanese Gardens, riding the historic tram in the city, MALBA museum, eating a choripan near the river, the national liberary, Planetarium Galileo Galilei, Plaza Serrano, EcoParque,…

My roots in Buenos Aires started as a tourist. After some great adventures in Argentina, I moved in 2017 to the metropolitan city of Buenos Aires. I felt a need for correct and honest information for tourists. That's why I love to write to you. Sharing my discoveries in Buenos Aires. I hope you enjoy the city as much as I do! Buenos Aires ❤️

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27 comments.

Hello Glenn, how may i reach you? Do you have an instagram account? I need your advice.

Hi Tomas, you can reach me best via Whatsapp: +5491125524682. Cheers, Glenn

Thank you for the very useful hints. We had a magnificent time in Buenos Aires and share the same opinion on your number 1 hint. The sunset was amazing from above! Theater colon is worth a visit! Excellent work! Thank you!

Many thanks Sandra for leaving your comment 🙂 Happy helping you.

Do you have recent information about getting tickets to the Casa Rosada? The link still seems broken even on the Argentinian Tourist Bureau website.

Hi Mary, unfortunately the tours are not taken place until further notice.

Hi Glenn, Can you talk about different ways to get around in BA? Are Buses, Taxi, Uber all good & safe? I am fortunate to be looking forward to a full month stay in BA. I do love to walk.

Good idea! Will create a video about it 🙂

Thanks for some really good information on places to visit, what would be the easiest and cheapest way to visit the majority of these locations? First time visiting BA and travelling solo with one day in the city, I am not sure on what kind of distance it is between these locations. Good with walking if it is not to far Is there a map that would show the locations of most of these places to visit?

Hi Ray, Buenos Aires is a pretty big city. Walking is nice and will take you some time. Booking a bike tour is a nice alternative 🙂 I didn’t make a map yet. But on Google maps you find easily the major attractions.

We booked our tango tickets at Las Angelitas though you. It was a wonderful dinner and show and our seats were next to the stage. A true highlight of our week stay in Buenos Aires. The many tips on your website were also very useful. Gracias.

Thanks a lot Robert. Happy I could help you. 🙂

Thanks for the great tips. Is there any good waterpark here? We are here right now and looking for a waterpark & some sun bath.

Cheers, Yekta

In Tigre next to the theme park is a water park. But a basic one.

Hi Glenn, where do you suggest to stay in the city as a first time visitor to Buenos Aires with my wife

Hi Hans, a safe option in Recoleta. It’s near all the major attractions and a good vibe there. Plenty of restaurants too. Also, I can recommend Palermo Soho. I live in San Telmo. Also a nice area but a bit quieter in the evening.

hi Glenn, thanks for your response is Microcentro a safe place to stay

Hi Glenn, thank for your useful information Do you know any coffee shop where I can see Buenos Aires from above ?

There is a new rooftop terras on Plaza de Mayo. Pretty nice view on the square. Also, many hotels with rooftops are providing the service to get a nice view.

Thank you!!

Thanks to a lot of patience and your informative posts I finally managed to make my dream to BA a reality. It was the best holiday of my life.

One thing though, Recoleta, at least of around 2 weeks ago (end of November) was closed as a result of the pandemic for tourism purposes.

Great list of things to do in Buenos Aires. We visit almost every place mentioned in the list. Only the Torre Monumental was closed upon our visit. Great work and keep on going!

Hi Glenn, really enjoyed reading your website of things to do in Buenos Aires. Will certainly be putting some of them to good use as we have a few days there in April. I am also considering a quick trip to Iguaza Falls. Was thinking of a 2 day/1 night visit. Do you think that is enough time and if so, can you recommend any tour operators? There is so much overwhelming information online it’s hard to know who the best ones are…

Hi Marina ?, thank you! A trip to Iguazu waterfalls is a must! Great idea. 2 days/1 night will be ok, but you will have to take a morning flight when heading to Iguazu. The Argentina park opens around 9 and closes at 6 p.m. Do see everything on the Argentinian side it will take you around 4-5 hours. You can book a guide via this link (it’s with pick up and drop off at your hotel). Or contact the tourism agency “Aguas Grandes”. 2 day/1 night is fast but it’s possible doing.

Have a great stay!

Hello Glenn, Was wondering if haggling over price in San Telmo market is acceptable, common, expected? Thanks much Jim

Hi Jim ?, here in Buenos Aires it’s not that common to do. However, you can always try. An Argentinian is mostly ready to negotiate 😉

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Buenos Aires is a pulsating, passionate, cosmopolitan city. The combination of rich architectural and cultural heritage, modern creative energy, electric nightlife, unique traditions, a vibrant arts scene, extensive parks, and warm, friendly hosts makes it one of the world’s most exciting capitals.

There are dozens of reasons to visit, hence why the city has repeatedly been voted the best in Latin America by users of TripAdvisor, but here are just ten of the big ones.

1. You can dance the world's most romantic dance in its birthplace

Sensual, nostalgic, and fiendishly difficult to learn,  tango  emerged in the city's portside neighbourhoods in the mid-19th century and has since conquered the world. Today, Buenos Aires is a place of pilgrimage for tango dancers from all over, and the dance is still very much alive - danced by the young and young-at-heart well into the early hours every night of the week. As well as witnessing traditional social dancing and learning some steps at a milonga, you can treat yourself to sumptuous dinner-shows with spectacularly choreographed performances, and see live orchestras playing everywhere from cosy neighbourhood bars to grand symphony halls.  

2. You'll experience sporting passion like never before

Buenos Aires is a city that lives and breathes  football (soccer) , and the passion can be felt in the stadiums, the neighbourhood cafes and the goal celebrations of a local amateur team. The atmosphere at the city's stadiums has to be experienced to be believed, and the Boca vs River derby has been described as the most intense sporting event in the world. The city also boasts the world's best polo, with the glamorous Argentine Open considered the greatest club tournament going.

3. You can enjoy nightlife that goes on well into the morning

Buenos Aires is a city that never sleeps, famous for its phenomenal  nightlife , which ranges from traditional neighbourhood taverns to award-winning cocktail bars, big clubs, hidden gig venues, and underground nightspots catering to every niche. The city's incredible openness and diversity also make it the top destination in Latin America for LGBT visitors. Just be prepared to stay out late! We eat late, party late and sleep late, if at all!

4. You'll find yourself in a historic melting pot of cultures

The city's cosmopolitan, multicultural identity was forged in a melting pot of cultures, from native American and colonial Spanish roots, to the influences of immigration from Italy, France, Great Britain, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. You'll see this eclectic mix of influences in the city's architecture, food and in the character of its people. And while Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city always looking towards the latest trends, we also have passionate pride for our history and tradition. Feel the nostalgia in the cobbled streets of neighbourhoods like San Telmo, visit old cafes where poets used to gather, witness traditional gaucho displays of horsemanship and folk dancing at the  Feria de Mataderos , and explore the political history of the  Plaza de Mayo , where huge crowds turned out to see Eva Perón speak. 

5. You can eat like a king

Designated Ibero-American capital of Gastronomic Culture 2017, the city boasts outstanding culinary options, from elegant 19 th  and early 20th century “ bares notables ” to some of Latin America’s most acclaimed contemporary restaurants and bars. Dining is important in Buenos Aires, and you can enjoy the  world's best steaks , Argentina's famous malbec wines, and hearty Andean fare, plus there's  pizza , pasta and ice cream on every corner thanks to the city's Italian heritage. Buenos Aires boasts several restaurants recognised in Latin America’s 50 Best. Local treats to look out for include the traditional infusion  mate  and addictive  alfajores  - chocolate-covered double-deck cookies filled with caramel-like  dulce de leche .

6. You can relax, walk and run in many parks and open spaces

Buenos Aires is fortunate to have a pleasant climate and many expansive green spaces, full of flora and fauna. From the 350-hectare  Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve  - one of the world's most important urban nature reserves - to the popular  Tres de Febrero park  -  the  place to relax and unwind at the weekend, there are plenty of spaces to enjoy the sunshine, walk, run and watch the world go by. The city also has a free 24-hour public bike share system and an extensive network of cycle lanes, making cycling a fun way to see the city, while the many pedestrianised streets in the centre mean that walking is also a pleasure.

6. You can enjoy a wealth of culture

Long seen as Latin America's capital of culture, Buenos Aires has almost 300 theatres, 380 bookstores and 160 museums, and some of them will take your breath away. The  Teatro Colón  is one of the world's best opera houses, with outstanding acoustics and beautiful interiors, the  Ateneo Grand Spendid  is considered one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, and you'll find creative, artistic expression not only in the many galleries and cultural centres, but in the streets themselves. The city has its own traditional form of folk art known as  fileteado , recognised as cultural heritage by UNESCO, and you can find incredible street art on every corner (pay a visit to the incredible 2000m² mural El regreso de Quinquela in Barracas).

7. Buenos Aires is heaven for the style conscious

Buenos Aires leads the way in Latin American fashion and design, and is a fantastic city when it comes to shopping for unique gifts or new styles from independent designers. With everything from modern malls stocking local and international brands to historic markets and fairs, the city has something for every taste, but perhaps the biggest stars are the top-quality locally produced leather goods and the incredible antiques and native handicrafts you can pick up at the city's markets and fairs. 

9. It's the pope's city

Buenos Aires is the place to connect with the life and work of Pope Francis, who was born and raised in the city. You can visit his childhood home and the schools he attended in the neighbourhood of Flores, the prison where he worked in Villa Soldati, and the Metropolitan Cathedral, where for 20 years he led mass as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. There's a free  Pope Francis bus tour  that visits many of his old haunts. Buenos Aires is also home to  Tierra Santa  - the world's first religious theme park!

10. You'll make great friends

Perhaps the biggest attraction of Buenos Aires is the city's people. No matter how long you stay, you're bound to make friends and feel at home. Porteños, as the city's residents are called, are warm, friendly and very affectionate. They greet with a hug and a kiss, and talk for hours over a dinner or a drink. Expect to be engaged in conversations on all topics, to be invited to try  mate , the local infusion and a social ritual in itself, to receive help whenever you need it, and to be made to feel welcome at all times.  

Come and discover a city of many passions!

Home » Travel Guides » Argentina » 25 Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires (Argentina)

25 Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires (Argentina)

Buenos Aires is waiting with its amazing steaks, red wine, and plenty of sites to occupy you for days on end. This city rarely sleeps and you’ll have a chance to explore many weekend ferias or markets, great dining establishments, historic sites, plazas, and museums during your visit.

Sip a glass of malbec, eat an empanada in the park, or go out and practice your tango skills… or just leave it to the professionals.

When you’re tired from all the exploring and shopping, order a café con leche and relax alongside the hip Porteños (as the people of the city are called). “The Paris of South America” with its endless cafes, nightclubs, delicious foods, and European architecture will be ready to go when you’ve recovered.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Buenos Aires :

1. Recoleta Cemetery

This is no ordinary cemetery. It’s a place of rest for the rich, famous, and powerful of Argentina.

You’ll find impressive, ornate mausoleums packed tightly in this little corner of the city where you can wander for hours amidst a maze of the family graves.

Admission is free, but you may need to purchase a map to find your way around.

Perhaps the most “popular” site here is first lady Eva Perón’s tomb, where people still leave flowers and tributes.

After paying your respects to Evita, snapping some haunting photos, and petting a few stray cats, have a peek inside the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar next door.

2. Eat Steak, Drink Malbec

You are in Argentina after all. Beef and the act of gathering for a barbecue (known as an “asado”) is a huge part of Argentine culture.

Enjoy some of their high quality meats and indulge in a little of their local red wine.

Some of the great steak establishments in the city include Don Julio and La Cabrera, but if you feel like splurging, there’s the ever-popular Cabana Las Lilas.

Learn a little vocabulary before you go and remember it’s “bife de lomo” for tenderloin and “ojo de bife” for ribeye.

Be sure to order it “jugoso” if you like it medium rare. Then select a bottle of red from anywhere in Mendoza – they’re super affordable!

3. Visit Tigre

If you feel like getting out of the city for a breath of fresh air, take the train to Tigre to explore the delta for the day.

It’s very easy, only costs about 6 pesos ($0.38 USD), and takes around an hour.

The best day to visit is Sunday when you can check out the city’s Puerto de Frutos, a large market with crafts, foods, and handcrafted furniture.

There’s also an artist’s market on the main dock, a park, and a few museums.

It’s easy to take a boat tour, rent a kayak, or grab a ferry to some of the waterfront restaurants and clubs while you’re there.

4. Dance Tango at a Milonga (Or Just Watch)

Buenos Aires is the birthplace of tango, so it’s the perfect place to learn… or just watch the pros.

You could go and book one of those dinner-and-tango-shows, but why not opt for the real thing? A “milonga” is a place where people go to dance tango, and there are tons of authentic ones around the city, depending on the day of the week.

There’s a Sunday night milonga in San Telmo’s Plaza Dorrego where you can see people dancing in the street.

At Salón Canning, the admission is cheap and it’s great for traditional milongas, but they also offer classes and shows.

La Glorieta is an open-air milonga in Belgrano that holds free milongas on the weekends, though donations are appreciated.

Suggested tour : Tango Night with the Locals

5. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

The Museum of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires is among the best in the world, with works by South American artists in addition to the big names like Van Gogh, Degas, Monet, and Picasso.

And shockingly, it’s free! Make sure to hit up this museum as you stroll through Recoleta as it’s definitely worth a look around.

They’ve got paintings, tapestries, carvings, and rotating temporary exhibits on display.

6. Café Tortoni

Still charming even with all the tourists, Café Tortoni opened in 1858 and it’s a great place to grab a snack.

Swing by for a café con leche and medialuna (local croissant) or a submarino (warm milk and chocolate for dipping). A known hangout of the great tango dancer Carlos Gardel, this Porteño cafe has been a meeting place for famous scholars and artists throughout its lifetime.

Though slightly more expensive than the average café in the Buenos Aires, for the price of a coffee you can spend some time in this grand historical fixture located on the Avenida de Mayo.

Be sure to check out the Tiffany glass ceilings.

7. San Telmo Market

This colorful, crowded Sunday street fair – the Feria de San Telmo – draws over 12,000 people each week.

There’s tons of antiques, artwork, knick knacks, and other treasures laid out along the pedestrian street of Defensa.

It’s the perfect place to get an original souvenir that dates back to the golden age of Buenos Aires.

Keep an eye on your belongings as you wander the 270 stalls of this local bazaar, purchase some homemade snacks, and watch the street performers do their thing along the 13 cobblestone blocks.

Recommended tour: Argentinian Cooking Class & Market Tour

8. Check Out the Fashion Designers in Palermo

Up-and-coming Argentine designers ply their wares at the Feria de Plaza Serrano and the Feria Artesanal de Palermo Viejo.

You can snag goods like one-of-a-kind jewelry, discounted clothing, and quirky accessories from their stalls.

Make sure to check out the independent vendors that sell their stuff at pop-up shops in the stores around Plaza Serrano (and any other free outdoor spaces and open areas they can find). Browse the hip and trendy shops for cheap ensembles before you head for a beer or pre-dinner snack at one the many nearby bars.

9. Have a Beer in Plaza Serrano

Speaking of, Plaza Serrano is a favorite locale in the ever-popular Palermo Soho for an outdoor drink – tons of cafes and bars have tables and chairs that spill out onto the street every evening.

Grab a liter of cold Quilmes and watch the sun set on one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods.

If you’re in the mood for craft beers or international finds, just walk a little ways from the plaza and you’ll find The Temple Bar and Antares with more diverse selections.

10. Watch a Polo Match or Horse Racing in Palermo

Argentina is known for its horsemanship, so why not take in a polo match or a race while you’re in the capital? If you’re there between September and November, you can see why Argentina is famous for polo at the Campo Argentino de Polo.

Or head to the Palermo Hippodrome to see a horse race – they’ll have several throughout the course of an afternoon.

Tickets for the grandstands are cheap, and you can bet on your favorites.

Even if you’re not there on a race day, you can still enter the grounds to check out the French architecture and see the horses in the paddock.

11. Dance at a Boliche late into the night

If tango isn’t your thing, party with the locals in one of the city’s famed nightclubs (“boliches”). But don’t get there until late… like really late.

We’re talking 2 AM. Buenos Aires is known for its nightlife, and many of these places stay open until 7 AM. Note that Porteños aren’t huge drinkers – they’re genuinely there for dancing, socializing, and fun.

House music and electronic music is popular throughout the city, so pay a visit to one of the largest and most popular clubs, Pacha (the same international brand that’s all over Europe), go see big name DJs at Crobar, or hit Niceto for a bit of everything.

12. Eat Empanadas

The quintessential Argentine snack, these little pockets of goodness come in endless forms and they’re sold everywhere from the casual street kiosko to bus stations to bakeries to actual sit-down restaurants.

The outer shell of dough can be baked or fried, and the inside might contain anything from minced beef to shredded chicken to ham and cheese to onions or mushrooms.

Some of the best places to try them? Güerrin near the Obelisco is a great cash-only spot, while Ña Serapia is a hole-in-the-wall in Palermo serving empanadas with a spicy dip.

And in Recoleta you’ll find La Cocina, the empanada dive that’s great for take-aways.

Or maybe you’d like to learn to make some empanadas yourself: Argentinian Empanadas Cooking Class

13. Take in a Show at Teatro Colón

One of the most important opera houses in the world and a Buenos Aires landmark, Teatro Colón began operating in 1857, with the current space opening in 1905. Now fully restored to its former glory, visitors can take in symphonies by famous orchestras, operas, and ballets in the majestic building.

The theater is seven stories high and takes up an entire city block.

Check their website to see what’s on the schedule, but even if you don’t see a show, you can take one of their guided tours of the theater which start every 15 minutes.

14. Wander Puerto Madero

Situated along the water, this modern cosmopolitan neighborhood is worth a stroll.

Be sure to traverse the iconic and sleek Puente de la Mujer (“Bridge of the Woman”) and take note that all of the streets in this barrio are named after women.

You can even explore two ships-turned-naval-museums which still sit in the water – the Sarmiento and the Uruguay.

Or you can head to the Reserva Ecológica if you want to catch a glimpse of the Atlantic Ocean.

Here, you’ll be able to wander footpaths or ride the bike trails of the park to see a bit of wildlife on this greener edge of the city.

15. The Plaza de Mayo and La Casa Rosada

This might be the most important place in the city.

Be sure to spend some time in this historically and politically significant plaza to see the Casa Rosada (“Pink House”) where the President of Argentina works, and where Juan and Eva Perón delivered famous speeches from its balconies.

In addition to feeding the pigeons and people watching, it’s also an epicenter for demonstrations.

The mothers and grandmothers of people who were “disappeared” by the government during the Dirty War of the 70s and early 80s – Las Madres de Plaza de Mayo – hold their weekly march in the square.

You’ll also find many protests against the British occupation and ownership of the Falkland Islands (“Las Malvinas”).

16. Try Some Dulce de Leche and Alfajores

You can actually do both of these things at the same time! Dulce de leche is a super sweet, sticky, milk-based treat reminiscent of caramel.

And it’s an Argentine favorite.

You can spread it on toast or crepes, top your ice cream with it, or eat dulce de leche between cookies or biscuits – which would actually create the popular dessert known as an “alfajor.” You can also buy these filled cookie sandwiches dipped in chocolate at many kioskos, cafes, or grocery stores.

Dulce de leche is addictive, so whatever you do, make sure to bring some home with you!

17. The Museum of Latin American Art

Lovingly abbreviated and called the “MALBA,” this is another one of the city’s favorite museums.

It’s a super modern building located in the Palermo neighborhood that houses both historical and contemporary collections of art by Latin American artists, including the famous Frida Kahlo.

Check out the political and social art of the continent, as well as the surrealism and pop art sections for some more out-there stuff.

They also have traveling exhibitions that have included the likes of Andy Warhol and change regularly.

Admission is 100 pesos (about $6 USD) but on Wednesday’s it’s half the cost.

18. Feria de Mataderos

This lively folk market and gaucho fair is situated in the working class neighborhood of Mataderos.

Happening on Sundays, it’s a great place to try regional foods like locro (a meat and corn stew), empanadas, and humita (a cheese and corn mixture wrapped inside husks). There are dancers, folk singers, and gauchos on horseback entertaining the crowds, and you’re sure to find some sort of original and rustic souvenir.

There are lots of leather goods, silver jewelry, and mate gourds being sold, and it’s a genuinely warm and fun atmosphere.

19. Stroll Corrientes Avenue

It’s the “street that never sleeps” and you can make your way through the city by wandering down it.

The bustling Avenida Corrientes passes through Microcentro, the financial district, across the pedestrian shopping street, Calle Florida, and by the Obelisco.

There are countless bookshops, cafés, pubs, theatres, and shops along its edges.

If you don’t want to DIY it, there are walking tours that peruse the surrounding area which start around the National Congress.

20. Relax in the Botanical Gardens

These botanical gardens are just the place for a peaceful (and free) walk amidst nature in the middle of this bustling city.

You can find them in Palermo just next to Plaza Italia for a moment of serenity while exploring the several types of architecture that can be found throughout.

There’s a butterfly hall, a 100-year-old greenhouse, a small lake, a few fountains, and an herbal garden.

You can just have a roam around, and there’s even plenty of shade for a picnic if you want to bring snacks and drinks.

21. Explore the Feria de Recoleta and Plaza Francia

This street market takes place on Saturdays and Sundays near the famous cemetery.

It’s filled with “hippie” crafts and works by local artists.

There are tons of handmade goods, silver jewelry, pottery, leather, mate gourds, and street performers.

Meet the local craftsmen and of course, a few dirty hippies while you wander the stalls.

Relax and have a drink overlooking Plaza Francia at one of the many restaurants and bars, or perhaps sip some mate in the grass surrounding the feria.

The plaza has a great green space for lounging and the occasional live music.

22. Check out the Colorful La Boca Neighborhood

For those iconic, vibrantly painted buildings and tango dancing in the street, hit up the La Boca neighborhood during the day for great photographs.

While some attest that the area is a bit dodgy at night, this rough barrio is home to two major tourist attractions: the famed colorful Caminito street filled with the work of artists, and La Bombonera, the stadium of the world-renowned Boca Juniors fútbol club and its insane fanbase.

Wander the cobblestone streets and head out before dark.

Related tour : Highlights of Buenos Aires

23. Dinner at a Supper Club or Drinks at a Speakeasy

The underground dining and drinking scene in Buenos Aires is becoming huge.

These “closed door” restaurants offer an intimate dining experience to guests and have a limited number of seatings available.

They provide a dinner party atmosphere – you’ll likely be seated with strangers around a communal table.

These places began around the year 2001 when the economic crisis and resulting tourism boom gave chefs the idea to open up their homes to diners.

Casa Saltshaker and Casa Felix are two of the most well-known puerta cerrada restaurants in the city.

But if you’d just like to have a drink while feeling sneaky, check out Victoria Brown Bar, located behind a secret entrance in a cafe in Palermo Viejo.

Or try the romantic and exclusive Ocho7Ocho, hidden beyond two unassuming wooden doors in Villa Crespo.

24. El Zanjón de Granados

El Zanjón de Granados was something of an amazing archeological find.

If you want a true time capsule experience, head underground in the San Telmo neighborhood.

Guests enter through a house that was built in the 1830s and venture down through a labyrinth of brick tunnels that were once walled off and buried.

When the homeowner purchased the land in the 1980s, he intended to build a restaurant before discovering the maze of tunnels beneath.

Restoring it became a labor of love, and now he offers tours to visitors who love architecture or want to understand the beginnings of the city.

Some historians have surmised that the first settlement of Buenos Aires in 1536 was located in this spot.

25. Become a Gaucho for a Day

You know you want to. Head outside the city into the plains (“Las Pampas”) to a local ranch (an “estancia”) for an afternoon of grilled meats, horseback riding, and gaucho performances.

Don’t worry, there should be plenty of red wine too.

These experiences are easy to arrange with transportation to and from the city included.

Guests get to watch traditional folklore performances, dancing, singing, and expert horseriding demonstrations.

If you fancy it, you can take a ride on one of the horses yourself, and then you can dig into a platter of assorted meats from steak to chicken to sausages, including the local specialty blood sausage or morcilla.

25 Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires (Argentina):

• Recoleta Cemetery
• Eat Steak, Drink Malbec
• Visit Tigre
• Dance Tango at a Milonga (Or Just Watch)
• Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
• Café Tortoni
• San Telmo Market
• Check Out the Fashion Designers in Palermo
• Have a Beer in Plaza Serrano
• Watch a Polo Match or Horse Racing in Palermo
• Dance at a Boliche late into the night
• Eat Empanadas
• Take in a Show at Teatro Colón
• Wander Puerto Madero
• The Plaza de Mayo and La Casa Rosada
• Try Some Dulce de Leche and Alfajores
• The Museum of Latin American Art
• Feria de Mataderos
• Stroll Corrientes Avenue
• Relax in the Botanical Gardens
• Explore the Feria de Recoleta and Plaza Francia
• Check out the Colorful La Boca Neighborhood
• Dinner at a Supper Club or Drinks at a Speakeasy
• El Zanjón de Granados
• Become a Gaucho for a Day

• May 9, 2024
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Is Buenos Aires Worth Visiting? 14 Great Reasons To Visit

Why is buenos aires worth visiting.

Buenos Aires is worth visiting for so many reasons:

• Firstly, it’s the capital and is the hub for all other travel throughout the country. So to get to Iguazu Falls or Patagonia , you have to start here.
• It’s referred to as the ‘Paris of South America’ and mixed European charm with South American passion.
• Whilst the country is in a huge recession, the ‘blue dollar’ exchange rate means tourists can exchange American dollars at a much better rate and enjoy a cheaper trip

These are just some of the many reasons why I love visiting Buenos Aires.

For the rest of the list that includes world-class steak and wine, passionate football games and vibrant nightlife , keep scrolling. 

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14 Great Reasons To Visit Buenos Aires

1. buenos aires is known as the 'paris of south america'.

Buenos Aires is often compared to a European capital, and for good reason.

The city’s stunning architecture, wide boulevards, and charming neighbourhoods feel strikingly similar to Europe, making it feel like a distant cousin of Paris or Barcelona. 

A free walking tour around Centro is the best way to start getting to know this city.

Buenos Aires Free Walks offer a free 2–3-hour walking tour that takes you from Plaza de Mayo (pictured below) to Casa Rosada – the presidential palace.

I loved this tour as I learnt so much about the history of the country.

• Buenos Aires Free Walks

2. The Blue Rate Will Make Your Money Go Further

Argentina has been facing high inflation for many years, with rates reaching over 100% in recent years.

Many Argentinians have turned to the black market to purchase US dollars as a store of value.

Travellers can also take advantage of this black market rate known as the  ‘blue rate’.

As of January 2024, you could get around 1000 pesos to the dollar.

Argentina travel prices are some of the lowest in the world now.

Here are some tips to make the most of it:

• Bring cash in dollars when you first arrive, Make sure you bring $100 bills as you’ll get a better rate for these
• Find a ‘cambio’ on Calle Florida and change up your dollars into pesos for double the rate.
• Once you run out of cash, use Western Union to transfer yourself dollars and then take it out in pesos. You’ll get a rate close to the blue dollar
• Use a good currency card like Monzo or Revolut who give you close to the blue rate

TOP TIP:   This website gives you live updates on the official and blue dollar exchange rates. 

Visiting Buenos Aires is one of the highlights of a trip to Argentina. But there’s so much more to see in this incredible country.

To see how to combine Buenos Aires into a three-week or one-month itinerary that covers the entire country, head to one of the post below:

• Two Unique One-Month Itineraries For Argentina
• A Budget 3-Week Argentina Itinerary

3. Watch The Best Tango Dancers In The World

No trip to Buenos Aires would be complete without experiencing the sensuous rhythms of the tango.

La Ventana , one of the city’s premier tango venues, promises an unforgettable evening filled with passionate dance performances and soul-stirring music.

Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the world of tango and witness the moves that have become synonymous with Argentina.

Or if you are interested in learning, La Vitura in Palermo is the best place to try.

This is one of Buenos Aires’ most renowned milongas (tango dance venues).

This establishment attracts top talent from the local tango scene.

However, for those who are new to tango, they offer classes tailored to six different levels of experience. So, if you’re a tango newcomer, there’s no need to feel self-conscious.

• La Ventana .

If you are thinking of planning a long stay in Argentina and South America, then seeing an extended backpacking itinerary is essential to help you plan your trip. Check out the post below to help you plan your next trip:

• The Essential 1-Month Chile, Argentina & Bolivia Backpacking Itinerary

4. Top Quality Hostels

Milhouse is also famous across Argentina and South America and known as being one of the best party hostels on the continent.

This hostel can host hundreds of guests and they are always organising events to keep the huge crowd of backpackers entertained.

They host in-house DJs, tonnes of themed party nights and get you discount on selected nightclub events in BA.

However, some of the best nights will be on drinking on the rooftop as the staff work away on an asado (Argentinian barbeque), whilst bringing round jugs of wine to keep your cup refilled.

Then at the late hours of the morning, finally heading out to a club to carry on until the early hours of the morning.

Milhouse is one of my favourite party hostels in South America. For a full list of the others, check out the post below:

• The Best Party Hostels In South America 

5. Unreal Steakhouses and Argentinian Asado

Argentina is renowned for serving some of the finest steaks in the world, and Buenos Aires is no exception.

For an authentic Argentine steakhouse experience, head to Don Julio , where succulent cuts of meat are cooked to perfection.

Savouring a mouthwatering steak alongside a quality Malbec is a memory you won’t soon forget.

TOP TIP:   It's hard to get a reservation at Don Julio as it's one of the most popular restaurants in Buenos Aires. You often have to book months in advance as this is place is so famous, but as the Argentinians like to eat so late, if you just rock up at 7 when it opens you should be able to get a walk-in easily. You get free champagne and empanadas whilst you wait in line so it’s worth a try.

Another big recommendation of mine is an asado experience. 

An Argentinian asado (barbeque) is a must if you’re a meat lover. 

I booked this one which was hosted on a rooftop in Palermo. It was me and a friend and 4 other travellers, and we sat around drinking wine and trying different barbequed meats. 

6. World Class Wine

Wine enthusiasts will find Buenos Aires to be a paradise for their taste buds, offering a chance to savour some of the finest vintages from across the country.

There are two regions that produce high quality wine, Mendoza and Cafayate . Look out for Trapiche wines which come from Mendoza and Piattelli wines which come from Cafayate.

Make sure you explore the city’s wine bars and indulge in exquisite Argentine wines, particularly Malbec .

Here are some of my favourites:

• Pain et Vin: A cozy wine bar with an extensive selection of Argentine wines and delectable cheese and charcuterie platters.
• Bar du Marché: Known for its rustic charm and a menu that pairs exquisite wines with French-inspired cuisine, offering an authentic and upscale wine and dine experience.
• Wine O’Clock: A trendy and vibrant wine bar that caters to both novice and seasoned wine enthusiasts.

Or book a wine tasting tour for a guided experience instead. 

Mendoza is the perfect place to visit for wine lovers. For more information on Mendoza including 8 great reasons why you should visit, head to the post below:

• Is Mendoza Worth Visiting? 8 Great Reasons To Visit Argentina’s Wine Region

7. The Colourful 'La Boca' Neighbourhood

La Boca is famous for its vibrant, colourful buildings that line the streets.

This is the place where tango was born as a result of the bohemian and artistic culture of the immigrants. 

The neighbourhood’s houses, known as “ conventillos ,” are painted in an array of bold colours, creating a visually striking and Instagram-worthy backdrop.

The most famous street for this colourful architecture is Caminito , a pedestrianized street lined with brightly painted buildings, art displays, and tango performances.

Buenos Aires Free Walks offer a 2 hour walking tour for $10 , or you can visit yourself.

• La Boca Walking Tour

8. Atmospheric Football Matches

If you love soccer (or as it’s properly named in the UK – football), then going to a match in Buenos Aires is a must.

Whilst in La Boca, you can visit the iconic La Bombonera stadium to witness the famous stadium of Boca Juniors. 

The Superclásico, pitting Boca Juniors against River Plate , is perhaps the most famous and intense rivalry in the world of soccer. The atmosphere in the stadium during this match is electric, making it an unforgettable experience for any fan.

The league typically begins in August and runs through to May. 

Foreigners can’t get tickets to Boca Junior games anymore but you can go to any other games.

Check out the tour company below which will organise it for you:

Are you struggling to work out how many days you need in Argentina overall? Head to the post below to see a selection of itineraries that can help you:

• How Many Day Do You Need In Argentina? 4 Great Itineraries For Every Traveller

9. Wander The Trendy Neighbourhood Of Palermo

One of the best things to do in Buenos Aires is spend leisurely afternoons in Buenos Aires’ trendy neighbourhood of  Palermo.

It’s known for its fashionable boutiques, cafes, and street art.

You can wander around and explore its unique shops and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many charming cafes.

I recommend Cuervo Cafe for great brunch options.

After some food, enjoy a tranquil afternoon stroll through the green expanses of Bosques De Palermo, a beautiful park that’s home to picturesque lakes and gardens. 

Also, the bars in Palermo are perfect for an evening drink:

• Bar 878: Bar 878 is an intimate and stylish speakeasy-style bar that specializes in craft cocktails. It’s known for its extensive cocktail menu, knowledgeable bartenders, and a cozy ambiance.
• Frank’s Bar: Frank’s Bar is a hidden gem, often requiring a secret password to enter, giving it an authentic speakeasy feel. Once inside, you’ll discover a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere with jazz music and a diverse cocktail menu.

10. Quick Getaways To The Beautiful Iguazu Falls

Buenos Aires serves as an excellent gateway to some of Argentina’s natural wonders, including the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls.

These breath-taking falls are made up of 275 individual cascades , which stretch over 2 miles and create a stunning natural barrier between Argentina and Brazil .

A short flight from the city will transport you to this UNESCO World Heritage site , where you can witness the sheer power and beauty of one of the world’s most remarkable waterfalls.

The 2-hour flight to Iguazu Falls means it can easily be visited in one or two days as a brief escape from the city.

To see how to combine a few days in Buenos Aires alongside a trip to Iguazu or Mendoza, check out the selection of itineraries in the post below:

• 3 Simple and Efficient One-Week Argentina Itineraries

11. Snack On Empanadas And Alfajores

Alongside a good steak and a bottle of wine, there are two other food items you need to try whilst in Buenos Aires: empanadas and alfajores.

Empanadas are savoury pastries filled with beef, pork or chicken mixed in a sweet, slightly spicy sauce. They’re more of a snack than a main meal but my god they are addictive and you can end up eating 3 or 4 at a time. 

Alfajores are traditional Argentinean desserts. They can only be described as a ‘sandwich cookie’ withsweet filling in the middle such as dulce de leche. 

You can buy them almost anywhere but if you want to go a step further then try this cooking class and make them yourself:

If you want to combine a trip to Chile alongside Argentina, then there are several ways to do this with a simple border crossing. The three itineraries in the post below can help you cross the borders a 3 different points in Argentina to see Chile:

• 3 Epic 1-Month Chile and Argentina Itineraries: Patagonia, The Lake District and the North

12. Recoleta Cemetery

Buenos Aires Free Walks have a Recoleta tour that starts at 10.30 AM and lasts 3 hours if you prefer a structured day.

Or if you prefer to wander, there’s so many weird and wonderful buildings to check out in Recoleta. Wander around Plaza Francia , dip into the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and check out the Floralis Generica .

My favourite is El Ateneo Grand Splendid – one of the most beautiful bookstores I’ve seen set in an old opera house.

The cemetery is a must visit. This is where the most famous Argentinian people from history and politics can be found; the tomb of Eva Peron being the main sight.

It costs $3768 ARS (as of November 2023). You won’t learn much visiting by yourself though so if you want a more informative tour.

This top rated company offer a tour for $10 which is the cheapest I’ve found.

After a wander around the cemetery, head across to one of the bars opposite the exit – either Buller Brewing or Temple.

If it’s late enough, they should have opened the rooftop up and you’ll be able to enjoy a drink in the sun and see the cemetery from a different perspective.

13. The Gateway To Patagonia

For adventurers seeking to explore the untamed natural beauty of Patagonia, Buenos Aires serves as the ideal gateway.

From the city, you can book flights to any Patagonian destination that takes your fancy.

Here are my favourites:

• Bariloche , the lake district region of Patagonia, is only a 2-hour flight away. Here you can go skiing, hike in the Andes or kayak among the lakes surrounding the town.
• El Calafate is a 3 hour flight away and the town where you can visit Perito Moreno Glacier
• El Chalten is considered the trekking capital of Argentine Patagonia , as it offers access to some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in the region. 

14. San Telmo Market

San Telmo is one of Buenos Aires oldest neighbourhoods.

You can spend your morning exploring the bustling San Telmo Market , where you can shop for antiques, handmade crafts, vintage clothing, and try local street food delights.

Come at the weekend for the antique market to be in full swing.

This isn’t just any old market full of cheap items bought in bulk. Each stall seems to have a unique selection of antiques that are worth something.

If you have an eye for this sort of thing, then you’ll be in heaven.

Or if you wanted a guide, this tour costs $10 and runs on Sundays

How Many Days Do You Need In Buenos Aires?

I would personally recommend a minimum of 5 days in Buenos Aires to see its best sights and get a feel for the city. 

Here’s what I would recommend if you were unsure of how many days to spend in Buenos Aires:

• 3 Days in Buenos Aires – Excluding your arrival day, 3 full days  is ideal for seeing the three best neighbourhoods – Palermo, Recoleta and Centro/San Telmo. 
• 5 days in Buenos Aires – This option is perfect for exploring at a relaxed pace and diving deeper into the culture. You can split the above 3 days into five and see Palermo, Recoleta, Centro, San Telmo and La Boca all on different days. 
• 7 Days in Buenos Aires – A week is essential if you want to immerse yourself fully and take day trips outside to explore beyond Buenos Aires. 

See how you can do all the amazing things Buenos Aires has to offer with these expertly curated 3, 5 and 7 day itineraries:

• How Many Days Do You Need In Buenos Aires –  3 Expertly Crafted Itineraries For Every Traveller

Where To Stay In Buenos Aires

I recommend staying in two areas in Buenos Aires – Recoleta or Palermo .

• Recoleta is more central and has better transport links. There’s also lots of great restaurants and cafes.
• Palermo is where most of the nice bars, clubs, restaurants, and cafes are.

If you want to party and meet lots of other backpackers then Milhouse Hostel is a good pick, which is just south of Recoleta.

There are lots of great Airbnbs in Palermo or if you’re looking to meet other backpackers then Selina is another good hostel but can be pricey compared to others.

Is Palermo Or Recoleta Better To Stay In?

I personally prefer Palermo .

It’s a lot calmer and there’s so many great cafes, restaurants and bars to check out. You could spend weeks there and not visit them all. 

The only downside is it’s further away from all the other areas. It’s about a 30-40 minute cab from Palermo to San Telmo.

Recoleta is still a nice area but it’s much more built up.

There’s more high rise buildings, busy roads and more people in general. It’s like to equivalent of central London or New York in my opinion. 

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Joe Bayfield

Hi I'm Joe Bayfield, Bayf for short. I love South America and want people to visit this incredible continent. I’ve travelled through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina and also lived in Lima, Medellin and Buenos Aires. I write detailed South America itineraries to help you plan your next adventure!

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19 Reasons to Visit Buenos Aires Now

It's impossible to capture the charm of Buenos Aires in one description. Its restaurant and art scene is as vibrant as ever, with new venues opening nearly every day. And its historic cafes are always alluring — and ideal for some prime people-watching — while its speakeasy scene remains impossibly cool. It's not an exaggeration to say Buenos Aires has something for everyone, that is, if you're willing to look for it.

Buenos Aires is a dynamic place whose sophistication and fashionable locals echo Western capitals like Milan, and where reinvention is as valued as the past. Rollercoaster politics aside, Buenos Aires is proud of its literary heritage — heroes new and old, like Silvina Ocampo, Jose Luis Borges, and Samanta Schewblin — and it shows in its lively bookstores and historical landmarks. The city also loves its steak — how can it not when paired with Malbec — which almost always guarantees a great meal.

If those aren't enough reasons to entice you to go, here are a few more to put on your radar.

Incredible Steak

Argentinians take their beef seriously, and for good reason: the parrillada, or mixed grill, is a longtime tradition and prime cuts are plentiful (and exceptional). When ordering the latter, don't expect the waiter to plunk down a steak knife and sauce and call it a day. Porteños smother their medium-cooked ojo de bife (rib eye) or vacio (flank steak) with colorful salsa criolla, a side dish of tomato, onion and parsley, or chimichurri, a tasty sauce made of olive oil, garlic, and parsley.

El Ateneo Grand Splendid

Housed in a nearly century-old theatre in the Barrio Norte neighborhood, the Grand Splendid was converted into a bookshop at the turn of the millennium and now welcomes millions of visitors each year. Here you'll find a standard selection of books, mostly in Spanish, along with a coffee shop and live piano music on the same stage where tango legend Carlos Gardel once performed.

A Strong Cafe Culture

It's impossible to visit Buenos Aires without dropping into one of its old-school cafes, living embodiments of the city's past as a literary hub. El Federal, which dates back to 1864, is a focal point of San Telmo, where the window seats beckon you to people-watch while sampling a tapas dish. In Palermo, the salmon-hued El Preferido De Palermo nods to its past life as a grocery store — and haunt of Jorge Luis Borges, who grew up on the same block — with hanging hams and stacks of canned pumpkins.

A Speakeasy Culture

Most people equate Buenos Aires with Malbec, but there's more to the city's bar scene than wine. At Frank's in Palermo Hollywood, eager guests must figure out a password in order to enter a smaller room. Then, a secret code entered in a phone booth grants them access to a swanky bar where the cocktails are artfully mixed, if a tad overpriced. At Isabel in trendy Palermo Soho, a limited number of tables means you'd better sign up for the guest list.

Boutique Luxury Hotels

Stylish options abound for hip travelers in search of something better than what the chain hotels have to offer. Legado Mítico, in Palermo Soho, offers 11 rooms themed around distinctive personalities in Argentinian culture.

The sensual dance is as much a part of Argentina's identity as goat intestines with chile (which are delicious, by the way). So don't miss your chance to see the dance live in person. Milongas, or dance halls, are a good way to go and you'll want to book seats in advance. Our picks: La Catedral, a no-frills joint near Amalgro that's great for beginners, and La Viruta Tango de Solanas in Palermo, where the party lasts all night.

Next-generation Coffee

Sure, most of the coffee you'll find in the classic cafes appears stuck in the past. But if you're willing to venture out, you'll be well rewarded with creative coffee. In San Telmo's market amid the vintage toys and spices, is Coffee Town — former journalist José Vales' ode to Central American coffee — where beans from Colombia and Brazil, along with his country's own output, are on offer. In upscale Belgrano, look for All Saints Cafe, where the Colombian espresso is deliciously bold.

It's hard to believe there was ever a time when Argentina wasn't on wine lovers' radars. But only in the past decade or so has it become one of the world's fastest growing exporters of wines, especially Malbec. Mendoza, near the stunning Andes Mountains, is the hub of Argentinian wine regions and worth a two- or three-day visit if you go. In the meantime, match a glass of red with your grilled sausage — you won't soon regret it.

Francis Mallmann himself told Food & Wine this Palermo staple is "one of the most cozy and glamorous cafes in Buenos Aires." Beyond the airy, all-white ambiance, you'll enjoy the seasonal menu, which allows customers to assemble their dishes any way they want, like a picnic. Each day, a selection of sandwiches and healthy salads (think quinoa with cherry tomatoes) are up for grabs.

World-class Design

Brazilian Modern may get all the love, but Argentina is a force to reckon with in the contemporary design world. Feria Puro Diseño Sa remains the city's foremost design fair, uniting BA's brightest talents, while curators worldwide have warmed up to its scene. The fair offers a prestigious showcase at outlets such as WantedDesign Manhattan (2016) and the Museum of Modern Art, which gathered 13 luminaries for its two-month-long "Destination: Buenos Aires" in 2007.

Fashion Week

Each year, fashion lovers flock to BA's Fashion Week. Creativity is key, but each designer is distinct, proving the city has much to offer in the way of an international vision. In past years, Dubie's "Mundo Ordinario" (Ordinary World) collection celebrated strong women with classic staples like trench coats, while Marcelo Giacobbe's collection of 10 looks, inspired by El Bosco's The Garden of Delight , focused on garments floating over the body.

Avenida Independencia, a bustling street lined with shops and cafes in San Cristóbal, doesn't look so attractive to tourists. But Bar de Cao, which dates back to 1915, is worth a visit. With its old-timey wooden fixtures, handwritten menu, and spice cabinets, it feels of another time. The vibe is super laid-back, so make yourself comfortable with a café con leche and stay awhile.

Casa Rosada

The storied mansion on Plaza de Mayo, supposedly painted from cow's blood in a hue that represents the red and white of Argentina's two original political parties, is a treat for tourists. It's from the second-floor balcony that first lady Eva Perón rallied hundreds of thousands of workers and where curious visitors can catch a free guided tour today.

Recoleta Cemetery

Opened in 1822, this labyrinth-like cemetery is a feast for the eyes, with over 6,400 dazzling statues, coffins, and crypts. Over 90 of the tombs in Recoleta are listed as national historical monuments. The tomb of Eva Perón is a popular tourist attraction, but look out for the art nouveau tomb of Rufina Cambaceres, built from Carrera marble.

Graffiti Mundo

The graffiti in Buenos Aires says a lot about the city, and Graffiti Mundo, an organization supporting local street artists, brings you closer. Book a street tour of Colegiales and Palermo Hollywood, where you'll get a sense of the movement as it's happening now, along with an intro to the city's history of "expression in the streets." The company's most popular tour, Street Art Origins, takes visitors through the barrios of Colegiales, Chacarita, Villa Crespo, and Palermo, with stops in two urban art galleries. Be sure to book online in advance.

Teatro Colón

If tickets are sold out — not a surprise considering the likes of Pavarotti have performed here — then opt for a guided tour or sitting through a rehearsal. The century-old theater is an architectural gem with a horseshoe-shaped main hall that adheres to the strictest standards of Italian and French theater. The building's construction took around 20 years, and it was recently re-opened after a lengthy renovation in 2010.

Jardín Botánico

Landscape architect Julio Carlos Thays designed this gem of a garden, opened in 1898. With over 1,000 tree and plant species, a collection of Roman-style sculptures and a central building that looks like an English castle, it's a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle you'll find around Plaza Italia.

Get your jazz, blues, funk, and soul fix at this spare music space under a restaurant and wine bar. Just two blocks from Plaza de Mayo in the historic city center, the club serves a first-rate selection of cocktails and nibbles, not to mention some colorful programming. On Saturday, you may find singer Choco Mike honoring Ray Charles, while on Friday, jazz soloists take on the work of Charlie Parker.

Latin American Art

Considered by many to be one of the best art museums on the continent, the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (Malba) is not to be missed. From exhibitions on Sara Facio's documentary-style photos to seminal work by Spanish legends like Frida Kahlo, you're guaranteed to be moved, or at least entertained.

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How to spend 4 days in Buenos Aires: A first-time itinerary

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If you’re headed to “the Paris of South America” for the first time, this itinerary is for you! These are my suggestions for 4 days in Buenos Aires, a city that is truly unlike anywhere else. I’ve included the classic must-sees as well as a couple of slightly off-the-beaten-path activities and areas of the city. 

In total, I’ve spent just under two years living in Buenos Aires. My various stints in the city were spread out over a number of years – both working and studying, on a very tight budget and with a little more room to splash out. It’s a city I know like the back of my hand, and consequently I’ve been enlisted to plan quite a few itineraries for visiting family and friends over the years. And now I’m finally pooling those suggestions in one place!

With four days in Buenos Aires, you can get a good sampling of the city – the grittier side and the high-end, including some of the obligatory tourist stuff and a few lesser-known gems. 

This is a moderately-paced itinerary that leaves time to wander interesting neighborhoods, people-watch in a leafy plaza, or recover from an all-nighter at the  boliche . If you have less time, you can pack all of this in at a faster pace, or prioritize the activities that sound most appealing to you. Also note that I am a big fan of walking to get to know a city, so I’ve included a lot of walking here. You can always hop on the bus or use a ridesharing app like Cabify to save some time or energy.

A quick note about arranging your Buenos Aires itinerary

Buenos Aires is a huge city, so I’ve planned each day with its geography in mind. I’ve tried to cluster sights located relatively close to each other on the same day, so you’re not spending hours (literally) of your day crisscrossing the metropolis. 

With that said, there are some activities that only take place on certain days. I’ve included weekend fairs, for example, and suggested some tours and activities that need to be reserved in advance and may book up quickly. 

Just keep this in mind when deciding how to arrange your time. You can reorder these days so you’re in San Telmo for the Sunday  feria  or visiting museums on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds. 

For now, let’s jump right into your 4-day Buenos Aires itinerary!

Day 1 in Buenos Aires: The plazas, parks, and street art of Palermo

If this is your first visit to Buenos Aires, it’s very likely you’re staying in or near Palermo. Even if you’re not, exploring this neighborhood is still a great way to spend the first day of your itinerary. 

Glance at a map, and you’ll quickly see that Palermo is a massive barrio. Its many different pockets all have their own character and flavor, and I find them all quite charming and beautiful in different ways.

The neighborhood as a whole is leafy, walkable, and generally pretty safe – a nice, easy introduction to the city. Palermo is also home to many of the best cafés, restaurants, and nightlife venues in Buenos Aires – you definitely won’t get bored (or go hungry). 

Morning: Walk around Palermo Soho

The best way to get oriented is to just go for a walk. I would start with  Palermo Soho , as this area has a lot of nice brunch spots, boutiques, and charming cobblestone streets. 

Head first to  Plaza Armenia  and make your way over to  Plaza Serrano , taking time to grab a meal, admire the street art, or do some shopping. Plaza Serrano also hosts a weekend market where you can find clothing, artwork, and other souvenirs. 

Afternoon: A few options in and around Palermo

For your afternoon, I have a few different suggestions depending on your interests and energy levels. (I imagine some of you reading this might be tired from traveling.) 

Option 1 is a  street art tour . Buenos Aires has an incredible urban art scene, and many of the best and most famous murals are located in Palermo and neighboring barrios. There are a number of tour companies with really knowledgeable guides who do a great job explaining the history and significance of various pieces. Buenos Aires Free Walks offers an excellent Palermo Graffiti Tour that is not quite free, but very inexpensive. 

Palermo Hollywood

Option 2 is to head northwest from Palermo Soho and explore its neighbor,  Palermo Hollywood . The neighborhoods are pretty similar, but I’d say Palermo Hollywood has even more cafés, eateries, and bars and a bit less shopping. If you like flea markets, you can pop into the Mercado de las Pulgas on the western edge of the neighborhood. 

Palermo Parks

Option 3, which could be combined with Option 2 if you like a lot of walking, is to relax in Palermo’s large, beautiful parks.

First, head to Plaza Italia. From there, you can choose your adventure. Immediately to the east, you have the peaceful  Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays . If you continue instead along Avenue Sarmiento, you’ll reach a large roundabout. Across the street to the right is the lovely  Jardín Japonés . Across the street and to the left is  Parque Tres de Febrero , which has a large lake and a beautiful rose garden. 

asado Tasting at Fogón

Option 4, for the meat lovers, is this 9-course  asado  (Argentinean barbecue) at Fogón, one of the city’s best restaurants (according to none other than the Michelin Guide ). The afternoon option lasts around two hours, so you’ll still have some time to explore (or just lie flat in a park) afterwards if you’d like. They also have a dinner option if you’d prefer to find lunch on your own as you wander around Palermo. Note that Fogón has two locations in different parts of Palermo, so double check the address before heading out.

Evening: Dinner and nightlife in Palermo

For dinner, no need to leave the neighborhood! Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood are both chock-full of restaurants. 

If you’re able to secure a spot, this super popular food tour is a great introduction to the local culture and cuisine. (Dinner spots book out early, so you could also choose to rearrange your day and do this in the late morning or afternoon.) 

If it’s full, fret not – there are plenty of food tours around! Another favorite includes a chance to try your hand at making empanadas . (It’s surprisingly difficult to fold them correctly!) You could also opt for a wine tasting tour and do dinner on your own afterwards. 

Or consider heading a little further afield to try out this 8-course barbecue experience with unlimited wine and live music. An evening  asado  on an outdoor terrace is such a quintessential Argentine experience, and it’s one that most people won’t have with just a few days in Buenos Aires. (Note that the meeting points vary depending on the day. Most are not in Palermo, but some locations are an easy walk. The others are still not too far, but you’ll probably want to grab a cab.)

And if you still have energy for your first taste of the city’s legendary  nightlife , Palermo is also your place! 

How to get to Palermo

To start your day in Palermo Soho, take the green line (line D) of the Subte to Scalabrini Ortiz or Plaza Italia. From there, everything is walkable. (But you can also take a bus if you need or want to. You can check routes on the BA Cómo Llego app.)

Day 2 in Buenos Aires: A trip to La Boca and the San Telmo Fair

Note: It’s ideal if you can visit San Telmo on a Sunday for its famous street fair, but the neighborhood still has a plenty to see any day of the week. 

Ok, a word of warning: we’re going to visit two of the most touristy places in the entire city. (But, for sanity’s sake, we’ll break it up with a little off-the-beaten-track detour in the middle.)

I personally find that my tolerance for the super touristy, cover-of-the-Lonely-Planet type of stuff wears thin quickly. I like to frontload my itineraries with these major sights, so I make sure to tick them off my list before I lose any and all motivation to wade through hordes of people and their cameras.

Of course you could skip them entirely, but I don’t really recommend that. Popular places are often popular for a reason, and it would be a shame to visit Buenos Aires without seeing La Boca or the San Telmo Fair. 

Morning: La Boca and the Caminito

So first, head to the  Caminito . With its colorful, haphazard buildings made from scrap metal, this is the most famous street in La Boca – and probably in Buenos Aires. (Scrolling through social media, you might think the entire city looks like this, but it’s actually just these few blocks.) 

La Boca was the main port of Buenos Aires in the late 19 th  and early 20 th  centuries, and the souvenir shops and restaurants you see now were once the makeshift homes of newly arrived immigrants and dock workers.

It’s admittedly a bit (maybe more than a bit) of a tourist trap, but it’s still worth an hour or two your morning. In addition to the photogenic facades, tango dancers, and souvenir stalls galore, this working class neighborhood has great street art, one of the world’s most famous football stadiums, and a lot of history.

If you enjoy modern and contemporary art, pop into the  Fundación Proa  while you’re down here. It is one of the city’s best art and cultural centers. 

If  fútbol  is more your thing (and even if it isn’t), check out  La Bombonera , the home stadium of the famous Boca Juniors football club. There is a museum on site, and guided tours of the stadium are offered in Spanish and English. It’s a 5-10 minute walk from the Caminito. 

Tickets for their crazy games are notoriously expensive and difficult to come by for tourists. If an Argentinian  fútbol  game is on your bucket list, my suggestion is to visit La Bombonera on a tour and then get tickets for one of the dozens of other football teams in Buenos Aires. I promise you it will still be a wild experience! 

How to get to La Boca

The Subte doesn’t run to La Boca, so you’ll need to take a bus if you’re relying on public transport. One option is to take the Subte to Constitución and then take a bus for a 15-minute ride from there. Alternatively, take the Subte to Plaza de Mayo (your stop will be Catedral, Perú, or Bolívar) and switch to a bus heading south. You can check bus routes using the BA Cómo Llego app. 

Depending on where you’re staying in the city, it might be easier to just hop on a bus and ride it all the way to La Boca. Buses 29 and 152 run frequently through the northern areas of Belgrano, Palermo, and Recoleta, all of which are popular neighborhoods for visitors. From San Telmo, you can take one of the many buses running south from Plaza de Mayo along Avenida Paseo Colón. 

Regardless of what you choose, you’ll want to take a bus that stops right in front of the Caminito (next to the super smelly Matanza River, or Riachuelo). Avoid walking from the west, as some streets can be unsafe, particularly if you stand out as a tourist.

Late morning: Calle Lanín 

For something sort of similar (lots of colorful homes) but totally different in vibe (far fewer people and not on the typical tourist track), head to  Pasaje Lanín . This is a small area of cobblestone streets with gorgeous, unique facades created by a local resident and artist. 

It doesn’t take long to walk around, but it’s a nice little place for a wander and some pretty pictures if you need a break from the crowds. 

How to get to Calle Lanín

Unfortunately, going off-piste in La Boca is generally considered one of the big Buenos Aires no-nos. I know, looking at a map, it’s tempting to just walk – it’s less than 30 minutes on foot from the Caminito to Calle Lanín. But when it comes to safety in Buenos Aires, you really should listen to locals, and locals say this is a great way to get robbed. I have been robbed in Buenos Aires (and violently), and it is not an experience I recommend or am eager to repeat. So I say grab a taxi, or hop on the bus to San Telmo and walk from there.

(I should note that Barracas, the barrio where Calle Lanín is located, is not exactly considered the safest neighborhood in the city either. I’ve walked between San Telmo and Calle Lanín and felt fine, but I know the city well and didn’t need to have my phone out to navigate. You could always take a taxi and ask your driver to wait for you instead. The artwork only covers two blocks , and they don’t take much time to explore.) 

Afternoon: San Telmo 

As the oldest neighborhood in the city and in many ways one of the most charming, San Telmo is a must for any Buenos Aires itinerary. 

If you can, I recommend visiting on a Sunday so you can wander through the famous  Feria de San Telmo . The fair originally centered around Plaza Dorrego , where you’ll find stalls selling all kinds of antiques. However, it has long extended far beyond that, with Calle Defensa packed with street performers and vendors from Plaza de Mayo down to Parque Lezama. If you’re looking for souvenirs, you’ll find leather goods, artwork, jewelry, mate gourds, and lots of other local crafts. 

On Sunday evenings, once the market stalls have been taken down,  Plaza Dorrego  fills with outdoor tables and local tango dancers. (A free tango show on a late summer evening in this square, a glass of white wine in hand, is one of my favorite Buenos Aires memories of all time.) 

Whether you come on a Sunday or not, San Telmo has a lot of charming cobblestone streets to explore. There is a lot of great street art and beautiful (in a crumbling sort of way) architecture. You’ll also find nice cafés, bars, an indoor market, and some of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires.

I would plan to have lunch here and then wander through the fair, as some of the stalls don’t set up until the afternoon.

How to get to San Telmo

The easiest way to reach San Telmo from Calle Lanín is just to call a cab with the Cabify app. It will be a 10-minute drive to Plaza Dorrego.

If you’d rather walk from Calle Lanín, you’ll just need to cross under the large highway you’ll see one block east of the southern end of the street. Walk to Avenida Montes de Oca and head north until you reach Avenida Martín García branching off to the northeast. This will take you to Parque Lezama, where you can walk north on Calle Defensa to Plaza Dorrego. Keep in mind this will be a good 40-minute walk, and you won’t have even started to explore San Telmo yet! 

If you’ve skipped Calle Lanín and are coming from La Boca, you can hop on one of the many buses (too many to list here) heading north from the bus stop right next to the Caminito. You can get off on Avenida Paseo Colón a few blocks east of Plaza Dorrego or further north at Plaza de Mayo if you’d prefer to walk south instead. Check the BA Cómo Llego app for exact routes.

Evening: Attend a tango show

Many of the best tango shows in Buenos Aires are located in San Telmo, so it makes sense to catch one while you’re already in the area.

…If you’re up for hanging around for dinner and a show around 10 p.m., that is. You already did a lot of sightseeing today, so feel free to shuffle the evening activities around and/or head back to your accommodation for a nap if needed! It’s also worth noting that many of the popular tango shows include hotel pickup and an optional dinner add-on.

Day 3 in Buenos Aires: History, culture, and architecture in Monserrat, Balvanera, and Barrio Norte

We’ll start your third day in Buenos Aires with some important history and unique architecture. Later, we’ll head to Recoleta for its famous cemetery and some other nearby sights of interest. 

Morning: Plaza de Mayo, Palacio Barolo, and Plaza del Congreso

First, head to the  Plaza de Mayo . This is arguably the most important square in the country. It is home to the  Casa Rosada , the seat of Argentina’s national government and the location of its presidential offices. Some of Argentina’s most important historical events have taken place here, and it has long been a site of mass demonstrations and protests. 

There are free guided tours of the Casa Rosada on Saturdays, in Spanish and English, that take about an hour. You’re supposed to reserve your place online two weeks before your visit, but the registration page is currently down. (I will link it here in the future if that changes. In the meantime, welcome to Argentina.)

From Plaza de Mayo, walk due west along Avenida de Mayo to  Palacio Barolo . You’ll cross  Avenida 9 de Julio  (the widest street in the world) with the famous  Obelisco  to your right. You can take the Subte instead of walking, but you’ll miss some really elegant and classic Buenos Aires architecture along this short stretch.

Palacio Barolo is one of the most architecturally interesting buildings in Buenos Aires, and it also offers one of the best views in the entire city. If you like architecture or just enjoy a good panoramic view, I’d say the guided tours of the building are well worth the price. There is also a rooftop bar if that’s more your style!

Continuing west on Avenida de Mayo, you’ll run right into the  Plaza del Congreso . Free tours of the two chambers of Argentina’s National Congress are offered on weekdays. If this is something you really want to do, I recommend calling in advance to confirm the schedule. 

How to get to Plaza de Mayo

Your morning walk starts at the Casa Rosada, which is pretty straightforward to reach from almost anywhere in Buenos Aires. Catch the Subte to Catedral on line D, Perú or Plaza de Mayo on line B, or Bolívar on line E. If you’re staying in Microcentro or San Telmo, you can take a bus, but it will probably take you less time to just walk. 

Afternoon: Recoleta cemetery and around

From the National Congress, you can walk or take the bus along Avenida Callao until you reach Avenida Santa Fe, where you’ll find  El Ateneo Grand Splendid . This bookstore, housed in a former theater, has landed on many a list of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

We’re now in Recoleta, one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Parts of it are admittedly a little stuffy, but there are still a lot of nice places around here to grab some lunch before you continue exploring.

After lunch, head to the  Recoleta Cemetery , the resting place of Eva Perón and many other important historical figures in Argentina. This place is often recognized as one of the world’s most impressive and notable cemeteries. 

While you can definitely pop in, visit Evita’s tomb, and admire some of the other impressive mausoleums, you’ll get the most out of your visit with a tour. A lot of notable people are buried here, and a knowledgeable guide can share stories and historical details you’ll miss if you just grab a map and wander around on your own. 

Other attractions near the cemetery

Just next to the cemetery is the  Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pilar , a colonial-era church with a beautiful and intricately designed interior. 

And next door to that is the  Centro Cultural Recoleta , a cultural center with varying exhibits on art, science, history, and more. There may not be anything on when you’re there, but it’s worth popping your head in to check. Sometimes they have really interesting galleries on display. 

If you’re here on a weekend, you’ll also find a lovely  artists’ market  in the nearby green space. I’ve found a lot of nice, affordable accessories and handicrafts for myself and friends here over the years.

Do you have any energy left for sightseeing? If so, don’t miss the  Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes . It’s a wonderful fine arts museum, with a great collection of Argentine and European artwork, and it’s just across the street. It’s also air conditioned, open until 8 p.m., and free! (But note that it’s closed on Mondays.) 

Before or after your visit, cross Avenida Figueroa Alcorta to see the  Floralis Genérica , a stunning sculpture in a small, quiet park. (It’s less than 10 minutes on foot from the museum.) 

But if you are done for the day, don’t worry, there’s another art museum on the schedule for tomorrow. 

How to get to Recoleta

If you’re following this Buenos Aires itinerary to the letter, you’ll have arrived in Recoleta on foot. However, you can also reach Recoleta very easily using public transportation if that works better for your schedule. 

The closest Subte stop to El Ateneo is Callao on the green line. It is only a few blocks away. To go directly to the Recoleta Cemetery, the closest stop is Las Heras on the yellow line. There are also countless buses that will take you to either place. You can use the BA Cómo Llego app to view your options.

Evening: An opera, ballet, or philharmonic performance at Teatro Colón

The  Teatro Colón  is one of the most famous and beautiful opera houses in the world. If you have the budget and interest, catching a performance here is a top Buenos Aires experience. (And if a show is not in the cards, there are also guided tours of the theater during the day. You could come here after or instead of visiting Palacio Barolo in the morning.) 

How to get to Teatro Colón

The Tribunales-Teatro Colón stop on the green line of the Subte will take you right to the theater.

Day 4 in Buenos Aires: A day trip to Tigre and a bit more of Palermo

For your last morning in Buenos Aires, I recommend taking a half-day trip to  Tigre . This is a popular weekend getaway for  porteños  (Buenos Aires locals), and it’s a nice, relaxing way to spend a few hours if you’re burned out from sightseeing. (I’m guessing you are. I would be.) 

When you get back, you’ll still have a half day to hit a few more Buenos Aires highlights.

Morning: A relaxing trip to Tigre

Tigre is a chill, fun trip and an interesting window into local life. You can take one of the public river boats through the Tigre delta and stop for lunch overlooking the water. I enjoy just walking around and admiring the quaint little weekend homes lining smaller canals. There are also a few museums, a market, and an amusement park nearby. 

You could spend the whole day there, but you don’t really need to. I suggest heading back mid-afternoon to soak up your last few hours in Buenos Aires. 

How to get to Tigre from Buenos Aires

Tigre is only an hour by train from Retiro station in Buenos Aires. (Depending on where you’re staying, it may be easier to hop on at Belgrano C. This station is located on a lot of popular bus routes and is a short walk from the Subte line D at Juramento.)

Afternoon: MALBA and Palermo parks

When you get back, you can head back to the  Palermo parks  if you want to carry on with the “chill day” theme.

As I mentioned on the first day of your itinerary, there are a few different parks, so you won’t necessarily need to visit the same places twice unless you want to. If you went to the main lake at Parque Tres de Febrero last time, check out the smaller Botanical Garden nearby. Or if you went to the Japanese Garden on your first day, head to the beautiful Paseo El Rosedal.

Nearby, I have one more museum to suggest if you’re up for it: the  Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (often abbreviated as MALBA). It houses a fantastic collection of Latin American art from the 20 th  century onward.

A few notes on MALBA: Admission is discounted on Wednesdays, so this is usually the busiest day of the week. Tickets don’t cost very much to begin with, so I’d recommend going another day. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.

How to get to MALBA and the Palermo parks

If you’re coming from Tigre, get off the train at Belgrano C station. From there, you can walk to Avenida del Libertador and easily catch a bus heading east to the parks or MALBA.

Evening: A puerta cerrada, a swanky meal in Puerto Madero, or a return to your favorite neighborhood

For your evening, I have a few different suggestions depending on your tastes and interests.

Puerta Cerrada dinner

The first is to have dinner at a  puerta cerrada , one of the famous  closed-door restaurants  of Buenos Aires. Originally (15 years ago or so), the puerta cerradas hosted small, intimate dinners inside people’s homes. They were a fantastic way to meet a local chef, enjoy a delicious, multi-course meal, and often meet some other interesting people as well. 

As they evolved and grew in popularity, though, many of them became indistinguishable from regular ol’ restaurants. (The food was still great, but the unique experience was lost to a large extent without the shared tables and emphasis on a communal experience.) Unfortunately, many have closed in the last few years.

So if you can reserve a dinner at a traditional style puerta cerrada for your last night in Buenos Aires, I very much recommend doing that. But since I don’t think that’s necessarily an easy (or affordable) feat in 2024, you may want to just take the pressure off and enjoy a nice dinner in Palermo, San Telmo, or Puerto Madero.

Puerto Madero waterfront

Puerto Madero , a waterfront area in the central business district, is a good choice if you want something high-end. If you come here, take a short walk along the docks to admire the  Puente de la mujer , probably the most famous monument in Buenos Aires after the Obelisco. 

Return to Palermo or San Telmo

Personally, I find Puerto Madero a little lacking in terms of soul/character, so I might skip it if I only had four days in Buenos Aires. I would think about whether you preferred your time in Palermo or San Telmo and return to your favorite for dinner. Both of these neighborhoods have more restaurants and bars than you could ever hope to try, whether your budget is roomy or not, and I think both will give you a great experience for your last night in the city.

You could also reserve a food or wine tasting tour if you were too tired (or full) to do so on your first evening. And if you prefer a cocktail, you can tour a few of the many excellent bars and hidden speakeasies in the city. 

And then, hopefully, it’s time to explore more of this beautiful country!

More on Argentina

The best of Argentina in three weeks: My suggested itinerary

The top 5 day hikes in Bariloche: Easy trails to challenging, high-elevation treks

Hiking from Cerro Catedral to Refugio Frey: Bariloche’s best single-day trek

3 days in El Chaltén: The best treks (and where to eat afterwards!)

Loma del Pliegue Tumbado: Is this secretly the best hike in El Chaltén?

Calle Lanín: A beautiful open-air museum in Buenos Aires

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The best times to visit Buenos Aires, for tango, Carnaval and more

Jan 5, 2023 • 6 min read

Buenos Aires has something to offer every season (and especially when Argentina wins big at soccer) © vovidzha / Shutterstock

The magic of  Buenos Aires  lasts all year long. This non-stop, fast-paced city has something to offer at any time of year, and a packed calendar of cultural events brings a different festival to the city almost every month.

When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires? That depends on whether you prefer sticky summer heat, cooler winter temperatures or the pleasant in-between days of fall and spring. (Just remember that Argentina ’s summer is the northern hemisphere’s winter.)

The calendar is busy year-round, and there’s always something going on in this multicultural port city, from tango competitions and rock concerts to spirited celebrations of gaucho (cowboy) culture. Note that things can get busy around Christmas and New Year, coinciding with school holidays and some of the warmest summer weather.

To get a visceral sense of how Buenos Aires changes with the seasons, listen to Ástor Piazzolla’s Estaciones Porteñas , a series of tangos that celebrate summer, fall, winter and spring in this beguiling city, then read on for tips on the top times to come.

December to February is the best time for sunseekers

The southern hemisphere summer in Buenos Aires is hot, with average daytime high temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F). And as any porteño (Buenos Aires resident) will tell you, the humidity makes it feel even hotter. Long hot spells are often broken by dramatic thunderstorms and several days of rain. As this is the high season for tourism, hotels are busy with high prices to match. If your budget permits, consider booking a hotel with a pool – nothing beats cooling off in the water after a day of sightseeing on sticky summer days in Buenos Aires. 

March to May and September to November are the most pleasant times to explore

Most people find fall (March to May) and spring (September to November) are the most pleasant times to visit Buenos Aires. The weather is generally mild, with average temperatures around 22°C (72°F), and a mix of sunny and rainy days. Hotel occupancy rates are usually at their lowest between April and June, making this the best time to find discounted rates.

June to August is the best time for low prices and crisp winter days 

Winters in Buenos Aires can be overcast and chilly, with average highs around 16°C (61°F) and lows around 8°C (46°F). Although rain is possible year-round, the weather in winter is often dry, and the sunny winter days are perfect for exploring the city. There’s a small uptick in tourist numbers in July and August, during the northern hemisphere summer break. 

January sees locals and visitors hit the beach

The first month of the year means summer holidays in Buenos Aires. Schools are closed and many porteños  take time off work to escape the sweltering city heat and head to the beach. The city is generally quieter and traffic is calmer – but since it’s also the peak time for tourism in the city, you should book accommodation in advance. Key events: Verano en la Ciudad  

February is Carnaval time!

It’s still hot and humid as the city gears up for Carnaval, with parades every weekend building up to the official carnival holiday, which falls toward the end of the month. Colorful carnival troupes take to the streets to perform murga , a style of percussion-heavy music and dancing. Pay attention for kids with water bombs and foam sprays... Key events: Carnaval Porteño   

March brings milder weather and some rainy days

As fall approaches, the weather is balmy. Rainy fall days are a good excuse for ducking into one of Buenos Aires’ magnificent old-school bars and people watching over a café con leche (milky coffee).  Key events : Día de la Memoria (March 24);  FIBA (Festival Internacional de Buenos Aires; held biannually)

April is a good for fans of books and film

The weather is still pleasantly mild, with a good chance of rain. Film buffs won’t want to miss the independent film festival BAFICI , with screenings held in cinemas across the city. Key events : BAFICI;  Feria del Libro

May sees the first signs of approaching winter

There is a chill in the air as porteños gather to celebrate the anniversary of the revolution of 25 May 1810 with steaming bowls of locro (a corn-based stew).  Key events: Día de la Revolucion de Mayo (25 May)

June is crisp, clear and cool

Though winter has set in, June is historically the driest month in Buenos Aires. Crisp, sunny days with vibrant blue skies are perfect for exploring outdoors – but pack a warm jacket. 

July brings a big celebration of gaucho culture

The countryside comes to the heart of the city during the Exposición Rural , a 10-day agriculture and livestock show held in the upscale district of Palermo. Events include impressive displays of gaucho horseback-riding skills. Key events : Día de la Independencia (Independence Day, July 9); Exposición Rural

August is the time to tango

The biggest event on the tango calendar is the Buenos Aires tango festival and world championship, Tango BA, with couples from around the world competing in improvised salon dancing and choreographed stage dance categories. The festival features a packed schedule of performances by tango orchestras, tango classes and milongas (tango dance events). Key events : Tango BA

September welcomes the arrival of spring

The first day of spring is celebrated with picnics in the park. Music lovers should check out the lineup at the Ciudad Emergente festival, held as part of the Usina del Arte in La Boca. What started out as a rock festival has expanded to include other musical genres and features both up-and-coming and established bands. Key events : Ciudad Emergente

October brings sports and cultural events

As spring sets in, the city hosts the world’s elite distance runners for the Buenos Aires Marathon . Other events include Ciudanza , with dance performances staged in the street and other outdoor urban spaces. Key events : Buenos Aires Marathon; Ciudanza;  Buenos Aires Photo ;  Gallery Day

November is the best time for a trip to Buenos Aires

November is the best month to visit Buenos Aires, hands down. There is a warmth to the late-spring air and the blossom of jacaranda trees turns the city streets purple. It’s the shoulder season for tourism yet the cultural calendar is packed with events. Jostle with the crowds at the Noche de los Museos (Night of the Museums), when museums across the city open their doors for a series of late-night events. Key events : Buenos Aires Jazz ; Semana del Orgullo BA (LGBTQI+ Pride Week); Noche de los Museos, Lollapalooza ;  ArteBA

December sees temperatures climb in the run up to New Year

As the mercury rises, porteños head outside, dining at alfresco tables and soaking up the sun’s rays in the city parks. Summer in Buenos Aires means ice cream, cold beers and asados (barbecues), and the smell of grilling meat floats on the breeze. Families gather to exchange gifts on nochebuena (Christmas Eve). The start of the new year is marked with fireworks. Key events: Argentine Open Polo Championships ; Nochebuena (Christmas Eve); Fin de Año (New Year’s Eve)

This article was first published Oct 20, 2021 and updated Jan 5, 2023.

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12 Top Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Buenos Aires

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Elegant yet always bustling, Buenos Aires encapsulates the very essence of Argentina. South America's second-largest city, Buenos Aires is the political, economic, and cultural capital of Argentina , as well as the gateway to the rest of this large nation.

Its compact tree-lined center is reminiscent of Paris, with many charming corners where tidy high-rise apartments are interspersed with attractive 19th-century buildings. Most first-time visitors are surprised to find that this big city has managed to preserve its old traditions. Each of its 47 "barrios" boasts its own distinct character, and you'll never tire of exploring these delightful neighborhoods.

Among the most popular are Palermo, La Recoleta, and Belgrano, with their wide boulevards lined with palatial mansions, luxury high-rises, and large parks. Also fun to explore are San Telmo and La Boca with their distinctively colorful artistic flair, as well as trendy Puerto Madero and Calle Defensa.

In the downtown core, the Plaza de Mayo is the traditional focus of the city's entertainment and cultural activities and the best place to begin your exploration. Interested in shopping? Then make your way to Avenida Santa Fe, the city's most fashionable shopping area.

To learn more about these and other great places to visit in the Argentinian capital, be sure to read through this list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Buenos Aires.

See also: Where to Stay in Buenos Aires

1. Explore Plaza de Mayo

2. tour the president's pink house: casa rosada, 3. a city of theaters: the colón theater, 4. visit the recoleta cemetery and museums, 5. explore la boca and the caminito street museum, 6. buenos aires cabildo, 7. san telmo and the national historical museum, 8. the metropolitan cathedral, 9. art galleries old and new, 10. palermo and jardín botánico, 11. the national museum of decorative art, 12. it doesn't take two to tango, where to stay in buenos aires for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions & things to do in buenos aires.

Buenos Aire's Belle Époque is evident in the splendid old colonial buildings found in Plaza de Mayo. Established in the 16th century and the country's oldest public square, this delightful two-block-long plaza has been the stage for many important events in the city's history.

Most notable among these were the uprising against Spain in 1810 and the continuing vigils held by the Madres de la Plaza de Mayo, or the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, whose children "disappeared" during the military junta's reign from 1976 to 1983.

Much of the area is now entirely pedestrianized, including popular Florida and Lavalle Streets, and numerous attractions and things to do can easily be included in a fun walking tour of the area. As a result, Plaza de Mayo is the perfect place to begin your Buenos Aires sightseeing adventure, getting your bearings as you take in such important landmarks as Casa Rosada . This famous pale pink Presidential Palace was the place from which Eva Perón would address the enormous crowds eager to see her.

Also worth exploring is the splendid Avenida de Mayo . This splendid wide avenue is famous for its fine buildings with their attractive façades and domes, along with such landmarks as the famous Cafe Tortoni . Established in 1880, it's the city's oldest cafe and is considered the heart of tango. Also of note is the National Tango Academy (Academia Nacional del Tango de la República Argentina) located next door, which continues to welcome visitors.

The most famous of Plaza de Mayo's many fine buildings, Casa Rosada was built in the mid-1800s and stands on a site known to have been occupied by an old customs house and fort dating back to the 16th century. Literally translated as the "Pink House," Casa Rosada — officially referred to as Casa de Gobierno or the government house — is the official residence of the President of Argentina.

Built in Italianate style, this fine mansion dominates the eastern end of the historic square, and makes for a splendid selfie backdrop. In addition to housing the President and state offices, this immense building is also home to the Casa Rosada Museum. Established in the 1950s, the museum's impressive collections include exhibits and artifacts dating back as far as colonial times when Spain ruled much of the continent.

Other notable highlights include murals by famed Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros, painted in 1933 with assistance from some of Argentina's most prominent artists from that period. The museum is open Wednesdays to Sundays. Free English-language tours are available.

Address: Balcarce 50, Buenos Aires

No lover of great theater or, for that matter, great theaters , should pass up the chance to visit Buenos Aires' many fine performance halls. Perhaps the best known is the stunning Colón Theater (Teatro Colón), a world-class opera, ballet, and classical music facility opened in 1908 that has hosted the likes of Callas, Toscanini, Stravinsky, Caruso, and Pavarotti.

Guided tours of the theater, considered to boast some of the world's best acoustics, provide a fascinating glimpse into the building's inner workings, from set-building to costume and wig-making. It's an experience that can only be topped by enjoying a performance in its sumptuous auditorium.

Other places of entertainment to visit include Teatro Gran Rex , a lovely Art Deco cinema opened in 1937, and Teatro Cervantes , home to the Buenos Aires National Theatre Museum with its displays relating to theater, film, and musical productions.

Address: Cerrito 628, Buenos Aires

Fashionable Recoleta takes its name from the Franciscan convent that was built here around 1716, but is perhaps best known for its astonishing burial ground.

The Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta) has long been popular among locals and tourists alike, drawn here for the many elaborate mausoleums that serve as final resting places for a veritable Who's Who of famous Argentines, including such illustrious souls as Eva Perón, now embalmed in the Duarte family tomb.

Although somewhat ostentatious, these beautiful crypts are a testament to the national interest in death, something so important that Argentinians continue to honor their family members' birthdays and death-days alike.

Afterwards, be sure to explore the rest of Recoleta with its many public gardens, cafés, and craft shops, as well as other attractions, including the Museo de Arte Hispanoamericano Isaac Fernández Blanco with its extensive collection of colonial silver, wood carvings, paintings, and costumes, and the National Library where literary great Jorge Luis Borges served as director in the 1950s.

Address: Junín 1760, 1113 Buenos Aires

Undoubtedly Buenos Aires' most colorful neighborhood, and certainly one of the best places to visit if you want to grab some great photographs of authentic Argentina , La Boca is a favorite haunt for artistic and creative types. In fact, many of these same folk will take their art outside and onto the streets, decorating balconies and patios with amusing sculptures of tango dancers and other characters.

Much of the fun here for visitors is exploring the Caminito Street Museum , a colorful pedestrian-friendly zone that has functioned as an open-air museum and art market since 1959. Painted a patchwork of colors, this string of bright and extremely photogenic buildings offer quality crafts and souvenirs, sculptures, and, for the footloose, free open-air tango demonstrations (the area is in fact named after a tango).

A little more formal is the Quinquela Martín Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Benito Quinquela Martín) with its excellent collection of works by notable 20th-century Argentinian artists.

Located in Plaza de Mayo , the beautiful Cabildo served as the seat of the colonial government and was at the epicenter of the May 1810 revolution against Spanish rule. It dates back to 1610 and was later expanded throughout the 18th century.

These days this splendid building houses the National Museum of the Cabildo with its numerous exhibits relating to the city during the 18th century, including a replica of the city's first printing press, an exhibit of Jesuit and colonial art, and numerous old maps and photos of the city.

Another museum of interest in Plaza de Mayo is the Museo de la Casa de Gobierno. Located inside the Casa Rosada, the Presidential Palace, it provides a chronology of Argentinian presidents up to 1966 along with related artifacts and memorabilia.

Address: Bolívar 65, 1066 Buenos Aires

San Telmo is well known as one of Buenos Aires' more colorful districts, its narrow cobblestone streets and old colonial-style buildings home to numerous art studios and interesting galleries.

The area is also popular for its cafés, tango parlors, and boutique shops and is a delight to explore, particularly during the San Telmo Sunday Fair (Feria de San Telmo), an antiques fair that draws crowds of eager shoppers and sightseers alike.

The biggest attraction in San Telmo, though, is the excellent National Historical Museum (Museo Histórico Nacional) with its displays relating to the history of Argentina. All told, the museum houses more than 50,000 artifacts, the most important being its collection of paintings by Cándido López, a forerunner of contemporary primitive painting.

Another museum of interest is the Bernardino Rivadavia Natural Sciences Museum , opened in 1826 and now boasting 13 exhibition halls bursting with displays of Argentinian flora and fauna, along with an on-site aquarium.

Address: Defensa 1600, 1143 Buenos Aires

While construction of its Neoclassical façade wasn't initiated until 1822, Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana) overlooks Plaza de Mayo and can trace its roots back to the early 16th century when the Spanish established one of the country's first churches here.

Despite its rather plain exterior, this catholic church boasts a lovely Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque interior along with numerous important artworks, including 18th-century altarpieces and statues. There's also a Walcker organ dating from 1871 that includes an impressive 3,500 pipes and is regarded as one of the finest of its kind. Also of interest here is the tomb of one of Argentina's most revered revolutionary heroes, General José de San Martín.

Another religious site worth seeing is the Block of Enlightenment (Manzana de las Luces). This city block is traditionally regarded as the historical center of learning and high culture in Buenos Aires. It includes the Colegio Nacional de Buenos Aires and San Ignacio Church , the city's oldest surviving church, famous for its tunnels and artwork.

Address: San Martín 27, Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has long had a reputation as one of South America's most significant centers for art. One of the newest and most impressive galleries is the Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA) .

Housed in a superb modern building resembling a number of interlocking cubes, this world-class museum has numerous works by modern artists from across Latin America. It also serves as a cultural center showcasing the country's film and visual arts.

Also of importance to the art world is the splendid Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art ( Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires ). Housed in a former tobacco warehouse, it's home to a collection of exhibits by local painters and sculptors along with permanent exhibits of local and international artists including Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso.

Other galleries of note include the Museum of the Spanish Art of Enrique Larreta , with its impressive collection gathered by the famous writer, and the Fortabat Art Collection , a fine art gallery opened in 2008.

Be sure to also find time to visit the city's most interesting outdoor sculpture, Floralis Genérica. This massive steel and aluminum flower stands in the midst of Plaza de las Naciones Unidas, and even closes at night and emanates a pleasing red glow.

Address: Avenida Pres Figueroa Alcorta 3415, Buenos Aires

Palermo, the major recreational spot for Porteños, as residents of Buenos Aires are known, is where many of the city's largest and most popular parks lie. Once part of the estate of dictator Juan Manuel de Rosas, these days the area is home to a plethora of fine ethnic restaurants and Avant-garde fashion establishments.

It's here, too, that you'll find Jardín Botánico, the city's excellent botanic gardens with its numerous lakes, bridges, and sculptures spread across 20 acres of paradise. Established in 1898, the gardens boast some 5,000 flower species from around the world, including many from Argentina.

Highlights include such exquisite areas as the French and Italian Gardens, along with a herb museum and horticultural school. Also worth a visit are the Buenos Aires Japanese Gardens , the largest such garden in South America and popular for its bonsai collection, displays of traditional arts and crafts, and cultural center.

Address: 1425 Buenos Aires

Opened in 1911 in the stunning Palacio Errázuriz , a landmark Classical French-style building in the heart of the Recoleta district , the excellent National Museum of Decorative Art (Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo) is a must for art enthusiasts as well as those who enjoy great architecture. Highlights of the museum's collection include paintings by Spanish mannerists and French Impressionists plus Renaissance and Baroque furniture, tapestries, porcelain, and silver.

Also of interest and sharing the same building is the Oriental Art Museum (Museo de Arte Oriental) with its many fine displays of artwork from across Asia. Finally, art lovers should also check out the National Museum of Fine Arts with works by such European masters as Rodin, Renoir, Monet, and van Gogh, along with many important Argentinian artists.

Address: Avenida del Libertador 1902, 1425 Buenos Aires

Whether you're traveling solo, with a partner, or as a family or group, you should definitely make time for a little tango in your Buenos Aires itinerary. Whether you're wanting to participate or merely observe, a variety of fun experiences are available that provide great introductions to this traditional Argentinian dance and art form.

One of the best is the La Ventana Tango Show with Optional Dinner . One of the city's most popular tango performances, the La Ventana tango show in the city's San Telmo neighborhood features live dancing and traditional Argentinian music with the option to add on a delicious three-course meal. Transportation from city hotels is included.

Another good option takes in the famous Teatro Astor Piazzolla . Your skip-the-line ticket includes a guaranteed spot for a performance at this gorgeous historic theater to witness traditional live music and dancing, with the option to add on a tasty Argentinian dinner.

We recommend these charming Buenos Aires hotels, with easy access to top sights like Plaza de Mayo, and chic neighborhoods like Palermo:

• Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires : This 5-star luxury, Belle Epoque mansion features marble bathrooms, a luxe spa, a heated pool, and sauna.
• Fierro Hotel Buenos Aires : This popular mid-range hotel features moderate pricing, a rooftop pool, rain showers, and an excellent restaurant.
• Mine Hotel Boutique : An affordable boutique hotel, Mine Hotel comes with a homey feel, outdoor pool, family rooms, and a fun tango show.
• Abode Buenos Aires : This budget-friendly B&B is located near excellent restaurants and boasts a sunny rooftop terrace.

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Buenos Aires   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Anton Petrus | Getty Images

Best Times To Visit Buenos Aires

The best time to visit Buenos Aires is from April to June (fall) or from September to November (spring). These sweet shoulder seasons usher in mild temperatures, thin crowds and colorful foliage. Fall and spring also boast reasonable hotel prices. During January and February – Buenos Aires' summertime and peak tourist season – crowds as well as hotel room rates start to swell. While this season remains a popular time to visit, temperatures often rise into the high 80s and a muggy heat hangs in the air. The offseason starts in June, then has a small high season in July before becoming offseason again in August. This time of the year is usually filled with rainy days, cold winter temps and fewer tourists (though Argentine winter school vacations bring a spate of national tourists for part of July).

Weather in Buenos Aires

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Is Visiting Buenos Aires Worth it? Top 11 Reasons to Visit Buenos Aires Now

Today we are going to explore why Buenos Aires is worth visiting. As one of the most lively, diverse cities in Latin America, Buenos Aires has lots to offer to everyone who visits.  This city is known for its popular cafe culture, incredible food scene, and lively culture. As both Argentina’s capital and largest city you will find a hot spot for music, food , arts, and dancing.

Visiting Buenos Aires is an incredible experience and by far one of my favorite places as it is home to warm and friendly people. The city is filled with rich history, beautiful architecture, large parks, magical bookstores, and unparalleled nightlife. Finally, Buenos Aires is a city that likes to stay out late and sleep in!

Buenos Aires thrives on slowing down and enjoying life around you. We floated from cafe to cafe, park to park; taking in all the amazing sights and enjoying this more relaxed pace of life. Additionally there was not a to-go coffee cup in sight. 

Is Buenos Aires worth it? Below are my reasons why and how to make the most of your time in this lively city.

Experience Tango at its Birthplace

La boca y el caminito.

Tango originated as a street performance. So it took many years for the dance to be popularized within Argentina, then it took the world by storm. Known as one of the most romantic dances in the world, El Caminito is the place to see tango at its roots.

Here you will see world-class dancers, showing off their tango skills. You may even get a free street dance lesson so bring a partner along! This colorful neighborhood offers a lot of history and excitement.

El Caminito is situated in the neighborhood of La Boca . It is home to the Boca Futbol team. From “el centro” (downtown) you can access it via taxi, SUBE, walking, Hop-on Hop-off bus, or Bondi.

When considering if Buenos Aires is worth it, consider how tango is uniquely from Argentina. Of course, there are many tango shows in Buenos Aires. While they may be tourist traps like El Caminito, you will see the most incredible tango dancers.

Some tango shows include dinner with the show, others allow you to take dance lessons so pick accordingly. We went to the most famous show in Buenos Aires and it left us in awe. El Querandí Tango show and dinner depict tango’s history from the beginning to now. You get a full hour and a half of nonstop dancing and live singing along with a three course dinner.

Note: Dinner in Argentina is typically later than in the United States you so may want to have a merienda (afternoon tea) so you’re not starving for the dinner’s 9 pm start time.

Relax in Argentinian Cafe Culture

As you walk around Buenos Aires, you’ll notice all the different Cafes in the area. Many have outdoor seating and all of them have incredible looking pastries (facturas) in the windows. These are must-go stops for breakfast and merienda time. 

Since dinner is typically so late in Argentina, the afternoon tea break is of utmost importance. This is a country that likes to sleep in and takes its time waking up. You’ll see the cafes yawning awake at about 9 am and staying open well past midnight. 

Slowing down to take in the food and chat with your table neighbors is a great way to relax into the prevalent cafe culture. This is just one of my favorite reasons why visiting Buenos Aires is worth it. Below are some of our personal favorite cafes.

Cafe Tortoni

As the oldest cafe in Buenos Aires, this cafe will have a long line outside. It is more expensive than other cafes and definitely more of a tourist trap. But we couldn’t pass up the history. Additionally, it is opulent inside with the most delicious Dulce de Leche coffees.

Havanna  

The most iconic of all the cafes is Havanna. Known for its Alfajores, this cafe is a must-go. Larry and I tried one of each alfajor for merienda one day. Then before coming home we stopped by Havanna to get boxes of alfajores to bring home. 

Alfajores are two cookies that sandwich dulce de leche and are then dipped in chocolate. They have many options like Super Dulce De Leche (its gluten-free!) or my personal favorite 70% cacao alfajor. Either way, you cannot go wrong with an original chocolate one.

Enjoy Delicious Food in Argentina

Going to Argentina just to eat makes the whole trip to Buenos Aires worth it! There are so many wonderful types of l ocal foods to try.

Steak is the national food of Argentina plus Buenos Aires has it in spades. You cannot visit Buenos Aires and not try the steak! The absolute best steakhouse is Parrilla Don Julio , you will need to make a reservation ahead of time. 

Another great way of having steak is to go to a Parrillada/Asado or a cookout/BBQ. Families will gather on Sundays and spend the day around a table eating and chatting. A typical asado has a minimum of 4 to 5 steak courses. While you may not have family in Argentina that will invite you for an asado, there are other ways to have the experience.

The Asado Experience and Parrilla Tour offer authentic and delicious steak as well as a full asado experience. We actually went to an Estancia (ranch) for some horseback riding. At the Estancia Los Dos Hermanos we had a seemingly never-ending amount of steak for the Asado. It definitely gave my cousin’s cooking a run for his money (ultimately, we thought my cousin did a better job though). 

You cannot go to Argentina and not try the country’s wine! If you decide to take a trip from Buenos Aires elsewhere consider Mendoza. This is where all the vineyards are located. My biggest regret after getting home was not bringing a bottle of Malbec home with us. 

The best part of having Malbec in Buenos Aires is the price. Bottles of wine here are significantly more expensive than in Argentina. For less than $10 USD you get some of the highest quality Malbec. Definitely ranks high on why it’s worth visiting Buenos Aires.

If you’re into street food, empanadas are for you! These little hand-pies can be found in nearly all the cafes as well as in takeaway shops. We got empanadas multiple times both as dinner and as a snack before a late dinner. Finally, take risks and try all the different fillings; you might be surprised by what you like!

Pizza in Buenos Aires is different from pizza in the states and in Italy. The traditional Fugazzeta has no tomato sauce instead it has olive oil, and a lot of onions. Definitely, a must-try! Otherwise, you have pizza by the slice that has lots of drizzled olive oil and in some cases, a whole olive plopped on top.

If you’re interested in another local favorite try out the Fainá. It is like a thick pancake made with chickpeas. You can have it plain or with different toppings.

Wander Through Buenos Aires Markets and Fairs

San telmo market.

Mercado de San Telmo is a hot spot for new food places, fresh fruits and vegetables, and meat. San Telmo has recently undergone an upgrade making the whole neighborhood pleasant to stroll around. It is the oldest food market in Buenos Aires.

On Sundays, San Telmo has an open-air market on Av. Defense which makes it the busiest day to visit. Inside you’ll find all sorts of artisanal goods, delicious foods, and souvenirs. The prices definitely make it easy to overspend. Additionally, while strolling through the market you’ll get an even deeper sense of the people of Buenos Aires.

In the surrounding streets, you’ll find many Dulce de Leche shops, you must stop in to try the different kinds and buy one for home. My personal favorite brand is Chimbote (you can thank me later)! You’ll also be able to see the Mafalda statue.

The food market is open every day from 10 am. During the week the market closes at 9 pm, on Saturday at 10 pm, and Sunday at 8 pm. 

Recoleta Fair

On Saturdays in Plaza Francia, you will find the Feria Recoleta. It is a large outdoor fair with street performers, food, and artisanal goods. Remember to bring pesos with you because you won’t want to miss out on some of the goodies here; especially the leather and silver goods.

Make your money go a long way with some shopping in Argentina

Some of the best-valued items in Argentina include food, wine, leather goods (Prune, XL), silver, and personal services (haircuts, nail salon, etc.). Clothing, however, is more expensive in Argentina compared to the states, so unless you’re really in love with something, it’s not a better deal. These great deals make Buenos Aires worth it!

Calle Florida

Buenos Aires’ first pedestrianized street boasts many different stores. This area is higher end and filled with tourists. You will see more police officers here and many, many stores. This street ends at Galerias Pacifico. You can get some good value for your money here, but if you’re looking at a chain store you might actually want to buy it at a different location as it will be less expensive.

Galerias Pacifico

Galerias Pacifico is a large shopping and art center. It is a historical mall in the center of Buenos Aires. It boasts some of the most beautiful architecture as well as many, many stores. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything it is definitely worth a stroll.

El Ateneo Grand Splendid

This theatre converted into a bookstore is one of the most impressive stores you may walk into. The Guardian actually dubbed it the second most beautiful bookstore in the world and I’d have to agree. A worthwhile visit for all bibliophiles!

Each of the 5 floors has rows and rows of books. You cannot help but be in awe as you walk around. There is also a small cafe inside on the stage. Even if you don’t need a book plan to spend some time wandering around and letting the sights sweep you away.

Ease of Getting Around Buenos Aires

As a metropolitan city, it is very easy and relatively inexpensive to get around Buenos Aires. Just another great reason why its worth visiting Buenos Aires.

The bus or as it’s locally known The Bondi can take you just about anywhere in Buenos Aires. You’ll see colorful buses driving around. Each route is clearly marked and the bus drivers will happily help you out.

The SUBE is the name for the metro subway and above-ground train system. With a variety of different lettered and colored lines, it is by far the easiest way to get around the city. You’ll need to purchase a SUBE card from any number of vendors. Additionally, you can see the SUBE logo in their shops.

You will need cash to reload the SUBE card. It is easy and inexpensive. Each trip costs 16.50 ARS.

Taxis are EVERYWHERE in Buenos Aires. You can flag one down and give them your destination. They are about 2,500ARS which is about $13 USD (Subject to change according to the most current exchange rate). Since the taxis are cheaper we took them for longer rides like 20+ minutes. They do not expect tips so if they don’t have change they will try their best to give you change. That being said, try to have a variety of different pesos type to pay for them. Again they only take cash.

Buenos Aires is a very walkable city, but it is also a very large city.  So while you can easily get around and explore each neighborhood, getting from one neighborhood to another will require another mode of transportation OR a lot of stamina. 

Uber is probably one of the more expensive ways to get around, however, it is still very cheap. We got many rides for about $4 USD. Since Uber is more expensive we took it for shorter rides (less than 10 minutes). Something to keep in mind is that Uber drivers know you’re a tourist so may try to scam you. The most common scam is that you didn’t pay (like on the app) and they’ll ask for money in USD. Don’t fall for it!

Walk Through Argentina’s Most Well Known Sites

Casa rosada.

This is the President’s house. If you plan ahead of time you can even schedule to tour it . The house is located on Plaza de Mayo. It is within walking distance to a number of well-known sites like Cafe Tortoni, Avenida 9 de Julio, and the river.

El Obelisco on Avenida 9 de Julio

This fixture of Buenos Aires was made more famous after Argentina won the World Cup. For the minutes and days following the win, Porteños took to the streets around the Obelisco to celebrate . Located on the widest avenue in the world, it was built to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Buenos Aires.

This monument is reminiscent of the Washington Monument in Washington DC. Sitting at 221 feet high this monument was built in 3 days and remains the central figure of Buenos Aires. Additionally, it has been decorated over the years to commemorate different events and celebrations.

Palacio Barolo

This beautiful building is located on Avenida Mayo and was the tallest building in Buenos Aires until 1997.  Each floor has a unique design which you can see on a tour.

Recoleta Cemetery

This maze of a cemetery houses some of the most famous people in Buenos Aires. It is a city within the city and many people recommend having a tour guide. Of course, you do get a map to help you find your way.

This is the most famous cemetery in Argentina which attracts many tourists paying their respects. With over 6,400 statues, coffins, and crypts there are many ways to get lost. This is definitely an adventure.

Check out all the best things to do in the many neighborhoods of Buenos Aires!

Enjoy Argentinian Theater

Teatro colon.

The most famous theater in Buenos Aires is Teatro Colon . Located in the heart of downtown you can go in for a unique behind-the-scenes tour. The imposing building has beautiful and unique architecture. Additionally, it is considered one of the world’s top 10 best opera houses. 

Experience the Argentinian Passion for Sports

La bombonera.

One of the two many futbol team in Buenos Aires is Boca. Named after their neighborhood of “La Boca” the yellow and blue-clad team plays in La Bombonera. This massive stadium is painted blue and yellow as well so you cannot miss it.

If you are in Buenos Aires during futbol season, a game is a must-do activity. People take rivalries very seriously. Especially against River Plate (my favorite team) and Boca. So while I’m telling you to go visit the stadium, please know that you MUST cheer for River Plate if you go to a game 😀. 

THIS IS THE STADIUM!!! This is where the beloved River Plate team plays. Monumental is found in Nunez. This new stadium, also on the water, is home to a variety of different shows as well as futbol. Again, a must-visit during futbol season.

Both Monumental and La Bombonera are on the routes of hop on hop off buses which is a great way of seeing the city. You’ll be able to stop at many of the more popular sites.

Other Sports

Now Argentina is partial to futbol (see the World Cup win reaction), but there are other sports that are popular as well. You can go to the Campo Argentino de Polo to watch some of the best polo players in the world. Across the street is the Hippodrome which has horse races.

Walk Through the Colorful Buenos Aires Neighborhoods

Along with the cemetery, Recoleta has a lot to offer. There are museums, an interesting-looking public library, and of course their famous fair! Recoleta also has its fair share of shopping, nightlife, and restaurants.

This is by far the most popular neighborhood for young people and tourists. Palermo is divided into a couple of different sections – Palermo Soho, Palermo Viejo, Alto Palermo, and Palermo Hollywood. As the largest neighborhood in Buenos Aires, it, of course, offers a lot to do and see.

Within Palermo, you can find the MALBA, many independent stores, artists, restaurants, and nightclubs. There is something for everyone. In Palermo Viejo, you’ll see the historical houses of the area.

By far the most colorful neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Known as the “open-air museum” this neighborhood boasts historical, colorful homes. While I would not recommend staying there overnight, it is a great place to visit during the day.

Enjoy Argentinian Nightlife that goes into the Morning

Buenos Aires is a city that likes to stay up till the early hours of the morning and sleep in late. You will see people going out Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Nightlife or as it’s known in Argentina, el Boliche, will usually go on until 6/7 am. Finally, you can find many fun clubs throughout Buenos Aires to experience this part of life.

In Conclusion: Is it worth visiting Buenos Aires?

The short answer? YES! There is something for everyone! From the museums and culture to the relaxing cafes to the lively nightlife. Buenos Aires is a great place to visit with children, as a couple , or as a solo traveler. Additionally, there are many great day trips from Buenos Aires on the off chance you get bored in this city.

If you decide to make this your next destination check out all the common questions you need to know before you go!

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16 Amazing Places to Visit in Buenos Aires

Updated September 6, 2023

Known as the land of tango and fine wine, Argentina is posh with some spice mixed in—and the capital of Buenos Aires is its crown jewel. Steeped in beautiful architecture and culture, and home to over 2.8 million people, Buenos Aires is full of amazing spots to check out. Here are 16 must-visit places in Buenos Aires.

For top places to visit, hidden gems, and everything in between,  connect with a Buenos Aires to plan your trip. They’ll share what makes their city so special—and believe us, you won’t find that in a guidebook. Learn more . 

Table of Contents

• Cafe Tortoni
• Plaza Dorego
• Puerto Madero
• La Bombonera
• Plaza de Mayo
• Cemiterio de Recoleta (Recoleta Cemetery)
• Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
• Florida Street
• Belgrano / China Town
• Costanera Norte
• Palacio Barolo

#1: San Telmo 

Make a beeline to San Telmo, Buenos Aires’ oldest barrio and a bohemian paradise. Adorned with cobblestone streets and tango parlors, the historic vibes of San Telmo charm locals and travelers alike. It’s the perfect place to meander around and get a feel for old Buenos Aires. San Telmo is also the home of the San Telmo Museum , a unique museum with exhibits on Basque culture and European history. 

Pro tip : Hit up San Telmo a Sunday so you can check out the Sunday antique market on Humberto street.

#2: Cafe Tortoni 

For the coffee connoisseur, Cafe Tortoni is the ultimate point of pilgrimage for a caffeine fix in Buenos Aires. Lined with fancy art and chic interior, Cafe Tortoni in east Buenos Aires has been the intellectual hub for Argentina’s elites since the 1850s. It’s super popular these days, but don’t let that deter you from checking it out. Catch some jazz in the basement or just sip your coffee in quiet contentment as you soak up the deep thinking that goes on in Cafe Tortoni—you may just have a genius idea or two yourself. 

#3: Plaza Dorego 

A fusion point of community and culture, Plaza Dorego is an excellent place to bask in the city's intense charm. On any given day of the week, the plaza, in San Telmo, is an ideal spot to kick back at a cozy cafe, enjoy some fresh juice, and watch the world go by. 

On Sundays, the square becomes something of a carnival—over 300 vendors descend on the space to sell their goods, as the plaza pulsates with the beat of live music. Bring some cash, your haggling skills, and try to keep up with the locals.

#4: Puerto Madero 

In a city known for its history and beauty, Puerto Madero stands out as a beautiful modern gem to visit in Buenos Aires. A high-end refurbished port district, Puerto Madero is your go-to for treating yourself to upscale restaurants and taking in some stunning architecture—like the rotating Woman’s Bridge . Puerto Madero also contains the Reserva Ecologica , one of Buenos Aires’ best green spaces, and the Pontifical Catholic University runs an art pavilion that often has free exhibits.  

#5: La Bombonera

There’s an energy to futbol (that's soccer for Americans!) in Buenos Aires that even tango can’t top. To experience it for yourself you have to visit La Bombonera . This iconic Argentine football stadium in the La Boca neighborhood gets its name from the fact that it looks like a box of chocolates. But it’s definitely the only box of chocolates you’d find filled with 50,000 fans screaming, singing, and pouring out their souls for Boca Juniors —one of Argentina’s best football teams. 

La Bombonera is a must-see on any itineraries, and football enthusiasts should definitely check out the Museo de la Pasion Boquense attached to the stadium. 

Pro tip : Ready to go crazy for Boca Juniors? Have a local trip planner iron out the gameday details for you, from how to get tickets to transportation tips.

#6: Palermo

Rose gardens, museums, and chic restaurants make Palermo   a popular haunt for travelers and locals alike. Located on the northeastern edge of Buenos Aires, Palermo is the city’s largest and most beloved neighborhood. With so many things to do there, it’s easy to find a reason to end up in this beautiful part of town. 

So wake up and smell the roses ( literally ) at the Palermo Rose Garden , peruse boutiques in trendy Soho Palermo, and get out of this world at the Planetario —a museum full of fascinating robots, projectors, and virtual reality that lets you explore the universe. No matter what you do, don’t rush it. Palermo is a huge, eclectic neighborhood, so take your time and soak up everything from the hip street art to the local dives—and definitely indulge in delicious food at spots like Don Julio or La Cabrera . 

Pro tip : Don’t travel blind! Connect with a Buenos Aires trip planner who can design the perfect Palermo itinerary for you. 

#7: Plaza de Mayo 

Plaza de Mayo is the most iconic square in Buenos Aires. The May Revolution of 1811 burst into action here, and just about any other great historic event in Buenos Aires has some connection to the square. 

The surrounding neighborhood of Monserrat is the financial center of Buenos Aires and is full of metropolitan hustle and bustle—just dodge the briefcases and check out some of the key sites around the square. You definitely won’t miss the famous Casa Rosada (Argentina’s White House, except pink!) on the eastern side of the square, or the giant Metropolitan Cathedral . After you’ve checked out those two, grab a tour of the Cabildo —the colonial town hall on the southwestern corner of Plaza de Mayo. 

#8: Cemiterio de Recoleta (Recoleta Cemetery)

The rich and elites of Argentina have buried their dead in La Recoleta cemetery for hundreds of years, and apparently they knew a thing or two about going out in style. La Recoleta cemetery is absolutely beautiful, and it’s become one of the most popular places to visit in Buenos Aires. 

The cemetery full of mausoleums, statues, and vaults fit for royalty, and you can easily spend hours wandering this labyrinth. Be sure to take the free tour (in English!) that occurs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and track down the resting place of some of Argentina’s most famous figures—like Eva Peron .

Pro tip : Are you a history buff? Have your personal trip planner map out the most important gravesites to visit while in Recoleta. 

#9: Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Buenos Aires is no stranger to the arts. Don’t believe us? See it for yourself at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes . Located next to the Recoleta Cemetery, this museum has an impressive 100-year history and contains a stunning mix of European and Argentine art. Famous names like Picasso and Van Gogh are prominently, as well as Argentinian greats like Benito Quinquela Martín . It’s the most important fine art museum in Buenos Aires, so even if you don’t classify yourself as the artsy type, take a gander anyway. It’s free!

#10: La Boca

La Boca is an eclectic, working-class neighborhood in central-eastern Buenos Aires. With its wildly colorful street art, vibrant architecture, and frequent bouts of live music, La Boca is definitely worth a visit. 

Grab some delicious local food (like provoleta and puchero ) at nearby dives like El Obrero, and don’t leave La Boca without taking a stroll down the famous alleyway-turned-museum, Caminito . We also recommend checking out Usina Del Arte : a cutting edge museum and performance venue in a refurbished factory and the ideal place to catch up-and-coming local artists. 

Pro tip : Even though it’s perfectly safe during the day, it’s probably best to steer clear of La Boca after nightfall. For more safety tips, connect with Buenos Aires local . They’ll have all the best safety advice. So why not reach out?

#11: Florida Street

Ready to shop up a storm? Or perhaps you want to stroll around without dodging buses or taxis? Florida Street is a chic pedestrian street in the northern reaches of the Monserrat neighborhood and is known as the go-to spot for shopping brand name stores and grabbing some last-minute souvenirs.

Florida Street begins at Avenida de Mayo and ends at Plaza San Martin . Apart from being an ideal place for an afternoon of shopping, Florida Street also has some beautiful architectural gems worth gawking at—like the Gath and Chavez building and the Galeria Mitre. On weekdays, Florida Street the best place for people-watching. It’s connected to the financial district of Buenos Aires and is a great place to get caught up in the fast-paced life of Buenos Aires. 

#12: Obelisco

Definitely swing by the Obelisco when in Buenos Aires. It’s an iconic landmark smack dab in the middle of the city that was built to celebrate Buenos Aires’ 400th birthday (because a cake and candles are overrated—don’t you think?). You can’t climb the obelisk’s interior anymore, but it’s still worth gazing at as it looms majestically in the midst of Buenos Aires’ busy center. After you’ve visited the Obelisco, hit up nearby Avenida Corrientes for some late-night pizza. 

#13: Congreso

Congreso is one of the must-visit neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. The neighborhood gets its name after the Palacio del Congreso , the neoclassical masterpiece that adorns its plaza and serves as the meeting place for Argentina’s legislature. Hit up one of the free tours there, and then venture out into the rest of the neighborhood to get a taste of real Buenos Aires. 

The neighborhood’s jewel is Avenida Corrientes , a bustling hub of late-night pizza joints and theatres that’s been fittingly dubbed “the Broadway of Buenos Aires”. Congreso is also full of monuments and sculptures that history buffs will love. And since it’s the political center of the city, you may even catch a protest when swinging through.

Pro tip : Argentinian pizza is delicious, and it’s EVERYWHERE. For the best pizza in town,  why not ask a local for their recommendations?

#14: Belgrano / China Town

Things slow down a bit in the neighborhood of Belgrano , making it a restful place to visit in Buenos Aires if you need a minute to relax and escape the normal city chaos. Highlights of this peaceful neighborhood include the charming Plaza Gral. Manuel and La Glorieta , an iconic pavilion where locals go to tango.

When you’re done soaking up the peaceful streets of Belgrano, swing through Buenos Aires’ Barrio Chino (Chinatown) on the northern edge of the neighborhood. It’s a great place for perusing unique imports from China, Japan, Thailand, and other East Asian countries, or to just grab a bench and indulge in some authentic Chinese street food.   

#15: Costanera Norte

On the edge of the Palermo neighborhood is Costanera Norte, a scenic stretch of boardwalk that meanders along both the beach and the Rio de la Plata . It’s a jazzy gem worth visiting in Buenos Aires, especially if you’re looking to just stroll and soak up some of the city’s best views.

Musicians love to post up on the boardwalk which adds some lively, romantic charm to walking through. Just be sure to stop and admire the Club de Pescadores , an epic-looking fishermans club posted up on the dock, and chat with some local fishermen. Saint Tropez Park is a great place to take a load off and watch some skateboarders tear it up. And if you’re chasing after a jaw-dropping sunset, make sure to hang around until evening—you won’t be disappointed. 

#16: Palacio Barolo

While a bit more off the beaten path than Palacio Congreso, Palacio Barolo is among the top architectural masterpieces in Buenos Aires. The architect pulled inspiration from Dante’s Divine Comedy and managed to construct a 22-story building with floors representing heaven, hell, and everything in between. Walking through Palacio Barolo is a mind-blowing experience.

You have to book a tour to see the palace, but wandering the halls decked out with beautiful statues and Latin engravings make it so worth it. Plus, it’s capped off with a ride in a 1920s elevator to the top of the palace for a stunning panoramic view of Buenos Aires. 

To get the most out of your stay in Buenos Aires, connect with a local to plan your trip. They’ll design a custom itinerary based on your interests and their insight—which means you’ll see a unique side of the city that most tourists miss. We mean...you *could* see Buenos Aires like a tourist. But why would you want to? 

• Connect With a Local to Plan Your Trip
• Is Buenos Aires Safe for Travel in 2024?
• 15 Terrific Things to Do in Buenos Aires
• Buenos Aires Travel FAQ 2024
• Buenos Aires Transportation: A Complete Guide
• Where to Stay in Buenos Aires in 2024

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Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, was once adored as the crown jewel of South America—a beacon of hope accepting tourists and immigrants from all over the world. Sadly, in the last decade, Argentina has fallen on hard times economically, with surging inflation rates well over 100% annually. 

And yet, despite these financial struggles, the city and its residents have proven resilient. They are prideful, and they welcome visitors and expats alike with open arms because while some of the city’s grand splendor has dimmed slightly of late, locals are warm and want to share their home and their culture. While financial troubles will come and go, the "Paris of South America" will always remain. 

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Originally founded in 1536, the city of Buenos Aires, or BsAs (abbreviated in Spanish), eventually fell to local indigenous tribes. Eventually, the Spanish returned to re-establish the city in 1580. At the time, much of the Spanish’s attention was on the regions of what is now modern-day Peru through Mexico, as gold and silver were more abundant in these areas of the New World. Lima’s shadows, Buenos Aires, grew, eventually becoming one of the great examples of a modern metropolitan city. 

Today, you can see signs of the architectural influence not only of the Spanish but of the artisans Argentina welcomed from all over Europe following its independence from Spain in 1816. Even English influence can be spotted, as England was one of the country’s greatest allies (the now nearly defunct railway system was almost entirely built by the British).

Buenos Aires has a metro population of nearly 15.5 million people and an official city population of around 3 million.

Traveling to Buenos Aires

The best time to visit Buenos Aires is during the country’s spring and autumn seasons (ideally October-November and then March-April). The summer months of December and January are not only hot (daily regular temperatures averaging well into the 90s) but, more importantly, humid. This humidity can make the city quite uncomfortable at this time of year—think summertime in Florida. Additionally, temporary power outages in the city are common with the surge in air conditioning usage. 

On the flip side, the winter months of June through August are chilly, with nighttime temperatures dipping into the low 30s. While it generally doesn’t snow in the city (the last recorded snowfall in Buenos Aires was in July 2007), low 40s and rain are common, so for travel purposes, it’s best to shoot for spring or fall. 

In recent years, there have not been as many direct flights into Buenos Aires as there once were, due largely to the country's current economic situation. However, there are still daily non-stop flights from Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, New York, and even Seattle and Washington, D.C.

If these non-stop flights are too pricey, there are plenty of one-stop flights laying over in Bogota, Colombia, and Santiago, Chile. Several South American airlines service BsAs, but when flying from the United States, your best bet in terms of comfort and staying on schedule would be to fly Delta or American Airlines.

If traveling from Europe, there are non-stop flights from Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, Rome, and Frankfurt, although Madrid sees upwards of four non-stop flights a day. Iberia, Air Europe, ITA Airways, and KLM are some of the airlines that fly direct.

Buenos Aires is serviced by two airports. Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) is the main airport and the one you will likely fly into. However, if you have a connecting flight departing from another South American country, you may land at Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery (AEP). EZE is further away from the city center and will take a 40-minute taxi ride. From the airport, you can either hire a driver after walking past customs or hire an Uber. AEP is right next to the city; the drive may take as little as 10 minutes, depending on where you are staying. Uber is the best option here and will likely cost you under $5.

Retire in Buenos Aires

There are no limitations to what you can do in Buenos Aires. In terms of activities in Latin America, few metropolitans can compete with what is offered in the heart of Argentina. Want to see a concert? The city sees the largest touring acts stop by regularly. Enjoy reading? There are more books per capita in Buenos Aires than in any other city in the world (with some dedicated exclusively to English readers). Want to go for a bike ride? Bike rental stations are scattered throughout the city, with most roads offering dedicated bike lanes protected by cement curbs to prevent cars from accidentally drifting into the lanes. 

Public transportation is both excellent and incredibly affordable, meaning owning a car is entirely optional. The subway metro system runs throughout the city, and where it doesn’t go, a well-stocked bus system picks up the slack. Everything is paid for using a SUBE card purchased from local kiosks (although the best spot to buy one is when arriving at the airport). When converted to dollars, you’re paying only a couple of pennies per subway ride—It’s that cheap. 

Uber and the local Cabify app offer easy options if you’d rather avoid waiting at stations, and these are also extremely affordable. A 40-minute ride to the airport using Uber will likely cost you no more than $15 (Cabify generally costs less). 

There is a different neighborhood to call home based on your personal tastes. Buenos Aires, or Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA, when filling out tourist or immigration paperwork to help differentiate it from the wider Buenos Aires province), is home to 48 barrios. Each of these neighborhoods is unique in its own rights. Palermo and Recoleta are two of the wealthier communities where expats and tourists congregate amongst upscale shopping boutiques, coffee shops, artisan gelato displays, and weekend markets, all while overlooked by pristine representations of European architecture.

While Recoleta offers European splendor, and Palermo Soho and Hollywood offer chic shops, other neighborhoods, like San Telmo and La Boca, offer reflections of the city’s working-class past—a city built not only by the Spanish but by artisans from around Europe. 

San Telmo showcases a bohemian vibe (and an exceptional Sunday market). Puerto Madero is a new-age neighborhood built along the river. The steel and glass highrises reflect the water below as boats remain docked, preparing to take to the open seas. This neighborhood does lose some of the quintessential Buenos Aires vibe as it feels more like a Florida coastal city than a European transplant, but if that’s what you’re searching for, you’ll find it right here. 

You will find various visa options to consider. Argentina allows guests to stay for up to 90 days (with another 90-day extension); however, you can leave the country and return and receive a shiny new 90 days. Some expats regularly perform border runs, often to Colonia del Sacramento, the Uruguay coastal city sitting on the other side of an hour-long ferry ride.

However, if you opt for the border run, you should spend a bit more time (a week or two, perhaps) exploring neighboring countries. Argentina also has a flat visa overstay fee, so whether you overstay by a day or three years, it’s the same flat fee (roughly $40). Expats not interested in traveling every 90 days often opt for this, as it is easy and extremely affordable. Just make sure to pay the fee before leaving, otherwise, you’ll have problems returning. 

Work visas do exist, although they are not recommended. Due to the massive inflation and low wages in Argentina, earning the local currency wouldn’t make much sense at all. There is also an Argentina retirement visa, which is good for a year and can be renewed for up to three years. This can be a ticket to citizenship in Argentina if that is something you are interested in. A digital nomad visa is available, although it’s uncommon.

Lifestyle in Buenos Aires

You get what you put into Buenos Aires. If you want an exciting life, visiting some of the best steak restaurants in the world, taking in stage play productions at truly beautiful theaters, and regularly hitting up the town for vino and cocktails, you can do exactly that. There’s always a late-night activity going on and something to do. 

Yet, suppose you want to relax, take your time, sip a morning espresso from a local café and people-watch, take an occasional tango lesson, and go for long walks under tree-lined pedestrian avenues. In that case, you have that at your disposal as well. 

With a city the size of Buenos Aires, there’s a lifestyle for everyone. That also means you can live a relaxing life one week and a busy one the next.

There are also plenty of day or weekend excursions to enjoy. Colonia del Sacramento (simply referred to as Colonia) in Uruguay is a wonderful trip full of bed and breakfasts, Spanish seafood, and old-world charm, while Mendoza is the Napa Valley of Argentina and the perfect destination for a charming long weekend.

Things to Do in Buenos Aires

Take in a tango show. There are dozens of tango shows around town. Some include dinner, others you sit back and watch the entertainment. 

Enjoy a live production. Teatro Colon is a world-class theater and a true spectacle. This destination is a must, even if you’re not a fan of live performances. Besides, you can always wait for the theater to announce its next “Star Wars” presentation with a live orchestration accompaniment. 

The Jardin Japones is one of the largest Japanese gardens in the world (outside of Japan). You’ll be amazed at how quiet the gardens are, especially surrounded by such a hectic city. It is the perfect location to recharge your batteries and enjoy tea.

Cemeterio de la Recoleta is a miniature city of mausoleums in the heart of one of the most upscale neighborhoods. It’s worth at least one visit (go during a weekday, as it is incredibly busy during the weekends). Eva Perón’s final resting place is here. Beyond Madonna playing Eva in the film Evita, Eva Perón played an important role in Argentina’s history. 

If you’re looking for something a little bit outside of the city, visiting the city of Tigre is a must. You can take the metro out to Tigre, or catch an Uber. However, it’s a beautiful location to take in riverboat rides, enjoy world-class gelato, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city

No stay in Buenos Aires would be complete without taking in at least one futbol game. The city has numerous teams, but the two main ones are Boca Juniors and River Plate. Think of this as the NFL’s Oakland Raiders vs. the San Francisco Giants (back when the Raiders were in Oakland). Boca is a working-class neighborhood, while River is more high-end. Both stadiums offer different experiences but do note that you can’t just buy tickets. All tickets are owned by club members, which means you basically have to buy tickets from these members. Options to do this are available through travel platforms like Airbnb and TripAdvisor. 

Cost of Living in Buenos Aires

Argentina’s economy has been, in short, nothing less than a disaster over the past decade. Surging inflation, currency devaluations, problems with soybean and wine productions, and beef export freezes. If it weren’t for Venezuela, Argentina would by far have the biggest floundering economy in the Western Hemisphere. The situation makes it difficult for anyone earning in the local currency. Still, for anyone earning in dollars, euros, or any other foreign, stable currency, it makes Argentina, specifically Buenos Aires, one of the best value destinations in the world. 

You’ll be hard-pressed to find another metropolitan city like BsAs anywhere else in the world with the same resources and quality of life for such an affordable price. It is by far the biggest budget destination in the region. When residents from Brazil, Paraguay, and Peru visit Argentina to take advantage of the cheaper economy, you know it’s an affordable destination to possibly call home.

Upcoming elections may eventually impact this, although it’s impossible to forecast at this point, especially as there have been numerous presidential elections since the economic downturn began, and nothing has helped. So, for now, Buenos Aires remains one of the most affordable, and desirable locations to retire in all of South America

Here’s a sample of a lower-end budget for monthly expenses:

Safety in Buenos Aires

As is the case with any large city, crime does exist. However, crime, especially in popular expat communities, differs from that of U.S. major cities such as Miami, New York, or Dallas. Firearms are difficult to come by, and while locals can purchase them, the hoops they have to jump through, as well as the extremely high costs, make any firearm-related crime truly rare.

Petty crimes, such as stolen cell phones and wallet snatching, are the only real forms of crime you need to be mindful of. Basically, don’t pull your cell phone or wallet out in a crowded area, don’t hang your purse from the back of a chair on an outside patio with free access to the street, and wear both straps on your backpack. In short, if you’re mindful of your surroundings, you shouldn’t have any issues with petty crime, which means you likely won’t have any issues with any crime in Buenos Aires.

Argentina Deep Dives

Argentina Fast Facts

Cost of Living in Argentina

Healthcare in Argentina

Investing in Argentina

Live in Argentina

Maps of Argentina

Moving to Argentina

Real Estate in Argentina

Retire in Argentina

Rolodex of Argentina

Taxes in Argentina

Travel in Argentina

Visa and Residency in Argentina

Why Argentina?

City and Area Guide

Milei shuns Lula for Bolsonaro in first visit to Brazil

The argentine president will not attend the mercosur summit but will speak at an ultra-conservative event in camboriú.

• July 2, 2024

Argentine President Javier Milei’s ongoing feud with his Brazilian counterpart Lula da Silva seemingly added a new chapter on Monday with the news that Milei would be stepping down from the Mercosur summit to be held on July 8 in Paraguay. The event would have been the first official meeting the two would have shared.

Milei, however, will visit Brazil over the weekend, his first trip to the neighboring country since winning the election, and meet with former President Jair Bolsonaro.

The Argentine president is set to  speak at an ultra-conservative event, the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Brazil. The event will take place on July 6 and 7, just days before the Mercosur summit. Jair Bolsonaro’s son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, confirmed the two would meet on Monday in a post on X.

However, Milei will not meet the country’s sitting president during his visit. Presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni claimed Monday that the “astronomical” ideological gap between the two South American leaders was not the reason they would not get together. “We would never miss an event because of that,” he said.

Foreign Minister Diana Mondino will replace Milei at the Mercosur summit due to “scheduling issues,” Adorni said.

Milei has turned Da Silva into one of his main punching bags ever since he was on the campaign trail. He doubled down on his attacks on Tuesday with a post on X titled “perfectly idiotic dinosaur,” in which he defended his previous criticism of Lula as “corrupt” and “communist.”

He also accused the Brazilian leader of “interfering” in Argentina’s 2023 election campaign. In the post, Milei does not specify by name who he is referring to as the dinosaur.

“Lula […] complains because I respond with the truth (he has been in jail for corruption, and he is a communist),” he wrote. Lula was imprisoned in 2018 after being sentenced to eight years and 10 months for allegedly accepting bribes from engineering firms in return for public contracts. He was freed in 2019 and the Brazilian Supreme Court annulled all evidence presented by the now-defunct Lava Jato task force, calling his imprisonment a “ historical mistake .”

EL PERFECTO DINOSAURIO IDIOTA 1. Se come la curva en el caso Bolivia y me critica por no declarar de modo inmediato; 2. Se conoce el fraude montado en Bolivia y el perfecto idiota, en lugar de aceptar su error me critica por dejar su estupidez a la vista; 3. Luego de las… — Javier Milei (@JMilei) July 2, 2024

Lula said last week that he believes Milei owes him and Brazilians an apology for having said “a lot of stupid things” about Brazil, grains-producing Argentina’s top trade partner.

Milei’s criticisms of other leaders have gotten him into hot water recently, including a public spat with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and presidents Gustavo Petro (Colombia) and Luis Arce (Bolivia). All of those countries have recalled their ambassadors in Argentina, although Colombia’s has already returned. 

In the same post he criticized Lula on Tuesday, Milei claimed an attempted coup last week in Bolivia was a “fraud,” repeating recent comments from his office that led Bolivia’s government to recall their ambassador on Monday.

Reuters/Herald

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