tourist areas in buenos aires

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.

More on Argentina

Buenos Aires   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Anton Petrus | Getty Images

24 Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, one of the most vibrant cities in South America, has seemingly infinite activities: tango dancing, soccer games (mania, more like), circus shows and even walks through storied cemeteries. It's impossible to experience everything in

• All Things To Do

Palermo Palermo free

The chic, sprawling neighborhood of Palermo is divided into multiple smaller neighborhoods: Alto Palermo, Palermo Chico and Palermo Viejo (made up of Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood). Alto Palermo is known for its posh stores. Palermo Chico boasts extravagant mansions, grand trees and some of the city's most popular museums, like the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires . Palermo Soho houses a trove of high-end boutiques, popular cafes and bars all set above cobblestone streets. Neighboring Palermo Hollywood, located just north of Soho, brims with smart cafes, film studios and hip restaurants. Other sites to check out in the neighborhood include the Carlos Thays Botanical Garden and the weekend fair in Plaza Serrano (also known as Julio Cortázar Square), which is also popular for nightlife.

Most travelers agree vibrant Palermo is a comfortable place to stay with easy access to public transportation and many restaurants, some of which are vegan. As the neighborhood is so large, some suggest to plan where you want to go beforehand, so as not to feel overwhelmed with options. Travelers especially enjoy walking here and visiting the cafes.

Recoleta Cemetery Recoleta Cemetery free

This beloved cemetery located in the ritzy Recoleta neighborhood is the resting place of many Argentine elites and notable political figures. Find the grave of Eva Perón, the outspoken, influential first lady of Argentina, and look for the mausoleum of the Paz family, marked by its symbolic angels, oil lamp and anchor, sculpted by the prolific Paris -based artist Jules Felix Coutan. Stroll through the cemetery, and you'll find an array of art nouveau, art deco and modernist mausoleums.

As not all graves have descriptions, many visitors recommend taking a tour to better understand the significance and lore of those buried in the cemetery. Those that did not take a tour still enjoyed walking the pathways and seeing the sculptures and memorials, comparing it to an open-air art museum. Many recent visitors noted that if you want to see Evita's tomb, look for Eva Duarte as she was buried using her maiden name.

Colón Theater (Teatro Colón) Colón Theater (Teatro Colón)

Colón Theater is considered to be one of the world's premier opera houses. Inside this grandiose space, you can behold European-style décor, ranging from Italian-marble staircases and mosaics, to French stained glass and a gleaming grand chandelier. The theater has welcomed many world-class artists, including Richard Strauss, Igor Stravinsky and Luciano Pavarotti. Visit from February through December to catch one of the theater's spectacular ballet or opera performances. The theater is open in January, but there are no performances.

Recent visitors recommend taking the English tour to hear about the historical and architectural background of the theater. Most attendees get tickets in advance, as the tours tend to sell out. Going to a performance, even if you can only secure a standing room ticket, is highly suggested, as both the acoustics and sight lines are excellent.

Popular Tours

Buenos Aires City Private Tour with Local Guide

(1608 reviews)

from $ 149.00

Gaucho Day Tour Ranch at an Estancia from Buenos Aires

(794 reviews)

from $ 160.00

La Ventana Tango Show with Optional Dinner in Buenos Aires

(414 reviews)

from $ 70.00

Buenos Aires Dinner Shows Buenos Aires Dinner Shows

To experience the food, dancing and music of the city all together, consider booking a dinner show. Usually comprising a steak dinner, live music and a group of professional tango dancers performing on stage, it's a uniquely Buenos Aires experience. If you want to learn some tango steps, look for a show package that includes a dance lesson prior, like the VIP option at Madero Tango in Puerto Madero . One of the most popular venues for tango dinner shows is El Viejo Almacén in San Telmo . A converted general store from the 1700s, it hosts tango shows nightly and was declared a site of cultural interest by the Argentine government.

Recent travelers love the choreography and athleticism of the tango dancers and think the dinner with the show is a good value for the money in some venues. Others listed the professionalism of staff and the quality of music as highlights.

The Argentine Experience The Argentine Experience

The Argentine Experience combines the most emblematic Argentine dining and drinking customs and dishes into one experience. Here you can eat asado (barbeque) in a five-course dinner, as well as learn how to make empanadas and properly prepare a gourd of mate (a kind of tea) for drinking. Diners sip not only mate, but also wines from four regions of Argentina. You'll also mingle with fellow travelers and sample the classic Argentine desserts like alfajores (a shortbread-like cookie sandwich) and dulce de leche .

Recent travelers say the Argentine Experience has delicious food, fun hosts, and particularly love learning how to make empanadas. Some recommend booking the full experience which includes a cocktail mixing class, but even the dinner-only experience was highly enjoyable for most travelers. Many noted the great conversations with other diners at the communal table as one of their favorite parts of the night.

San Telmo San Telmo free

The oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires, San Telmo feels like a small, bohemian town in the big city. Home to milongas (tango gatherings) and numerous specialty coffee shops, the heart of the neighborhood is San Telmo Market, a repurposed fruit and vegetable market with multiple shops and international restaurants where you can still buy cuts of meat and produce alongside vintage clothing and antique toys. Visit Plaza Dorrego where professional tango dancers perform for those dining alfresco in the square's cafes, and descend into the Zanjón de Granados , the neighborhood's underground tunnels. Meander through its cobblestone streets and you'll pass colonial houses, art museums, antique shops, tattoo parlors and even El Museo, a nightclub whose façade was designed by Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame.

Travelers especially like going to San Telmo's weekly street fair on Sunday on Calle Defensa, where vendors sell antiques, handicrafts and more. However, they warn of dense crowds and to be aware of pickpockets. Many travelers like to watch tango in Plaza Dorrego, take a picture with the Malfada statue (an iconic Argentine cartoon) and visit the neighborhood's wide selection of antique stores.

Corrientes Avenue Corrientes Avenue free

For a taste of Argentina's exuberant spirit, walk down Corrientes Avenue. This is where tango dancers have congregated since the booming 1930s and where Broadway-esque performers rivet audiences. Cinemas and world-renowned theaters stand next to bookstores, pizzerias, historic bars, cafes and the world-renowned ice cream shop, Cadore. Look up and you'll find the sky-high Obelisk beaming above. Down below, Michael Jackson impersonators dance for crowds on street corners, and promotors for comedy shows will try to usher you into the latest stand-up acts.

Travelers love seeing the old buildings and experiencing the high energy of this avenue, from the varied street performances to the many theater and restaurant offerings. Recent visitors appreciate that half of the avenue becomes a pedestrian-only zone at night and recommend walking from Callao Street towards the Obelisk for great views anytime – but especially at night when all of the signs and marquees are lit up.

Fair of the Mataderos (Fería De Mataderos) Fair of the Mataderos (Fería De Mataderos) free

To experience gaucho culture firsthand, head straight to the Ferí­a De Mataderos (Fair of the Mataderos). Here, gauchos (similar to cowboys) ride their horses and vendors sell regional crafts and food at more than 700 stalls. Ornately costumed folkloric dancers ignite the streets with traditional dancing and gauchos compete in horse riding games. If you tire of watching all the fun from afar, try folkloric dancing after the performances, when the dance floor opens up to spectators. With about 15,000 people coming each weekend, it's a good idea to arrive early to avoid massive wait times at the food stalls where hearty bowls of locro (meat and corn stew) and filling tamales are sold.

Recent visitors enjoy the festive ambience of the fair and the artisans selling gaucho wares like facones (knives) and boleadoras (a livestock wrangling tool). Many recommend eating the delicious food, especially the empanadas and asado (barbequed meats). Live music and folkloric dancing are other highlights for travelers.

Sherpa Food Tour: Local Foodie Adventure in Buenos Aires

(2096 reviews)

from $ 85.00

Early Tango Dinner Show with Semi Private Transfer

(448 reviews)

from $ 59.00

Tigre Delta Premium Tour: Northern Buenos Aires Overview

(505 reviews)

from $ 67.00

Rose Garden Walk (Paseo del Rosedal) Rose Garden Walk (Paseo del Rosedal) free

Take respite at the city's tranquil rose garden. Located in the Forests of Palermo (specifically in Parque Tres de Febrero), this lush green space bursts with color thanks to the more than 18,000 roses planted within its grounds. The Rose Garden exudes a peace similar to Paris' Tuileries Garden . The path extends into to a serene Poet's Garden (where 26 busts of famous poets sit) and features an Andalusian patio, teeming with colorful tiles imported from Seville and a fountain.

Visitors love walking the trails here to admire all of the roses and busts of poets like Dante, Shakespeare and Borges. Some recommend the garden as a romantic date spot, and many say the park is relaxing, especially by the lake where you can watch geese and ducks, as well as rent paddleboats to go out on the water.

Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires) Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires)

With its extensive collection of avant-garde 20th-century works, the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA) is an essential stopover for art lovers. It holds more than 400 pieces and features the private collection of Eduardo Costanini, a real estate tycoon with an eye for iconic art. Highlights include the works of Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Antonio Berni. In addition to its temporary exhibits, the museum also hosts film and lecture series throughout the year.

Many visitors are just as impressed with the museum's contemporary design as they are with its art and excellent curation. As the museum is small, seeing all of the exhibits is very manageable which recent visitors appreciate. Several travelers said the Frida Kahlo exhibit was the highlight of their visit.

La Bombonera (Estadio Alberto J. Armando Stadium) La Bombonera (Estadio Alberto J. Armando Stadium)

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're having trouble finding tickets to a game through a tour company, check Airbnb Experiences. Reasonable tickets can sometimes be found on the app and include a local guide. – Christine Gilbert

Italian immigrants formed the legendary soccer team Boca Juniors in 1905, and in 1940 their current home stadium, La Bombonera was born. Later, renowned athlete Diego Maradona would play here from 1981 to 1982 and 1995 to 1997. Nowadays, you shouldn't miss the superclásico match between Boca and their rivals, River Plata, as it is touted as one of the greatest sporting events to attend in the world. La Bombonera (literally translated as "the chocolate box") is where you can experience the love and passion Argentines have for soccer firsthand, from hearing the many chants of Boca's supporters to experiencing the thrill of being close to the field, given the little distance between the field and the stands.

Plaza de Mayo Plaza de Mayo free

Plaza de Mayo is one of the most significant sites in Argentina. The country's most important protests and events have taken place here, including the beginning of the May Revolution, when Argentina declared independence from Spanish colonial rule on May 25, 1810. The Casa Rosada (Pink House) perched at the plaza's eastern tip, holds the official office of the Argentine president. From its balcony, Argentina's First Lady, Evita Perón, once spoke to masses of her supporters, whom she fondly called descamisados (shirtless ones), in reference to their status as working-class citizens. Other significant buildings include the Metropolitan Cathedral (where Pope Francis held mass before he became pope), and Cabildo (the former seat of colonial power and now a museum). You'll also find the Pirámide de Mayo (May Pyramid), the oldest monument in the city, erected to commemorate the May Revolution.

Most visitors recommend visiting the plaza to gain insight into Buenos Aires' culture and history, but to either go with a knowledgeable guide or read some of its history beforehand to understand what you are seeing. They warn that the plaza can be overcrowded when protests occur. Thursdays, when the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo march to protest the children who were disappeared by the dictatorship from 1976 to 1983, have especially left an impression on visitors.

The National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Belles Artes) The National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Belles Artes) free

For art aficionados, the National Museum of Fine Arts is an aesthetic wonderland. The collection spans 30 rooms and three floors, showcasing both national and international art from pre-Colombian times to the 20th century. Inside, works of Rembrandt, Goya, Renoir and Picasso hang on the walls, in addition to those of many Argentine artists, such as Benito Quinquela Martín and Xul Solar. The museum's permanent Latin American and Argentine collections can be found throughout, as well as temporary exhibits.

Recent visitors appreciate the dynamic mix of both Latin American and European art displayed in the museum. Travelers thought the opportunity to see many works by Argentine artists was a highlight, and several counted the National Museum of Fine Arts as one of the best art museums in Latin America.

Iguazu Falls Private Full Day with Airfare from Buenos Aires

(243 reviews)

from $ 990.00

Skip the Line Ticket for Tango Porteño Show with Dinner

(154 reviews)

from $ 53.00

Argentine Experience: Immersive 6 Course Menu with Wine Tasting

(622 reviews)

from $ 98.00

Caminito Caminito free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Visit the modern art museum Fundación Proa at the end of Caminito, next to the port. See the exhibits, then have a drink on the terrace of the on-site cafe, where you can rest your legs and observe the port. – Christine Gilbert

Caminito is an open-air museum and alley that shows off the colorful conventillos (tenement houses) that Genoese immigrants decorated with paint left over from the shipyards in the 19th and 20th centuries. Now full of gift shops, street performers dancing tango, and restaurants serving pizza and steak, it's a favorite area for tourists. (Especially to take pictures with a tango dancer or against the backdrop of the houses.) It's also home to a daily craft fair, the Feria de Artistas Plásticos de Caminito, where you can pick up some souvenirs.

Puerto Madero Puerto Madero free

When visitors want to take an evening stroll, they walk along the canal of Puerto Madero, where dazzling city lights illuminate the port. During the day, exercise enthusiasts head to its parks, while runners and nature lovers traverse the trails in the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, an 865-acre urban nature reserve and bird-watching hub. Full of cafes and art museums, the neighborhood also offers plenty of restaurants and several tango dinner show venues. Be sure to take a picture on the striking Puente de La Mujer (Bridge of the Woman), a white structure designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, who used the forms of tango dancers as his inspiration.

Recent visitors like the variety of restaurants in the neighborhood and enjoy people watching while walking along the promenade. Many travelers appreciate how safe Puerto Madero is. If you want to get on the water, taking a short boat trip with Sturla (located near the Bridge of the Woman) is recommended.

La Boca La Boca free

This colorful neighborhood located in southern Buenos Aires brims with street tango performances, soccer fans and art museums. La Boca (The Mouth) was so named as the mouth of the river Riachuelo, whose waters flow into the Rí­o de la Plata, is located there. Once a gritty shipyard bustling with European immigrants, this now vibrant port houses local artists and middle-class workers. Next to the port, you'll find the modern art museum Fundación Proa and Caminito , a popular pedestrian sidewalk flanked by bright murals and shimmering metal houses with many street performers. Walk past Caminito's lively cafes, bars and casual tango institutions, and before long, you'll see La Bombonera , the blue and yellow stadium of Argentina's most popular soccer team, Boca Juniors.

Most travelers highlight La Boca as a tourist hot spot, and a must-see destination for Buenos Aires first-timers. Recent travelers loved taking pictures against the neighborhood's colorful backdrops and watching street tango performances. Many recommend going on a walking tour to get to know the neighborhood's immigrant, soccer and tango history. Several travelers warned of pickpockets and recommend visiting only during the day.

Plaza Dorrego Plaza Dorrego

U.S. News Insider Tip: Instead of eating at the restaurants around the square, consider choosing from the more diverse collection of restaurants in the San Telmo Market, ordering to-go, then picnicking at the plaza on the benches while you watch tango. – Christine Gilbert

The main square in San Telmo , Plaza Dorrego, acts as the nucleus for the famous Feria de San Telmo (San Telmo Street Fair) every Sunday. Here you can find more than 250 stalls within the plaza and lining its side streets. Art work, vintage clothing, antiques, siphon soda bottles and much more can be found – making it a great place to pick up souvenirs. Professional tango dancers frequent the square throughout the week, especially on Sundays when huge crowds form to watch the dancing, and live rock bands sometimes play. Framed by traditional restaurants, bars and shops, the square is also the site of bands of street drummers on Sunday evenings that parade down Calle Defensa with dancers in tow.

Palacio Barolo Palacio Barolo

An architectural allegory of Dante Alighieri's "Divine Comedy," this palace of office buildings is divided into "Heaven," "Purgatory" and "Hell." Its domes, vaults and searchlight towers all correspond to different parts of the book, as well as the many Latin inscriptions found throughout the palace. Designed by the Italian architect (and Dante fan) Mario Palanti for Luigi Barolo, local legend has it that Barolo intended the building to be a mausoleum to house the ashes of Dante (where they'd be safe from the destruction of World War II), though that never came to pass.

Recent visitors were impressed by the architecture of the palace and recommend taking a tour to fully enjoy the building's many curiosities. Those that took a night tour especially enjoyed seeing the sunset from the lighthouse at the top of the building. If you do not have time to take a tour, some travelers recommend going to see the lobby, which is free to enter.

Bike Tour: Half-Day City Highlights of Buenos Aires

(595 reviews)

from $ 36.00

Bodega Gamboa Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch

(134 reviews)

from $ 80.00

Criolla Cooking: Argentine Masterclass of Meat, Empanadas & More

(114 reviews)

from $ 75.00

El Zanjón de Granados El Zanjón de Granados

U.S. News Insider Tip : A block away from the tunnels – at Pasaje San Lorenzo 371 – is A Cultivar Que Se Acaba el Mundo. Only open on Wednesdays and Sundays, this shop sells organic produce, biodynamic wines, postcards by local artists and natural bath products. – Christine Gilbert

If you're out in San Telmo museum-hopping and antiquing, consider heading over to El Zanjón de Granados for insight into Buenos Aires' far-stretching 500-year history. Once a lavish mansion, this building housing subterranean passageways eventually became a tenement house, and then a private museum. Now visitors can see an old cistern and follow the path of an underground stream that was used as drainage system in the early days of the city. Just down the road from the tunnels and managed by the same entity lies Casa Mínima. It's the narrowest house in Buenos Aires and purportedly the last remaining example of the lots of land enslaved people received once granted their freedom. To see it, choose the combo tour of both the tunnels and the house.

Go to the circus Go to the circus

Argentina has a long history of circus, encompassing decades of independent troupes to big top circus productions. Considered both a national treasure and a "low" art form at various times the country's history, circus became intertwined with criollo culture, leading to the birth of a distinctive circus style: Circo Criollo. The first circus school to open in the country, Circo Criollo, was named after this style. Today, a strong circus sub-culture exists throughout Argentina, as it's common to see circus enthusiasts practicing aerial acrobatics on silks they've hung in trees in parks and street jugglers can often be found performing at a traffic lights. Even the city government of Buenos Aires offers free youth circus classes. The best way to see Argentine circus though, is by going to a varieté (variety show) at one of the local circus schools that double as performance venues. Shows are in generally in Spanish, but even if you can't understand, seeing the mastery and creativity of the performers will be sure to impress. If you want to try it for yourself, affordable classes ranging from handstand instruction to aerial arts can be found at the schools as well.

Recent visitors enjoyed the quality of circus shows, both professional performances and student showcases in Club de Trapeceistas while travelers who ventured to Circo Criollo say it's a great place for kids to try circus classes, as well as see professional acrobats train.

Carlos Thays Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays) Carlos Thays Botanical Garden (Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays) free

In this verdant, nearly 18-acre botanical garden, you can take a break from the city and savor the scenery from a park bench. Boasting around 6,000 species of plants, this tranquil oasis entices visitors with its versatile collection of flora, as well as beautiful statues, a children's nature library, and an open-air butterfly garden. Another highlight: the garden contains an art nouveau greenhouse imported from France in the 1800s.

Recent visitors praise the garden's idyllic location in the heart of the city and suggest strolling through its enclosed green space to calm the mind. They appreciate the wide variety of plants displayed from all over the world and recommend wearing good shoes to easily navigate the dirt paths.

Palermo Hippodrome Palermo Hippodrome

If you're feeling lucky, head over to this racetrack surrounded by 17th-century French classical-style buildings. Considered one of the best racetracks in the world, the Palermo Hippodrome opened in 1876. Home to the most important race in the country, the National Grand Prix (Argentinian Derby), an over 2,500-meter race held in November, it also regularly hosts smaller races two or three days per week. The complex contains a casino, shopping area and several restaurants.

Recent visitors are impressed by the beautiful race horses, elegant facilities and casual atmosphere. On a day with no races, many visitors recommend walking around the grounds to admire the architecture. As the race schedule can be hard to find online, some visitors said writing the hippodrome's official Facebook page to ask for the schedule is the best way to get race day info.

Café Tortoni Café Tortoni

The oldest café in Buenos Aires (founded in 1858), Café Tortoni became a hub of intellectuals and artists, with many meeting there as part of the Peña del Tortoni period from 1926 to 1943, when a formal board of artists ran events and meetings in its basement. Argentine luminaries like the feminist poet Alfonsina Storni, tango singer Carlos Gardel, and writer Jorge Luis Borges frequented the cafe, and even now, it still holds musical and dance events. Famous international visitors to Tortoni have included Albert Einstein, Arthur Miller and Katy Perry.

Recent visitors love the ambience of Café Tortoni, and many say it feels like stepping back in time. Most visitors like the pastries, especially the churros and hot chocolate, and say that walking around and taking pictures is encouraged. They also recommend coming early, just after the café opens, to avoid an hourlong wait later in the day.

Tigre Delta Small-Group Tour from Buenos Aires

(464 reviews)

El Viejo Almacén Tango Show

(163 reviews)

from $ 68.00

Buenos Aires: Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus Tour

(627 reviews)

from $ 30.00

Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños Abasto) Children's Museum (Museo de los Niños Abasto)

Essentially an ornate playground, this interactive museum is composed of rooms where kids explore a miniature Buenos Aires. Complete with a hospital, a newsroom, a TV station, a port, a factory and a post office, children can play with elaborate props in each of these city scenes. Kids can pretend to be chefs, journalists, actors, bankers, sailors, doctors and more. There is also a room especially for toddlers.

Kids love to come here and use their imaginations, even if some of the equipment is a little rundown. Recent visitors say their kids especially love the supermarket and McDonald's areas where children can pretend to be workers. The museum can get crowded, but some visitors appreciate that, as their children can practice language and communication skills.

Things to Do in Buenos Aires FAQs

Explore more of buenos aires.

Best Hotels

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

23 Top Attractions & Things to do in Buenos Aires

By Carl Austin · Last updated on April 9, 2024

Rich in culture and art, Buenos Aires is full of life and thrillful opportunities to explore. Famed for its tantalizing tango dancing scene and thriving nightlife, you will never get bored in the capital of Argentina. Its historic and lively streets are endless, like Avenida Corrientes, known as “the street that never sleeps.”

And don’t forget architectural landmarks such as El Zanjón de Granados, discovered to have a series of underground tunnels that date back to the early settlers of this lavish city. These are only some of Buenos Aires’s many enigmatic finds and tourist attractions.

See also: Where to Stay in Buenos Aires

Among the most fun things to do in Buenos Aires is exploring its culinary scene that often adapts from its strong European heritage. Parrillas, or “steakhouses,” are found at almost every corner, along with other high-end culinary scenes serving Italian and French-inspired cuisine.

Pair with Argentina’s famous wines, such as Syrahs and Torrontés, at local wine bars, clubs, and cafes. The options are endless in the city known as the “Paris of the south”!

23. Calle Defensa

A boisterous destination full of shopping, dancing, and eating in San Telmon, Calle Defensa is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Argentina.

To this day, Calle Defensa still preserves its original architecture, including cobbled stone streets. These same streets are frequently full of people, including artists and performers presenting their passions. It’s not uncommon to see tango dancers showing off their skills or living statues perfecting the ability to surprise onlookers by blending in as a statue.

Finding food on Calle Defensa is an easy thing to do. From cafes to street vendors offering traditional specialties, filling your stomach with savory and fresh-cooked foods is easy so you can eat while watching the many diverse street performers. At the end of Calle Defensa is Plaza Dorrego, one of the city’s oldest squares, home to a famous Sunday market and weekly antique market with various local goods.

22. Palacio Barolo

Palacio Barolo is a historic landmark found in the neighborhood of Montserrat in Buenos Aires, Argentina, constructed to house the ashes of poet and scholar Dante Allerghiri. It stood as the tallest building in Buenos Aires for over a decade until the Kavanagh Building was finished in 1936.

The twin of the Palacio Barolo is the Eclectic-style Palacio Salvo, located in Montevideo, Uruguay, designed by the same Italian architect, Mario Palanti.

The design of the Palacio Barolo was inspired by the cosmology of Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. Following this inspiration, the Palacio Barolo has 22 floors. The two underground floors symbolize “hell,” floors 1-14 are “purgatory,” and floors 15-22 represent “heaven.”

The Palacio Barolo is 100 meters tall to coincide with each canto, or subsection, of Dante’s Divine Comedy, and the number of floors, 22, coincides with the number of verses per song. At the top of the Palacio Barolo is a lighted beacon that represents the nine choirs of angels, and the small, ornamented spire symbolizes the Southern Cross constellation.

Touring the lobby adorned with statues, Latin verses, and archways is free. Still, it is recommended to reserve a guided tour on the 1920s elevator to ride up to the rooftop lighthouse offering up panoramic views.

21. Evita Museum

Dedicated to presenting the life of Eva Perón, the former First Lady of Argentina, the Evita Museum is housed in an early 20th-century mansion. The building features Plateresque and Italian Renaissance styles. It was designated a National Historical Monument in 1999 for refuging women and children in need in 1948.

Now established as the Evita Museum, it one of the most popular attractions in Buenos Aires, forming part of the cultural tourist trail of the city. The Latin American Art Museum, the Decorative Art Museum, the Palais de Glace, and the National Fine Arts Museum are also on this trail.

The museum has interactive exhibits and an expansive collection of dresses and mementos that once belonged to Evita. Each aspect of the museum presents the life of Evita, her life as an actress and First Lady, and her impactful involvement in political and social work.

20. Casa Rosada

The office of the President of Argentina and seat of the national government, Casa Rosada, stands in the Plaza de Mayo. Casa Rosada translates to “pink house.” Its catching coloring draws the eye as one of the top emblematic landmarks in Buenos Aires.

The Casa Rosada was established on the site of a fort built by the Spanish in 1580. After Argentina gained independence, the fort was reconstructed into a customs house and, later, the seat of the government. President Roque Sáenz Peña is the only president to have lived in the Casa Rosada from 1910 to 1914.

On the balconies of the Casa Rosada, President Juan Perón and First Lady “Evita” Perón, an icon during her time, addressed the masses during their time in office from the late 1940s to early 1950s.

Behind the palace is the Casa Rosada Museum. The museum explores Argentina’s history, homing the original walls of the former customs house and an acclaimed mural by Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros. Entry to the museum is free.

The Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA), or the Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires, was founded by Argentine businessman Eduardo F. Constantini, who donated much of MALBA’s impressively large collection of 20th-century Latin American art.

The collection donated by Constantini has received renowned admiration from local and international scholars. The artworks have been loaned, by popular request, to be exhibited in shows worldwide, from the Museu de Arte Moderna in Rio de Janeiro to the Fundación “La Caixa” in Madrid .

At the Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires, visitors can take in temporary exhibitions featuring international collections and collaborations with other museums and permanent contemporary Latin American and Argentinian art exhibitions. The museum is constantly updating its collection and interactive cultural experience with an archive that continues to grow and explore the diversity of art.

18. Centro Cultural Kirchner

The Centro Cultural Kirchner (CCK), or Kirchner Cultural Centre, is the largest cultural centre in Latin America and one of the largest in the world.

Established in the former Buenos Aires Central Post Office, the idea proposed by former president Néstor Kirchner, the building itself is a National Historic Monument. The former central post and telegraph office is a stunning example of French second empire architecture, which French architect Norbert-Auguste Maillart designed.

The Centro Cultural Kirchner includes nine floors of attractions dedicated to the arts. The most prominent attraction is the La Ballena Azul, or “Blue Whale,” the three-story symphony hall famed for its acoustics and the Klais Orgelbau pipe organ. Other popular interests of the Centro Cultural Kirchner include the blue sphere, made of 3,000 pieces of blue acrylic that hang from the ceiling near the building’s entrance, and the two rooftop terraces that offer refreshing views of Buenos Aires.

17. El Zanjon de Granados

Located in the colonial San Telmo district, El Zanjón de Granados is a mansion almost 200 years old that was transformed into a museum. It is situated over a series of underground tunnels that offer historical value, dating back to Buenos Aires’ earliest settlements.

El Zanjón translates to “the hole.” Within the underground ravine, visitors will find a water cistern, a slave cell, and artifacts, like English china and African pipes discovered, on display. Buenos Aires’s early settlers established a series of underground tunnels, but they were soon forgotten when the city above continued to expand. This resulted in the construction of the 23-room mansion in 1830, which was then abandoned by the 1970s and used as a dumping ground by locals.

El Zanjón de Granados was purchased, and its historical value was saved by Jorge Eckstein when he bought the building. Unfortunately, it took 20 years to restore the underground network and the mansion before it was opened as a museum.

16. Mercado de San Telmo

The Mercado de San Telmo, or San Telmo market, was established in 1897 and is the oldest market in Buenos Aires. It is five minutes from Plaza Dorrego and a 15-minute walk from Plaza de Mayo, where Casa Rosada is located.

A hot spot for locals and tourists thanks to its lively scene, Mercado de San Telmo offers chances to watch tango dangers practice, fresh produce and meat, food bars, and antique shops. So, grab a coffee, settle down, and watch as the open-air market comes to life.

Explore the different antique and local shops. Fill up on fresh local foods or buy groceries to stock up during your trip. Buy souvenirs to take home to remember your trip, or gift them to friends and family.

15. Palermo Hipodromo

Palermo Hipodromo, or Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, is a renowned French-style horse racing course in Argentina, hosting 1,400 races every year, and is considered to have one of the best dirt courses in the world. Races are hosted three days a week, with around nine races running per day.

Established in 1876, Palermo Hipodromo now features a horse racing course, a casino, multiple French restaurants, and an area for shopping. The facility often hosts music concerts by big names like Katy Perry and David Bisbal, culinary fairs, and running training events by Adidas. In fact, the first automobile race in Argentina was hosted in 1901 at Palermo Hipodromo.

The French-inspired architecture and design of the facilities feature an elegance that pleases the eye. Palermo Hipodromo is only a five-minute walk from downtown Buenos Aires. An easy stop for exploration, Palermo Hipodromo is free of entry for guests to adventure the property.

14. Avenida Corrientes

One of the most well-known streets in Buenos Aires, Avenida Corrientes, begins in Puerto Madero’s neighborhood and reaches Chacarita.

Avenida Corrientes is often referred to as Calle Corrientes, after the city of Corrientes, the first city beside Buenos Aires that supported Argentina’s independence. The street has seen impactful moments in history, such as the prime years of tango, and is familiarly referred to as the “street that never sleeps.”

The nightlife scene of Avenida Corrientes is boisterous and eventful, though it’s as prevalent during the day. Avenida Corrientes is speckled with cafes, bars, theatres, bookstores, and more to satisfy a wide range of interests. Some points of interest include the Teatro San Martin, the Rojas cultural centre, the Lugones cinema, and Porteño pizza, Buenos Aires’s take adapted from the Genoese.

“La Noche de las Liberiars,” which translates to “night of the bookstores,” is hosted annually at Avenida Corrientes. Most bookshops stay open later to host talks and launch books during this time. At the many theatres that call Avenida Corrientes home, a variety of shows sell out, from comedies to dramas, for a dramatic and inspiring experience.

13. La Bombonera Stadium

Popularly known as La Bombonera stadium for its “D” shape of three steep stands and a “flat” stand by one side of the pitch, Estadio Alberto J. Armando, or the Alberto José Armando Stadium is a football (soccer) stadium located in La Boca of Buenos Aires. It is situated near Caminito, a famous street museum featuring vibrant colored houses and tango dancers.

This legendary stadium is home to Maradona’s Boca Juniors, the professional football team that has won 73 official titles, with national title wins including 35 Primera Division championships and 16 domestic cups.

La Bombonera, translating to “the chocolate box,” is famously known for its passionate and invigorating atmosphere. The most famous event is the rivalry match between Boca Juniors and River Plata, another professional team. This match happens once every season and is considered one of the most intense sporting events in the world.

12. Floralis Generica

A gift to the city of Buenos Aires by Argentine architect Eduardo Fernando Catalano, the Floralis Generica is a stunning attraction that lures tourists and locals. The Floralis Generica is a giant stainless-steel flower-shaped sculpture crafted above a reflection pool in the Plaza de las Naciones Unidas.

The astounding mechanical structure was intricately designed to open and close its petals in tune with the sun. Its design uses a hydraulic system that is controlled by photoelectric sensors that are used to measure the sun’s intensity. Catalano created this unique structure to symbolize hope reborn every day.

Out of the year, there are four special days that the flower remains open all year round. The days are May 25 (May Revolution), September 21 (the beginning of spring), December 24 (Christmas Eve), and December 31 (New Year’s Eve).

11. Bosques de Palermo

Widely known as Bosques de Palermo, Parque Tres de Febrero is an enormous urban park in the neighborhood of Palermo, beloved for its rose gardens, lakes, scenic gazebos, and groves. The park features running paths, boat rentals to paddle out on the small lakes, a sculpture garden dedicated to famed poets such as William Shakespeare and Jorge Luis Borges, bike and rollerblade rentals, a planetarium, and picnic spots.

Bosques de Palermo was designed by architect Julio Dormal and urbanist Jordán Czeslaw Wysocki and further expanded by French Argentine urbanist Carlos Thays, who designed the Botanical Garden, the Rose Garden, the Zoological Gardens, and the Plaza Italia.

A popular place to enjoy the outdoors, Bosques de Palermo is the perfect place to have a picnic, paddle across the different lakes with the swans, or stroll through the various gardens for a peaceful time.

10. Museo Nacional de Belles Artes

Museo Nacional de Belles Artes is the most famous museum in Argentina for its vast collection of over 700 19th-century European masterworks by iconic names like Van Gogh and Manet. To find the Museo Nacional de Belles Artes , head to the upscale neighborhood of Recoleta on Libertador, one of the longest avenues in Buenos Aires.

Dating back to 1896, the museum primarily showcases 19th-century European art and holds the most extensive collection of Argentine art worldwide. This collection features pieces dating back to the Middle Ages to the present day.

Throughout the museum, there are more than ten rooms with permanent exhibits. They include sculptures that date back to 600 A.D. and other impressive displays. The museum’s temporary exhibits collaborate with other museums to display diverse masterpieces. Entry to the Museo Nacional de Belles Artes is free.

9. El Obelisco

El Obelisco is a much-loved attraction that stands 68 meters (223 feet) high over the city. It was built in 1936 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the city, naming the city as the national capital and as the site where the Argentinean flag first flew.

The flag actually first flew in 1812 at the church of St. Nicholas de Bari, which was demolished to build the obelisk. It reaches proudly into the sky where 9 de Julio Avenue intersects with Corrientes Avenue.

Said to be the widest street in the world, 9 de Julio Avenue is named after the 1816 date on which Argentina declared its independence from Spain.

8. Plaza Dorrego

One of the most fun things to do in Buenos Aires on a Sunday is visiting the market at Plaza Dorrego, especially if they’re looking for antiques and curios. The Plaza Dorrego is one of the oldest public squares in Buenos Aires, getting its start as a market in the 18th century when farmers filled wagons with produce to sell to locals on Sundays.

The present antiques market started in the early 1970s; visitors who can’t make the Sunday market might enjoy the plaza’s surrounding area, as San Telmo is the capital’s antique district. Tired shoppers can rest at an outdoor café and watch tango dancers perform or even take a few lessons themselves.

7. Cafe Tortoni

A flavorful French-style cafe that offers the experience of seeing live tango by the elite, Cafe Tortoni has cemented its place as an iconic historical hangout.

Opened in 1858, Cafe Tortoni was founded by a mysterious French immigrant, Touan, and has since become an established historical attraction. Near Plaza de Mayo and located on Avenida de Mayo, the cafe has welcomed big names, including impactful scholars and famed artists for years, such as tango singer Carlos Gardel, poet Alfonsina Storni, Albert Einstein, and the King of Spain.

La Bodega, also known as the Quinquela Martin Room, is the 80-seat basement underneath the cafe. It was named after artist Benito Quinquela Martin, who designed La Boca’s Caminito Street and often met in the basement with the Arts and Letters Association during the 1920s. The 55-seat Alfonsina Storni salon, also located downstairs, is where tango shows, poetry readings, and live radio performances are held daily.

6. Puerto Madero

Sleek buildings line the Rio de la Plata waterfront at Puerto Madero, the largest urban development project in the capital.

Puerto Madero served as the main port of Buenos Aires during the late 19th century, but larger cargo ships soon made it obsolete. The port fell into decay until 1989 when it was decided to turn the aging warehouses into something grander: buildings that could be used as residences, restaurants, shops and other businesses.

To give the project a bit of flair, all streets in the district were named after women. Strolling through the Puerto Madero is a great way to spend a pleasant afternoon.

5. Carlos Thays Botanical Garden

Carlos Thays was a French landscape artist who came to Buenos Aires when he was 40 years old, and proceeded to change the face of the city in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Under his supervision, a number of parks were developed and existing ones renovated. But the botanical garden was his pet project.

Located in the Palermo district near the zoo, the botanical garden is home to more than 5,000 species of plants, many in organized displays and others not. Past visitors say the park is a great way to escape the capital’s hustle and bustle whether strolling winding paths or just sitting on a bench reading.

4. Teatro Colon

The main opera house of Buenos Aires, Teatro Colon or Columbus Theater, has been widely appreciated for its acoustics, architectural qualities, and prestigious history.

Named after Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, the theater has been recognized as one of the ten best opera houses by National Geographic. Teatro Colon has welcomed plenty of big-name artists, including tenor Beniamino Gigli, composer Igor Stravinsky, dancer Anna Pavlova, régisseur Nicolas Joel, and top orchestras such as The New York Symphony Orchestra and The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

Opened in 1857, Teatro Colon’s original building was Argentina’s first iron frame structure. It became a centerpiece of culture, signifying Argentina’s efforts to establish itself. Then, in 1908 the new home of Teatro Colon, designed with Italian Renaissance-influenced Neoclassical tastes, was opened, featuring a live performance of Aida. And since then, Teatro Colon has welcomed people through its doors for unrivaled performances to be labeled one of the most established opera houses in the world.

3. Recoleta Cemetery

Recoleta Cemetery isn’t just an ordinary cemetery. It’s where the elite of Buenos Aires and Argentina are buried, including the country’s former presidents, Eva Peron and even one of Napoleon’s granddaughters.

Established in 1822, it contains more than 4,500 above-ground vaults, of which 94 have been declared national historical monuments. The cemetery is a good place to view fantastic marble mausoleums and best statuary, sculpted by notable artists.

The BBC called it one of the best cemeteries in the world while CNN ranked it among the world’s 10 prettiest cemeteries.

2. Caminito

Located in La Boca, Caminito is a famous street museum and neighborhood full of vibrant colors and rich cultural significance.

Caminito, or “little path” in translation, offers a beautiful eye-catching display of colorful houses that became common for immigrant homes. This all began when artist Benito Quinquela Martin began painting the buildings of Caminito in the 1950s. The colors are said to have inspired the music for the famous tango “Caminito,” composed by Juan de Dios Filiberto.

Benito Quinquela Martin used the buildings as his canvas to attract life to Caminito. The street had been almost entirely abandoned in the 1950s after the river, Riachuelo, dried up and the railroad closed. And today, Caminito has become famous for its liveliness, featuring restaurants, folk and tango dance shows, performers, artists, and more!

1. Plaza de Mayo

Starting from the 1810 revolution that led to independence, the Plaza de Mayo has been a focal point of political life in Argentina. Several of the city’s major landmarks are located around the Plaza including the Cabildo; the city council during the colonial era.

Located in the center of the Plaza de Mayo is The May Pyramid, the oldest national monument in Buenos Aires. The plaza is also the square where the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo have congregated with signs and pictures of desaparecidos, their children, who were subject to forced disappearance by the military junta in the 1970s.

Map of Things to do in Buenos Aires

Share this post:

Where to Stay in Buenos Aires: Best Areas & Hotels

6 Best Day trips from Buenos Aires

7 Most Beautiful Regions in Argentina

Where to Stay in Mendoza: 8 Amazing Hotels

See What Makes Los Glaciares National Park So Incredible

9 Most Awesome Places to Stay in Argentina

23 Top Tourist Attractions in Argentina

15 Best Cities to Visit in Argentina

14 Best Places to Visit in Cuyo, Argentina

10 Best Places to Visit in Mesopotamia, Argentina

Reader interactions.

May 23, 2017 at 6:11 pm

I like how the Plaza de Mayo and the Recoleta Cemetery look. Would love to visit them.

May 25, 2016 at 12:08 am

Buenos Aires is huge! I have been there by cruiseship and we got a tour with one of the best top tour guides that work doing small groups and a very fun and historical culture tours. Her name is Liz Andrea and she has been doing this since 2004. Professional. Great English and Certificated Tour Guide.

May 8, 2016 at 9:31 am

I would like to suggest El Rosedal park instead of the botanical gardens (much prettier, popular and free) and the Ateneo Grand Splendid in Santa Fe avenue, considered the second most beautiful bookstore in the world. Also consider visiting the Floralis Generica (an icon of BA) when around the museum of arts. And visit the Plaza San Martin and Florida Avenue, those are must dos as well

February 26, 2016 at 5:30 pm

I agree with the above list and I would like to suggest another attraction. The Pope Francis Tour we took last January. We visited the “barrio” where Bergoglio lived as a child, where he played soccer on the corner playground, an amazing church where he was baptised and where he lived before being elected Pope and changed his name to Francis 1. The company was Kangoo Tours.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

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

16 Amazing Places to Visit in Buenos Aires

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

Looking for more info?

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations
• Central & South America

25 Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires, According to Locals

From speakeasies to stargazing, here's how to get to know Argentina's capital.

Harrison Pierce is a freelance writer and digital nomad passionate about personal finance and travel. He is traveling full-time with the help of points and miles and enjoys connecting with people on the ground. His work has been published in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today Blueprint, Matador Network, and other publications. 

nickalbi/Getty Images

Buenos Aires is a sprawling metropolis, home to more than 3 million residents and seemingly infinite things to do and see. Travelers visiting the capital city are in for a treat, as they are sure to find just about anything they're looking for, from world-class art museums to empanada classes.

As a full-time digital nomad, I’ve spent more time in Buenos Aires than anywhere else, because there are so many reasons to keep coming back . With some help from Kyara M. Velarde, a tour guide at the Mariano Moreno National Library, and Darío Adrián, an organizer of the Buenos Aires Digital Nomads group, we’ve compiled a list of the top 25 things to do in Buenos Aires.

Related : The Best Times to Visit Argentina — From Buzzy Buenos Aires to Rugged Patagonia

Walk from Plaza de Mayo to the obelisk.

FrankvandenBergh/Getty Images

There’s no better place to start your tour of Buenos Aires than the central square. Plaza de Mayo is where some of the most important events in the city’s history have occurred. Casa Rosada, the office of the president, is located here. Residents take to the square to protest grievances and to celebrate when their team wins the World Cup. Walk diagonally from Plaza de Mayo toward Obelisco de Buenos Aires and you’ll pass many souvenir shops, restaurants, and notable cafes .  “Each side of the obelisk represents different historical events of Buenos Aires,” says Velarde. “It’s also considered the heart of the city, the spot where the main avenues intertwine.”

Stroll the streets of La Boca.

Fandrade/Getty Images

The neighborhood of La Boca is south of Puerto Madero and is famous for intricate street murals and brightly-colored shacks. It's located on what used to be the city's largest port, and immigrants used found materials to build their homes here. Be sure to walk down the Caminito , a traditional alley and museum lined with these shacks. Soccer club Boca Juniors have a stadium here as well.

Watch a soccer match.

Matias Baglietto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Speaking of Boca Juniors, you can’t go to Buenos Aires without seeing a soccer match, as the sport is an integral part of Argentinian life. As you’re walking around the city, you will notice murals of Lionel Messi, who helped Argentina win the World Cup in 2022.

Eat and shop at San Telmo Market.

San Telmo Market is an enormous space that hosts myriad food stalls and vendors selling handmade and antique goods. You can find almost any cuisine here, from the Argentinian choripán sandwich to Spanish tapas. I’ve gotten a few products from an exceptionally high-quality leather goods store named El Lucero. There are also tons of souvenir shops and places to buy different kinds of mate.  "You cannot miss Plaza Dorrego, which [is nearby and] has shopping, galleries, and street artist shows,” says Velarde. “It’s best to go on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m." While you’re roaming around San Telmo, keep an eye out for the statue of Mafalda, who is an important cartoon character representing the middle class and youth. You can find her sitting on a bench on the corner of Defensa and Chile streets.

Enjoy a tango show.

Maria Ligaya/Travel + Leisure

Tango originated in Buenos Aires hundreds of years ago and has remained an important part of Argentinian culture ever since. Around San Telmo Market you will likely see dancers performing in the streets; you can also find ticketed performances at venues around the city.

Wander around Recoleta Cemetery.

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

A must-see attraction in Buenos Aires, Recoleta Cemetery is where some of the most important people in Argentina’s history are buried. Mausoleums are laid out in a city-like design, so reserve plenty of time to explore. Eva Perón, the former first lady famous for the passage of women’s suffrage in Argentina, is buried here. For international tourists, admission costs around $7 USD; you can buy your entry ticket in advance or at the cemetery. 

“During the day, wander through the hauntingly beautiful Recoleta Cemetery and its architecture," says Adrián. "Guided tours explaining all the stories revolving around the area are extra but worth it."

Visit Recoleta Cultural Center.

Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Right next door to Recoleta Cemetery is Recoleta Cultural Center, where you will find a variety of exhibitions from local artists, plus concerts and workshops. When you walk in, look for a calendar of events happening throughout the month.  “If you go to Recoleta, you shouldn’t miss Floralis Generica , a giant flower that honors all the green places, gardens, and flowers of Argentina,” says Velarde. “Another must for Recoleta is Mariano Moreno National Library, which is a blend of culture, politics, and history, all in one place.”

Explore Puerto Madero.

Puerto Madero is best at night, when the city's lights and bridges illuminate the area. “Rent a bike and cycle along the modern waterfront district, or take a walk around it, enjoying the scenic water views and architectural beauty," says Adrián. "Plenty of restaurants, bars, and relaxing spots can be found here.”

Visit Chinatown.

The northern part of Buenos Aires is home to Barrio Chino, which is about five blocks long and full of fantastic shops and restaurants. This is the area to visit in order to soak in the city's vibrant Asian culture.

Learn to make empanadas.

dan tarradellas/Getty Images

You can’t go to Argentina without eating empanadas, and it’s even more special if you learn to make them. I took a cooking class with Norma , where we learned to make empanadas, stew, and cookies with dulce de leche.

Javier Ghersi/Getty Images

Mate is a crucial part of Argentinian culture. It’s an herbal drink, similar to green tea but also distinct in itself, rich with caffeine and vitamins. Walking around the streets, you will likely notice people carrying a thermos and a cup with a straw, ready to drink their mate.

Eat at Don Julio.

Don Julio is number two on the list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants , and number 19 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants . Order a steak paired with an Argentinian Malbec and you’ll surely never forget your visit. Making reservations in advance is highly recommended, as walk-in seats are limited. From your welcome glass of sparkling wine on, the service at Don Julio is top-notch.

Have a drink at a speakeasy.

There are several speakeasies throughout Buenos Aires, but my favorite is Florería Atlántico , located in a flower shop. Guests walk through what looks like a walk-in refrigerator door and head downstairs to this swanky bar with craft cocktails. There’s also a New York-themed speakeasy named Uptown , complete with a subway car. After you visit a speakeasy, go find some of Buenos Aires’ famous pizza. “Plenty of pizza stores in the city center are open until after midnight, with thick crust and a lot of cheese," says Adrián, who likes Pizzeria Güerrín and La Americana , among others.

Go to a digital nomad meetup.

If you want to meet people from all around the world, that's totally possible in Buenos Aires. Every Thursday, organizers of the Buenos Aires Digital Nomads group put together an event somewhere in the city. I’ve made some of my closest friends at these events, which often bring more than 100 people together during the summer months.

Ricardo Ceppi/Getty Images

Asado is the name for both the type of meat and the social event in which you have the meat. If you make some friends at the digital nomad meetup, I recommend asking if anyone is hosting an asado. The host typically provides and grills the meat, and guests bring sides and wine for the group. It’s an unforgettable and delicious experience.

See an opera at the Colón Theatre.

miralex/Getty Images

The Colón Theatre is more than 100 years old, and it's considered one of the most important opera houses in the entire world. You can see a show or take a guided tour of the theatre. Ticket prices vary, but seeing the magnificent architecture is worth the expense. Adrián notes that the Colón Theatre has great acoustics, plus beautiful architecture and lower prices than a typical theater experience in the U.S. or Europe. Velarde adds, “In the guided tours, you can access the backstage and delve more into the architectural fantasy.”

Go to Centro Cultural Kirchner.

Sergey Dolgikh/Getty Images

Centro Cultural Kirchner is located in an old post office and is the largest cultural center in Latin America. Like many cultural experiences in Buenos Aires, Centro Cultural Kirchner is free to enter, and performances here are free as well. You will still need to reserve your entry ticket in advance to secure your spot.

Visit Ateneo Grand Splendid.

Argentina has more bookstores per capita than anywhere else in the world, and Ateneo Grand Splendid is arguably the most famous. Located in an old theatre, the bookstore was named the most beautiful in the world in 2019 by National Geographic. It’s an easy walk from the Recoleta Cemetery. “There is only a small selection of English works available,” Adrián notes. Even so, it is worth the visit for the architecture alone.

Roam in city gardens.

The Buenos Aires Botanical Gardens are located directly beside Plaza Italia, a popular spot for nightlife in Palermo. Just a bit further are the Japanese Gardens , situated next to Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo. These breathtaking gardens are a great place to relax, read a book, and soak in nature. You won’t believe you’re in the middle of such a large city.  The Botanical Gardens are “purposefully devised as an oasis safe from the bustling city,” says Adrián. “You can submerge yourself in this green space with lots of biodiversity and greenhouses; activities and special events are available as well.”

Watch a horse race.

There are more than 1,400 horse races each year at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, which is located in the popular neighborhood of Palermo. If you’re staying nearby, you should walk to the hipódromo, as you’ll pass a lot of important landmarks on the way. There are also restaurants and bars in the complex.

Catch a La Bomba de Tiempo show.

La Bomba de Tiempo is a percussion show at the Ciudad Cultural Konex . It's held every Monday night and is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The venue hosts many other events that are worth experiencing throughout the week.

Stargaze at Planetario Galileo Galilei.

Planetario Galileo Galilei , located in Parque Tres de Febrero in Palermo, has a museum, exhibitions, and a viewing room where guests learn about the stars and planets. The structure resembles a planet itself — or a UFO — and is a unique way to spend an afternoon.

Appreciate art in a museum or two.

There are many museums in Buenos Aires worthy of a visit. For example, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Recoleta has artwork by Van Gogh and Rembrandt. “Admire the impressive collection of European and Argentinian art in this renowned French palace turned art museum,” says Adrián. "[It offers] free entrance, and is open Wednesday through Sunday." Another recommendation? Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA), which Adrián says "houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary Latin American art, like Frida Kahlo.” You can also visit the Museo Evita to “learn about the life and legacy of Eva Perón, one of Argentina’s most iconic figures.”

Visit Usina del Arte.

Usina del Arte is an old power plant that has been converted into a cultural center and arts venue in the neighborhood of La Boca. There’s a symphony hall and art exhibitions; check out the venue's calendar before you visit to see what’s currently on display.

Take a boat tour in Tigre.

diegograndi/Getty Images

Adrián recommends taking a day trip to the Tigre Delta, describing it as “a picturesque area of rivers, canals, and islands, where you can enjoy boat rides and relax in nature, as well as visit the famous market, Puerto de Frutos. The most scenic way to go is by Tren de la Costa, an over-ground train accessible from Olivos neighborhood outside the city borders.” The primary way to get around once you're in Tigre is by boat — there are even boat "school buses.” I recommend going on a smaller and private boat tour, as these vessels can reach areas that larger boats cannot.

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 ❤️

Related Posts

San Telmo market: everything you need to know

Cooking class in Buenos Aires: A Must-Do Experience

Visit Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires: how to get tickets

Things to do in Buenos Aires on Sunday

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 😉

Pingback: 5 things you need to know before visiting Buenos Aires

Write A Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Airport Transfer
• Book Tango Show
• Follow Instagram

• Top Attractions
• See a Tango Show
• Best Day Trips
• Food and Drinks
• Hidden Secrets
• Itineraries and Walks
• Football Match tickets
• Travel Checklist
• Airports and airlines
• Exchange money
• Best Time to Visit
• Get a Sim Card
• Best Hotels
• Where to Stay
• Public transport and taxi
• History and Facts
• Cycling in Buenos Aires
• Christmas and New Year
• Patagonia travel tips

South America Chevron

Argentina Chevron

Buenos Aires Chevron

Buenos Aires Travel Guide

Buenos Aires has been called the “Paris of South America” for decades, but to know this city is to endure a decidedly more visceral affair. Beneath the neoclassical architecture, artful pastries, and sprawling green spaces is the bleeding heart of the city—a city where the soccer games are to be wept over, the whip-quick moves of tango never miss a beat, and the sounds of sizzling asado and flowing Malbec carry late into the night. 

Plan Your Buenos Aires Trip

By Megan Spurrell

By Caitlin Morton

By Stanley Stewart

By Meredith Carey

By Betsy Blumenthal

By Celeste Moure

Editor Hotel Recommendations

The Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires

By Allie Lazar

By Sorrel Moseley-Williams

Editor Recommendations

By Anders Overgaard

The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Buenos Aires

Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations

More from Buenos Aires

By Harrison Pierce

By Matt Dursum

By Sanaë Lemoine

By Kevin Vaughn

By Catesby Holmes

By Katherine LaGrave

By CNT Editors

By Paola Singer

By Lilit Marcus

More Destinations

The ultimate guide to the neighborhoods of Buenos Aires

Jan 31, 2024 • 5 min read

Get lost in the diversity of Buenos Aires' neighborhoods © lechatnoir / Getty Images

Argentina's capital is a vibrant, buzzing metropolis that overwhelms the senses and gets under your skin.

Though it can be hard to know where to begin, there's at least one neighborhood that's a perfect match for your travel style –  Buenos Aires is officially divided into 48 barrios, each with a distinct atmosphere and personality.

Spending time in these different areas offers a big payoff, as the city’s true character is slowly revealed. We've got all the insider info you need on where to head for daytime sightseeing and where to experience Buenos Aires ’ legendary restaurants and nightlife.

1. Palermo 

Best neighborhood for shopping and nightlife.

Buenos Aires’ largest neighborhood is Palermo, a fashionable district known for its shops, restaurants, lively nightlife and for keeping up with the latest trends.

It's an excellent option for those who want to be close to the action, with plenty of accommodation options ranging from hostels to boutique hotels. 

The district of Palermo is subdivided into smaller communities. To the north of Avenida Juan B Justo is Palermo Hollywood, an area full of music venues, media companies, and cafes where employees sip flat whites.

To the south is Palermo Soho, which is packed with shopping boutiques, cocktail bars and restaurants (for some of the city’s best steak, try Don Julio ).

The Subte (subway) runs to the city center from Plaza Italia and to the east are several large, family-friendly parks , the MALBA art museum and the Museo Evita , a museum dedicated to Evita Perón. 

2. Recoleta

Best neighborhood for architecture.

Recoleta will make you understand why Buenos Aires is sometimes called the Paris of the South.

Stroll the streets of this upmarket neighborhood – Avenida Alvear is a good place to start – and gawp at the French-influenced architecture of the grand mansions , many of them built by wealthy cattle ranch owners in the early 20th century when Buenos Aires was one of the richest cities in the world.

A day in this neighborhood wouldn’t be complete without visiting the magnificent cemetery  (sounds macabre, but it's one of the best free things to do here ) and stopping for an ice cream (try Persicco or Rapanui ).

3. San Telmo 

Best neighborhood for antiques and street performance.

San Telmo’s history can be seen in the crumbling former mansions of the city’s early residents, which by the late 19th century had become tenement housing for the poor.

It was in the shared courtyards of these buildings that tango first emerged. Its mix of European and African influences a reflection of the neighborhood’s diversity. 

On Sundays, the neighborhood fills with tourists and locals who come to browse the craft and antiques stalls at the Feria de San Telmo street market, which runs along cobbled Calle Defensa. In Plaza Dorrego , street performers dance tango next to the outdoor tables of old-school cafes .

Though there's a high tourist footfall here, the barrio retains a down-to-earth feel, with plenty of the street art Buenos Aires is known for.

The historic Mercado de San Telmo is an atmospheric place to shop for groceries before moving on to the excellent bars, restaurants, live music and tango venues that make San Telmo a popular base.

4. La Boca 

Best neighborhood for soccer fans.

The working-class neighborhood of La Boca is famous for its soccer team, Boca Juniors, who play home games at La Bombonera stadium.

Tourists snap photos of the colorful houses of el Caminito , an open-air art installation representing the traditional shacks of the Genoese port workers who immigrated to the city in the late 1800s.

Nearby are two worthwhile art galleries, the Museo Benito Quinquela Martín and the Fundación Proa (head to the rooftop cafe for views of the river). For safety reasons, tourists should visit during the day and not stick around after dark.

5. Microcentro

Best neighborhood for sightseeing.

The district informally known as the microcentro (city center) is not in the geographical center of the city, but is considered the city’s heart: it’s the center of government and finance and the place from where the city’s main avenues emerge and branch out into the surrounding neighborhoods.

The official barrios that form the district are Monserrat and San Nicolás. 

Every visitor to Buenos Aires will want to see Plaza de Mayo , where so many of Argentina’s most important historic events took place, and the famous balcony of the Casa Rosada presidential building from which Eva Perón addressed the crowds gathered below.

From here, stroll down elegant Avenida de Mayo and cross the 12-lane wide Avenida 9 de Julio (passing the Obelisco ) to see the legislative buildings and nearby Palacio Barolo . There isn't much nightlife here – best to time your visit during the day. 

Best neighborhood for a thriving arts scene

Almagro is a residential neighborhood with a thriving arts scene and some of the city’s best restaurants, old-time bars like the soccer-flag-covered El Bandarín , and tango venues, including the bohemian La Catedral .

As well as timeless cafes like Las Violetas , there are some cutting-edge arts venues, cultural centers and theaters here. Almagro makes a great place to live for those planning a longer stint in the city. 

7. Chacarita

Best neighborhood for foodies.

Many tourists don’t make it as far as Chacarita, but there's so much here to explore. The neighborhood is home to both long-time residents who watch the world go by from the sidewalks and a younger generation who help fuel Chacarita's vibrant cultural life.

Look out for street art, and be sure to check out the neighborhood’s latest restaurants – Chacarita has an excellent emerging foodie scene. Don’t leave without sampling a greasy, doughy slice from the classic pizzeria El Imperio de la Pizza. 

The neighborhood’s most worthwhile sight is the atmospheric Cementerio de la Chacarita , which contains the mausoleum of tango singer Carlos Gardel. Outside the cemetery gates sit a number of flower sellers with colorful stalls of fragrant bouquets. 

This article was first published October 2021 and updated January 2024

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

Mar 2, 2024 • 8 min read

There’s more to Argentinian cuisine than steak and malbec (though those are both great). Here’s our guide to Argentina’s best food and drink experiences.

Jan 23, 2024 • 4 min read

Jan 17, 2024 • 8 min read

Nov 18, 2023 • 7 min read

Oct 18, 2023 • 5 min read

Sep 26, 2023 • 7 min read

Sep 21, 2023 • 7 min read

Jun 7, 2023 • 6 min read

Jun 2, 2023 • 8 min read

Jan 5, 2023 • 6 min read

Buenos Aires Travel Guide

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• South America
• buenos-aires
• Travel guide
• Itineraries
• Local Experts
• Travel Advice

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

Annie, Canada

What a great trip! It was so easy to communicate, got all the answers to my many questions. What a trip! Argentina wasn't on my bucket list, now I NEED to ...

Of all South America’s capital cities, Buenos Aires – aka Capital Federal, Baires, BsAs or simply BA – has the most going for it. Seductive and cultured, sophisticated yet earthy, eclectic but with a strong identity, it never bores, seldom sleeps and invariably mesmerises its visitors. Influenced by the great European cities, Buenos Aires nonetheless has its own distinct personality enhanced by proud traditions, including football, tango and mate. Travellers who visit Buenos Aires will very quickly experience the modern and traditional charms of Argentina's capital city.

What to see in Buenos Aires

Getting to buenos aires, getting around buenos aires, where to stay in buenos aires, the arts and entertainment in buenos aires, day-trips from buenos aires, where to eat out in buenos aires, buenos aires nightlife, shopping in buenos aires, buenos aires’ city centre, puerto madero, southern buenos aires, northern buenos aires, western buenos aires.

On one flank lap the caramel-hued waters of the Río de la Plata, the world’s widest estuary: signs of BA’s regained prosperity include the wharves stacked high with containers and the ever-busier cruise-ship terminus. To the west and south, the verdant Pampas – historically the source of the city’s food and wealth – meld seamlessly into its vast suburbs.

Modern Buenos Aires enjoys an incomparable lifestyle. Elegant restaurants, glamorous bars, historic cafés and heaving nightclubs, plus a world-class opera house, countless theatres, multi-screen cinemas, avant-garde galleries and French-style palaces all underscore its attachment to the arts and its eternal sense of style. Its proud inhabitants, known as Porteños , are notoriously extravagant and well-groomed but they are also hospitable and eager to show visitors around. Another boon is the parks and gardens and the abundance of trees lining the streets and providing shade in the many lively plazas that dot the huge conurbation; they add welcome splashes of colour, particularly when ablaze with yellow, pink and mauve blooms in spring and, in some cases, autumn, too. The squadrons of squawky parrots and vociferous songbirds that populate the greenery help visitors forget that this is the fifth-largest conurbation in the Americas: there are nearly fourteen million inhabitants in the Gran Buenos Aires area, which spills well beyond the city’s defining boundary of multi-lane ring roads into Buenos Aires Province . Discover everything you need to know about Buenos Aires with our travel guide.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Argentina, created by local experts

10 days  / from 2650 USD

The Great Lakes and Glaciers of Argentina

Experience the great outdoors, Argentina-style! Marvel at jaw-droppingly beautiful Patagonian landscapes, walk the shores of deep-blue lakes guarded by snow-capped mountains at Bariloche, explore the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier – experience all of this, and much more, with this unique trip!

13 days  / from 3180 USD

From Chile to Argentina, across the Andean Lakes

Travel from Chile to Argentina across the stunning Andean Lakes, also known as the Lakes District. Beginning in Santiago, you will travel to Puerto Varas, in Chile, and then across the lakes to Bariloche, Argentina, taking in the stunning mountain scenery, before ending your trip in Buenos Aires.

14 days  / from 1933 USD

An adventure across three countries: Brazil, Argentina & Uruguay

A trip filled with history, culture and nature spread out over three beautiful and unique countries, Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. Visit some of the most stunning sites, like the Sugar Loaf Mountain, Iguazu Falls and UNESCO World Heritage site Colonia del Sacramento, during this 14-day trip.

On the map and from the air the metropolis does look dauntingly huge, yet the compact centre and relative proximity of all the main sights mean that you don’t have to travel that much to gain an overview. Of the city’s 48 barrios you will most probably be visiting only the half-dozen most central. The city centre (basically San Nicolás and Monserrat) is mostly a hectic place, particularly during the week and along pedestrianised Calle Florida, but the fin-de-siècle elegance of Avenida de Mayo and the bohemian café culture of Avenida Corrientes offer a contrasting atmosphere. Beyond the converted docklands of Puerto Madero, east of downtown, lies the unexpectedly wild Reserva Ecológica, one of the city’s green lungs.

The older south of the city begins just beyond the central Plaza de Mayo . The narrow streets are lined with some of the capital’s finest architecture, typified by late nineteenth-century townhouses with ornate Italianate facades. Increasingly gentrified, San Telmo is primarily known for its cutting-edge artists, lively antiques fair and touristy tango haunts, while resolutely working-class Boca, further south, is so inextricably linked with its football team, Boca Juniors , that many of its buildings are painted blue and yellow. The north of the city is leafier and wealthier; you can ogle the French-style palaces of Retiro, stay in one of the top-end hotels of Recoleta or head to Palermo to shop or dine or just to wander the streets. Most of the city museums are clustered in the northern barrios, with themes as varied as Latin American art, mate cups and Eva Perón.

Brief history of Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires was named in honour of Nuestra Señora de Santa María de los Buenos Ayres, provider of the good wind, the patron saint of the Spanish sailors who first landed on the banks of the Río de la Plata estuary in 1516. The first successful settlement came in 1580, but though the Spanish found the horses and cattle that they brought over from Europe thrived, the fertility of the land made little impression on them. They were more interested in precious metals, and named the settlement’s river the Plata (silver) in the belief that it flowed from the lands of silver and gold in the Andes.

Expansion was slow, however, and Buenos Aires remained a distant outpost of the Spanish-American empire for the next two centuries, with smuggling being the mainstay of the local economy. In 1776, in an attempt to shore up its empire, Spain gave the Argentine territories Viceroyalty status, with Buenos Aires as the capital. It was too little, too late: boosted by the defeat of two attempted British invasions, the people of the Viceroyalty declared independence in 1810, freeing the area from the last vestiges of colonial hindrance.

Immigration and growth

The industrial revolution gave Buenos Aires the opportunity to exploit and export the great riches of the Pampas, thanks to technological advances such as railways and refrigeration – which enabled Europeans to dine on Argentine beef for the first time. Few cities in the world have experienced a period of such astonishing growth as that which spurred Buenos Aires between 1870 and 1914. Massive foreign investment – most notably from the British – poured into the city and Buenos Aires’ stature leapt accordingly. European immigrants, over half of whom were Italians, flocked to the capital, and the city’s population doubled between 1880 and 1890. Most of the old town was razed and an eclectic range of new buildings went up in a huge grid pattern. The standard of living of Buenos Aires’ middle class equalled or surpassed that of many European countries, while the incredible wealth of the city’s elite was almost without parallel anywhere. At the same time, however, much of the large working-class community endured appalling conditions in the city’s overcrowded conventillos , or tenement buildings.

Modern troubles

By the mid-twentieth century the period of breakneck development had come to a close as the country slid into political turmoil and economic crisis. In September 1945, Buenos Aires saw the first of what was to become a regular fixture – a massive demonstration that filled the city centre. Rallies of almost religious fervour in support of Perón and his wife Evita, who came out onto the balcony of the Casa Rosada to deliver their speeches, followed at regular intervals until Evita’s death and Perón’s deposition. The long years of military dictatorship that followed saw the city in lockdown, with the mothers of the disappeared one of the few visible signs of the turmoil underneath the surface. Since the return to democracy in 1982, Buenos Aires has been the most visible face of the country’s economic rollercoaster. The temporary stabilisation of the currency in the 1990s brought a new upsurge in spending by those who could afford it – smart new shopping malls, restaurants and cinema complexes sprung up around the city. But Buenos Aires entered the twenty-first century in retreat, as a grinding recession led to weeks of protests and looting that came to a horrendous head in December 2001, when widespread rioting led to dozens of deaths. Demonstrations and roadblocks by unemployed piqueteros became part of the fabric of everyday life in the city during the messy recovery that followed, with the sad sight of cartoneros rooting through rubbish the most obvious example of the economic problems, and growing crime an inevitable offshoot of this rise in poverty.

As the focus of national bicentenary celebrations in 2010 – and despite some backwash from the global financial crisis – Buenos Aires is mostly in good shape. Long overdue repairs have been carried out, welfare plans have reduced (though not eradicated) the worst poverty and international tourism continues to be an engine of growth, leading to the opening of new gourmet restaurants and boutique hotels every week. Problems remain – traffic, crime, shantytowns, flooding in big storms, power outages and the still frequent roadblocks – but Buenos Aires seems confident of its future.

Buenos Aires is well served by numerous international and domestic flights. It is also a transport hub for the rest of the country, with frequent daily bus services to and from most towns and cities. Limited train services join the capital to the provinces, while fast and slow ferries cross the Río de la Plata to neighbouring Uruguay.

Buenos Aires may seem like a daunting city to get around, but it’s actually served by an extensive, inexpensive and generally efficient public transport service – albeit not the world’s cleanest, quietest or most modern. The easiest part of this system to come to grips with is undoubtedly the underground rail system, or subte, which serves the city centre, the north and the west of the city. You may also want to familiarize yourself with a few bus routes, as buses are the only form of public transport that serves the outlying barrios. However, as taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap, you’ll likely find them the most convenient means to get around.

Buenos Aires’ popularity with international visitors means that many of the city’s best accommodation – at all levels – is frequently full. With around half of all the country’s hotels in the capital, you will always be able to find somewhere to stay, but if you’re fussy about where you lay your head, you’re advised to reserve in advance. At the budget end, there are dozens of hostels, mostly cheerful, well-run places in converted nineteenth-century mansions. If you baulk at dormitory living, consider a private room at a hostel or a costlier but homely B&B, which tend to be a better deal than the city-centre budget and mid-market hotels, many of which can be dull at best, grim at worst. The city has also seen a surge in upmarket boutique hotels, altogether more pleasant (though naturally more expensive) places to stay, catering principally to international visitors and scattered throughout the central neighbourhoods. The label boutique can be misleading, as anywhere else; often it just means small and vaguely trendy, but is no guarantee of comfort or quality of service. Wherever you spend the night, a fan or air conditioning is really a requirement in summer, and heating a big plus in winter. Discounts can sometimes be negotiated, particularly if you are staying for more than a few days, but note that credit cards may entail a surcharge. Breakfast is not always included at the budget hotels, but in any case you’ll probably get a better start to the day in a nearby confitería .

There’s a superb range of cultural events on offer in Argentina’s capital, ranging from avant-garde theatre to blockbuster movies and grand opera with a wealth of options in between. One of the best features of Porteño cultural life is the strong tradition of free or very cheap events, including film showings at the city’s museums and cultural centres, tango and a series of enthusiastically attended outdoor events put on by the city government every summer; street performers are also of very high quality.

Venues offering live music, including folk, jazz, tango and rock, are scattered all over the city and differ enormously in style and ambience, though the quality is invariably high. For gigs by local bands, check the Sí supplement in Clarín on Fridays and the Buenos Aires Herald’s arts section. As well as larger venues like Luna Park or the outdoor GEBA, international stars often play at football stadiums, particularly River Plate’s Monumental – these gigs are widely advertised and best booked through a ticket agency. Smaller venues generally sell tickets on the door. If folk music is your thing, check out folkloreclub.com.ar . For information on classical music and opera performances. Websites with worthwhile dance clubs and live music listings include vuenozairez.com , wipe.com.ar and buenosaliens.com .

Tango has gained a whole new audience in recent times, with an increasing number of young people filling the floors of social clubs, confiterías and traditional dancehalls for regular events known as milongas . Even if you don’t dance yourself, it’s still worth going to see one: the spectacle of couples slipping almost trance-like around the dancefloor is a captivating sight. Apart from the skill and composure of the dancers, one of the most appealing aspects of the milonga is the absence of class – and, especially, age – divisions; indeed, most younger dancers regard it as an honour to be partnered by older and more experienced dancers.

Structure and etiquette

While the setting for a milonga can range from a sports hall to an elegant salon, the structure – and etiquette – of the dances varies little. In many cases, classes are given first. Once the event gets underway, it is divided into musical sets, known as tandas, which will cover the three subgenres of tango: tango “proper”; milonga – a more uptempo sound; and waltz. Each is danced differently and occasionally there will also be an isolated interval of salsa, rock or jazz. The invitation to dance comes from the man, who will nod towards the woman whom he wishes to partner. She signals her acceptance with an equally subtle gesture and only then will her new partner approach her table. Once on the dancefloor, the couple waits eight compases, or bars, and then begins to dance, circulating in a counter-clockwise direction around the dancefloor. The woman follows the man’s lead by responding to marcas, or signs, to indicate the move he wishes her to make. The more competent she is, the greater number of variations and personal touches she will add. Though the basic steps of the tango may not look very difficult, it entails a rigorous attention to posture and a subtle shifting of weight from leg to leg, essential to avoid losing balance. The couple will normally dance together until the end of a set, which lasts for four or five melodies. Once the set is finished, it is good tango etiquette for the woman to thank her partner who, if the experience has been successful and enjoyable, is likely to ask her to dance again later in the evening.

Classes and clothing

Watching real tango danced is the kind of experience that makes people long to do it themselves. Unfortunately, a milonga is not the best place to take your first plunge; unlike, say, salsa, even the best partner in the world will find it hard to carry a complete novice through a tango. In short, if you can’t bear the thought of attending a milonga without dancing, the answer is to take some classes – reckon on taking about six to be able to hold your own on the dancefloor. There are innumerable places in Buenos Aires offering classes, including cultural centres, bars and confiterías and, for the impatient or shy, there are private teachers. If you’re going to take classes, it’s important to have an appropriate pair of shoes with a sole that allows you to swivel (no rubber soles). For women, it’s not necessary to wear heels but it is important that the shoes support the instep. At a milonga , however, a pair of well-polished heels is the norm, and will act as a signal that you are there to dance. Any woman going to a milonga , but not intending to dance, should make that clear in her choice of dress and footwear; go dressed to kill and you’ll spend the night turning down invitations from bemused-looking men.

For all its parks and tree-lined avenues, Buenos Aires is nonetheless predominantly urban, and it can be nice to get away from the hectic tumult for a day or two.

Immediately surrounding the city limits as you cross the Avenida General Paz ring road, the Capital Federal spreads into greater Buenos Aires. Largely residential, the most appealing suburbs are those to the city’s north – the Zona Norte, an affluent suburban world of riverine villas where the subtropical heart that lies beneath Buenos Aires’ European veneer starts to show through. Most worth visiting is San Isidro, which preserves a villagey charm and worthwhile historic quarter that can be accessed via the Tren de la Costa or taxi. Further on, but still easily in day-trip territory, you will reach Tigre, a kind of cross between Venice and the Everglades, at the edge of the verdant Paraná Delta.

To the east of the city, meanwhile, boats cross the Río de la Plata to the small Isla Martín García, a steamy island that appears to have walked off the pages of a children’s adventure story. Once used as a penal colony, it is now mostly given over to a nature reserve (visits via Cacciola Turismo in Tigre). You can also reach the Portuguese colonial historic town of Colonia in Uruguay or even visit pleasant Montevideo, the capital of Argentina’s rioplatense neighbour – both destinations are served by Buquebus , whose ferries and catamarans depart regularly from Puerto Madero.

Go a little further beyond the city in any other direction and you will swiftly emerge in the emerald green pampas, Argentina’s heartlands. Magnificent estancias (farmsteads or ranches) and traditional Pampean villages are close enough to reach as a day-trip, though if possible they really warrant at least one overnight stay. The capital of Buenos Aires Province , La Plata , an orderly city with a large, old-fashioned natural history museum, is also only an hour or so on the bus from Retiro.

Buenos Aires is Latin America’s gastronomic capital and, with many places offering excellent quality for the price, eating out here must count as a highlight of any visit to Argentina . In addition to the ubiquitous pizza and pasta restaurants common to the country as a whole, the capital offers a number of cosmopolitan cuisines, ranging from Armenian and Basque to Thai and Vietnamese. Foodie fashions are enthusiastically adopted; Peruvian haute cuisine and mini-gourmet restaurants in the intimate space of someone’s house are currently all the rage. The city’s crowning glory, however – though you have to be a meat-eater – are its parrillas, whose top-end representatives offer the country’s choicest beef cooked on an asador criollo – staked around an open fire. There are plenty of humbler places, too, where you can enjoy a succulent parrillada in a lively atmosphere.

If you’ve come to Buenos Aires eager to experience the city after dark you will not leave disappointed. Porteños are consummate night owls and though nightlife peaks from Thursday to Saturday, you’ll find plenty of things to do during the rest of the week too. Worthwhile venues are spread all over the city, but certain areas offer an especially large selection of night-time diversions. The city’s young and affluent head to Palermo’s Soho and Hollywood to strut their stuff year-round, and the Costanera Norte as well in the summer. El Bajo, as the streets around Reconquista and 25 de Mayo are known, offers a walkable circuit of bars and restaurants as well as the odd Irish pub, while San Telmo harbours some eclectic and charismatic bars in among the tango spectacles. Though some bars open all day, most don’t really get going until around midnight. Increasingly, the smoother bars run so-called after offices on weekdays to fill the early evening slot, but these are almost invariably rather sleazy.

Shopping in Buenos Aires is a pleasure unmatched elsewhere in South America. While goods tend to be more Western and familiar than those you will come across in, say, Bolivia or Perú, you can nonetheless count on finding some highly original items to take home. The best handicrafts are found in their home provinces rather than in Buenos Aires, but if you miss out on your trip around the country there are good craft markets in the capital. Typically Argentine goods include mate paraphernalia, polo wear, wine and world-class leatherware. A box of widely available Havanna alfajores makes a good present, or take a jar or two of dulce de leche away with you to satisfy cravings. Opening hours are usually around 10am–7pm Monday to Friday, with stores closed Saturday afternoon and Sunday.

A sometimes chaotic mix of old-fashioned cafés, grand nineteenth-century public edifices, high-rise office blocks and tearing traffic, Buenos Aires’ city centre exudes energy and elegance – though it can be shabby and downright dingy in parts. Its heart is the spacious, palm-dotted Plaza de Mayo, the ideal place to begin a tour of the area and explore its historical and political connections; its mismatched medley of buildings includes the famous Casa Rosada, or government house. An amble westwards from the plaza will take you along Avenida de Mayo, the city’s major boulevard, offering an impressive display of Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture. At its western end, Avenida de Mayo opens onto the Plaza del Congreso, presided over by the Congreso Nacional building, the seat of the federal parliament.

From Plaza del Congreso, Avenida Callao will take you northwards to Avenida Corrientes. Now a busy commercial artery, Corrientes was famous in the twentieth century as the hub of the city’s left-leaning café society. Though there’s less plotting going on here today, it’s still the place to get some culture, lined as it is with no end of bookstores, music shops, cinemas and theatres. A short detour north from Corrientes will take you to Plaza Lavalle, a long, grassy square most notable for the magnificent opera house that looms over its eastern edge, the regal Teatro Colón.

East from Plaza Lavalle, you’ll hit the jarring and enormous Avenida 9 de Julio – the city’s multilane central nerve. Presiding at its heart is the stark white Obelisco, a 67m stake through the intersection of avenidas 9 de Julio and Corrientes. Crossing east over 9 de Julio, you head into a densely packed and busy block known as the microcentro (the Argentine term for downtown), whose two main streets are pedestrianized Lavalle and Florida, where you’ll be swept along by a stream of human traffic past elegant galerías (arcades) and stores of every kind. Buenos Aires’ small financial district – called, in homage to London, ‘‘La City’’ – makes up the southeast corner of the microcentro, while to the northeast sits the quieter “El Bajo”, home to yet more downtown bars and restaurants.

Avenida Corrientes

Running parallel to Avenida de Mayo, four blocks north of Plaza Congreso, Avenida Corrientes is one of the city’s principal arteries, sweeping down to the lower grounds of El Bajo. It’s not so much the architecture that is of note but the atmosphere generated by its bustling mix of cafés, bookstores, cinemas, theatres and pizzerias. For years, cafés such as La Paz, on the corner of Corrientes and Montevideo, and the austere La Giralda, two blocks west, have been the favoured meeting places of left-wing intellectuals and bohemians – and good places to observe the Porteño talent for whiling away hours over a single tiny coffee.

Corrientes’ bookstores, many of which stay open till the wee hours, have always been as much places to hang out in as to buy from – in marked contrast to almost every other type of shop in the city, where you’ll be accosted by sales assistants as soon as you cross the threshold. The most basic places are simply one long room open to the street with piles of books slung on tables and huge handwritten price labels, whereas the leftish, alternative Liberarte at no. 1555 and its ilk take literature more seriously. Almost as comprehensive as the bookstores are the street’s numerous pavement kiosks, proffering a mind-boggling range of newspapers, magazines and books on subjects from psychology and sex to tango and politics.

Avenida de Mayo

An amble west from Plaza de Mayo takes you along one of the capital’s grandest thoroughfares, Avenida de Mayo, a wide, tree-lined boulevard flanked with ornamental street lamps and offering a stunning ten-block vista between Plaza de Mayo and Plaza del Congreso. Part of an 1880s project to remodel the city along the lines of Haussmann’s Paris, Avenida de Mayo is notable for its architectural melange; many of its buildings are topped with decorative domes and ornamented with elaborate balustrades and sinuous caryatids. Unimpressed with the city’s European pretensions, Borges called it one of the saddest places in Buenos Aires, yet even he couldn’t resist the charm of its confiterías and traditional restaurants, a handful of which remain open.

Jewish Buenos Aires

Argentina is home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the world, currently estimated at around 185,000, although this is around one-third of its peak figure in the 1950s, since when many have migrated to Israel, Europe and the United States. The majority live in Buenos Aires; the more well-to-do in Belgrano, and the lower middle classes in Once. The latter is where you’ll find most of the city’s kosher restaurants, especially on the streets around Pueyrredón between Córdoba and Corrientes. Approximately eighty synagogues dot the city, including the large Central Synagogue, along with more than seventy Jewish educational institutions.

The first Jewish immigrants arrived in Argentina in the early seventeenth century but were officially excluded from colonial society by the Spanish authorities. Following independence Jews were openly allowed to settle and began moving in from France and other Western European countries in the early nineteenth century; Jewish refugees later fled here in large numbers from pogroms and persecution in Russia and Eastern Europe, and were commonly known as “ rusos ”, a term still often used erroneously to refer to all Jews (two-thirds of whom are Ashkenazi).

In 1938 the foreign minister under President Ortiz signed an infamous circular that effectively instructed Argentine consulates not to issue visas to Jews seeking asylum from Nazi Germany. Perón’s government was one of the first to recognize the State of Israel, but he openly admired Mussolini, covertly hampered Jewish immigration and notoriously allowed Nazi war criminals to settle in Argentina, including Adolf Eichmann, an SS officer who masterminded the systematic massacre of Jews in Central Europe. In 1960 Eichmann was abducted from a Buenos Aires suburb, where he worked for Mercedes Benz, by Mossad and Shin Bet agents and whisked off for trial and execution in Jerusalem.

The Jewish community was the target of two of the country’s most murderous terrorist attacks: a bomb explosion at the Israeli Embassy in 1992, in which 29 people died, and another at the headquarters of AMIA, the Argentine Jewish association, in 1994, which killed 85 people. In 2006, Argentine prosecutors officially accused the Iranian government and Hezbollah of ordering the bombings, a charge Teheran adamantly denies, but the crimes have never been properly resolved. A monument in Plaza Lavalle remembers those who lost their lives in both attacks – another in the Plaza Embajada de Israel, at the corner of Arroyo and Suipacha, Retiro, focuses on the loss of life in the 1992 atrocity, with one lime tree representing each victim.

More water than dry land, Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires’ newest and glossiest barrio, centres on a defunct port directly to the east of the historical centre. Here four enormous oblong diques , or docks, run parallel to the Río de la Plata, connecting on either side to the Dársena Sur (Southern Harbour), near Boca, and the Dársena Norte (Northern Harbour), near Retiro, from where ferries depart for Uruguay. Lining these docks – which are officially numbered one to four, Dock One being the most southerly – are a series of preserved and restored brick and iron warehouses, originally used to hold grain from the Pampas before it was shipped around the world. By 1898, before the port was even fully finished, it was already insufficient in scale to cope with the volume of maritime traffic, and a new port was constructed to the north. For most of the twentieth century, Puerto Madero sat as a forlorn industrial relic, but in the 1990s private money was injected and it began to be converted into a voguish mix of restaurants, luxury apartments and offices. While this dockside development is decidedly upmarket and somewhat lacking in colour, it’s nonetheless a relaxing place to stroll, and there are far worse ways to spend a lazy summer afternoon than sitting on a terrace here, sipping a clericó, watching the yachts bob on the water and enjoying the gentle breeze off the river. Docks Three and Four host the pick of the barrio’s restaurants and bars.

Reserva Ecológica

The Reserva Ecológica is a strange but wonderful place, a fragment of wild and watery grassland stretching for 2km alongside the Costanera. Having self-seeded with grassland after the landfill project was abandoned in 1984, the reserve offers a juxtaposition of urban and natural scenes, whether factory chimneys glimpsed through fronds of pampas or the city skyline over a lake populated by ducks and herons. Inside the reserve, near the entrance, the visitors’ centre displays panels explaining the park’s development and serves as the starting point for ranger-guided walks along the park’s many trails. Full-moon nocturnal tours (weather permitting) allow you to spot all manner of creatures, mainly birds, which keep a low daytime profile. There is a surprising diversity of flora and fauna in the park, with over two hundred species of bird visiting during the year. Aquatic species include ducks, herons, elegant black-necked swans, skittish coots, the common gallinule and the snail hawk, a bird of prey that uses its hooked beak to pluck freshwater snails out of their shells. The park is also home to small mammals, such as the easily spotted coypu, an aquatic rodent, and reptiles such as monitor lizards. The reserve’s vegetation includes the bright red ceibo, but the most dominant plant is the cortadera , or pampas grass.

Described by Borges as “an older, more solid world”, the south is where Buenos Aires best preserves its traditions. Immediately south of the Plaza de Mayo lies the barrio of Monserrat, packed with historic buildings, churches and a couple of noteworthy museums. Heading south through Monserrat, you’ll emerge into the cobbled streets and alleyways of San Telmo, where grand nineteenth-century mansions testify to the days when the barrio was home to wealthy landowners. San Telmo is best visited on a Sunday, when its central square, Plaza Dorrego, is the scene of a fascinating antiques fair, although there are plenty of antiques stores also open during the week. At the southern end of the barrio, there’s the tranquil Parque Lezama – a good spot for observing local life, and home to an important history museum. Beyond Parque Lezama, and stretching all the way to the city’s southern boundary, the Río Riachuelo, the quirky barrio of La Boca is a great place to spend an hour or two, wandering its colourful streets and soaking up its idiosyncratic atmosphere.

More than any other barrio in Buenos Aires, Boca (or “La Boca”) and its inhabitants seem to flaunt their idiosyncrasies. Located in the capital’s southeastern corner, this working-class riverside neighbourhood has been nicknamed the “República de la Boca” since 1882, when a group of local youths declared the barrio’s secession from the country. Even today, its residents – many new immigrants from other South American countries – have a reputation for playing by their own rules and are most famous for their brightly coloured wooden and corrugated-iron houses. The district was originally the favoured destination for Italian immigrants, and the colours of the houses derive from the Genoese custom of painting homes with the paint left over from boats. Boca’s other most characteristic emblem is its football team, Boca Juniors, the country’s most popular club and probably the most famous one abroad.

Named after the boca , or mouth, of the Río Riachuelo, which snakes along its southern border, Boca is an irregularly shaped barrio, longer than it is wide. Its main thoroughfare is Avenida Almirante Brown, which cuts through the neighbourhood from Parque Lezama to the towering iron Puente Transbordador that straddles the Riachuelo. Apart from some excellent pizzerias, there’s little to detain you along the avenue: the majority of Boca’s attractions are packed into the grids of streets on either side. Even then, there’s not a great deal to see as such, and unless you plan to visit all the museums an hour or two will suffice; morning is the ideal time to go, when the light best captures the district’s bright hues and before the tour buses arrive.

Be warned that Boca remains a poor neighbourhood and has an unfortunate reputation for crime, with muggings a fairly common occurrence. There’s no need to be paranoid, but it is advisable to stick strictly to the main tourist district and follow the advice of the police who patrol the area; keep expensive watches and cameras out of sight.

La Bombonera

The true heart of Boca is Boca Juniors ’ stadium, La Bombonera. Built in 1940, it was remodelled in the 1990s and the name – literally “the chocolate box” – refers to its compact structure; although Boca has more fans than any other Argentine team, the stadium’s capacity is smaller than that of most of its rivals. This is the place where many of the country’s best young players cut their teeth before heading to Europe on lucrative deals – the Bombonera’s most famous veteran is Diego Maradona, who retains a VIP seat at the stadium. Seeing a game here is an incredible experience, even for non-soccer fans.

Just inside the stadium entrance, there’s a large painting by famous local artist Benito Quinquela Martín entitled Orígen de la bandera de Boca (“the origin of Boca’s flag”), which illustrates one of the club’s most famous anecdotes. Though the exact date and circumstances of the event are disputed, all agree that Boca Juniors chose the colours of its strip from the flag of the next ship to pass through its then busy port. As the boat was Swedish, the distinctive blue and yellow strip was selected.

Around the stadium, a huddle of stalls and shops sell Boca souvenirs while, on the pavement outside the stadium, stars with the names of Boca players past and present, some featuring their footprints, were laid as part of the club’s centenary celebrations in 2005. Some of the neighbouring houses have taken up the blue and yellow theme, too, with facades painted like giant football shirts.

Few people have captured the imagination of the Argentine public as much as Diego Armando Maradona. A bull of a player with exceptional close control, balance and on-field vision, the diminutive no. 10 was the finest footballer of his generation and arguably of all time – though the latter title is now seriously contested by his compatriot, Lionel Messi. Born in a poor neighbourhood on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Maradona’s playing career (1976–97) was peerless. He made his first-team, first-division debut for club Argentinos Juniors in 1976, when he was just 15. Maradona wore the colours of seven clubs in total, including Boca Juniors, Barcelona and, most famously, Napoli, where he is still venerated as the player who brought southern Italy’s poorer brother glory and silverware. He also led Argentina to win the World Cup in 1986, a campaign that included one of the most celebrated of all World Cup games, the quarter-final played against England, just four years after the South Atlantic conflict. Maradona scored two goals, including the infamous “Hand of God” goal, in which he tapped the ball in with his hand, and a second, legitimate goal considered to be one of the finest ever scored.

Like many geniuses, though, Maradona was flawed – in his case, by the excesses of alcohol and, particularly, drugs. He was suspended in 1991 for testing positive for cocaine, and then again for the banned substance ephedrine during the 1994 World Cup. After a low point in 2004 where he was hospitalized following a cocaine-induced heart attack, he bounced back to host his own talk show in 2005, where guests included Pele and Maradona’s friend Fidel Castro. In 2008 he surprised many when he took over as coach of the Argentine national side and during qualifications for the 2010 World Cup was strongly criticized for his tactics (or lack of them) – which led him to more notoriety, this time when he launched an obscenity-laden tirade against the press following Argentina’s qualification. He lost his job after a humiliating 4-0 defeat by Germany in the South Africa finals, but was soon after appointed manager of Al-Wasl FC, based in Dubai, earning €3.5 million a year.

Fileteado or filete art

As you wander around the city, look out for examples of fileteado or filete art, particularly on shop signs. Characterized by ornate lettering, heavy shading and the use of scrolls and flowers entwined with the azure and white of the national flag, this distinctive art form first made its appearance on the city transport system in the early twentieth century. Often associated with tango, its actual origins are a little murky, but it seems to have been introduced by Italian immigrants. Banned from public transport in 1975 – the authorities felt bus destinations and numbers should be unadorned – it moved onto signs above stores and cafés as well as more traditional canvases. Today it is synonymous with Porteño identity, particularly in the south of the city. As well as tango stars, a popular subject is the pithy saying, including the classic si bebe para olvidar paga antes de tomar (“if you drink to forget, pay first”) and the more obscure si querés la leche fresca, atá la vaca a la sombre (“if you want fresh milk, tie the cow up in the shade”).

You have to be very hard-hearted not to be seduced by the romantically crumbling facades and cobbled streets of San Telmo, a neighbourhood proud of its reputation as the guardian of the city’s traditions. A small, roughly square-shaped barrio, San Telmo is bounded to the north by Avenida Chile (six blocks south of Plaza de Mayo), to the west by Calle Piedras, to the east by Paseo Colón and to the south by Parque Lezama. Like neighbouring Monserrat, its main artery is Calle Defensa, once the main thoroughfare between the Plaza de Mayo and the city’s port.

The barrio’s appearance of decaying luxury is the result of a kind of reverse gentrification. When the city’s grand mansions were abandoned by their patrician owners after a yellow fever epidemic in 1871, they were soon converted into conventillos (tenements) by landlords keen to make a quick buck from newly arrived immigrants. This sudden loss of cachet preserved many of the barrio’s original features: whereas much of the north, centre and west of the city was variously torn down, smartened up or otherwise modernized, San Telmo’s inhabitants simply adapted the neighbourhood’s buildings to their needs. It’s still largely a working-class area, and well-heeled Palermo-dwellers may warn you off coming here, but the area’s superb architecture also attracts bohemians, students, backpackers and artists, from Argentina and abroad. Together with rising rents, the recent appearance of designer clothing and homewares stores among the traditional antiques shops is an indication that San Telmo may once again be going up in the world – though this latterday gentrification is not a development that everyone welcomes.

San Telmo is one of Buenos Aires’ major tourist attractions per se, particularly for its Sunday antiques market, the Feria de San Telmo, held in the neighbourhood’s central square, Plaza Dorrego; there’s usually a smaller version on Saturdays. It’s also the barrio most closely associated with tango, and the place where many of the best-known tango shows and bars have their home. At the southern end of the barrio, the small, palm-lined Parque Lezama, containing the city’s well-organized Museo Histórico Nacional , makes a restful spot to end a tour of the neighbourhood.

A combination of extravagant elegance and an authentic lived-in feel pervades the north of Buenos Aires, where the four residential barrios of most interest to visitors – Retiro, Recoleta, Palermo and Belgrano – each retain a distinctive character. Nearest to the centre, Retiro and Recoleta – known jointly as Barrio Norte – have chic streets lined with boutiques, art galleries and smart cafés, although the dockside fringes and the highly insalubrious bits near the city’s biggest train station, also called Retiro, are just as down at heel as parts of the southern barrios, if not more so. Recoleta is associated primarily with its magnificent cemetery where, among other national celebrities, Evita is buried. Both barrios also share an extraordinary concentration of French-style palaces, tangible proof of the obsession of the city’s elite at the beginning of the twentieth century with established European cities. Many of these palaces can be visited and some of them house the area’s opulent museum collections, but they are also sights in themselves.

Palermo and Belgrano, further north, are large districts composed of a mixture of tall apartment buildings, tree-lined boulevards, little cobbled streets and grandiose neocolonial houses. Many of Buenos Aires’ best restaurants and shops are here, so you should plan a visit in this direction at least once. It’s worth making a day of it to check out the beautiful parks and gardens, attend a game of polo, or to see another beguiling side of the city in, for example, Palermo Soho, a district of lively cafés-cum-art galleries.

Much of Palermo, Buenos Aires’ largest barrio, is vibrantly green and appealingly well kempt: ornate balconies overflow with jasmine and roses, grand apartment blocks line wide avenues, and plane trees, palms and jacarandas shade older, cobbled streets; its beautifully landscaped parks, some of the biggest in the world, come alive with locals practising in-line skating, playing football or walking their dogs.

Palermo takes its name from an Italian farmer, Giovanni Palermo, who in 1590 turned these former flood plains into vineyards and orchards. The barrio began to take on its present-day appearance when large parks and gardens were laid out at the end of the nineteenth century; the process of gentrification continued and Palermo is now regarded as a distinctly classy place to live.

Given its sizeable proportions – it stretches all the way from Avenida Coronel Díaz, on the border with Recoleta, to Colegiales and Belgrano, to the north – it’s not surprising that the barrio isn’t completely homogeneous. The bit of Palermo around Plaza República de Chile that juts into Recoleta is known as Palermo Chico and contains some significant museums, including the Museo de Arte Decorativo. Nearby, the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA) is a must for fans of modern art. About ten blocks west, Palermo Viejo is a traditional neighbourhood with lovely old houses along cobbled streets, but it’s become such a trendy place, full of funky cafés and avant-garde art galleries, that the area around Plaza Cortázar is now known as Soho. Across the rail tracks, people in the media work, eat and drink in a cluster of TV studios, restaurants and bars that have been christened Hollywood. Much of the north of Palermo is taken up by parks and gardens, such as the grand Parque 3 de Febrero, giving the area its soubriquet the ‘‘ bosques de Palermo ’’ (Palermo woods). At the barrio’s northern edge is Las Cañitas, a zone of upmarket bars and restaurants, focused on the corner of Báez and Arévalo.

Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA)

One of the city’s best museums, the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA), is housed in a modern, glass-fronted, purpose-built building that is an attraction in its own right, its airy, spacious galleries contrasting with the dark nooks and crannies of the city’s more traditional art museums.

The permanent Constantini collection, on the first floor up, concentrates on the best Latin American art of the twentieth century. It is arranged chronologically, beginning around 1910, when the Modernist movement in Latin America heralded the start of a real sense of regional identity. This is exemplified in paintings such as a series by Argentine master Xul Solar, a Frida Kahlo self-portrait and Brazilian Tarsila do Amaral’s Mexican-influenced Abaporu. Dark political undercurrents run through the 1930s to 1950s and the work of Antonio Berni and the Chilean Roberto Matta, while Catholic traditions are given a Surrealist twist in Remedios Varo’s votive box Icono. Things get more conceptual from the 1960s on, with the moving installations of Julio Le Parc and the LSD-splashed “end of art” collages by the “Nueva Figuración” movement.

Upstairs, temporary exhibitions generally feature the collected works of a prominent modern or contemporary artist, often an Argentine. MALBA also has its own small art-house cinema, a café, a bookstore and a fun gift-shop.

Palermo Viejo

Palermo Viejo is Buenos Aires’ most fashionable place to live, shop or have an evening out. The part of the city most closely linked to Borges, where he lived and began writing poetry in the 1920s, its architecture has changed little since then. Bounded by avenidas Santa Fe, Córdoba, Juan B. Justo and Raúl Scalabrini Ortíz, it’s a compact oblong of narrow streets, most of them still cobbled and lined with brightly painted one- or two-storey Neocolonial villas and townhouses, many of them recently restored, some of them hidden behind luxuriant gardens full of bougainvillaea and jasmine. Part run-down, part gentrified, it’s a leafy district with a laidback bohemian ambience, and many of its stylish houses have been converted into bars, cafés and boutiques. Large communities from Poland, Ukraine, Lebanon and Armenia live here, alongside an Italian contingent and some old Spanish families, and they all have their shops, churches and clubs, adding to the district’s colour. The area also boasts a dazzling blend of outstanding restaurants, serving cuisines as varied as Armenian and Vietnamese, and has succeeded in luring the city’s residents and visitors alike away from more superficial districts such as Puerto Madero and Las Cañitas.

Palermo Viejo’s official epicentre is Plaza Palermo Viejo, a wide, park-like square dominated by a children’s playground and some huge lime trees, but the barrio’s cultural and social focal point is nearby Plaza Serrano. The plaza’s official name (used on maps but unknown by most taxi drivers) is Plaza Cortázar, after Argentine novelist Julio Cortázar, who frequented this part of the city in the 1960s and set his Surrealist novel Hopscotch here. The plaza centre becomes the site of a crafts fair at weekends, while more permanently it is surrounded by trattorias, cafés and bars, some doubling as arts centres and galleries. Among them, a rash of independent designer shops sell upmarket bohemian clothes, jewellery and furnishings – hence the Soho nickname.

Borges and Buenos Aires

This city that I believed was my past,

is my future, my present;

the years I have spent in Europe are an illusion,

I always was (and will be) in Buenos Aires.

Jorge Luis Borges, “Arrabal”, from Fervor de Buenos Aires (1921)

There’s no shortage of literary works inspired by Argentina’s capital city, but no writer has written so passionately about it as Jorge Luis Borges. Though he was born in the heart of Buenos Aires, in 1898, it was the city’s humbler barrios that most captivated Borges’ imagination. His early childhood was spent in Palermo, now one of Buenos Aires’ more exclusive neighbourhoods, but a somewhat marginal barrio at the start of the twentieth century. Borges’ middle-class family inhabited one of the few two-storey houses on their street, Calle Serrano (now officially renamed Calle J. L. Borges), and, though his excursions were strictly controlled, from behind the garden wall Borges observed the colourful street life that was kept tantalizingly out of his reach. In particular, his attention was caught by the men who gathered to drink and play cards in the local almacén (a sort of store-cum-bar) at his street corner. With their tales of knife fights and air of lawlessness, these men appeared time and again in Borges’ early short stories, and, later, in Doctor Brodie’s Report, a collection published in 1970.

Borges’ writing talent surfaced at a precocious age: at 6 he wrote his first short story and when he was 11, the newspaper El País published his translation of Oscar Wilde’s The Happy Prince. However, it was not until he returned from Europe in 1921, where he had been stranded with his family during World War I, that Borges published his first book, Fervor de Buenos Aires, a collection of poems that attempted to capture the essence of the city. Enthused by his re-encounter with Buenos Aires at an age at which he was free to go where he wanted, Borges set out to explore the marginal corners of the city. His wanderings took him to the outlying barrios, where streets lined with simple one-storey buildings blended with the surrounding Pampas, or to the poorer areas of the city centre with their tenement buildings and bars frequented by prostitutes. With the notable exception of La Boca, which he appears to have regarded as too idiosyncratic – and perhaps, too obviously picturesque – Borges felt greatest affection for the south of Buenos Aires. His exploration of the area that he regarded as representing the heart of the city took in not only the traditional houses of San Telmo and Monserrat, with their patios and decorative facades, but also the humbler streets of Barracas, a largely industrial working-class neighbourhood, and Constitución, where, in a gloomy basement in Avenida Juan de Garay, he set one of his most famous short stories, El Aleph.

For a writer as sensitive to visual subtlety as Borges – many of his early poems focus on the city’s atmospheric evening light – it seems particularly tragic that he should have gone virtually blind in his 50s. Nonetheless, from 1955 to 1973, Borges was Director of the National Library, then located in Monserrat, where his pleasure at being surrounded by books – even if he could no longer read them – was heightened by the fact that his daily journey to work took him through one of his favourite parts of the city, from his apartment in Maipú along pedestrianized Florida. As Borges’ fame grew, he spent considerable periods of time away from Argentina, travelling to Europe, the US and other Latin American countries – though he claimed always to return to Buenos Aires in his dreams. Borges died in 1986 in Geneva, where he is buried in the Plainpalais cemetery. Borges pilgrims in Buenos Aires will find a commemorative plaque at no. 2108 on Calle Serrano, inscribed with a stanza from his Mythical Foundation of Buenos Aires.

North of Palermo, leafy Belgrano is largely residential, apart from the lively shopping streets on either side of its main artery, Avenida Cabildo. Named after General Manuel Belgrano, hero of Argentina’s struggle for independence, it was founded as a separate town in 1855. Over the next decade or two lots of wealthy Porteños built their summer or weekend homes here, and it was incorporated into Buenos Aires during the city’s whirlwind expansion in the 1880s. Many Anglo-Argentines settled in the barrio in those years, and it became popular with the city’s sizeable Jewish community in the 1950s. More recently Taiwanese and Korean immigrants have settled in Barrio Chino, Buenos Aires’ small Chinatown, which stretches along Arribeños between Juramento and Olazába. The central part of the barrio is known as Belgrano C, whose nucleus lies at the junction of avenidas Cabildo and Justamento. As well as stores, cafés and galleries, there’s a clutch of minor museums here.

The well-heeled barrio of Recoleta is, for most Porteños , intrinsically tied to the magnificent La Recoleta Cemetery at its heart. In around 1720, drawn to the area’s tranquillity, which was deemed perfect for meditation or “recollection” (hence the name), Franciscan monks set up a monastery here. It wasn’t until the cholera and yellow fever epidemics of 1867 and 1871 that the city’s wealthy moved to Recoleta, from hitherto fashionable San Telmo. Although many of its residents have left for the northern suburbs in recent years, a Recoleta address still has cachet. Avenida Alvear is Buenos Aires’ swankiest street: along it you’ll find stately palaces, plus designer boutiques, swish art galleries and one of the city’s most prestigious hotels. Scattered throughout the barrio are a host of restaurants and bars, ranging from some of the city’s most traditional to trendy joints that come and go.

Recoleta’s other notable attractions include one of the capital’s few remaining colonial buildings, the gleaming white Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pilar; the Centro Cultural de Recoleta ; and the country’s biggest and richest collection of nineteenth- and twentieth-century art at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes .

Evita’s final resting place

Recoleta cemetery’s most famous resident is undoubtedly Evita Perón, second wife of President Juan Perón and one of Argentina’s most enduring figures, who died in 1952. Given the snobbishness surrounding the cemetery – the authorities who preside over it treat it more like a gentlemen’s club than a burial ground – it’s hardly surprising that Porteño high society tried to prevent Evita’s family from laying her to rest here. Nevertheless, her family’s plain, polished black granite vault, pithily marked Familia Duarte and containing poignant quotes on bronze plaques from her speeches, has been her resting place since the 1970s – with the coffin supposedly inside concrete to prevent it from disappearing. Unlike many other graves, it’s not signposted (the cemetery authorities are still uneasy about her presence) but you can locate it by following the signs to Sarmiento’s, over to the left when you come in, then counting five alleyways farther away from the entrance, and looking out for the pile of bouquets by the vault.

La Recoleta Cemetery

One of the world’s most remarkable burial grounds, La Recoleta Cemetery presents an exhilarating mixture of architectural whimsy and a panorama of Argentine history. The giant vaults, stacked along avenues inside the high walls, resemble the rooftops of a fanciful Utopian town from above. The necropolis is a city within a city, a lesson in architectural styles and fashions, and a great place to wander, exploring its narrow streets and wide avenues of yews and cypress trees.

The tombs themselves range from simple headstones to bombastic masterpieces built in a variety of styles including Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Secessionist, Neoclassical, neo-Byzantine and even neo-Babylonian. The oldest monumental grave, dating from 1836, is that of Juan Facundo Quiroga, the much-feared La Rioja caudillo (local leader) immortalized in the Latin American classic Facundo by Argentine statesman and writer Domingo Sarmiento, also buried here. Facundo’s tomb stands straight ahead of the gateway. Next to it, inscribed with a Borges poem, stands the solemn granite mausoleum occupied by several generations of the eminent Alvear family. The vast majority of tombs in Recoleta belong to similar patrician families of significant means – but not all. Perhaps the most incongruous statue in the cemetery is that of a boxer, in the northwest sector – the final resting place of Angel Firpo, who fought Jack Dempsey for the world heavyweight title in 1923. Military heroes, many of them Irish or British seafarers who played a key part in Argentina’s struggle for independence, are also buried here, such as Admiral William Brown. An Argentine hero of Irish origins, at the beginning of the nineteenth century Brown decimated the Spanish fleet in the River Plate estuary. An unusual monument decorated with a beautiful miniature of his frigate, the Hercules, is a highlight of the cemetery’s central plaza.

Squeezed between the city centre to the south, Recoleta to the west and mostly inhospitable docklands to the north and east, Retiro gets its name from a hermit’s retiro (retreat) that was hidden among dense woodland here in the sixteenth century, when Buenos Aires was little more than a village. Today it’s surprisingly varied for such a small barrio: commercial art galleries and airline offices outnumber other businesses along the busy streets around the end of Calle Florida near the barrio’s focal point, Plaza San Martín, while west of busy Avenida 9 de Julio lies a smart, quiet residential area.

Lying at Retiro’s aristocratic heart, Plaza San Martín is one of the city’s most enticing green spaces, flanked by opulent patrician buildings. More outstanding examples of the barrio’s palaces, which reflect how wealthy Porteños of the late nineteenth century yearned for their city to be a New World version of Paris, are clustered around Plaza Carlos Pellegrini, one of the city’s most elegant squares. For most Porteños , the barrio’s name has become synonymous with the once grand but now mostly decrepit train terminal, the Estación Retiro, which still retains some original Edwardian features. Next to it is the city’s major bus terminal, a modern and fairly efficient complex, and beyond that urban wasteland and a shantytown.

Charles Thays: Buenos Aires’ landscape artist

In the 1880s, French botanist and landscape architect Charles Thays (1849–1934) travelled to South America to study its rich flora, particularly the continent’s hundreds of endemic tree species. He initially settled in Argentina, where his services were in great demand as municipal authorities across the country sought to smarten their cities up. They, like their European and North American counterparts, were spurred by the realization that the country’s fast-growing urban sprawls needed parks and gardens to provide vital breathing spaces and recreational areas.

In 1890, Thays was appointed director of parks and gardens in Buenos Aires, in no small part due to his adeptness at transforming open plazas formerly used for military parades, or plazas secas , into shady plazas verdes , or green squares, such as Plaza San Martín. He also designed the capital’s botanical garden and the zoo – which he planted with dozens of tipas (also known as palo rosa , or rosewood) – as well as Palermo’s Parque 3 de Febrero, Belgrano’s Barrancas, Córdoba’s Parque Sarmiento and Parque San Martín, Tucumán’s Parque 9 de Julio and, most impressive of them all, Mendoza’s Parque General San Martín. Thays received countless private commissions, too, including the garden of Palacio Hume, on Avenida Alvear in Recoleta, and the layout of the exclusive residential estate known as Barrio Parque, in Palermo Chico.

Despite his French origins, he preferred the informal English style of landscaping, and also experimented with combinations of native plants such as jacarandas , tipas and palo borracho (a spiky-trunked relative of the ceibo with handsome pink flowers) with Canary Island palms, planes and lime trees. Oddly enough, given the high regard in which he was held and his contributions to the greening of Buenos Aires, the lone plaza named in his honour, Plaza Carlos Thays, in Palermo, is disappointingly barren, and definitely not the best example of landscaping the city has to offer.

West of central Buenos Aires a vast, mostly residential area spreads out for over a dozen kilometres towards Avenida General Paz. Sights here are scattered; perhaps the neighbourhoods’ greatest appeal lies in their relative lack of tourists, offering a prize glimpse into the lives of ordinary working- and middle-class Porteños . Architecture fans shouldn’t miss the stunning Palacio de las Aguas Corrientes in the barrio of Balvanera, the neighbourhood just south of Recoleta. Northwest of Palermo, the barrio of Chacarita is best known for its namesake cemetery, where tango singer Carlos Gardel is buried. Caballito, right in the heart of the city, has an entertaining natural history museum. Finally, right at Buenos Aires’ fringes, the hugely enjoyable gaucho fair, the Feria de Mataderos, provides one of the best days out in the city.

Feria de Mataderos

The Sunday Feria de Mataderos is a celebration of Argentina’s rural traditions. This busy fair attracts thousands of locals and tourists for its blend of folk music, traditional crafts and regional food such as locro , empanadas and tortas fritas , mouthwatering fried cakes. You can also try your hand at regional dances such as the chamamé and chacarera . The undoubted highpoint, however, is the display of gaucho skills in which riders participate in events such as the sortija , in which, galloping at breakneck speed and standing rigid in their stirrups, they attempt to spear a small ring strung on a ribbon. Take plenty of cash – the artisan wares here are often good quality and cheaper than in the central stores, but the stallholders do not take credit cards – and make sure the fair is actually on before setting out, as it sometimes closes or moves to Saturday evenings, especially during the summer months; the city’s tourist kiosks should be able to advise.

Discover more places in Argentina

The Rough Guides to Argentina and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

written by Andy Turner

updated 26.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover Argentina?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Travel advice

18 Unmissable Things to Do in Buenos Aires, Argentina

B uenos Aires is one of the most evolving and passionate cities in Latin America. It has some of the most beautiful architecture, warm hearted locals, incredible cuisine and wines, and a cultural charm that beckons you to stay longer.

There is a plethora of things to do in Buenos Aires, from feeling the romantic pull of a tango performance to getting acquainted to the vibrant arts scene to relaxing in the city’s network of extensive parks.

It’s a capital that is so diverse and different from anywhere else in the world, and no doubt you’ll remember your trip there for as long as your lifetime.

But if you’re not sure what to do in Buenos Aires or what attractions to visit, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve shared below some of our unmissable attractions for any first time visitor, so you can make the most out of a visit to this city.

1. Check Out Graffiti Art

2. visit recoleta cemetery, 3. admire the architecture at plaza de mayo, 4. walk along 9 de julio avenue.

• 5. See Dante's Divine Comedy Come to Life at Palacio Barolo

6. Explore The Neighborhoods in Buenos Aires

7. have an argentinean steak, 8. try argentinean wine, 9. watch la bomba de tiempo, 10. experience the nightlife of palmero, 11. go vintage shopping in buenos aires, 12. attend the world tango festival, 13. take a day trip to san isidro, 14. marvel at the most beautiful bookstore, el ateneo grand splendid, 15. have a coffee at café tortoni, 16. visit malba, 17. take a day trip to tigre delta, 18. check out museo evita, best time of year to visit buenos aires, getting to and around buenos aires, note about money in visiting buenos aires, where to stay in buenos aires, final thoughts, pin to save to pinterest, best things to do in buenos aires.

Buenos Aires is a huge city, and it can be overwhelming to a traveler who wants to see and do it all (like me). However, these are the most unmissable attractions in Buenos Aires not to miss!

Not only is the street art impressive, it is an important part of the city’s culture and history. You will easily find graffiti art in the barrios (neighborhoods) of San Telmo, Villa Crespo, and Palermo Soho.

Buenos Aires embraces artistic expression and creativity in all forms. Both local and international artists utilize the city’s walls as a canvas for self-expression, the streets of Buenos Aires are like an open-air gallery showcasing the artistic pulse of the city.

Exploring these neighborhoods reveals the intersection of history, politics, and social commentary through the lens of street art. You can really get a feel for the city’s spirit and gain insight into its cultural landscape, just by witnessing the remains of a few dabs of a paint brush.

If you’re really into it, I recommend a Graffitimundo Tour to learn more about the graffiti styles and artists.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Although it may sound morbid to visit a cemetery, getting lost in the Recoleta Cemetery is one of the top things to do in BA.

La Recoleta Cemetery was established in 1822, during a time when political and societal transformation in the city began to take form.

It has some beautiful and elaborate mausoleums and ornate tombs, each belonging to prominent figures, from politicians to artists, and wealthy families.

The most visited grave is that of Eva Perón, the former first lady who is loved by the local people for her work on abolishing women’s suffrage in Argentina.

Beyond its historical value, the cemetery’s architectural beauty and tranquil ambiance make it a notable destination to visit for some peace and quiet, and a place to reflect without the chaos of the city honking around you.

If you want to learn more about the city’s politics, then head to the center of politics and important historical events – the Plaza de Mayo.

Plaza de Mayo is a square that has been the beating heart of Argentina’s tumultuous past, having been witness to pivotal moments in the nation’s history, including the May Revolution of 1810 which led to Argentine independence.

Its surrounding landmarks, such as the Casa Rosada (the presidential palace) and the Metropolitan Cathedral, further amplify its cultural importance.

Beyond its historical weight, Plaza de Mayo continues to be a focal point for public gatherings, protests, and celebrations, making it a dynamic reflection of Argentine society.

If you want to learn more about the political history and societal issues in Buenos Aires, I highly recommend the free walking tour, which takes you to here. It begins every day at Corner of Libertad and Viamonte, next to Teatro Colon, at 10.30am.

This is the longest and most important avenue in the city. It was named after Argentina’s Independence Day on July 9th, 1816, and is the widest avenue in the world.

The avenue is lined with notable landmarks, including the imposing Obelisk, Teatro Colón, a beautiful theater that’s worth visiting for an opera, ballet, or classical music concert, and the Río de la Plata waterfront which connects to the Retiro district.

This street is where thousands of Argentinean football fans welcomed home the Argentina team who won The World Cup in 1978, 1986, and 2022, and is the place everyone goes to for patriotic fervor.

5. See Dante’s Divine Comedy Come to Life at Palacio Barolo

One of the most unique buildings in the city is The Palacio Barolo, which was designed by Italian architect, Mario Palanti, and completed in 1923.

At the time of its creation, it was the tallest building in Latin America, but that title has been long gone.

The building was the brain child of businessman Luigi Barolo, who wanted to represent the allegorical references to Dante’s Divine Comedy, and the stages towards god.

Each section of the building represents the stages in Dante’s poem, from Inferno (Hell) at the bottom, Purgatorio (Purgatory) in the middle, and Paradiso (Heaven) at the top.

It was declared a National Historic Monument in 1997.

There are many barrios (neighborhoods), in Buenos Aires, each with their own distinct character. For a short trip, these are the ones you have to see.

Palermo Soho is one of the trendier neighborhoods known for its restaurants and boutique shops. It is also a pleasant and pretty place for a stroll.

Explore the Bosques de Palermo . If you want to get a glimpse into the lifestyle of porteños , the parks are where to spot them enjoying a beautiful day. The Bosques de Palermo is the biggest and most beautiful in the city.

Recoleta is the neighborhood that gives Buenos Aires its reputation for being the “Paris of South America.” The architecture is gorgeous, and the area is packed with high end shopping, restaurants, and art galleries and museums.

San Telmo is a charming area with narrow cobblestone streets, lots of colorful graffiti, and a mix of traditional and trendy shopping and dining. Enjoy the lively Feria de San Telmo (Sunday Feria), or San Telmo Market on Sundays.

Even if you’re not into the shopping, it’s fun to see the crowds, listen to the music, watch a tango show at Plaza Dorrego, and enjoy the passion of the people.

Puerto Madero is an affluent area on the waterfront that’s a nice place to walk around.

You may hear people talk about visiting La Boca , which is a notoriously dangerous area. If you visit in the day time and stick to the main street (the one with colorful buildings) and leave before night time, you should be fine.

If you do go to La Boca, make sure to visit Museo Benito Quinquela Martín, a museum dedicated to one of the most celebrated local artists, from the La Boca neighborhood, who paints scenes of daily life in the city.

I wouldn’t say it’s one of the top things to do in Buenos Aires, especially if you’re short on time, but it’s a cool place to sit in a bar and watch a tango dance.

You cannot go to Buenos Aires without having an amazing steak, a great bottle (or five) of red wine, and a ¼ kilo of ice cream.

It doesn’t matter where you go in the city, you’ll find some of the best cuts of meat you’ve ever tasted, cooked to perfection, and it will cost you half the price you pay in the USA or Europe .

Don Julio is the most famous restaurant in Buenos Aires for its steak, though you will be paying a bit more for a meal here than other restaurants.

There are excellent steaks and excellent service at La Cabrera in Palermo Soho. Be sure to order the provoleta for a starter.

As Buenos Aires becomes a more sophisticated city with a growing expat community, the selection of international cuisine keeps growing.

For a special experience, check out a puerta cerrada (closed door) restaurant where excellent chefs serve creative set menus for a small group of visitors (reservations required) sometimes at private tables and sometimes group dining.

Cumaná in Recoleta is a popular locals restaurant where you can get a variety of quality traditional Argentine cuisine including locro, empanadas, pizza, and picadas (meat and cheese plates).

When you’re craving something sweet, Persicco, Un ‘Altra Volta, and Moratto are some of the top shops with locations throughout the city. You have to try anything with dulce de leche, it’s the most delicious sauce and comes from Argentina!

Other foods to try in Buenos Aires include empanadas, provoleta (baked cheese!), locro (a stew typical in the north of Argentina), and a picada (cheese and meat plate).

If you love wine, you are in the right city. Argentina is known for its big reds, including Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah. The northern region is also known for its white varietal Torrontes. The wine in Argentina is very affordable, and you can find good options in any restaurant and most shops.

For a really special experience, schedule a tasting with Anuva Wines , which features high-quality wines from smaller bodegas.

If you’re in Buenos Aires on a Monday, you must see La Bomba de Tiempo at Ciudad Cultural Konex . It’s my favorite thing to do in Buenos Aires at night.

La Bomba is a musical group made up of some of the best percussionists in the country. Through rhythmic drum beats, they put on an improvised performance each week that’s inspired by Argentinean culture.

If you love night life, then you’re in the right city. Most of the touristy areas are good for a night on the town. After all, this is the city that never sleeps.

The top neighborhoods are San Telmo, Recoleta, and Palermo Soho. The latter is my top pick because you have many options for dinner, drinks at a casual bar, and dancing at a club until the sun rises.

If you’re into music, there are lots of opportunities to see performances. There are small venues all over, and you will see flyers advertising shows everywhere. Be adventurous and check out something new.

There are lots of shopping opportunities in Buenos Aires, especially if you love vintage shops and antiques.

San Telmo is known for its antiques shops, and the Sunday Feria outdoor fair is a must-do. Palermo Soho also hosts an outdoor market with a more bohemian style at Plaza Serrano and nearby streets on weekends.

If you are looking for trendy, boutique shops, you will find them throughout Palermo Soho, San Telmo, and Recoleta.

Villa Crespo (next to the Palermo neighborhood) is where to find good deals. There is an outlet shopping area on Aguirre and a small leather district on Murrillo.

If you don’t mind busy, crowded areas, the pedestrian street Calle Florida is a well-known shopping district where you can find your more globally-recognized stores, some handmade goods, and junk.

Buenos Aires is the city of Tango, and no trip to BA would be complete without taking the time to experience it.

If you can, coincide your trip with The World Tango Festival, which happens in May. Although you can find tango all over the city any day of the week, the city has a special energy during this two-week festival, and you can see the finest tango dancers in the world.

One of the best day trips from Buenos Aires is to the affluent suburb of San Isidro , because it gives you a break from the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires, and it is a beautiful area to stroll.

It is best to go on the weekend when there is an antiques and crafts fair in the main plaza.

Located inside a former opera house, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is perhaps the most beautiful bookstore in the world.

It was build in 1919 and features four stories of elegant, renaissance-inspired balconies flocked with shelves of books.

You can even find a cafe on the former stage behind the original red curtain.

This is another beautiful building that’s worth visiting for its grandeur. It was built in 1858 in a French-style design, and features dark wood paneling with stained-glass ceilings and chandeliers.

Don’t miss a trip to the bathroom, which takes you through a treasure trove of antiques and historic memorabilia.

At the back, is a stage where you can watch tango performances or live music performances.

And the coffee is pretty good, too.

Another tourist attraction worth visiting is the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA), an art museum that houses a diverse and captivating collection of 20th-century Latin American art.

Established in 2001 by Argentine businessman Eduardo F. Costantini, MALBA serves as a vibrant hub for artistic expression and historical preservation.

If you love art museums and want to learn about BA’s artistic influences, this is the place to go.

If the city is becoming a bit too much, then take a trip 45 minutes out of the city to enjoy boat rides along the Tigre Delta.

Nestled on the banks of the Río de la Plata, this neighborhood is flanked with houses, cafes and hotels, which are only accessible by boat.

At 5,405 square miles, it’s the largest delta in the world.

Check out this day tour of Tigre Delta from Buenos Aires here!

The Museo Evita is a museum dedicated to Eva Peron and is located inside her splendid 1923 mansion.

It opened in 2002 on the 50th anniversary of her passing, and tells the story of her life through an extensive collection of photographs, videos, and historical documents.

You can learn more about Evita’s pivotal role in Argentina’s history, her advocacy for social justice, and her legacy.

The best time of year to visit Buenos Aires is in the Spring and Autumn. The hottest and driest months are December and January and coincide with the busiest part of the high season, which can be crowded with tourists from all over the world.

If you prefer moderate temperatures, don’t mind chancing some rain, and prefer smaller crowds, I suggest the months of September, October, November, March, or April.

The major airlines with international flights to Buenos Aires are American Airlines, Delta, Air Canada, British Airways, and Iberia. If you are in Latin America and looking for flights, check out LAN, TACA, and Aerolineas Argentinas.

From within Argentina, there is a good network of buses. Check out Plataforma10 for long distance buses to BA from other parts of the country, or from neighboring countries like Brazil or Uruguay.

When it comes to getting around the city, public transport is great. You can get all over the city by using the underground Subte and local buses.

The Subte is quite easy to figure out, even if you don’t speak Spanish. Buses are a little trickier, but hardcore independent travelers with a little Spanish can figure it out. Best tip for the bus…always have monedas (coins). They don’t take bills.

The city is very large, but it is also walkable within and between neighboring barrios, and it’s a fun way to check out the architecture and stumble upon a local wine bar or café.

Taxis are plentiful and not that expensive compared to other major cities like New York or London. Just be sure you have some idea where you are going and read about common taxi scams in a guide book.

Although Buenos Aires is an amazing city, there are some important things to know before you go , especially with regards to money.

The important thing to know about BA is the money situation. The city is confusing in that is has two exchange rates; the official rate and the blue dollar rate.

Basically, the official rate which is put in place by the banks and government, is twice as much as the blue dollar rate – so you want to get your hands on the blue dollar rate.

The way to do this is by transferring your money to Western Union, and going to a branch to withdraw it in cash. Try and do as much as you need at once, and visit the branch early as they do run out of cash quickly – this is how the locals get money too, so by 3pm the branches are all out.

Friday’s are the worst days to withdraw money at Western Union, you’ll find lines down the street and you’ll be waiting for hours.

Alternatively, bring US dollars with you and head to Calle Florida and listen for the people shouting “cambio! cambio! cambio!”. They don’t have the same rate as Western Union, but it’s way better than the banks.

Some places accept US dollars too. In fact, hotels prefer it. Always ask about discounts when paying in dollars.

Inflation has been and continues to be rampant in Argentina, and the people still don’t trust the banks.

The government has placed many restrictions on locals for buying US dollars, so businesses are happy to offer large discounts to travellers in order to get a more stable currency.

For budget travelers, Couchsurfing and hostels provide several affordable options in all of the central barrios .

A couple of recommended hostels are Hostel Eco Pampa in Palermo Soho and America del Sur Hostel.

A good mid-range option is  Republica Palermo  in Palermo Soho.

If you want something more luxurious but still good value, consider Own Hotel in Palermo Soho or Casa Calma in Recoleta.

Super-luxury travelers will be thrilled by world-renowned options such as the Alvear Palace Hotel and the Faena Hotel + Universe.

Renting an apartment can also be an affordable and more comfortable option for couples or groups. There are many apartment rental services, but be careful dealing with landlords. It is best to use a service that is well-established and provides user reviews, such as VRBO , and be sure to read the reviews carefully.

I love Buenos Aires because it has an eclectic mix of cultures, which you can see in its architecture, Latin American art, and food.

The city has an incredible energy, and the people are creative and passionate.

The city is unlike any other I have experienced or read about. There is a lot of European influence, but you definitely still get the Latin America vibe, yet the porteños have a distinct personality and culture.

I love big cities, and in Buenos Aires, I feel that there is something (or many things) for everyone

It has some of the most unique and beautiful architecture, amazing food, and a plethora of things to do.

We hope this guide helped you plan your trip to Buenos Aires and gave you some ideas for what to do there!

Bio: At the age of 29, Stephanie left for a 20-month travel sabbatical through Central and South America. She is passionate about photography and tries to find balance by living simpler, consuming less, and experiencing more. Follow her journey at TheTravelChica.com

Do you have tips on things to do in Buenos Aires? Let us know in the comments!

Buenos Aires

The city of many passions.

Travel Buenos Aires Series

Six documentary series to discover the best of the city.

Watch these 360º videos

We offer you 9 virtual 360 ° tours of iconic sites in the City. Cheer up!

Porteño tutorials

Tips and steps to follow to experience the city's most authentic customs and traditions.

  WHAT TO DO

Art, culture and tango

Food, drink and nightlife

Football, sports and nature

Itineraries

Upcoming events.

BAFICI international film festival

Many locations

Buenos Aires International Book Fair

Apr-30 May-18

International Tango Festival and World Cup

Argentine Open Polo Tournament

The Argentine Polo Ground

See more events ❯

Book your experience

Bicycle tour La Boca

Explore Recoleta

Walking tour: Retiro

Street art tour: Barracas

See all experiences ❯

Buenos Aires is its people

Ten reasons to visit

First time in the city?

Must-see attractions

Buenos Aires up close

All the info you need.

Getting here

Getting around

Useful information

Tourist assistance center

Accessibility

Get in touch with us ❯

Sign up to our newsletter ❯

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The 12 best towns near Buenos Aires for a weekend getaway

Whether for a day trip or a weekend escape, these towns near Buenos Aires offer the perfect plan.

Looking for a weekend getaway near Buenos Aires? It should be a destination relatively close to the city, with enough attractions to explore in a day or two at most. Or, with a good gastronomic and accommodation offer, to have a good time and relax.

With all this in mind, we've selected the 12 best towns near Buenos Aires for a getaway that will enchant you.

An email you’ll actually love

1.  San Antonio de Areco

Known as the "birthplace of tradition," its history began in 1730, making it one of the oldest towns in the province. It's an ideal option if you're into horseback riding, visiting rural estates, or having lunch at a pulpería (traditional Argentine tavern). It also has several nearby villages for a peaceful stroll, such as Vagues, where you'll find restaurants, antique shops, and even a Railway Interpretation Center.

Tip: Corazonada , a gourmet restaurant by the renowned Argentine chef Paula Mendez Carreras.

How to get there: Take RN 8 for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

2.  Carlos Keen

A rural town 90 kilometers from Buenos Aires inhabited by fewer than 400 people. Gastronomy, nature, and some 19th-century buildings make this little town one of the most chosen for a weekend getaway. We recommend visiting its old train station, its granary, and its artisans' market. The town has about 4 blocks where around 25 restaurants are located.

Fun fact: Since April of last year, the streets of the town have been named after prominent residents as a tribute.

How to get there: Take RN 7 towards Luján and take the exit at kilometer 72.

3.  Lobos

Its main attraction is the lagoon, not only for its scenery but also for the possibility of water sports. It's 100 kilometers from Buenos Aires and also has a nature reserve with easy trails to enjoy. The historic center of the city has some buildings worth visiting, such as the Church of Our Lady of Carmen and the Municipal Palace.

Tip: Staying at Estancia La Candelaria, a 120-year-old castle of 1,200 square meters, elevates the experience to another level.

How to get there: Accessible via RP 41 or RN 205.

4.  Tomás Jofré

Primarily a gastronomic hub with countryside cuisine and rural experiences. It's about 100 kilometers from Buenos Aires, and most tourists come in search of tranquility. The most common dishes on the tables are barbecue, pasta, and platters of assorted meats and cheeses. On weekends, there are also craft and regional fairs.

Tip: Antenor is a restaurant with a traditional menu that offers options without gluten and for vegetarians and vegans. It opens on weekends, and we highly recommend going.

How to get there: Take RN 5 to kilometer 91 and then take the detour to Tomás Jofré.

5.  Suipacha

It's the perfect place for cheese lovers. It's a town that revolves around this product, offering a route to various cheese producers where you can take guided tours, tastings, and even stay overnight. Some of the producers are Quesos Fermier, Cabaña Piedras Blancas, and Il Mirtilo.

Tip: Fermier, for example, offers a guided tour of its "cheese route."

How to get there: Accessible via RN 5 for 1 hour and 45 minutes.

6.  Sierra de la Ventana

It's a region where nature is the main protagonist. Some see many similarities with the mountains of Córdoba, but the truth is that this oasis 600 kilometers from Buenos Aires has its own identity.

It has several places for trekking, such as the Private Reserve Sierras Grandes, the Ernesto Tornquist Provincial Park, and the Tres Picos Hill.

Tip: While you're there, take a stroll through Villa de la Ventana, a charming and beautiful little village about 18 kilometers from Sierra de la Ventana.

How to get there: Take RN 3, then RP 76, and RP72.

7.  Uribelarrea

A town dating back to 1890 that still retains its dirt streets and some of its country stores. It's 80 kilometers from Buenos Aires and is another popular spot for gastronomic getaways. On weekends, it has a craft and entrepreneurship fair. You can also visit a goat farm where tea is served and a winery offering guided tours.

Hidden gem: El Retoño , a tea house run by women from the town.

How to get there: Take RN 205 to kilometer 82.5.

8.  Cazón

Known as "the town of a million trees," this place is famous for having the country's most important municipal nursery, with over 200 hectares of plantations. It's 178 kilometers from Buenos Aires and has only 300 inhabitants. In a short tour, you can also visit the Plaza de la Juventud, the Cazón Social and Sports Club, and the old charcoal ovens.

Tip: Make sure to visit Casa de Susana Soba, a famous writer and poet, which today is a cultural space hosting events, presentations, and art exhibitions.

How to get there: Take RN 205, and at kilometer 170, take the paved road to Cazón.

9.  Chascomús

Its lagoon is the reason why many tourists come here, especially in the summer. It has about 3 thousand hectares and is surrounded by yacht clubs from where boats depart for water sports or fishing.

You can also tour its historic center, which has some must-see spots like the Main Square, the Chascomús Municipality, and the unique Capilla de los Negros, recognized by UNESCO. At 126 kilometers from Buenos Aires, this place is ideal for visiting on foot or by bicycle.

Tip: The Domingo Cazaux fishing pier is ideal for watching the sunset.

How to get there: Take Autovía 2 or RP 20 from the northwest area of the city.

10.  Tandil

It's one of the most popular destinations for a getaway from Buenos Aires because it has everything: from nature, adventure sports, culture to gastronomy and wineries. 360 kilometers from CABA, it has the only chairlift in the province with 650 meters of panoramic views of valleys and mountains. Monte Calvario and Parque Independencia are other classic outdoor attractions in Tandil.

Tip: Visit the old bodega (winery) Época de Quesos and taste some local cured meats.

How to get there: First take RN 3 and then connect with RP 30. You can also go via RP 29 or AU Ezeiza-Cañuelas and then take RN 3 and RP 30.

11.  Azcuénaga

It's a small town with a few blocks, dirt streets, and sidewalks that end in the middle of the countryside. It's quiet during the week and bustling on weekends when dozens of tourists arrive in their cars or motorcycles to occupy any available space. Two hidden gems to visit before heading back are the old train station and the mill.

It also preserves some period houses and some recipes that are surely passed down in families and translate into tables full of sweets, cheeses, and other delights sold to tourists.

Tip: Le Four , a restaurant with a strong French influence, cloth napkins, and an ideal patio to enjoy some warm sunshine.

How to get there: Take RP 193. It's 11 km from San Andrés de Giles.

12.  Roque Pérez

Considered the corner of country stores and old estates, Roque Pérez catches the attention of tourists for being the place where a gem shines: the Cine Club Colón. With a history that began over 90 years ago, this place - renovated since 2012 - is a true must-see in the area. The building is a Historical Heritage of Roque Pérez and is the meeting point for all the locals in the area.

After taking a stroll around this place, you can enjoy some regional food in a store with two premises: abundant dishes and homemade food.

Hidden gem: Almacén San Francisco, over 90 years old, which has some outdoor tables and serves vermouth at any time.

How to get there: It's 135 kilometers from Buenos Aires. Take Autopista Ricchieri, Autopista Ezeiza-Cañuelas, and RN 205.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market