Buenos Aires is the vibrant, beautiful capital of Argentina that’s sometimes referred to as the Paris of South America.
Known for its European-style architecture, fascinating culture, and quirky neighborhoods (oh, and did I mention mouth-watering cuisine?!) Buenos Aires boasts a blend of modernism and classical charm that’s hard to compete with.
A lively nightlife, art-filled districts, beautiful parks, and a wide range of entertainment and cultural activities make it one of the very best places to visit in Argentina (and I would say Latin America in general).
➤ My husband is from Argentina, so I’ve had the chance to visit Buenos Aires at length multiple times throughout the years, and I always find something new to see or do! My husband doesn’t usually work with me on the blog, but for obvious reasons, this post was co-written by both of us so you can have the local point of view (and I’ll be able to say I’m Argentinian soon!).
Being such a large city it can be a little bit tricky to plan a comprehensive visit, especially if you don’t have much time. To help you narrow down the list, I’ve compiled the best things to do in Buenos Aires in this article.
First time in Buenos Aires? To get a sense of everything the city has to offer, start with the Immersive Buenos Aires Day: Boca, San Telmo, Cemetery & More! and then work your way through this list. A local guide will introduce you to the city’s history as you explore some of its highlights and savor street food bites. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A good option to get around the city is this Buenos Aires: Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus Tour. It will take you to all the major landmarks, allowing you to spend as much time in each location as you choose. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Table of Contents
Have a Great Night at The Argentine Experience
The Argentine Experience is a culinary journey that will introduce you – in the most comprehensive way – to Argentinian cuisine. It’s a social dining experience combined with a cooking class, ensuring you get the most out of the activity.
I absolutely loved it, and felt it was a unique way to spend an evening in Buenos Aires. The Argentine Experience lasts less than three hours, and it starts with a hands-on demonstration of how to make empanadas.
You’ll also learn to make alfajores, a delicious sweet, and mate, the region’s traditional beverage.
The activity also includes a 6-course dinner starring all the typical dishes from Argentina, paired with local wines. Whether you’re a foodie or merely curious about the rave-worthy Argentinian cuisine, I think this experience will fulfill all your expectations (and a little more).
I recommend booking the Argentine Experience: Immersive 6-Course Menu with Wine Tasting in advance. It works with small groups to ensure an intimate ambiance, and it may be sold out for your dates if you wait until the last minute. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Visit La Boca, Buenos Aires’ Most Colorful Neighborhood
La Boca is one of the liveliest, most historic neighborhoods in the city, famous for its cultural heritage and artistic scene. Once a bustling port, La Boca is a working-class district with Italian roots, featuring a quirky character and picturesque architecture.
One of its main attractions is El Caminito, an iconic street lined by vividly painted houses, street art, artisan stalls, and a few restaurants with outdoor seating areas.
It’s not rare to see tango dancers performing on the street, and musicians showcasing their craft, making the area even livelier.
You’ll stumble upon local bars fully decorated with soccer memorabilia, and they’re a great place to try the traditional choripan, an inexpensive chorizo sandwich with chimichurri. La Glorieta de Quique is rumored to serve the best choripan in the district.
You can wander around the colorful streets of La Boca on your own, but I’d recommend a tour if you want to dive deeper into its history and roots, and for safety reasons.
⚠️ I urge you to stay alert while wandering around La Boca. While sticking to El Caminito is generally safe, I hard multiple people getting robbed in other areas of La Boca.
▶️ On this Buenos Aires: La Boca Guided Walking Tour in English, a local guide will take you around the major highlights, providing a comprehensive 2-hour cultural immersion. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Aside from its artistic side, La Boca is renowned for being home to La Bombonera stadium. This is where Argentina’s most famous soccer team, Boca Juniors, plays.
Become an Asado Expert
Asado is Argentina’s most iconic dish. It’s the region’s traditional barbecue and consists of various cuts of meat, mostly beef, slowly grilled over the fire.
The most typical meat cuts in asado include short ribs, ribeye, and chorizo. Each place has its own way of doing asado, which is why it doesn’t taste the same everywhere.
▶️ To try the absolute best asado in the city, I recommend eating at Don Julio, a very popular grill house that serves mouthwatering steak, asado, and other traditional dishes, paired witha long list of Argentine wines.
And don’t only take my word for it – besides its +15 thousand positive reviews, Don Julio recently received its first Michelin star. Reservations are highly recommended.
▶️ The Buenos Aires: 9-Course Argentine Meat Tasting at Fogón Asado is another experience I highly recommend if you’re a meat lover as it dives deep into the craft of asado making in merely 2 hours.
You’ll enjoy a live cooking demonstration as the chefs explain each step of the process and you sip on a welcome cocktail. Savor a 9-course asado tasting menu with optional wine pairings that will enhance the flavor of each dish. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
If you’d rather learn the art of making asado on top of relishing this beloved dish, this is an asado cooking class that I joined and loved:
▶️ The Criolla Cooking: Argentine Masterclass of Meat, Empanadas & More is a half-day culinary adventure. You’ll don an apron and get hands-on training in the making of empanadas, asado, and a dulce de leche dessert.
You can choose to cook tenderloin or a selection of four cuts of meat. Learn how to choose the right meat, grill it to perfection, and savor it with a glass of wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
I’ve written an entire post about cooking classes in Buenos Aires, if you’d like to see more options.
Explore Recoleta & the Recoleta Cemetery
Recoleta is one of Buenos Aires’ most elegant neighborhoods, boasting striking European architecture. The walk from the French embassy to Plaza Francia grants you a beautiful glimpse of the French-style buildings and the jacaranda trees that line the road.
This tree, native to South America, blooms in the spring with the most beautiful purple flowers.
The National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes) is located next to Plaza Francia. Right in front of it is the Recoleta Cemetery, a must-visit attraction for its magnificent architecture and history.
Resembling an open-air museum more than a cemetery, its narrow alleys take you past ornate tombs and mausoleums, most of which date back to the 19th century.
Reflecting the city’s former grandeur and nobility, Recoleta Cemetery is on many visitors’ itineraries for being the resting place of Eva Perón. While her grave is rather inconspicuous compared to its more imposing neighbors, it’s the most visited one.
Former presidents, Nobel prize winners, and other notable people are buried here as well.
If you feel like splurging, you can then head to Aramburu, the country’s only restaurant with 2 Michelin stars, for an exceptional 18-course dining experience.
Visit San Telmo & San Telmo Market
The neighborhood of San Telmo is among the oldest in the city, known for its bohemian vibes, historic architecture, and cobblestone streets.
It’s a hub for cultural and artistic events, and home to the bustling San Telmo Market, an establishment in the city. Housed in a historic building, it opened in the late 1800s to supply the new immigrants with produce and other essentials. Two centuries later, it’s still as popular!
You’ll find plenty of stalls selling everything from antiques and souvenirs to fresh fruit and vegetables, specialty coffee, and local bites.
Other cool attractions include Casa Minima, the city’s narrowest house, and Plaza Dorrego, an iconic square in the heart of the district. If you happen to visit on a Sunday, you’ll get to see the antique fair that’s hosted on-site.
The Galería Solar de French art gallery is a fun stop for art lovers, and just around the corner you’ll find the Mafalda Statue, San Telmo’s most beloved icon. It pays homage to Argentina’s famous comic character created by Quino.
Don’t leave the area without stopping at MACBA, the Buenos Aires Contemporary Art Museum, to check out the current collections of modern art, both national and international.
Learn All About Tango
Tango is the most famous Argentine art form. It was born in the late 19th century in Buenos Aires’ working-class neighborhoods, San Telmo and La Boca.
The elegant, world-renowned dance blended European and African influences looking to express longing and emotion through the body movements and music. It’s now a symbol of the country’s culture and is performed everywhere from the city’s lively streets to high-end theaters.
The best ways to learn about tango are by attending a tango show in Buenos Aires, or taking part in a class.
▶️ This Tango Lesson and Milonga tour introduces you to an authentic milonga night, away from the tourist traps. You’ll learn the history of tango before diving right into the movements, music, and codes of dancing tango. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ A good alternative is the Buenos Aires: Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner. You’ll visit the gorgeous Galeria Güemes theater to enjoy a world-class tango performance inspired by Piazzolla’s work. An optional 3-course meal with drinks is available. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Walk around the Downtown Area
Downtown Buenos Aires is where all the emblematic buildings and landmarks are located, and the political and historical hub of the city.
Its heart is Plaza de Mayo, a major square surrounded by the most important buildings in the city. Here you’ll find the Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Cabildo, and the headquarters of the National Bank.
Casa Rosada is the presidential palace, renowned for its pink facade and for being the political center of the country, and it’s the major attraction in the downtown area. There’s an interesting free museum behind the palace that explores Argentina’s history.
Just a short walk away is the towering Obelisco, a symbol of Buenos Aires located in the city’s main avenue, Avenida 9 de Julio. You’ll find the ”BA” sign right next to it, so don’t forget to get a picture with it!
Downtown Buenos Aires is also home to Teatro Colón, a world-famous opera house boasting astounding architecture and even better acoustics. You can join a Teatro Colon Guided Tour to learn more about the building and its history, or watch a show.
Another cultural highlight in Buenos Aires is Calle Corrientes, the equivalent of Broadway in New York or the West End in London. It’s lined with theaters where shows take place every night, so it becomes incredibly lively in the evenings.
Here you can also try the traditional Argentinian pizza at Pizzeria Güerrin or El Cuartito, and have a cocktail at Floreria Atlantico. One of my favorite restaurants, Tanta Argentina by Gaston Acurio, is also in this part of town.
Go on a Food Tour
Argentine cuisine? *mouth instantly waters* South America is well-known for its exotic flavors and traditional food, and Argentina is no exception. While the country might be world-renowned for its asado, it’s by no means the only dish they’re proud of!
These include empanadas, choripan, milanesas, and alfajores (or any dessert with dulce de leche – yum!). You should also try mate, the region’s most beloved beverage. You can embark on a DIY food tour, or join a guided one.
▶️ This Local Foodie Adventure in Buenos Aires with Sherpa Food Tours! takes you around the Palermo neighborhood, stopping at cafés, local restaurants and shops to sample a variety of dishes. You’ll learn about the gastronomic scene of the city while tasting at least eight bites and drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Be Enchanted by El Ateneo Grand Splendid Bookstore
The El Ateneo Grand Splendid is a magnificent bookstore, unique for being located inside a former theater. The architecture and ornate decorations of the building are beautiful, showcasing balconies and elegant staircases.
The bookshop stands out for its own merit, though, boasting a wide array of books on all subjects, genres, and even various languages. It’s literally a rabbit-hole attraction for book lovers!
There are reading nooks with comfortable seats, and a café on site where you can enjoy a medialuna or a coffee and dive into your newly-acquired books.
Not a bookworm? Ateneo is still worth the visit for its cultural value and beauty. It’s also very Instagrammable! 😉
Have a Fancy Afternoon Tea
Did you think afternoon tea was only a British tradition? Think again! Argentines love their merienda time, and Buenos Aires is teeming with options.
My favorite afternoon tea in the city is served at Alvear Palace, one of the leading hotels in the world. The hotel’s restaurant serves a lavish high tea including an extensive tea selection, scones with jam and cream, petit pâtisserie, finger sandwiches, a mini gateau, and a glass of sparkling wine.
Another good option is the 5 O’Clock Tea at Palacio Duhau. It’s served in an elegant dining room, and it includes your choice of tea or coffee.
The food consists of freshly baked scones with jam, cream cheese, and dulce de leche, finger sandwiches, and a selection of petit gâteaux, as well as juice and a glass of sparkling wine.
We didn’t have a good experience with the service when we went, and they ended up comping our tea for it. I don’t think it’s a common occurrence, but the 2 times I went to Alvear Palace the service was impeccable, so I very much recommend the first experience.
Discover the Street Art & Hipster Cafes in Palermo
Palermo is the eclectic district of Buenos Aires, mainly known for its vibrant street art and hipster culture, and divided into diverse areas with charm of their own.
As you stroll around the neighborhood, you’ll come across the most beautiful murals and paintings. While you can find some real gems merely wandering around, you’ll see the most spectacular street art in Pasaje Russel and Soria 4963.
Make sure to stop by the Frida Kahlo mural in Palermo Hollywood as well!
You’ll probably appreciate the café culture and bohemian vibes of Palermo during your street art hunt. However, I suggest heading to the areas of Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood to find the trendy cafés, art galleries, bars, and boutiques.
Some of the nicest cafés to check out are Cuervo Cafe for specialty coffee and brunch food, Casa Dingo for lunch, Ispica Caffe e Pasticceria for sweets and decadent cakes, and Moshu Treehouse, located in a beautiful courtyard.
In Palermo I also recommend the dining experience at Teatro Ciego, where you’ll be eating in full dark while listening to a theatre show.
However, you won’t enjoy the experience as much unless you speak perfect Spanish. I speak good Spanish and I enjoyed trying to eat in the dark, although I didn’t understand much of the show to be honest!
If you do, you’ll have an incredible time listening to a live comedy show (in Spanish) and relishing a 7-course dinner in the most complete darkness. You need to book your tickets in advance to ensure your spot.
Join a Cooking Class
How about learning all the ins and outs of Argentine cuisine so you can make it at home? A professional chef will guide you through the recipes and techniques to make some of the country’s staples, such as empanadas, asado, and traditional drinks.
▶️ The Criolla Cooking: Argentine Masterclass of Meat, Empanadas & More is a great option. I personally joined this class and had a blast! I learnt how to cook the traditional asado, how to make empanadas, and the typical Argentinian cocktails.
▶️ Consider also the Pachamama – Argentine Cooking Experience in Buenos Aires, a private lesson for your group of 12.
You’ll make traditional dishes including chipá, empanadas with homemade dough, humita, and dulce de leche pancakes. Relish all your creations paired with cocktails and wine. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
I’ve written a full post about the best cooking classes in Buenos Aires that you can check for more options.
Drink at Some of the Top Bars in the World
Buenos Aires doesn’t get left behind when it comes to vibrant nightlife, trendy bars, and eclectic mixology, which is why you’ll find some of the most astounding bars in the world in this city.
▶️ Floreria Atlantico is one of the most iconic bars in the city, inspired by the immigrant communities that arrived in Buenos Aires. The bar is almost hidden behind a wine and flower shop, and it serves a great selection of spirits, wines, and craft cocktails inspired by countries from all over the world.
▶️ Tres Monos is considered one of the world’s top 50 bars, renowned for its punk-style vibes and neon signs, and it’s where you’ll find the most varied menu of drinks, coocktails, and spirits in the city.
▶️ Airport Bar Palermo is an airport-themed bar with airplane seats and windows, an outdoor seating area, and bartenders dressed as flight attendants. It offers a good selection of cocktails and food, though its main draws are its aesthetics and Instagrammable nooks.
▶️ Boticario will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time, designed to look like a 1920s Apothecary shop. The drinks are named after medicinal brews and the bar’s aesthetics are quirky and entertaining.
▶️ Other popular bars I haven’t managed to visit yet are Uptown, The Hole Bar, and Cochinchina. If you have the time, they might be worth checking out as well!
Walk Around Puerto Madero
Puerto Madero is within the city’s Business District, an upscale neighborhood known for its modern skyscrapers and beautiful waterfront.
The area is a former port, and many of its old warehouses were converted into trendy cafés, hotels, and restaurants. This gives Puerto Madero a balance of red brick and tradition with contemporary architecture and luxury.
The best way to soak up the atmosphere of Puerto Madero is to walk around. You won’t miss the Puente de la Mujer bridge and the picturesque docks.
And if you’re tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, you should check out the Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur. This nature reserve boasts incredible biodiversity and beautiful trails for cycling or walking, with the sleek skyscrapers acting as its backdrop.
If you’d like to eat in the area, Cabaña las Ilas and La Parolaccia are great restaurants.
Check Out the Botanical Gardens & Japanese Gardens
In the neighborhood of Palermo, you’ll find the Botanical Gardens and the Japanese Gardens. They’re beautiful green spaces where you can escape from the bustle of the city.
The Botanical Gardens boast a great variety of plant and tree species from all over the world.
The Japanese Gardens, merely a short walk away, feature carefully curated landscapes with traditional architecture and bridges, koi ponds, and sculptures. The botanical gardens are free to visit, and the Japanese Gardens require a small entry fee that’s currently $4.
Eat at a Traditional Bodegon
Make sure to save an evening to go for dinner at a bodegon! A bodegon is a traditional, unpretentious restaurant where you’ll be served home-style local food from Argentine cuisine.
They’re usually affordable eateries where the portions are generous, and they have a no-fuss, homey decor that will make you feel right at home. You could think of them as Argentina’s version of Italian trattorias.
Bodegones are very popular with locals, so you’ll get to immerse yourself in the authentic lifestyle and culture of the city as you relish hearty dishes such as milanesas, empanadas, and tortillas.
El Antojo won the prize for the best milanesa in the city, so if you’re looking to try this authentic dish, this is the place.
You can also book a table at El Preferido de Palermo, a rather fancy bodegon, or go to La Pipeta, a local favorite.
Watch a Football Match at La Bombonera
If there is one thing Argentines are passionate about, it’s football (soccer). And by passionate, I mean (almost) obsessed: they breathe and live soccer.
The country’s most popular team, Boca Juniors, is from Buenos Aires and plays its matches in La Bombonera, a soccer stadium in La Boca.
Getting to see a football match surrounded by local fans in such a passionate and lively atmosphere is a unique (though a little crazy!) experience.
▶️ If you’re a soccer fan or want yeat another dose of authenticity in your trip, you can book Football Soccer Tickets & Match Day Experience. It starts with a tour around the stadium’s district, with a guide introducing you to soccer culture in the city.
You’ll then access the stadium to watch the live match. A guide will be present for assistance throughout the experience. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Discover the Traditional Coffee Scene
The café culture in Buenos Aires is an integral part of the city, which is the proud home of quite a few historic cafés. They’re renowned for having been frequented by celebrated writers, artists, and politicians throughout the centuries.
To this day, Argentines love to go out for a café con leche (milk coffee) or a cortado with medialunas, the country’s traditional pastry, in the afternoons.
Buenos Aires’ lively coffee scene spans from trendy cafés to the iconic French-style traditional coffee shops from the 19th century. I highly recommend having a coffee at one of the vintage cafés the city is known for!
▶️ Cafe Tortoni is the most famous one. It’s a French-style café from the mid 19th century, and a landmark in the city, but I didn’t find it that great. The service was rather rude, so I’ve found other alternatives for you to check out.
▶️ Las Violetas is a historic and elegant café founded in 1844, and famous for its spectacular cakes. Argentine dishes, an extensive wine list, cocktails, and an American-style breakfast menu are also available, though it’s mainly sought-after for its hot chocolate, coffees, and delicious sweets.
▶️ Confiteria La Ideal is one of the most lavish cafés, boasting intricate stained glass windows, ornate columns, and chandeliers. The medialunas and cakes are the star of the place, but there are also traditional dishes.
▶️ Cafe de Los Angelitos is a unique location as its home to a historic tango theater, where performances have taken place for centuries. As you enjoy a hot cup of coffee with cake, or a scrumptious dinner paired with wine, you can admire a first-class tango show right in front of you.
Take a Day Trip from Buenos Aires
If you have enough time, I recommend taking a day trip from the city. There are so many fabulous attractions near Buenos Aires worth the visit! These are some of the top excursions.
▶️ Become a gaucho for a day as you immerse yourself in the traditional lifestyle of the Pampas region, learning about the local cowboys and their traditions.
The Gaucho Day Tour Ranch at an Estancia from Buenos Aires is a full-day excursion. You’ll experience life on a ranch, enjoy a horseback ride, have a barbecue lunch, and enjoy a folklore show. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Colonia del Sacramento is an enchanting colonial city in Uruguay, across the river from Buenos Aires. It’s a UNESCO-listed site renowned for its very well-preserved historic quarter, featuring cobblestone streets, Portuguese architecture, and the oldest church in the country.
Colonia del Sacramento is a 1-hour ferry ride away from Buenos Aires. You can book your tickets online, and head to the city’s port to catch the ferry. The port in Colonia is mere steps from the historic center, making it easy to explore.
An alternative is booking the Colonia Ferry Tickets and Optional Tour From Buenos Aires. Travel comfortably on the ferry with return transfers secured, and choose between a walking tour, a winery tour, and lunch to make the most of your visit. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Tigre is a picturesque town just outside of Buenos Aires, known for its network of rivers and wetlands of the Parana Delta. Kayaking around the lush islands and winding canals, or going on a boat tour are some of the area’s hottest attractions.
Tigre also has a lovely craft market and the Museo del Mate (Mate museum), and it’s a very nice area to simply wander around. You can easily visit on your own from Buenos Aires, as it’s a 1-hour train ride away. Otherwise, you can join an organized trip.
The Tigre Delta Small-Group Tour from Buenos Aires lasts close to 6 hours. You’ll enjoy hotel transfers, and a cruise along the beautiful Delta, one of the largest in the world. Enjoy free time to explore the local market, and savor tasty snacks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Iguazu Falls are one of the most astounding waterfalls in the world, and UNESCO-recognized. Shared between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, 80% of the Iguazu National Park is located within Argentina.
Iguazú is about 800 miles (1,300 km) from Buenos Aires, a roughly 1.5-hour flight or a 16-hour bus ride. Visiting on a day trip wouldn’t be my first choice, as I feel the area deserves a few days to be properly explored, but if you have limited time and don’t want to miss it, this tour is a good option.
The Private Full-Day Iguazu Falls Tour with Airfare from Buenos Aires is exclusive to your party of 15. It includes roundtrip flights, entrance to the Iguazu park, and a guide to explore the various stations. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
