A quick guide to Buenos Aires: what to see and do in the capital of Argentina

I’ve been to Buenos Aires four or five times. I’ve been wanting to visit this city for a long time. I’ve heard many stories about charm of this city. The name ‘Paris of South America’ comes out frequently from people who have been there and in many written pieces. I do not think though that the people of Buenos Aires intend to imitate the capital of France.

The richness of the culture and liveliness of the city make that city a special place on Earth. On my first day in Buenos Aires, while wandering around the streets, I thought that I wouldn’t mind living there. Of course, it has its flows, like any other place, but the atmosphere there gets to you. Buenos Aires is for everyone.

Very quickly I was in love and I know already that this is one of those places that one wants to come back to. Well…at least me.

There’s so much more I would like to tell you about Buenos Aires. It is a city of many surprises and contrasts. Strolling from neihgbourhood to neighbourhood is like a feast for the eyes and historical hunger. And don’t get me started on the food! I could talk for hours!

Do you want the best ice cream in the world? I might not be a big ice cream lover I might be, but those in Buenos Aires made me gain an extra pound or two. You are a meat lover? No need to look further. Aren’t Italians supposed to be masters of pizza? It turns out that not. What about a DJ in a clothes shop? Why not? So, as I am still under the impression of this city, I would love to share with you some more. I also have for you some tips and ideas on how to visit Buenos Aires like a local, just follow this quick guide to Buenos Aires.

Best things to see and do in Buenos Aires

There is so much about that city: the food and vibrant restaurants and cafes, the architecture, the fashion trends, the theatre, the outdoors. It is impossible to cover it all in just one post, therefore, if you don’t mind, you will hear about Buenos Aires more very shortly.

Go on a walking or bike tour

This option will be a great introduction to the city as Buenos Aires is really big and has so much to see.

Explore Buenos Aires by joining a guided tour: Experience an in-depth Buenos Aires Walking Tour led by local guides, showcasing all the must-visit spots in the city. Get a comprehensive overview and book your walking tour now. If you don’t have much time, there are tours as short as 3 hours. It is worth joining La Boca guided tour.
Discover the city on two wheels with Buenos Aires Bike Tours offering two distinct circuits. Choose the south circuit to pedal through La Boca, San Telmo, and Plaza de Mayo, or opt for the North Circuit to explore Recoleta, Palermo, and the picturesque parks. Reserve your bike tour today. You can also rent a bike and explore Buenos Aires independently.
For a convenient alternative, consider the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus, covering the entirety of Buenos Aires with stops at major sites. Ideal for independent exploration, this bus tour provides easy access to the city’s attractions. This is a great option if you cannot walk too much by granting you the freedom to explore Buenos Aires at your own pace.

Visit old and charming bookshops

If you are a bookworm, you can get lost in one of many bookstores. Many are located in beautiful, old buildings and feel like theatres or museums. My favourite bookstores in Buenos Aires are: Al Ateneo Grand Splendid, Libros del Pasaje, Walrus Books or Eterna Cadencia.

Visit Colon theatre

Art and culture lovers can enjoy museum after museum or get thrilled watching a play in one of the most stunning theatres in the world- Teatro Colon. It is a very popular and Instagrammable place, so reserve a couple of hours to see it properly. For popular places, I’d recommend booking a skip-the-line ticket in advance.

Tango show

Experiencing tango is an absolute must when visiting Buenos Aires! You can even join a milonga class to try it out yourself.

To fully embrace the passion and rhythm of tango, attending an authentic tango show is a must.

If a tango show is too pricey for you, don’t miss the milonga in Plaza Dorrego every Sunday night following the San Telmo Market. This authentic and free experience attracts locals who gather weekly to dance and enjoy the ambiance. Another free option is having a coffee or dinner in La Boca as dancers perform in front of restaurants and on the street.

Spend an afternoon in La Recoleta

A visit to Argentina wouldn’t be whole without exploring Recoleta Cemetery, undeniably among the most renowned spots in Buenos Aires. If your schedule allows you, I suggest planning your visit for the weekend as on Saturdays and Sundays, an artisan market unfolds in the square adjacent to the cemetery.

Go to San Telmo market on a Sunday

One of the most popular things to do in Buenos Aires as a local or a tourist is to visit San Telmo flea market on a Sunday.

See Floaris Genérica sculpture

This silver sculpture was designed in a way that it opens up during the day forming a flower and closes at night. Well, it got broken…luckily while being opened, it stays like that every day and night. It will get repaired in a few months, I was told.

Visit La Boca- the most colourful neighbourhood

La Boca, a vibrant neighborhood in Buenos Aires, is most known for its colorful streets, lively atmosphere, and deep ties to tango culture. Characterized by its picturesque buildings painted in bright hues, notably along the famous street Caminito, this area is a hub for art, music, and dance.

La Boca’s streets are lined with tango dancers, local artists showcasing their work, and charming cafes offering authentic Argentine cuisine.

Reserve some time for a stroll in the parks

I was so happy to see so many parks in Buenos Aires, especially after living for a while in the desert. I was jumping like a kid at the sight of blooming trees (although autumn already arrived) and rose gardens. The soft, sweet fragrance of flowers in the air and the calmness of the green around works wonders and it is the best stress or bad mood killer ever!

Go to Palermo Soho- a cool place in Buenos Aires

Palermo Soho has its unique vibe, very distinct from the rest of the city. It’s worth spending an afternoon there and exploring many alternative shops with handmade items. It’s a good place for finding an interesting souvenir.

Experience the life of a Gaucho for a day at an Estancia

Explore Argentina’s rural culture by embarking on a day trip to one of the many operational ranches, or estancias, situated in the countryside surrounding Buenos Aires.

The top-notch estancias close to Buenos Aires offer a complete day of planned activities known as a “dia de campo” and include transportation to and from the city. The specific schedule varies depending on the estancia, but they generally offer similar experiences: horseback rides, a traditional asado (barbecue) lunch, a folkloric music performance, and an afternoon tea (or mate) to conclude the day.

For a glimpse of one of Argentina’s most charming small towns, you might want to consider adding a trip to San Antonio de Areco to your itinerary.

BOOK YOUR GAUCHO TOUR AT ESTANCIA HERE

Explore Tigre’s River Delta A wooden boat navigating down a river

Another fantastic day excursion from Buenos Aires is to the Paraná River Delta in Tigre.

You can explore this area by a river taxi or hire a private boat to navigate through the numerous branches of the river, exploring the tropical islands just an hour north of the city. Hiring a private boat is the easiest option if you have the budget for it. As the water taxis (lanchas) operate similarly to city buses with fixed stops, having your boat allows you to explore more of the delta and escape the crowds.

You can venture independently by taking the train from Retiro to Tigre. Upon arrival, hop on one of the lanchas (water taxis) to Tres Bocas, the most popular island. After exploring the area ( there are many traditional stilted homes), you may have lunch in one of the restaurants.

Favourite travel resources:

Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
World Nomads travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
Jack’s Flight Club is a service that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, it works especially well in Europe.
Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money.
Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.

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Where to stay in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a huge city and each neighbourhood (called barrio) has its own, special vibe. These are the best barrios to stay in:

Palermo Soho- for a cool vibe
Palermo Holywood- for bars and restaurants (similar in a way to Soho)
San Telmo- for a colonial and bohemian feel
Recoleta- for luxury hotels
Chacarita- for a nigtlife
Puerto Madero- for a modern luxury

There are many great hotel options in Buenos Aires in each barrio and it really deserves a separate post. I use Booking.com to search for hotels- use the map option to see where they are located.

Best time to go to Buenos Aires

The best time to visit Buenos Aires largely depends on your preferences and what you aim to experience during your trip. Buenos Aires experiences distinct seasons, each offering unique advantages to visitors.

Spring (September – November): This season is a wonderful time to visit Buenos Aires. The weather is pleasantly warm, and the city comes alive with beautiful blossoms. Outdoor activities are enjoyable during this period, and it’s before the peak tourist season, so crowds are generally smaller.

Fall (March – May): Similar to spring, fall in Buenos Aires offers mild temperatures and vibrant foliage. It’s a fantastic time for cultural events, as many festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions take place during these months.

Summer (December – February): Summers in Buenos Aires can be hot and humid, but this is also the season for lively outdoor events, including street fairs, music festivals, and open-air tango shows. Many locals head out of the city for vacations during January, resulting in slightly quieter streets.

Winter (June – August): Winters are mild, but it can get chilly in Buenos Aires during this time. However, this season offers fewer crowds, lower hotel rates, and a chance to experience the city’s indoor attractions, museums, and theaters. Don’t be surprised though if you get caught up by heavy rain- it gets really strong.

How long to stay in Buenos Aires

The city is big with many interesting things to see and do, so I’d recommend at least three days to spend in Buenos Aires. If you are thinking of doing some excursions, for example to Colonia de Sacramento in Uruguay or other places, plan to stay in Buenos Aires at least five days.

I really enjoyed the breakfast time with a cup of coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, Argentinian style crossaints- medialunas and a newspaper.

While walking along Río de la Plata I spotted those seats for fishermen. It is such a great idea! And anyone can use it.

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