18 Unmissable Things to Do in Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Buenos 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.

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!

1. Check Out Graffiti Art

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.

2. Visit Recoleta Cemetery

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.

3. Admire The Architecture at Plaza de Mayo

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.

4. Walk along 9 de Julio Avenue

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.

6. Explore The Neighborhoods in Buenos Aires

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.

7. Have An Argentinean Steak

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).

8. Try Argentinean Wine

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.

9. Watch La Bomba de Tiempo

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.

10. Experience The Nightlife of Palmero

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.

11. Go Vintage Shopping in Buenos Aires

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.

12. Attend the World Tango Festival

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.

13. Take a Day Trip to San Isidro

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.

14. Marvel at the Most Beautiful Bookstore, El Ateneo Grand Splendid

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.

15. Have a Coffee at Café Tortoni

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.

16. Visit MALBA

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.

17. Take a Day Trip to Tigre Delta

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.

18. Check out Museo Evita

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.

Best Time of Year to Visit Buenos Aires

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.

Getting To and Around Buenos Aires

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.

Note About Money In Visiting Buenos Aires

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.

Where to Stay in Buenos Aires

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.

Final Thoughts

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!

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