A Guide to Buenos Aires
Read our travel guide on the best things to see and do in Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina. You will find tips on must-visit places and top attractions here, including advice on where to stay, how to get there, and how to stay safe.
Visiting Buenos Aires was an experience we won't easily forget. There was something in the air that made our trip to this South American city so special.
Although there is plenty of things to do in Buenos Aires, the city is not the classic destination where people flock every year to experience its beauty.
Simply put, there are not many attractions to admire and must-visit places like in popular European cities.
Yet, we were pleasantly surprised by the city's vibrant atmosphere, and during three days in Buenos Aires, we quickly found out that there are plenty of fun things to see and do.
When looking retrospectively at those few days we spent in Buenos Aires, we always have only words of admiration. We cannot help it.
The city center was clean, busy, and the atmosphere vibrant, buildings around us were well-kept, insanely massive, and lofty.
But instead of architectural highlights and tourist attractions, we rather recall the feeling we had when wandering the streets in the city center. It was pure joy.
The entire experience was quite different when we compare it to other capital cities in South America, such as Lima or Quito.
And Buenos Aires quickly became our favorite capital on the continent for no particular reason. Or for all the reasons we've mentioned above.
Maybe we got drunk by the omnipresent scent of sensual tango in the air.
So here's everything you should know about Buenos Aires before you go.
Best Things to See and Do in Buenos Aires
When exploring a new destination, we like to see and do as much as we can. And Buenos Aires was not an exception.
This destination made it really easy, though. Simply put, there is no time to get bored in the city of Good Airs.
If you are looking for inspiration for your Buenos Aires itinerary, here's the list of the best things to see and do while staying in this incredible city.
Recoleta Cemetery
It might seem weird to put a cemetery among the top things to see in Buenos Aires, but Recoleta Cemetery is an extraordinary place to visit.
Not only is the architecture of tombs and crypts impressive, but important people who lived in Buenos Aires have their final resting places here.
For instance, one of the most outstanding artists of Argentina's history, Eva 'Evita' Peron, has a grave here.
The grandeur of the cemetery is simple. People wanted to be appreciated even after death and wanted everyone to know they belonged among society's elite.
Many cemeteries in South America are worth visiting. For example, the cemetery in La Paz in Bolivia is interesting as well.
If you want to hear more stories and know more about statues and architecture in Recoleta Cemetery, you can book a La Recoleta Cemetery Tour.
Plaza de Mayo
Plaza de Mayo is the main square in Buenos Aires built by Spaniards during colonial times.
When walking in the city center, you cannot miss this open plaza, where many important events in the country's history took place.
Today, it is a place of power because many governments and administration buildings can be found here.
Not surprisingly, it's one of the must-visit places in Buenos Aires among tourists, as you will find plenty of notable landmarks here.
One of the most famous buildings on the square is Casa Rosada, alias Pink House, which also serves as the seat of the president.
On the other side of the square, you can find other renowned buildings such as The Metropolitan Cathedral or Historical Museum.
Because Argentina as a county has been experiencing many economic issues in the past few years (the Argentinian Peso has decreased in value due to high inflation), lately, Plaza de Mayo is also a place where many protests against the government are held.
Teatro Colon
The impressive building of the Teatro Colon is one of the most famous opera houses in the world.
The building is photogenic from the outside, but if you want to see the majestic interior, you need to either buy an expensive ticket or book one of the shows.
Alternatively, you can take a Buenos Aires Walking City Tour, which includes a visit to this theatre as well.
Teatro Colon lies on Plaza Lavalle, where you can find other beautiful buildings and greenery in the middle of the square, where locals like to sit down, take a rest, or have a picnic.
Obelisco on Avenida 9 De Julio
Obelisk of Buenos Aires is an iconic national monument standing in the middle of the widest street in the world, Avenida 9 de Julio.
This big attraction is hard to miss, and we believe you will often see the pointy landmark when walking around the city center.
Similarly, you will cross the street named after Argentina's Independence Day more than once as well. And believe us, it's an experience on its own.
The street has up to 14 lanes (7 on each side), four bus lanes for the city's bus rapid transit system Metrobus, and sidewalks for pedestrians.
The avenue is so wide that it is not possible to cross it in a trice, and it is not because the green light is on only for a short time.
La Boca
One of the most beautiful areas of Buenos Aires is the La Boca neighborhood.
This part of the Argentinian capital was once one of the poorest areas in the city. Today, the situation is still far from ideal.
La Boca is a traditional neighborhood with a few colorful photogenic streets, hipster coffee shops, art stores, tango vibes, and football history.
Although La Boca became popular and people living here make money out of tourism, it is still not recommended to wander off the main tourist street.
Obviously, you should not even think about walking around this neighborhood alone at night.
We don't have to add that you should leave your phone, camera, and other valuables at your hotel and bring only a disposable amount of cash to buy a coffee or a snack.
Without worrying about your valuables, you will enjoy this area more.
If you're still in doubt, join a guided La Boca Tour that will help you to explore Bueno Aires' most picturesque neighborhood.
The community is also a home for Argentina's most famous football team Boca Juniors, and true fans can visit the stadium on a River Plate and Boca Juniors Museum Tour.
Plaza General San Martin
Located in Retiro District, Plaza General San Martin is another notable square in Buenos Aires.
Rather than an official square, this plaza looks more like a park.
We immediately noticed that many people decided to take a rest under the scattered trees that provide shade during insanely hot summer days.
You can find many fine buildings around Plaza General San Martin, such as the 33-story Art Deco Kavanagh building, which was back in time the highest building in Latin America, or an equestrian statue.
Our favorite monument on this square was Torre Monumental, a tall white-red clock tower.
Banco de la Nacion Argentina
When walking the streets of Buenos Aires, you might want to make a quick stop in front of the fine neoclassical building of Argentina's National Bank, which should represent the country's financial stability.
From the outside, it's an imposing building and one of the dominants of Plaza de Mayo.
Puente de la Mujer
Located in the Puerto Madero district, Puente de la Mujer, alias Women's Bridge, is one of the most impressive examples of modern architecture in Buenos Aires.
You can use several bridges to cross Rio Dique, but this asymmetrical rotating footbridge is a structure you shouldn't miss.
The unusual shape of the bridge is very photogenic and offers perfect photo opportunities.
Moreover, you can enjoy crossing the bridge together with a pleasant walk along the river.
In this area, you can also find many restaurants and coffee shops, which will allow you to catch a breath after spending the entire day in the city.
Ara Presidente Sarmiento
Ara Presidente Sarmiento is a small navy museum located on a boat you can see when approaching the Women's Bridge.
Similar to some places on this list, it is an exciting attraction to see even when you don't plan on going inside.
The vessel was originally built as a training ship, which is one of the main reasons why it remains intact even after all those years.
Visitors can step on the deck for a small entry fee and admire the perfect condition of this 120-year-old boat.
There is not much to see and do at the museum itself, so you can definitely save some money and enjoy the ship only from the waterfront.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
One of the top world's bookshops, El Ateneo, is a real treat for the eyes.
It's no wonder why, as the store is located in a converted theatre. Therefore, the interior is unique and charming.
In 2019 the bookshop was voted the most beautiful one in the world by National Geographic.
Even when you do not plan on buying a book, you can walk inside and have a look, though expect that you won't be the only person with a similar idea.
If you love books, buying one in this bookstore might be a nice souvenir to bring home for your family or yourself.
Mercado San Telmo
San Telmo is a beautiful district of Buenos Aires well-known for its market.
The official market day and the busiest day of the week is Sunday when the fair doubles or triples its regular everyday size.
Obviously, this is the best time to visit Mercado San Telmo, though you can go there every day.
You can find vendors on the streets selling everything you can think of, including a huge variety of food, but also clothing, or antiques.
On top of that, the place transforms into an outdoor stage where you can watch tango dancers and singers.
We happened to be in Buenos Aires during weekdays, so the market was still open but did not sprawl across the quiet neighborhood streets.
To be completely honest, we did not enjoy the visit to the Mercado that much because we found it way too touristy and overpriced, at least compared to other markets we had an opportunity to visit in South America.
Still, it's a lovely place to see if you know what to expect or not traveling on a budget.
Palacio Barolo
The landmark office building of Palacio Barolo is inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy. Therefore, if you decide to go inside, expect to climb from hell to purgatory and heaven.
Even from the outside, you can tell this architectural piece is outstanding and worth visiting.
Palacio Barolo can be visited only with a guided tour, and the view from the top is breathtaking.
Here you can reserve a Buenos Aires Walking Tour and Palacio Barolo in advance.
Alternatively, you can visit the rooftop bar, though you need to buy food and drink voucher to get there.
Avenida Florida
Avenida Florida was one of the busiest streets we wandered around in Buenos Aires.
The street is packed with stores (you can find here both reputable and no-name brands), cafes, money exchange offices, and touts.
The street gets really busy and is often full of tourists, so watch out for your valuables.
Even though you might not like visiting crowded shopping streets, don't forget that this is where you find Galerias Pacifico.
Moreover, Florida Street is pedestrian-friendly, so we did not have to worry about traffic which was a nice change.
Still, the traffic in Argentina is by no means as crazy as in other countries in South America, such as Ecuador or Peru.
Galerias Pacifico
Even if your budget is low or you do not have enough space in your backpack to buy souvenirs, you should still consider visiting Galerias Pacifico.
While we can't deny that this large upscale shopping mall in the center of Buenos Aires is an excellent place for spending your well-earned money, there is one more reason to go there.
Galerias Pacifico is located in a well-preserved building from 1889 inspired by Le Bon Marche, one of Paris's first modern department stores.
However, the main attraction here is the colorful facades and painted murals on the ceiling.
One of the most fun ways to enjoy the beautiful paintings is from the large food court, at least if you don't mind ordering something from a pricey menu.
Simply put, we believe the stunning interiors are far inferior to the shopping experience.
By the way, self-guided audio tours are available in English and Spanish at the information kiosk.
On top of that, you can explore the art galleries upstairs or see a tango show at the Borges Cultural Center located on the upper floor.
Estacion Retiro Mitre
When we were on our way to buy bus tickets to Paraguay, we accidentally stumbled across one of largest Argentina's railway stations.
The building that stands on the opposite side of Plaza General San Martin is more than 100 years old and was declared a national monument in 1997.
When in the area, you should not be afraid to step inside, because the building was restored and the interior is really worth seeing.
Facultad de Ingenieria
Without knowing it, one day, we accidentally emerged in front of a massive building with large columns that gave us European vibes.
When we looked at a map, we found out it is a building of the Faculty of Engineering.
We are not saying this is a must-do, but when in the area, you can take a detour to have a look.
Take a Day Trip to Colonia del Sacramento
If you have an extra day in Buenos Aires, we recommend you take a trip to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay.
This picturesque city featuring pretty cobblestone streets and a historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best day trips from Buenos Aires.
We don't have to mention that it's definitely worth visiting.
Some people travel to Colonia only to get a passport stamp from another country, but we think this charming town deserves at least a few hours of your time.
Uruguay is only a short boat ride from the capital city of Argentina, so it would be a shame not to take advantage of it.
Here is our guide on how to get to Colonia from Buenos Aires without a tour.
Alternatively, you can reserve a Colonia del Sacramento Tour here.
As you will be entering a different country, make sure to bring a passport with you.
See a Tango Show
When you ask a random person to name three things they imagine when you say Argentina, we bet tango will be among the most common answers.
Tango dance is a synonym for Argentina, and where else should you watch the passionate dance than in the country where it was born?
Once you start reading travel guides, you might get a feeling that you will meet hundreds of dancers on the streets every day, but it is not the truth, and you need to know where to go.
Your best bet will be to go to the La Boca neighborhood if you want to enjoy a free tango show in Buenos Aires.
Or you can attend a bit more fancy Buenos Aires Piazzolla Tango Show in a theater.
Of course, there are more shows you can choose from, but this one is among the best tango shows in Buenos Aires.
Walk Around Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur
Buenos Aires is a beautiful city, but the active city life can get overwhelming after some time.
And when you start feeling like you need a short break, head out to Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur, located only twenty minutes from Plaza de Mayo.
Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur is a large park where you can walk, jog, cycle, enjoy the views of Rio de la Plata, observe wildlife, and admire the modern city skyline.
If you love birdwatching, make sure to bring binoculars as this large wetland is home to a few hundred bird species.
Hands down, Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur, is one of the best free things to do in Buenos Aires and a perfect place to disconnect.
There is no entrance fee to the ecological park, and we felt very safe there.
Where to Stay in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the second largest city in South America by population, so it cannot take you by surprise that there are hundreds of accommodation options for every budget.
It might seem at first sight that you don't need to book your accommodation in advance, but don't forget that the cheap and well-rated hotels are sold out first.
Palermo, Recoleta, and San Telmo are, together with Villa Crespo and Microcentro, often considered to be the best neighborhoods to stay in Buenos Aires.
Keep in mind that choosing a safe and accessible location is the key to the success of every trip, especially in such a large city.
Here, we've hand-selected the best hotels in Buenos Aires city center for every type of traveler.
Budget | Che Juan Hostel BA - This ideally located hostel in Buenos Aires city center offers simple but clean accommodation, comfortable beds, great facilities, daily activities, and lots of opportunities to hang out with fellow travelers.
Mid-range | Tango de Mayo Hotel - Set in a building from the 1910s, this wonderful hotel is located in the heart of Buenos Aires. Tango de Mayo has spacious rooms with comfortable beds, unique Art Nouveau decor, and an on-site restaurant. One of the best values for the money you can find in Buenos Aires.
Luxury | Hilton Buenos Aires - This excellent hotel in Puerto Madero offers luxurious rooms, perfect service, delicious breakfast, spa facilities, a rooftop pool, and a fitness center. Simply put, this is one of the best hotels you can find in Buenos Aires.
How to Get Around Buenos Aires
Getting around Buenos Aires is easy as the city has an extensive public transport network. It's very straightforward to use a bus or a subway when you need to get from one place to another.
We were able to walk pretty much everywhere on foot, except when we traveled from the airport and when we needed to get to the bus station.
However, we love walking around the cities and don't mind spending the entire day out.
When using public transport, you need to buy a SUBE card and load it with money.
Unlike in some other South American cities, it is not possible to buy a ticket directly from a driver.
It might seem like a little inconvenience, but you can purchase the rechargeable SUBE smart card in almost every newspaper kiosk or metro station.
On the upside, using public transport in Buenos Aires is safer than in most of its South American counterparts.
Alternatively, you can always take a taxi to get around the city or use Uber instead.
While Uber has some legislative problems, it's a popular and affordable way to navigate the city among international travelers.
How to Get to Buenos Aires
There are many ways to reach Buenos Aires, regardless of whether you want to get there from another Argentinian city, a neighboring country, or overseas.
Bus
If you are backpacking around South America, you can for sure get to Buenos Aires by bus from a large number of destinations.
Due to its strategic location, the capital city of Argentina has one of the largest bus stations on the continent.
The Retiro bus station (Terminal de Omnibus de Buenos Aires) is enormous, not very clean and outdated, but conveniently located for intercity travel. It serves long-distance buses to other Argentinian cities but also neighboring countries.
For example, we traveled from Buenos Aires to Encarnacion in Paraguay to continue our journey around South America.
It takes time to get from one end to another, so make sure you arrive there early. You'll be surprised how big a simple bus station can be.
Plane
Buenos Aires has a large international airport, so it is easy to reach the city from every place around the world.
The Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also known as Ezeiza International Airport, is about 35 kilometers from the city.
Don't forget that it takes at least 40 minutes to get from the Buenos Aiport to the city center.
Jorge Newbery Airport, known as Aeroparque, is a smaller airport closer to the city that mainly serves domestic flights.
Although it was a bit more expensive, we flew to Buenos Aires from Ushuaia to save time.
Keep in mind that Argentina is a vast country, and domestic flights might be a better alternative for those pressed for time.
Car
Of course, you can get to or from Buenos Aires by car.
Road tripping Argentina must be an incredible experience, but keep in mind that traveling distances between the cities are great and might not be for everyone.
You can rent a car in Buenos Aires directly at Ezeiza International Airport or the city center.
Boat
If you're traveling long term, you might also consider arriving in Buenos Aires by ferry from Uruguay.
Buenos Aires is also a popular stop on many cruise ship itineraries before continuing to Montevideo or Rio de Janeiro.
Getting from the Buenos Aires Airport
All airports are served by a regular bus, which makes traveling from the airport to Buenos Aires reasonably cheap and efficient.
Public Transport
When you want to go to the center from the airport by public transport, you need to buy the SUBE card first.
We forgot to do so, and when the bus arrived, it was too late to find a kiosk. The driver couldn't receive money, but he was very kind and gave us a ride for free.
Anyway, that's not the best approach, so make sure to purchase the card first.
SUBE smartcard can be bought at Tourist Assistance Center at Jorge Newbery Airport and from authorized kiosks at Ezeiza International Airport.
Taxi
Alternatively, you can take a taxi to get from the airport to Buenos Aires. Taxis might be a better option when traveling in a group of people as you can split the cost of travel.
Private Transport
Alternatively, you can reserve this well-rated Buenos Aires Airport Shuttle Transfer to get from the airport to the city center faster and more comfortably.
As usual, private transportation is usually more expensive.
How Many Days for Buenos Aires
We believe that three full days are optimal for Buenos Aires.
While you can see the city in less than 24 hours, the visit won't be far from relaxed. Plus, it will be pretty hard to capture the sensual essence of the city if you're pressed for time.
Two days in Buenos Aires might be enough, but we think that a day trip to Colonia is a must-do activity.
This leads us back to the suggested three days.
Those of you who have a flexible itinerary can always extend your stay if you find the city even more appealing.
When to Go
Seasons in South America are opposite of those in the northern hemisphere, so keep that in mind when traveling to Buenos Aires.
Summer
We visited Buenos Aires at the end of January, which is the peak summer season. The weather was hot and humid and not entirely ideal for sightseeing.
As we were traveling on a budget, we didn't get a room with air conditioning which turned out to be a mistake.
However, after spending several weeks in cold Patagonia, we really didn't mind.
Spring and Fall
The best time to visit Buenos Aires is often considered to be either fall or spring due to the more pleasant temperatures.
Unless you want to stay only in Buenos Aires, always make sure what the weather is like at your next destination.
Winter
The best thing about Buenos Aires is that you can visit the city all year round.
Winters can be chilly, cloudy, and even rainy, but there will definitely be fewer international tourists.
As mentioned above, if you want to visit Patagonia as well, winter will not be a good time to arrive in Argentina unless you plan to go skiing in Bariloche.
What to Pack
Your Buenos Aires packing list should be pretty basic and simple. Unless you plan to visit Patagonia, you will need only a few items.
As mentioned earlier, winter from June to September can be quite cold. Autumn and spring have mild temperatures, while summer, which lasts from December to February, is hot and humid.
So here are some essential things you should pack for Buenos Aires.
December to February is a scorching period in Buenos Aires, so do not forget to wear something light and breathable.
A simple tank top and shorts are handy in this period.
Functional clothing is the way to go at this time of the year.
When walking around the city, you should always have a comfortable daypack with you that lets you carry a water bottle, an extra layer, and a snack.
Jeans will come in handy during the colder spring and fall days.
Winter is surprisingly cold in Buenos Aires, so you should pack a warm layer to stay comfortable.
A comfy fleece jacket and a light rain jacket should also be in your luggage.
Make sure also to read our in-depth guide on what to pack for South America, where you will find more useful tips and advice on this topic.
Is Buenos Aires Safe?
Buenos Aires is a relatively safe place to visit, but travelers should be aware of the safety risks they might face during their trip.
Like every big city in South America, Buenos Aires has some safety issues, but the situation is not as bad as in Bogota or Medellin.
Therefore, you should maintain at least the same level of security awareness as you would in Santiago or Sao Paulo.
For starters, to avoid the worst-case scenario of being robbed or mugged, it's best to be inconspicuous, don't flash cash, jewelry, or expensive electronics.
Exercise common sense, and you should be fine. For instance, avoid keeping your phone in the back of your jeans.
Also, you should always keep your eyes on your belongings, especially when walking around crowded places or using public transport.
Busy streets, markets, and some other areas with a large concentration of people can make you an easy target for pickpockets.
We felt safe in Buenos Aires, but some shady areas on the outskirts should be avoided.
Even some tourist areas such as the famous La Boca are better to visit during the day.
For more information on this topic, don't forget to read our post on staying safe in South America.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Buenos Aires Worth Visiting?
In our opinion, Buenos Aires is definitely worth visiting.
The city is a gateway to Argentina and serves as a perfect introduction to the entire South American continent.
It's safer and more accessible than other similar cities on the continent, which is ideal for visitors arriving in this part of the world for the first time in their lives.
Despite its unmistakable South American character and flavor, it reminded us a bit of Europe due to its style of architecture.
And after almost two years away from home, that was something we really enjoyed.
If you're planning a trip to Patagonia, you will probably start or end your trip here anyway.
There are many reasons to visit Buenos Aires, and as you can clearly see, some of them are purely practical.
Lastly, Argentina is an incredible country to visit, and there is no better place to start your adventure than in Buenos Aires.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
