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Are you traveling to Argentina and looking for things to do in Buenos Aires? Perfect! As your local guide who was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I have to tell you that you will be spoiled with all the cool things to do and see! 🇦🇷
I have many activities for you, in no particular order, all of them equally amazing! Some attractions have guided tours, so I left a link for you to book them right away! And at the end, there is a where to stay in Buenos Aires section with 3 accommodation options for all budgets!
Are you ready? Let’s go!
If you are in a hurry
If you need to book the best tours in the city fast and don’t have a lot of time to read the entire article, here are the main things to book in advance:
And here are the best hotels: Alvear Art Hotel (luxury), Esplendor by Wyndham Buenos Aires (mid-range), Live Soho Boutique (budget)
For even more options, see our article on the best area and the top hotels to stay in Buenos Aires.
1. Explore the historic San Telmo neighborhood
San Telmo is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Here, you can be delighted by the lovely cobblestone streets, mansions with French-style balconies, and hidden squares. You can discover Buenos Aires’ local craft markets and attend an open-air milonga in Plaza Dorrego.
San Telmo Market is a picturesque indoor market set in 1897; in this market, you can find anything you can think of, from antiques to fresh fruit and vegetables and unique cafés with traditional and modern vibes!
Do you want to buy a handmade mate or an old chandelier? What about fresh pressed orange juice? Experience antique shopping at Feria de San Telmo in the iconic Plaza Dorrego, where you can find hundreds of craft stands and homemade food. Sometimes, you can even encounter dancers indulging in milonga steps!
Access to the market and the fair is completely free of charge, but I suggest you take this guided tour of the San Telmo Neighborhood. It will take you around the main landmarks in the area, as well as explain its rich history. This is the only tour that focuses only on the San Telmo area!
NOTE: the area is safe, and you can wander here on your own, but as in any other city, watch for your stuff, especially at night.
TOUR PRICE: from US$45 per person
2. Relish the architecture of Barolo Palace
Barolo Palace is a real architectural wonder! It features so many different styles, from neo-Gothic to Neoclassical, making it a real gem. When you enter the palace, there is a big Dante’s Divine Comedy reference in the architecture, where you can find the sections of Inferno, Purgatory, and Paradise.
This building is the tallest one in Latin America and in the city of Buenos Aires, breaking all the city rules!
The only way to go inside Palacio Barolo is with a guided tour. The palace has a few providers, and you can buy the tickets online.
TOUR PRICE: from US$50 per person
3. Witness street art and murals in vibrant La Boca
Explore the colorful streets and murals of La Boca in Calle Museo Caminito, one of the most iconic landmarks and sights in the neighborhood, as well as cute and traditional cafés and bodegones.
La Boca is where one of the most important Argentinian artists was born, Quinquela Martín, and the house of the Museo de Bellas Artes de la Boca Quinquela Martin, which exhibits his stunning oil paintings.
One of Quinquela Martín’s most famous paintings is “Morning Sun, Buenos Aires”.
The tour will take you around the La Boca neighborhood, show you hidden places, and tell you all the historical facts about the area, as well as all the art that surrounds this mythical neighborhood. It will also take you to Boca Juniors stadium, or “La Bombonera” stadium.
TOUR PRICE: from US$10 per person
4. Pay a visit to Recoleta Cemetery
Recoleta Cemetery is truly a piece of art; the entrance to the cemetery is completely free, and when you enter its grounds, it feels like you are going into a different city. The architecture is stunning and the perfect place to feel like a poet while wandering about the small streets of the cemetery surrounded by sculptures and mausoleums!
The cemetery is the resting place of famous Argentinian figures; for example, you can visit the resting place of Evita at Recoleta Cemetery. Evita was one of the most important political figures in the country.
Recoleta Cemetery is located in the beautiful neighborhood of Recoleta, so after your visit to the cemetery, stop by the cool bars in front of it and have a craft beer and a nice meal overlooking the cemetery!
I suggest you take this Recoleta Cemetery tour to hear the many legends and spooky stories surrounding the cemetery and the people buried here!
TOUR PRICE: from US$10 per person
5. Relish the grandeur of Teatro Colón
Visit the historic Teatro Colón and other architectural marvels! This is a must-see Buenos Aires landmark for many reasons.
It features a spectacular eclecticism architecture that takes up an entire city block, and it is one of the most important Opera Houses in the world, where iconic artists have performed and conducted, including Julio Bocca, Plácido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, and Igor Stravinsky.
Find upcoming seasonal shows here, or go on a guided tour, which includes an entrance ticket, and see its splendor with your own eyes!
TOUR PRICE: from US$95 per person
6. Explore Plaza de Mayo, the heart of Buenos Aires
Plaza de Mayo is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic historic sites in the city center. it is the oldest park in Buenos Aires, where many important moments in Argentine history happened.
It is where the May Revolution (Revolución de Mayo) that led to Argentina’s first National Government and the destitution of the Spanish Viceroy took place in 1810.
Nowadays, you’ll find the most important national buildings and landmarks there, which I talk about below:
6.1. See the government house: La Casa Rosada (The Pink House)
La Casa Rosada is a government house whose final structure was designed by Francisco Tamburini and features a romantic and eclectic style. One of the main reasons La Casa Rosada is famous worldwide is because of the iconic balcony where Eva Perón gave her speech, which can be admired from Plaza de Mayo.
PRICE: free
6.2. Dive into history at the Cabildo Museum
Most revolution and independence gatherings and popular discussions happened in the Cabildo. It was built in 1580, and some parts of it are still intact, but others were demolished to build streets and avenues.
Visiting the Cabildo Museum is a great way to learn about Argentinian history and see valuable objects and documents from the XVII and XX centuries.
PRICE: free
6.3. Marvel at the Metropolitan Cathedral’s architecture
Metropolitan Cathedral features a stunning European Architecture style; just by seeing it, you will feel like you are in an Ancient European city. The cathedral is located in the iconic neighborhood of Monserrat and is the main hub for the Catholic Church in Argentina.
PRICE: free
6.4. Join a walking tour of Avenida De Mayo and Plaza de Mayo
This amazing walking tour starts off in Plaza de Mayo, where the tour guide will talk about all the main buildings in Plaza de Mayo and will take you for a stroll down the Avenida de Mayo’s historic pathway. This tour is a great way to see all the highlights in the area as well as learn about Argentina’s rich history and the city’s past.
PRICE: from US$30 per person
7. Walk through the trendy Palermo neighborhood
Palermo has so many different sections in it. You can stroll through the beautiful neighborhood of Palermo Hollywood, named this way because it is the house of many TV and Radio studios and broadcasters in the city. You can visit any of the many parks as well as enjoy a night out filled with music, good food, and drinks!
7.1. Engage in a night at an underground jazz club
Something cool about Buenos Aires is that music and art are absolutely everywhere, and a fun thing to do while you are in downtown Buenos Aires is go to an underground jazz club, which is huge in the city. My recommendation is that you visit Be Pop Club, which is steps away from Plaza Serrano in Palermo.
7.2. Wander around the lush Bosques de Palermo
The greenery in the city is abundant, and that is one of the things that make the capital of Argentina unique! I encourage you to visit Parque Tres de Febrero (Tres de Febrero Park), which features many micro gardens and parks in the city, such as Parque el Rosedal (rose garden), which has more than 92 different types of roses.
There is an Andalusian Patio that replicates the typical patios you can find in Seville! You can also enjoy the green spaces of the Botanical Garden near Plaza Italia. This one, in particular, is a famous meeting place in the middle of Palermo, with many public transport stops nearby!
Los Bosques de Palermo is the ideal place to relax and picnic under the sun while admiring nature and the city ducks!
7.3. Experience Palermo’s vibrant nightlife
If you come to Buenos Aires, one of the things you need to experience is Buenos Aires’ nightlife, and I cannot think of a better place than Palermo.
This neighborhood is full of trendy bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and music venues. Whatever you want, you can find it here. Feel hungry at 3 a.m.? Chances are the kitchens are still open, and you can order a gourmet burger or milanesa napolitana!
Get ready for a fun night and stay up chatting at a bar or dancing until 6 a.m. As we say in Argentina, “La noche está en pañales” (our version of the night is young, which literally translates into “the night is on diapers” 😹 🍼)
8. Dance the night away at a traditional Tango show
What better thing than watching a tango show at Astor Piazzolla Theatre, named after the Argentinian Master Astor Piazzolla, one of the most important musicians of the XX century and the most important Tango Musician in the world!
On this tour, you will enjoy a traditional tango show while you enjoy a delicious traditional meal from Argentinian Cuisine and some lovely Malbec!
PRICE: from US$120 per person
9. Stroll along the scenic Puerto Madero waterfront
Puerto Madero is one of the fanciest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires and one of the must-stops during your visit to the city. The area has a lovely blend of European architecture mixed with modern skyscrapers.
I highly suggest you walk alongside Río Darsena Sur, check out the Puente de la Mujer (which symbolizes a couple dancing tango), and stop by any of the many restaurants and cafés with a view of the river.
If you wish to learn more about all the beautiful neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, here you have our complete Buenos Aires area guide to help you out.
There is a 3-hour tour that takes you to many areas of the city, one of them is Puerto Madero. This tour is great because it is a small group tour, and you will see many different areas in a short time, with all the historical facts of a local guide!
TOUR PRICE: from US$40 per person
10. Visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
This museum is one of my favorite museums in the city, and a great aspect of it is that it’s 100% free. The National Museum of Fine Arts has temporary exhibitions in its art galleries featuring national and international artists; for example, some famous temporary exhibits include Picasso and Joan Miró.
In its permanent collection, it features art from Argentina and Latin America, as well as from the rest of the world. One of my all-time favorite pieces in the museum is Francisco de Goya’s paintings.
PRICE: free
11. Dive into Argentine literature at El Ateneo Grand Splendid
El Ateneo Grand Splendid is one of the best and most iconic Buenos Aires attractions, also known as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. This stunning library was built in the 1900s but wasn’t always a library. Back then, it used to function as an opera house, hosting ballet, concerts, and plays! It even became a cinema at some point!
Nowadays, it functions as a library, and when you are inside, you can see the theater boxes and stage. You can access the theater box area that is now filled with books and take pictures of the stunning frescoes in the ceiling, or go to the stage area and buy a coffee in the coffee shop! (map)
PRICE: free
12. Take a tango lesson in the birthplace of dance
Take a tango lesson from local maestros! You know what they say: there is no better way to learn than by doing! So, if you want to master those sexy Tango moves, what better way than with a tango lesson?!
On this tour, a local will teach you everything you need to know about Tango art and its moves, and at the end, you will have the chance to sit at a table and taste amazing local wine, as well as empanadas (veggie options available!). I recommend this one to encounter local culture and Argentinian hospitality personally!
PRICE: from US$50 per person
13. Explore the wonders of the Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden (map) is located in Palermo, and it is another one of my favorite attractions and gardens in Buenos Aires. It feels like you are literally going into a different world; it transports you directly to Japan!
The Japanese Garden is the perfect oasis to relax in the middle of the city. It comes with a big koi pond and many traditional bridges and sculptures. I highly recommend stopping by the gift shop, getting a souvenir, going to the on-site restaurant, and trying a traditional Japanese meal in Argentina!
PRICE: from US$2 per person
14. Enjoy a bike tour of the Palermo District
When you book the tour, make sure you select the North Buenos Aires bike tour, which will take you to all of the main attractions in Palermo in a fun and unique way while you learn about Argentine culture and history.
This is a practical way to speed up sightseeing if you only have 2-3 days in the city.
PRICE: from US$35 per person
15. Experience soccer passion at a local game
As a football fan, I can only recommend attending a football match! The excitement, the passion, the energy in a soccer game is unmatchable with any other thing in the world! If you want to experience a real encounter with Argentinians’ passion and love, watching a soccer game is a must!
I am a River Plate fan, so I can only recommend visiting the Monumental and watching a River Plate game. So drink some tea before going to the stadium because you will be singing and screaming “goal” from the top of your lungs here! Don’t forget your jacket, the stadium is near El Rio de la Plata, and it gets super cold at night!
River Plate’s stadium, El Monumental, is the biggest and most impressive stadium in South America.
If you can’t get tickets to a football game but still want to see the stadium, with this tour you can learn about football history and the football team, as well as see the Monumental!
TOUR PRICE: from US$15 per person
16. Discover the secrets of the city on a graffiti tour
Discover the vibrant murals of Palermo’s streets; the tour will start in the beautiful Plaza Serrano and take you around the neighborhood, showing you amazing street art and explaining the historical significance of this art in the country.
This tour is a great way to learn about the city and its artists, as well as getting to visit one of the most popular and trendy neighborhoods in the city.
PRICE: from US$10 per person
17. Enjoy traditional Argentinean cuisine
We are very passionate about everything, including food! So when you visit Buenos Aires, indulge in the local cuisine. Asados are probably one of the best-known traditional meals, and usually something that people eat in the family every Sunday while watching a football game!
The food at Bodegones is just different! Bodegones are the most traditional type of restaurant in Buenos Aires that are full of history and serve traditional meals, wines, beers, and desserts!
You know the bodegon is real when they come with the penguin pitcher to serve wine, oh la la! Just thinking about eating in one makes me emotional!
Honestly, the best way to get to know the best joints is by joining a guided tour. This one I found seems great, and it takes you to the best eating spots in the beautiful area of Palermo, guided by a local!
PRICE: from US$85 per person
18. Experience the cultural exhibits of Centro Cultural Kirchner
The Kirchner Cultural Center is rather stunning; it is one of the most important cultural centers in the world, the biggest one in Latin America, and a National Heritage Site.
It was built and designed by the French architect Norbert-Auguste Maillart in 1928, with unique architecture. Initially, it served as the Central Post Office and now functions as a cultural center.
All the activities, workshops, exhibitions, and cultural concerts and events are completely free.
19. Marvel at the modernity of Floralis Genérica
Located in Recoleta, on Avenida Presidente Figueroa Alcorta, Floralis Genérica is another iconic landmark in Buenos Aires. It was made by Eduardo Catalano, and it was gifted to the city. The sculpture represents all the flowers and opens and closes in different types of the day.
It is in United Nations Park, so the location is great for picnics or walks. There is nothing nicer than visiting when the jacaranda is blooming, and the entire avenue is purple!
20. Experience the flavors of Buenos Aires’ ice cream parlors
You probably didn’t know this, but we are quite crazy about ice cream. And if you go to ice cream parlors, you can even get ice cream by the kilo. One of the most iconic and well-known ice cream parlors is Freddo, which you can find on almost every corner of the city.
The 2 flavors I recommend are Dulce de Leche Granizado and Tramontana. In my family, we order Dulce de Leche Granizado, which comes with bits of chocolate, while Tramontana is cream with dulce de leche and biscuit balls covered in chocolate. 😋 Yes, we like sweets!
21. Visit the MALBA for contemporary Latin art
This modern art museum is located in the lovely Palermo Chico area and has a wide collection of Latin American Art. It features changing exhibitions and promotes the fraternity between the Nations. The museum architecture itself is another piece of art with an avant-garde style, which is fantastic!
The museum has a gift shop and a café, which I highly recommend stopping by for a treat after a visit and relaxing with views of the city and the jacaranda trees!
You can skip lines by buying the tickets on their official site.
PRICE: from US$6 per person
22. Dive into local flavors on a wine-tasting tour
Another thing Argentina is known for is its wine, to be more precise, Malbec. If you want to get to know everything about Argentinian wine, how it is processed in different regions, and their different tones. This intimate wine-tasting tour of 1 hour and a half, led by a local guide, will turn you into an expert!
PRICE: from US$40 per person
23. Visit the Museo Evita for a dive into Argentina’s history
This museum has free entry, and as the name suggests, this museum is dedicated to Evita Perón. The museum is a timeline of her personal life, her relationship with Juan Domingo Perón, his influence and work in Argentina, and the social causes she devoted her life to.
It is located in beautiful Palermo, so after the visit, you can go for a nice meal in the area or at the on-site restaurant.
24. Savor a picnic in the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve
If there is something that Buenos Aires is, it is versatile! Something incredible about my city is that you can go to a natural reserve in the middle of the city. It is located near Puerto Madero, in Costanera Sur, and entrance is free of charge!
This natural reserve is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll, a picnic break, or spotting all the amazing wildlife that lives there.
Are you up for a fun challenge? Try to find the mysterious and iconic Tegu when you are there. 🦎
25. Take a ferry to the picturesque Tigre Delta
If you love day trips when you visit a city, you will love going to Tigre, beyond the city limits. Once in Tigre, you can visit the Puerto de Frutos, which has amazing traditional food, such as empanadas and alfajores with dulce de leche, or alfajores de miel de caña (cane honey), which are typical from the north of the country.
If you are traveling with kids, get them a sweet treat, aka an alfajor, and take them to the most iconic theme park in Buenos Aires, El Parque de la Costa, and spend the day away having fun on the amusement rides!
If you want to make your visit to El Tigre mega memorable, I suggest you get this cool tour that will take you on a ferry to El Tigre. From there, you will make it to the main landmarks and attractions in the area! Taking this tour is a great way to see a beautiful area in the city in a unique way!
PRICE: from US$85 per person
26. Experience traditional Feria de Mataderos
Attend a live music performance at a peña! Every single weekend, you can enjoy live traditional music and dances in Feria Mataderos. Here, you can enjoy art performances, buy crafts from local artists, and taste traditional street food!
27. Learn how to make empanadas with a cooking class
I’ve recommended so many dishes thus far, but why not try something braver? Join a cooking class and get the chance to learn how to make a traditional dish from scratch. A local guide will teach you the history of the dish and how to do it properly. Now, you can impress your friends back home!
Empanadas are both a street food option and a gourmet one! And in this cooking class, you will learn how to make them from scratch, even the dough (which is so tricky!). While cooking, you’ll get to try mate and alfajores de maicena with dulce de leche! (cornstarch alfajores).
The best? You’ll end the class tasting your creations with some mouthwatering malbec!
PRICE: from US$80 per person
Book an empanada cooking class
28. Visit the Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo
What an interesting museum! Museo Nacional de Arte Decorative offers free entry and features amazing art and furniture from Europe and Asia. It has a distinguished French neoclassical style, and it is so beautiful all you will be able to do is snap pictures of everything!
The museum has a beautiful garden area, and by the entrance, there is a fancy café! A coffee and a treat is a great way to end a museum day!
PRICE: free
29. Taste traditional mate tea in local cafés
Café Tortoni (map) is one of the most iconic cafés in the city, located in the world-famous Avenida de Mayo. This cute and traditional café offers mate 🧉 on the menu, so this is the perfect chance to try our traditional drink!
They also offer wine (they serve it in this traditional “pitcher” with the shape of a penguin!) and traditional meals, including vegetarian and vegan options!
30. Galerias Pacifico
Located in the neighborhood of San Nicolas and with the well-known Plaza San Martin a few minutes away. Galerias Pacifico is not only a shopping center where you can buy clothes and electro domestics. It is so much more than that. It features a Beaux-Arts architecture style and beautiful frescoes in the dome by famous Argentinian painters like Berni and Urruchúa.
Definitely, you should stop by to admire the beautiful architecture even if you don’t want to buy anything at the shops!
| 🏛️ Best museum: | Museo de Arte Decorativo |
| 🎢 Top paid attraction: | Recoleta Cemetery Guided Tour |
| 🚶🏽♂️ Best free activity: | Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes |
| 👧 Best attraction for kids: | Parque de la Costa in El Tigre |
| 🕺 Nightlife: | Palermo |
| 🥟 Must-try food: | Empanadas |
Where to stay in Buenos Aires
I want to give you 3 amazing hotel options in Buenos Aires, in case you are still thinking and looking for accommodation.
Here are the top 3 options for all budgets:
Luxury (from €350 per night):
- Alvear Art Hotel – if you want to feel like royalty during your stay in Buenos Aires, this hotel will do the trick! The property offers a spa and wellness center with a solarium, sauna, and body treatments. There is an indoor pool and jacuzzi overlooking the city, and a free breakfast will be served every morning. The rooms are a delight and luxurious and feature a marble bathroom.
Mid-range (from €200 per night):
- Esplendor by Wyndham Buenos Aires – this hotel has a classic and elegant vibe and is located in the Microcentro. The outdoor pool located on the hotel terrace looks like a dream. The rooms are spacious, and select rooms, like the VIP King Room, have a kitchenette.
Budget (from €150 per night):
- Live Soho Boutique – stay in an apartment in the beautiful area of Palermo Soho and spend your time in the city like a local would. The property has a modern look, with touches of industrial design, and is completely stunning! There is a private balcony with views and a rooftop terrace where you can sunbathe, open to everyone in the building.
FAQs about things to do in Buenos Aires
🤔 How can I find local guides for tours in Buenos Aires?
📅 How many days do you need to explore Buenos Aires?
🇦🇷 What is the most popular attraction in Buenos Aires?
All the attractions in this article are super popular. Some of the most iconic are the Opera House, Teatro Colón, Plaza the Mayo, and the library Ateneo Grand Splendid.
🧉 What is Buenos Aires best known for?
Buenos Aires is best known for its rich culture and heritage, passion for football, and tango. Its vibrant nightlife, amazing cuisine and wines, and friendly locals!
Conclusion
That is all for today! Those were the most exciting things to do in Buenos Aires, by a local guide, plus some nice accommodations in the city. I am sure by now you have all your days and nights in the stunning city fully booked!
Which one of these attractions and tours are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments! For the tours, you need to book them in advance since the spots get filled super fast!
Have the best time in Buenos Aires,
Daniela
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