Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, is a vibrant destination that promises to captivate and inspire. From its rich history and culture to its lively music scene and exquisite cuisine, Buenos Aires is a city that deserves a spot on every traveller’s bucket list. Here are just a few reasons why you should visit Buenos Aires.
History and Architecture
Buenos Aires is a city with a fascinating history and a diverse architectural heritage. You can discover the city’s past by visiting its many museums, including the National Museum of History and the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA). You can also explore the city’s stunning architecture, which ranges from colonial-era buildings to modern skyscrapers. Some of the must-see landmarks include the iconic Casa Rosada, the Obelisk, and the Teatro Colon.
Culture and Art
Buenos Aires is a city that values the arts, and you can experience this in every corner of the city. The city boasts several art museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Contemporary Art. The city is also home to numerous theatres and dance venues, where you can experience the passionate and emotive tango, the national dance of Argentina.
Cuisine
If you’re a foodie, Buenos Aires is a must-visit destination. The city is known for its delicious cuisine, which features a blend of European and Latin American flavors. You can indulge in the famous Argentine steak, which is cooked to perfection, or try traditional dishes such as empanadas, choripan, and dulce de leche. Don’t forget to wash it all down with a glass of Malbec, Argentina’s famous wine.
Nightlife
Buenos Aires is a city that never sleeps, and its nightlife is legendary. You can dance the night away at one of the city’s many clubs or enjoy a drink at a local bar. The city also hosts numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Film and the Tango Festival.
3 days in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a city that can easily keep visitors entertained for weeks, but if you only have three days to explore this vibrant destination, it’s still possible to see some of the city’s highlights. Here is a sample itinerary for a three-day trip to Buenos Aires:
Day 1
Start your day by exploring the historic neighbourhood of San Telmo. This area is known for its cobblestone streets, antique shops, and tango performances. Visit the San Telmo Market, which is open on Sundays, to see street performers and local artisans selling their wares.
Afterward, head to La Boca, one of the city’s most colourful neighbourhoods. This area is known for its brightly painted houses and the Caminito, a pedestrian street lined with restaurants, tango dancers, and souvenir shops. Stop for lunch at one of the local parrillas (steakhouses) and try some of the city’s famous beef.
In the evening, head to the Palermo neighbourhood, which is known for its trendy bars and restaurants. Enjoy dinner and drinks at one of the area’s many nightlife hotspots.
Day 2
Spend the morning exploring the Recoleta neighbourhood. Visit the famous Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Perón is buried, and explore the surrounding streets, which are lined with art galleries and boutiques.
In the afternoon, head to the Puerto Madero neighbourhood, which was once a bustling port and has been transformed into a trendy area filled with high-end restaurants and bars. Take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the city views.
In the evening, attend a tango show. Buenos Aires is the birthplace of tango, and there are many shows and performances throughout the city. Enjoy dinner and a show at one of the city’s many tango venues.
Day 3
Start your day by visiting the Plaza de Mayo, the city’s main square. This plaza is home to the iconic Casa Rosada, the presidential palace, as well as the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo. Take a guided tour to learn more about the city’s history.
In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA) to see works by some of the region’s most famous artists, including Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
In the evening, head to the Teatro Colon, one of the world’s most famous opera houses. Take a guided tour to see the stunning interior of the building, or attend a performance if there’s one scheduled during your visit.
This three-day itinerary will give you a taste of the many things that Buenos Aires has to offer. Don’t forget to take breaks to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of Malbec at one of the city’s many cafes, and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture and history.
Getting to Buenos Aires and local travel
Buenos Aires is served by two airports: Ministro Pistarini International Airport (also known as Ezeiza) and Jorge Newbery Airfield. Most international flights arrive at Ezeiza, which is located about 22 miles (35 kilometres) from the city centre. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to get to the city.
Buenos Aires has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and a subway system called the “Subte.” The Subte has six lines that cover much of the city, and the fares are affordable.
Taxis are also widely available, and you can hail one on the street or call for one. Make sure to only use official taxis, which are painted black and yellow and have a metre.
If you prefer to explore the city on foot, Buenos Aires is a walkable city, and many of the main attractions are located close to each other. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the city’s sidewalks can be uneven.
Bike rentals are also available in the city, and there are many bike lanes throughout Buenos Aires. This can be a great way to explore the city’s neighbourhoods and parks.
Finally, Uber and other ride-hailing apps are also available in Buenos Aires, which can be a convenient way to get around the city. However, be aware that some taxi drivers and unions have protested ride-hailing apps, so it’s best to use them discreetly.
Where to stay in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a large city with many different neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions. Here are some of the best neighbourhoods to consider when deciding where to stay in Buenos Aires:
- Palermo: This is one of the city’s most popular neighbourhoods for visitors, with a lively nightlife scene, trendy bars and restaurants, and plenty of shopping options. Palermo is also home to several parks, including the Bosques de Palermo, which makes it a great place to stay if you want to be close to green spaces.
- San Telmo: Known for its bohemian vibe, San Telmo is a historic neighbourhood with cobblestone streets, antique shops, and tango performances. It’s a great place to stay if you want to immerse yourself in Buenos Aires’ culture and history.
- Recoleta: Recoleta is an upscale neighbourhood known for its elegant architecture and high-end boutiques. It’s home to several museums, including the famous Recoleta Cemetery, which makes it a great place to stay if you’re interested in art and history.
- Puerto Madero: This is a newer neighbourhood that was once a bustling port and has been transformed into a trendy area filled with high-end restaurants and bars. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to the water and enjoy a more modern vibe.
- Microcentro: This is the city’s central business district, and it’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to many of the city’s main attractions, such as the Plaza de Mayo and the Obelisk. It’s also well-connected to public transportation, making it easy to explore other parts of the city.
What and Where to eat in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a food lover’s paradise, with a rich culinary tradition that blends European and Latin American influences. Here are some of the best dishes and places to eat in Buenos Aires:
- Steak: Argentina is famous for its beef, and Buenos Aires has some of the best steakhouses (called parrillas) in the world. Some of the most popular cuts of beef include bife de chorizo (sirloin steak), ojo de bife (ribeye), and bife de lomo (tenderloin). Some of the best parrillas in Buenos Aires include La Cabrera, Don Julio, and La Brigada.
- Empanadas: These savoury pastries are a staple of Argentine cuisine and come in a variety of flavours, such as beef, chicken, and ham and cheese. Some of the best places to try empanadas in Buenos Aires include El Sanjuanino, La Cocina, and La Morada.
- Milanesa: This breaded and fried meat cutlet is another classic Argentine dish. It’s often served with mashed potatoes or a simple salad. Some of the best places to try milanesa in Buenos Aires include La Americana, El Club de la Milanesa, and Los Platitos.
- Dulce de Leche: This sweet caramel-like spread is a popular topping for bread, pastries, and desserts in Argentina. Some of the best places to try dulce de leche in Buenos Aires include San Telmo’s Feria de Mataderos, Havanna, and La Fábrica del Dulce de Leche.
- Pizza: Argentina has a large Italian population, and Buenos Aires is known for its delicious pizza. Some of the best pizzerias in Buenos Aires include Guerrín, El Cuartito, and Banchero.
In addition to these classic dishes, Buenos Aires has a vibrant food scene with plenty of international cuisine options, including sushi, Indian food, and vegetarian and vegan options.
When it comes to where to eat, Buenos Aires has a variety of options, from high-end restaurants to neighbourhood parrillas and cafes. Some of the best neighbourhoods for food in Buenos Aires include Palermo, San Telmo, and Recoleta.
Make sure to also check out the city’s street food scene, with many food trucks and stalls serving up delicious and affordable bites. The San Telmo Market and the Feria de Mataderos are great places to sample street food and other local specialties.
Co-working in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a vibrant city with a growing startup scene, making it a great destination for digital nomads and remote workers. Here are some of the best co-working spaces in Buenos Aires:
- WeWork: WeWork has several locations in Buenos Aires, including in the Palermo and Microcentro neighbourhoods. They offer flexible office space, meeting rooms, and community events.
- AreaTres: Located in the San Telmo neighbourhood, AreaTres offers a variety of co-working spaces, from individual desks to private offices. They also offer networking events and workshops for entrepreneurs.
- La Maquinita Co: With locations in several Buenos Aires neighbourhoods, including Palermo and Belgrano, La Maquinita Co offers flexible co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and a variety of amenities, such as high-speed internet and 24/7 access.
- Urban Station: With locations throughout Buenos Aires and other cities in Latin America, Urban Station offers a variety of co-working spaces, from shared desks to private offices. They also have a cafe and lounge area for breaks.
- La Plataforma: Located in the trendy Recoleta neighbourhood, La Plataforma offers a variety of co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and a rooftop terrace with city views. They also offer networking events and workshops for entrepreneurs.
Don’t miss these top 20 Buenos Aires Sights
Buenos Aires is a city full of history, culture, and fascinating landmarks. Here are the top 20 sights that you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Buenos Aires:
- Plaza de Mayo: The city’s main square and home to the iconic Casa Rosada, the presidential palace.
- Recoleta Cemetery: A historic cemetery with ornate mausoleums and the final resting place of many of Argentina’s famous figures, including Eva Perón.
- Teatro Colón: One of the world’s most famous opera houses, known for its stunning architecture and world-class performances.
- La Boca: A colourful neighbourhood known for its brightly painted houses, tango performances, and the Caminito pedestrian street.
- San Telmo Market: A popular street market where you can find local artisans, street performers, and traditional Argentine goods.
- Palermo Soho: A trendy neighbourhood filled with bars, restaurants, and boutiques.
- Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: A world-class art museum with works by famous artists such as Picasso and Monet.
- Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral: A beautiful cathedral located on the Plaza de Mayo.
- Obelisk: A monument in the heart of the city, which is a symbol of Buenos Aires.
- Casa Rosada: The presidential palace and the site of many historic events in Argentina’s history.
- Puerto Madero: A modern neighbourhood with high-end restaurants, bars, and stunning views of the city’s waterfront.
- Floralis Generica: A giant metal flower sculpture located in the Recoleta neighbourhood.
- MALBA: The Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires, featuring works by famous Latin American artists.
- Bosques de Palermo: A large park with walking trails, lakes, and gardens.
- Planetario Galileo Galilei: A planetarium with shows and exhibits about space and astronomy.
- Feria de Mataderos: A weekly market in the Mataderos neighbourhood, featuring traditional Argentine food, crafts, and live music.
- El Ateneo Grand Splendid: A historic theatre converted into a bookstore, with a stunning interior and a wide selection of books.
- Barrio Chino: A neighbourhood with a large Chinese population and many restaurants, markets, and shops.
- National Museum of History: A museum that showcases Argentina’s history and culture, located in the Recoleta neighbourhood.
- La Bombonera: The stadium of the famous Boca Juniors soccer team, known for its passionate fans and colourful atmosphere.