Things To Do
in Argentina
Argentina is a vast land of remarkable diversity, from subtropical forests in the north to windswept Patagonian steppe in the south. It blends Buenos Aires’ European flair with rugged frontier landscapes, where tango, steak, and wine define the culture. The country is renowned for its beef, Malbec wines, Andean scenery, and epic road trips across plains, vineyards, and glaciers.
Expect warm hospitality, vibrant cities, and endless outdoor possibilities that invite you to explore with curiosity and pace yourself along the way.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Upon arrival in the vibrant city of Buenos Aires, you'll check into your hotel and take a moment to refresh before your adventure begins. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional pastries and coffee. After breakfast, embark on a guided walking tour of the historic San Telmo neighborhood, soaking in its colonial architecture and lively street art.
In the afternoon, explore the famous Plaza de Mayo and visit the iconic Casa Rosada, the presidential palace. Stop for lunch at a parrilla (steakhouse) to indulge in Argentina's renowned beef, paired with a glass of Malbec. Afterward, take a stroll through the picturesque streets of La Boca, where the colorful Caminito street awaits.
As night falls, immerse yourself in the tango culture during a captivating tango show at a local venue. Enjoy an authentic Argentine dinner, enjoying traditional dishes with tantalizing flavors. After the show, take a short walk through the lively streets, filled with the sounds of music and laughter.
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Recoleta Cemetery, where you can admire the elaborate tombs and learn about the famous figures buried there. Afterward, enjoy breakfast at a nearby café, perhaps trying a medialuna (croissant) with your coffee. Explore the nearby artisan markets for unique souvenirs and gifts.
Spend your afternoon visiting the Malba Museum, which showcases a stunning collection of modern Latin American art. Have lunch in the trendy Palermo district, known for its vibrant street art and hip eateries. Take some time to relax in one of the local parks, enjoying the lush green spaces.
In the evening, explore the culinary scene with a food tour, visiting various neighborhoods to taste local dishes. Experience the nightlife by visiting a lively bar or club in Palermo, where you can dance the night away. End the night by mingling with locals and absorbing the energetic atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-4 |
| 🚆One-way public transport ticket | $0.75-1.50 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning landscapes from glaciers to pampas
- World-class beef, wine, and cuisine
- Vibrant cities with rich arts and tango culture
- Wide range of experiences from beaches to mountains
- Economy volatility and price fluctuations
- Long distances between major regions
- Safety concerns in crowded tourist areas if not careful
- Seasonal weather can be unpredictable in Patagonia
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Me gustaría..." - I would like...
- "Ayuda" - Help
- "No hablo español" - I do not speak Spanish
- "¿Puede recomendarme algo?" - Can you recommend something?
Places to Visit in Argentina
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful street art and vibrant houses provide striking portraits and urban textures.
Opulent mausoleums and sculptural tombs set against tree-lined avenues — dramatic for morning light.
Architectural grandeur with political history; great for wide-angle cityscapes.
Mist-filled viewpoints and rainbows over the enormous cascades offer dynamic nature photography.
Blue ice walls and calving events create powerful, action-filled shots.
Towering granite peaks and pristine landscapes provide epic Patagonia photography.
Food in Argentina
Argentina Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Argentina’s iconic grill of beef ribs and steaks, often cooked over open flame in parrillas; best enjoyed with friends.
Must-Try!
Savory pastries filled with beef, chicken, or cheese; widely available in bakeries and markets.
Breaded meat cutlet, similar to a schnitzel, served with lemon and often mashed potatoes.
Grilled chorizo on crusty bread, typically topped with chimichurri or salsa criolla.
Hearty corn-and-bean stew with squash and pork, a winter staple in the Andean-adjacent regions.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and street food stalls.
Large wholesale market offering a wide range of meats, produce, and prepared foods.
Cultural market on weekends with regional foods, crafts, and live música.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Argentines commonly use vos and ustedes; greet with a warm handshake or kiss on the cheek in social circles. Polite phrases go a long way.
Time is flexible in social contexts; for business or tours, arrive on time or a few minutes early.
Tipping is customary in restaurants, cafes, and taxis; dining etiquette leans toward casual yet respectful interactions.
Engage in light topics like football, tango, travel, and food; avoid overly sensitive political or personal questions in first meetings.
Safety
Tipping in Argentina
Ensure a smooth experience
A service charge is often included in meals, but a 10% tip is common if service is not included. Rounding up the bill is also acceptable in casual places.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities; cash (Argentine pesos) remains useful, especially in markets, small shops, and rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with high humidity in the north; Patagonia can be breezy and cooler. Afternoon storms are common; stay hydrated and plan outdoor activities early.
Mild temperatures and colorful foliage—great for city strolls and wine country tours; evenings can be cool.
Patagonia sees snow and freezing temperatures; central and northern regions are cooler but drier. Skiing in the Andes is popular; Buenos Aires stays milder.
Blooming landscapes across the country, pleasant weather for hiking and outdoor exploring; air quality is typically good.
Argentina at Night
Hiking in Argentina
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Iconic hike offering views of Cerro Fitz Roy and pristine alpine lakes.
Challenging route with dramatic rock faces and glacier scenery.
Popular hikes around the Bariloche area with stunning lakes and forested trails.
Gentle to moderate trails through forests and over ridges with lake vistas.
Airports
How to reach Argentina by plane.
Buenos Aires' main international gateway in Ezeiza, connected to domestic flights and international destinations.
Aeroparque, closer to the city center, handling mostly regional and domestic flights.
Gateway to Patagonia, near Lake Nahuel Huapi and the Andes.
El Calafate, primary gateway to Los Glaciares National Park.
Iguazú, serves international and domestic flights to the Iguazú River region.
Cordoba’s main international gateway with connections to broader Argentina and neighboring countries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large, cosmopolitan populations in Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Mendoza.
Pampas and Andean regions with tradition of cattle ranching and ranch culture.
History of immigration from Spain, Italy, and other countries shapes culture and cuisine.
Mapuche in the north and Patagonia with strong cultural presence.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The national passion; attend a league match or join a local pickup game.
A traditional sport in the Pampas with many ranches hosting polo matches.
Strong clubs and regional teams; Argentina regularly produces competitive teams.
A popular recreational sport with several world-class players and clubs.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Meat-dominated menus can be challenging. Look for salads, pasta, grilled vegetables, cheeses, and vegetarian empanadas; many parrillas now offer vegetarian options or can adapt dishes. Communicate with staff and consider vegetarian-friendly markets or international chains in cities.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Argentina.