Things To Do
in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a vibrant metropolis that blends European elegance with Latin American flair. The city is renowned for its rich cultural scene, from world-class theaters and tango salons to colorful street art-lined neighborhoods. With its diverse architecture, leafy boulevards, and bustling plazas, Buenos Aires offers a striking visual tapestry at every turn.
Foodie travelers will delight in its famed steak houses, empanada stands, and spirited café culture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Ezeiza International Airport and transfer to your downtown hotel. Unpack your bags and freshen up before heading out to explore the city. Savor a traditional medialuna and café con leche at a local café.
Stroll through Plaza de Mayo and admire the pink façade of the Casa Rosada. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and soak up the political heart of Argentina. Explore the Cabildo museum to learn about the country’s colonial past.
Enjoy a riverside dinner at Puerto Madero with views of the skyline at sunset. Sample regional specialties like provoleta and empanadas. Toast to your first night in Buenos Aires with a glass of Malbec.
Enjoy breakfast at a sidewalk café and soak in the neighborhood's Parisian flair. Wander through the famous Recoleta Cemetery to admire ornate mausoleums and the grave of Eva Perón. Pause for a coffee break at a shaded plaza and chat with local residents.
Explore the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes to view a rich collection of European and Argentine masterpieces. Stroll through the elegant Recoleta cultural center and its boutique shops. Snap photos of the nearby Floralis Genérica metal flower sculpture in full bloom.
Dine at one of Recoleta's refined restaurants known for its gourmet Argentine cuisine. Sample a glass of Torrontés as you watch the sun set over grand Avenida Alvear. Take an after-dinner stroll past illuminated mansions and hidden courtyards.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee at café | $2-3 |
| 🚖Taxi start (5 km) | $1-2 |
| 🍺Local beer (0.5 L) | $2-4 |
| 🚌Public bus fare | $0.25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene
- World-class food and café culture
- Affordable relative to North America and Europe
- Diverse architecture and green spaces
- Frequent traffic jams and strikes
- Petty crime in tourist hotspots
- Economic instability can affect prices
- Some neighborhoods can feel crowded
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Buenos Aires
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful Caminito street with brightly painted houses and lively murals.
Modern waterfront district featuring the Puente de la Mujer and sleek skyscrapers reflecting in the river.
Labyrinthine mausoleums and statues create a hauntingly beautiful photographic backdrop.
Tree-lined avenues, rose gardens and the iconic Rosedal lake bridges in Buenos Aires’ largest green space.
Giant steel flower sculpture that opens and closes with the sun, set in a reflecting pool.
Food in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Argentine barbecue featuring various cuts of beef and chorizo grilled over wood embers—sample at classic parrillas like Don Julio.
Must-Try!
Handheld pastries filled with beef, ham and cheese, or spinach; try the Salteñas at La Cocina in Recoleta.
Breaded and fried meat cutlet served alone or in a sandwich; best found at neighborhood bodegones.
Sweet caramel-like spread used in desserts like alfajores; pick up a gift box from Havanna.
Grilled chorizo sandwich topped with chimichurri; grab one from street stalls near busy plazas.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Indoor market offering antiques, empanadas, fresh produce and empanada stands—ideal for a midday snack.
Weekend fair showcasing regional foods, roast lamb, pastelitos and live folk music, located in the Mataderos neighborhood.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A single cheek kiss is the common greeting between friends and acquaintances—handshakes are used in formal settings.
Use usted in formal contexts and tú with peers or when invited to do so.
Social events often start 15–30 minutes late; business meetings should observe scheduled times.
Buenos Aires is tactile—expect close proximity and friendly physical gestures in conversation.
Safety
Tipping in Buenos Aires
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping 10–15% in restaurants is customary if service charge isn’t included; leaving small change for baristas or taxi drivers is appreciated.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, though small vendors prefer cash in pesos; ATMs are abundant but can charge fees.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms common—ideal for pool clubs and seaside day trips to San Isidro.
Mild temperatures and colorful foliage, a great time for walking tours and alfresco dining.
Cooler days with temperatures around 10–15°C (50–59°F); perfect for café-hopping and indoor cultural events.
Blooming jacarandas and pleasant weather—prime season for photography and outdoor festivals.
Buenos Aires at Night
Hiking in Buenos Aires
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Wetland reserve on the riverfront with walking and cycling paths just steps from downtown.
Eco-parks and boardwalks through riverside forests, accessible by train or boat from Retiro.
Mountain range 600 km southwest of the city offering multi-day treks and panoramic views.
Airports
How to reach Buenos Aires by plane.
Main airport 35 km south of downtown, served by buses, shuttles and taxis.
Domestic and regional flights 8 km from the city center, accessible by taxi or bus.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Make up the bulk of the population, influencing language and cuisine.
Significant Arab, Jewish and East Asian communities contribute to the city’s multicultural flavor.
Drawn by the creative industries in Palermo and San Telmo, fueling the start-up and arts scenes.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The city lives and breathes football, with fierce rivalries at Boca Juniors and River Plate.
Argentina is home to top polo teams; matches and club visits are popular around Buenos Aires.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Buenos Aires.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While many eateries focus on meat, vegetarian options like provoleta or grilled veggies are common—seek out veggie-friendly restaurants in Palermo.
A growing number of vegan cafés and restaurants offer plant-based asados and milanesas; check out Bio Solo Orgánico.
Gluten-free bread and pasta are available at specialty bakeries and many higher-end restaurants upon request.