Buenos Aires completely stole my heart! I found it to be a mix between Europe and South America: it all feels familiar yet excitingly foreign. The colourful streets, the grand old architecture, the delicious food and wine, the tango…I really want to go back!
We only spent ten days there, but honestly, I could’ve stayed for months. There’s just so much to do, from art and food to nightlife and nature. Every barrio (neighborhood) has its own personality, and it’s the kind of city that rewards slow exploration.
Best Time to Go
Buenos Aires is a great year-round destination, but the best time to visit is spring (September–November) or autumn (March–May). Summer (December–February) can get hot and humid, while winter is cooler but still pleasant.
Getting Around
The city is very walkable, especially in central areas, but it’s also easy and affordable to get around. The Subte (metro) connects most neighborhoods and costs just a few pesos per ride. Buses (colectivos) run everywhere and can be paid with a SUBE card, which you can buy and top up at kiosks. Uber and Cabify are also available and safe for late nights.
Where to Stay
We stayed first in an apartment in Palermo, which I loved: it’s leafy, trendy, and full of great cafes, restaurants, and bars. It’s a bit more relaxed but still well-connected to the rest of the city. Later, we moved to the Milhouse Hostel downtown, which was a totally different vibe (central, social, and perfect for meeting other travelers). They organise daily activities, pub crawls, and even tango nights, so it’s a great choice if you’re traveling solo or want to mix city exploring with some fun!
Here are 16 things to do in Buenos Aires:
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- Join a Tango Night: Class, dinner and show
- San Telmo Markets
- Visit the Bombonera Stadium and go to a Football match
- Eat the best Empanadas at la Morada
- Visit the Recoleta Cemetery
- Try the famous Pizza at Guerrin
- Spend some time in Palermo
- Visit La Boca
- Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur
- Visit El Ateneo Bookstore
- Take a Free Walking Tour
- Take a Cooking Class
- Palacio Barolo
- Botanical Garden
- Bonus activity: Have a meal at Don Julio
1. Tango Night
You can’t leave Buenos Aires without experiencing tango! There are many ways to do this, for example, you can head to a milonga, an authentic tango club, to watch locals dance late into the night. You can find some suggestions of good spots here.
Normally, hostels also host tango classes, so we took a few in ours, Millhouse. However, if you want a more fun and immersive night out, you can book an experience that includes a tango class, a full show, and dinner. We did this at Tango Porteño, and it was such a memorable evening. The class was beginner-friendly and really entertaining (you also receive a diploma at the end), the performers were incredibly talented, and the dinner felt like a proper night out in the city.
If you prefer something simpler, you can also book show-only or show-plus-dinner options without taking the class. It’s a great way to enjoy tango whether you want to participate or just sit back and take in the atmosphere.
2. San Telmo Markets
Every Sunday, Calle Defensa transforms into a vintage treasure hunt at the San Telmo Market. You’ll find antiques, handmade crafts, street performers, and irresistible empanadas. Free to visit, but bring cash for small purchases. Go early (10 am–12 pm) to avoid crowds, then enjoy live tango on the streets.
Ps: in this area you can also spot the famous Mafalda statue!
3. Visit the Bombonera Stadium and watch a Football Match
Whether you are into football or not, this is such a big part of the culture in Argentina. If you are in Buenos Aires, make sure you visit a stadium, such as La Bombonera (Boca Juniors) or El Monumental (River Plate).
And if you can make sure to catch a football match. Tickets are relatively hard to get, but once more, we booked this through our hostel, who took care of everything.
4. Eat Empanadas at La Morada
La Morada is one of those little local spots that feels like discovering a secret. It’s cozy, colourful, and known for serving some of the best empanadas in the city. What I loved most is that, unlike many traditional empanada places, they offer several vegetarian and vegan options, so everyone can enjoy Argentina’s favourite handheld snack. It’s affordable, quick, and perfect for a casual lunch between sightseeing stops.
5. Visit la Recoleta Cemetery
Visiting a cemetery might sound weird, but Recoleta Cemetery is one of the city’s most beautiful landmarks. Wander through ornate tombs, including Eva Perón’s. Entry is ARS 3,000 (€2), and guided tours are available. Go in the morning for soft light and fewer tourists, then relax in Plaza Francia nearby.
6. Try the Famous Guerrín Pizza
A trip to Buenos Aires wouldn’t be complete without trying Pizzería Guerrín, one of the most iconic pizza institutions in the city. Established in 1932, this place is always buzzing, including with locals, which is always a good sign! Both locals and tourists crowd the standing bar at the front to grab a quick slice of their thick, cheesy, traditional Argentine pizza. It’s loud, chaotic, and absolutely delicious!
37. Palermo
Palermo is Buenos Aires’ coolest neighborhood, full of shops, leafy plazas, and hip bars. Spend the day exploring Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood, then unwind at a rooftop bar. Free to wander, and you can spend around ARS 5,000–10,000 (€3-6) for a cocktail and snack.
8. Visit La Boca
The colorful streets of Caminito in La Boca are a photographer’s dream. Enjoy live tango, street art, and local craft stalls. It’s free to explore, but be mindful of your belongings, avoid side streets and visit during the day. Combine it with a visit to La Bombonera nearby (see above).
9. Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur
Escape the city buzz at this peaceful riverside reserve near Puerto Madero. Ideal for walking, cycling, or birdwatching, and it’s completely free. Bring water, sunscreen, and snacks. The best time to visit is early morning or sunset for cooler weather and great views.
10. Visit El Ateneo Bookstore
Have you ever dreamt of being in the Beauty and the Beast Library? Well, this is close enough! Voted one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is a must-see. Set inside a converted theater, you can browse books under its frescoed dome or sip coffee on stage. Free to enter and open daily until 10 pm. Perfect for a rainy day or a quiet afternoon.
11. Take a Free Walking Tour
I always love joining the free walking tours to get oriented and learn local stories. There are a lot of companies that offer daily tours in English and Spanish, covering downtown and Recoleta. Tours usually last around 2 hours and are a great way to meet other travelers and get insider tips.
12. Take a Cooking Class
Learn how to make empanadas, chimichurri, and dulce de leche at a local cooking workshop. Classes usually combine food and wine and are a great opportunity to meet other travellers. There are many options on Get Your Guide. Prices start from around €30, well worth it (I think) for a cultural deep dive.
13. Palacio Barolo
Inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, Palacio Barolo is a stunning architectural gem. Take a guided tour up to the lighthouse for panoramic views of the city. Tours cost around ARS 10,000 (€6). Go at sunset for magical light and fewer crowds.
14. Botanical Gardens
Another place I really enjoyed was the peaceful Jardín Botánico, a green oasis in Palermo filled with sculptures and plants from around the world. Free to enter, it’s perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Bring a picnic, or simply people-watch with a mate like the locals do.
15. Have a meal at Don Julio Restaurant
End your trip with a meal at Don Julio Restaurant. Normally, I wouldn’t recommend a high-end steak restaurant, but Don Julio is the exception.
Parrilla is such a big part of the Argentinian culture, so if you’re traveling with someone who really wants to experience it, this is the perfect spot even if you are a vegetarian or a vegan, so you don’t have to feel excluded.
Their menu includes a full page of vegan options, like delicious salads and seasonal grilled vegetables dishes. They also have some grilled cheeses for vegetarians. Obviously, how suitable it is depends on how strict you are with being vegan. I would assume they cook their vegetables and meat separately, but like in any mixed restaurant, this is never guaranteed.
The wine selection is also incredible!
Curious to find out more?Here is all you need to do to plan your trip to Argentina!
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