Best Things To Do In Buenos Aires In July

July in Buenos Aires is an ideal time to explore the city. With cooler temperatures than in the summer months, there are plenty of options to have a great time.
Best Things To Do In Buenos Aires In July

    More about: Best Things To Do In Buenos Aires In July

    Winter in Buenos Aires can be the perfect excuse to do some activities that become less attractive in the summer heat. From visiting its museums, a touristic bus ride, watching a tango show or enjoying its gastronomy? July is a very good time to visit this jewel of Latin America.

    It is one of the favorite cities of Europeans, thanks to the fact that everything, from its architecture to the layout of its streets or cultural offer reminds us of Madrid or Paris. There are many things to see and do in Buenos Aires in July, so get ready, because here I have selected my favorites.

    1. July 9: live with the Argentines the Independence Day

    May Square| ©VV Nincic
    May Square| ©VV Nincic

    If you are going to Buenos Aires in July, you should know that July 9 is Independence Day in Argentina, and throughout the neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, as well as the rest of the country, there are a number of celebrations that you can't miss. In the Mataderos fair, in the neighborhood of San Telmo, in Plaza de Mayo and in San Isidro you can enjoy military parades, typical food, such as empanadas, locro, fried cakes or sweet pastries.

    Living the patriotic fervor in the middle of Buenos Aires, is one of the most interesting and emotional things you can experience. In Argentina everything has to do with gastronomy, whether it is the asado and empanadas, its incomparable popular pastries, its mate or its wines, recognized all over the world, it is always a good time to sit at the table and enjoy.

    If you want, you can take advantage of the date to go to Plaza de Mayo and visit the inside of the Casa Rosada in one of the best tours in Buenos Aires. Then you can continue with a walk through the Buenos Aires Cathedral and the Cabildo. You will feel like you have gone back in time to 1816, when the people gathered in the square, among flags and cockades.

    Book a guided tour of Buenos Aires

    2. Get to know some of the best museums in Buenos Aires

    MALBA| ©Nicolás Waldman
    MALBA| ©Nicolás Waldman

    The city of Buenos Aires is famous for its important cultural activity. If you are one of those who need to be indoors with a little cold, July is an ideal month to visit museums and cultural centers in Buenos Aires. Here is a list of my favorites:

    MALBA

    MALBA is the Museum of Latin American Art in Buenos Aires, where you will find the most subversive contemporary art. In addition to its permanent collection, it has rooms for exhibitions of pictorial art, its own cinema, and spaces for audiovisual installations.

    National Museum of Fine Arts

    The Bellas Artes is one of the most important museums in the country. With a collection of works from all over the world, here you can see paintings by: Goya, Manet, Monet, Gauguin, Degas, Pissarro, Renoir, Pollock, Fontana, Rothko, sculptures by Rodin, and much more. Admission to the museum is free. Undoubtedly one of my favorite museums.

    Nestor Kirchner Cultural Center (CCK)

    The CCK is one of the most popular and lively museums in Buenos Aires. With exhibitions of all kinds and a rich agenda of concerts, exhibitions and playful spaces for children and adults, this is one of the art spaces that you can not miss during your visit to Buenos Aires.

    3. Tour the majestic Colon Theater

    Colon Theater| ©Leo Tomarchio
    Colon Theater| ©Leo Tomarchio

    Chosen as one of the theaters with the best acoustics in the world, the Colon Theater is located in the heart of the city, about 200 meters from the Obelisk, and is one of the places you can not miss if you are passing through Buenos Aires in July. Although it can be visited all year round, the low winter temperatures become the perfect excuse.

    Due to its beautiful architecture and rich history, you can visit it inside and appreciate costume pieces used by famous singers, sets and much more. The current building was inaugurated in 1908 and is an architectural masterpiece. On a guided tour of the Colón Theater you will discoverall the secrets hidden in one of the largest and most elegant theaters in the world.

    With a varied agenda, seeing an opera or a ballet show at the Colón is a great experience. Of course, I recommend buying your tickets in advance, even a few months before your trip, as they tend to sell out easily.

    Book a guided tour of the Colón Theatre

    4. Marvel at the architecture of the Congreso neighborhood and Downtown Buenos Aires

    View from the Barolo Palace| ©Luiz Antonio Dourado
    View from the Barolo Palace| ©Luiz Antonio Dourado

    The architecture of the neighborhoods of Congreso and Downtown Buenos Aires is absolutely amazing. Inspired by Madrid, Paris and London, but with a strong Latin American imprint, the architecture of Buenos Aires has a casualness of the fortuitous. Here you can see Gothic-style churches (such as the San Miguel Arcángel parish church or the First Methodist Church of Buenos Aires) next to modern glass skyscrapers or theaters with marquees from the last century.

    If you plan to visit Buenos Aires in July, signing up for a tour to appreciate the architectural beauty of the city can be a very good idea, as they usually include visits to the interior of each of these buildings, so you will find refuge from the cold and enjoy the ride.

    With endless domes, spires, colorful vitraux, galleries under roof, Buenos Aires is an architect's dream, as it coexists a variety of styles that surprise. Some of the 10 best buildings in Buenos Aires that you can't miss during your visit are:

    The Güemes Gallery

    A beauty under roof, the Güemes Gallery is considered the first skyscraper in the city of Buenos Aires, with a glass dome, a theater and stores from the early twentieth century, its architecture is one of the most refined in Downtown Buenos Aires. It has an entrance on Florida and San Martin pedestrian streets.

    The Barolo Palace

    The Barolo Palace owes its name to The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri. Its architectural beauty offers a truly unique and provocative mix of styles. In this palace, located in the heart of the Congreso neighborhood, neo-Gothic and neo-Romantic styles coexist. Its dome (which can be visited) is Indian style, and represents the union between Dante and Beatrice. Its author described it as a Latin skyscraper.

    The Confectionery Del Molino

    This building is considered an emblem of art nouveau. Its interior is as striking as its exterior, with marble cladding on its columns, pilasters and panels. At the end of the 20th century the building passed into the hands of the Argentine government and was declared a National Historic Monument. Its dome with marvelous vitreaux and its details make the Confitería del Molino one of the most beautiful buildings in Latin America.

    Book a guided visit to Palacio Barolo

    5. Discover the must-see places of Buenos Aires by Hop on-Hop off bus

    Bus Tour| ©Juanedc
    Bus Tour| ©Juanedc

    As I always say, a great way to get in touch with a city is to hop on the tourist bus. This way you can make your own map and locate where the main attractions are, and then go back to the ones you liked the most to explore them in detail.

    Like other great capitals of the world, Buenos Aires has its own tourist bus. Under the Hop on-Hop off mode, you can tour the main highlights of the city. Summer in Buenos Aires is usually very hot, so July is an ideal month for this kind of tours. Of course, I recommend you to bring a warm jacket.

    Some of the stops on the tour are:

    • Recoleta
    • Colón Theater
    • Congress Square
    • San Telmo - Plaza Dorrego
    • La Bombonera
    • La Boca - Caminito
    • Puente de la Mujer - Puerto Madero
    • MALBA
    • Planetarium
    • Palermo Woods - Rose Garden
    • National Museum of Fine Arts

    The total tour takes 3 hours and 20 minutes, and the buses run every 20 minutes. They have audio guides in 9 languages (Spanish, English, Portuguese, German, French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Russian). As they are open-top buses, you can get great 360-degree views of the city.

    Book the Buenos Aires sightseeing bus

    6. Get to know Caminito, in La Boca neighborhood

    In La Boca| ©sandeepachetan.com
    In La Boca| ©sandeepachetan.com

    The postcard of Caminito has gone around the world. The colorful facades of the old tenement houses, where immigrants from all over the world lived together (especially after the two world wars) have become a tourist attraction. Located in the neighborhood of La Boca, a few meters from the Boca Juniors soccer stadium, the area is a must for tourists and the curious.

    Here you will find a large number of souvenirs, mostly related to tango and soccer. In addition to being able to walk through the corridors of old tenement houses, now restored, and watch a live show. Caminito is a museum street almost 150 meters long and one of the most emblematic places in the neighborhood of La Boca. It was the plastic artist Benito Quinquela Martín, a neighbor of the neighborhood, who promoted the creation of this open-air museum to rescue part of the area's past.

    If you plan to visit Bueno Aires in July, Caminito is the ideal place, as you will always find something delicious to eat, shows that will warm you up and a good dose of walking. One of the best things to do in winter in Buenos Aires.

    Book a tour of the River Plate and Boca Juniors museums

    7. Winter vacations and the Children's Book Fair in Buenos Aires

    Kirchner Cultural Center| ©Jack Salen
    Kirchner Cultural Center| ©Jack Salen

    In July, the winter vacation break takes place in Buenos Aires. This fills the city with activities to enjoy, many of them oriented to children. From plays, circus shows, dance and museums that open their doors for free, to shows in open spaces. Although temperatures are usually quite low, it is unusual for them to drop below 10 degrees Celsius, so you can enjoy all the charm of the city.

    In July, the Buenos Aires Children's Book Fair is also held from July 11 to 31. Every year, the Kirchner Cultural Center opens its doors for this celebration of children's literature. If you are visiting during these dates, it is an excellent plan to do with children in Buenos Aires.

    Like its adult version, the Children's Book Fair brings together authors and personalities from the publishing world for this celebration of art and literature.

    8. Visit some of the traditional Cafés Notables, places full of history

    Inside the Café Tortoni| ©KKKitty
    Inside the Café Tortoni| ©KKKitty

    The bohemian Buenos Aires is famous all over the world, and much of the inspiration of poets, playwrights and writers comes from the cafés. In order to preserve the charm of these old bars and cafés, full of history, the Argentine government decided to highlight the most representative ones and group them under the name of "Cafés Notables".

    Most of them are located in the area of Congreso and Downtown Buenos Aires, but there are also in San Telmo, Recoleta, Almagro, Flores, and other areas of the city. If you visit Buenos Aires in July, they can be an excellent way to escape from the cold while getting to know some of the history of the city. Here is a list of my favorites:

    • Café Tortoni: undoubtedly the most famous of the porteño cafés. Café Tortoni has seen tango singers, presidents, thinkers, artists, poets, famous actors and actresses. Always save a moment for a coffee at the Tortoni.
    • La Biela: located in the Recoleta neighborhood, Café La Biela was frequented by Jorge Luis Borges and Adolfo Bioy Casares. So much so that you can have your picture taken next to its realistic sculptures at one of its tables.
    • Bar Británico: the old Bar Británico is one of the oldest in the city. Here, another literary figure, the writer Ernesto Sábato, used to sit and write some of his novels. In fact, the action of the book "Sobre Héroes y Tumbas" (On Heroes and Tombs) begins a few meters away from the café.
    • Bar Los Galgos: located in the neighborhood of Congreso, about 500 meters from the majestic building of the National Congress, is the Bar Los Galgos. Another of the cafes with history that you can not miss. My recommendation: Have a vermouth at the bar and order some picadas.

    9. Stroll along Corrientes Street, the Broadway of Buenos Aires

    Corrientes Avenue| ©pabs242
    Corrientes Avenue| ©pabs242

    Few cities in the world have such a fertile theatrical pole as Buenos Aires. Along the mythical Corrientes street you will find theaters, cafes, restaurants and bookstores, where you should stop and explore. With the low temperatures in July, you can stroll along Corrientes and attend a performance, the options are varied. Places like Paseo La Plaza offer different shows in one place.

    Walking down Corrientes street, with all its marquees, neon lights, advertisements and stars on the floor, will make you feel like you are on Broadway. Get your tickets in advance online or diagonally to the Obelisco, and after the show choose one of the endless dining options. Here are some of the best pizzerias in town. If you want to try the typical Argentine pizza, I recommend Guerrin orLas Cuartetas, both on Corrientes street.

    This is definitely one of the best things to do at night in Buenos Aires.

    10. Take a tour to Mar del Plata from Buenos Aires

    In Mar del Plata| ©Marcelo Plescia
    In Mar del Plata| ©Marcelo Plescia

    But Buenos Aires is not only the capital, you can also take a tour of some of the most representative cities of the province. Undoubtedly, one of the most striking and picturesque is Mar del Plata. With a charm that combines the houses of the high bourgeoisie of the nineteenth century with the most modern buildings, a layout of undulating streets and a perfect natural balcony facing the sea, Mar del Plata is a pearl on the Argentine coast.

    If you visit the city in July you will need to warm up, so you can not miss a delicious churros at Manolo or some pasta at Sorrentinería Véspoli, two classic places of the gastronomic scene in Mar del Plata. You can also walk around the port and see the sea lion community, stroll along the promenade, visit the Aquarium or Villa Victoria, the home of writer Victoria Ocampo.

    As you can see, Mar del Plata has hundreds of attractions and places worth visiting.

    11. Stroll around Puerto Madero and taste the delicious Argentinean gastronomy

    Puerto Madero| ©Hernán Piñera
    Puerto Madero| ©Hernán Piñera

    July in Buenos Aires is usually a bit chilly, with temperatures hovering around 10 degrees Celsius. For this reason, I recommend you to visit one of the most modern neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Puerto Madero is built entirely on land that was reclaimed from the Rio de la Plata. Here you can find a wide range of restaurants, bars and cafes to face the cold, while enjoying a totally relaxed atmosphere. Appreciate all the beauty of the city next to the yachts and small boats.

    It is a perfect place to taste the typical Argentinean food. Although vegans and vegetarians can also find options here, meat lovers can be sure that they have arrived in paradise. On the banks of the canal you will find all kinds of first class steakhouses, where you can try the typical Argentinean cuts, those that have earned its worldwide fame. Places like Rodizio, La Parolaccia, Siga la vaca or Estilo Campo are some of the best.

    And if the culinary universe is your thing, I recommend that you sign up for one of the best gastronomic tours in Buenos Aires.

    Reviews from other travellers

    4.6
    · 2234 Reviews
  • K
    K. J.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Brilliant tour
  • H
    H.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    One of the most spectacular constructions in Argentina. It is a visit that will surprise you from beginning to end.
  • T
    T.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Wonderful experience. For those who like art, history, architecture, literature and the beauty that is capable of elaborating the human being is my advice to treat yourself to a good time.
  • U
    U.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    One of the many beautiful buildings in the City of Buenos Aires.
  • G
    G.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    Both the place, the history and the guys who act as guides are great, entertaining and give a magnificent setting to an impressive place.