Best Things To Do in Buenos Aires

From the colorful streets of La Boca, to the classic asados and alfajores, to the sleek, modern architecture of Puerto Madero, the vibrant city of Buenos Aires is a destination that promises to offer an incredible variety of experiences.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler looking for new adventures or a first-time visitor eager to discover all the things to see and do in Buenos Aires, in this article you'll find a list of 14 must-see things to explore and immerse yourself in the local culture beyond Buenos Aires tours.

As creole as the choripan, the porteño heat or the passion for Messi you only have the tango and you are in the mecca of this discipline, so you should not miss the best Tango shows in Buenos Aires. For that, you must approach the vibrant neighborhood of La Boca. Whether you are an experienced tango dancer or a newcomer to this art form, there is something truly special about watching the dancers move and glide around the dance floor with grace and effortlessness.

And, if you dare, you can try your hand at taking tango lessons in Buenos Aires. But beyond the dancing, there are many other reasons to visit La Boca, from exploring the neighborhood's numerous art galleries and street murals to sampling the local cuisine.

In this neighborhood, Caminito Street is the epicenter of activity. You can't miss the opportunity to tour the restaurants and old conventillos that surround it. If you are looking for an authentic experience of Argentine culture, we recommend trying a traditional pizza at the famous Pizzeria Banchero. All in all, this is just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.

In your itinerary of things to do and see in Buenos Aires you should note the San Nicolas neighborhood, whose epicenter is the wonderful Colon Theater, one of the most emblematic monuments of the country.

This majestic theater is mostly known by the locals as the Microcentro and was inaugurated in 1908 at 628 Cerrito Street, and since then it has made a place for itself in the top theaters in the world, thanks to its acoustics, impeccable architecture and pristine beauty.

Some of the best artists in the world have performed there, such as Igor Stravinsky and Luciano Pavarotti. Some of the most emblematic operas, ballets and orchestras in history have also been born here. Visitors can be amazed by the incredible detail and care that has gone into the design of the theater. Its behind-the-scenes history is worth getting to know, so I recommend a guided tour of the Teatro Colón.

When it comes to must-see experiences in Buenos Aires, the legendary Bombonera stadium is a must-see. Located in the vibrant neighborhood of La Boca, the iconic stadium is a spectacular tribute to Alberto J. Armando.

With one of the most passionate soccer cultures in the world, the stadium of Boca Juniors, one of the most traditional teams in Buenos Aires, is worth following. La Bombonera is more than just a sports venue: it is a cultural institution that represents the heart and soul of Buenos Aires.

From antiques to souvenirs, the best of street food to all kinds of local products, in its colorful stalls you can find almost anything you want. The San Telmo Market is a favorite meeting place for tourists and locals alike.

This renowned neighborhood fair is located in Plaza Dorrego every Sunday. Be sure to go early enough to avoid the crowds, despite its 13,000 square meters, it fills up quickly.

The San Telmo market has been around since 1897. It has been home to many of the city's most famous artists over the years, and their presence can still be felt today in the street art and murals that adorn the walls. In short, the Mercado de San Telmo is a sanctuary for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike that you can visit at 963 Defensa Avenue.

Visit one of the oldest cafes in Buenos Aires, Café Tortoni was founded in 1858, as it proudly says on its entrance.

Located at Avenida de Mayo 825, it is a key cultural center of the city and home to "La Peña del Tortoni", a group of intellectuals and writers who organized cultural activities. It is ideal for a traditional Argentine breakfast of café con leche, for an afternoon snack with a classic medialuna, -medialunas are small pastries filled with caramelized dulce de leche or fruit jam-, or you can also opt for this place for dinner dessert.

Located in the heart of the city, it is Argentina's Presidential Palace and the center of all political decisions made in the country. Built in the 19th century, it has witnessed Argentina's tumultuous history, from the Spanish viceroyalties, through dictatorship and democracy. Admission is free for self-guided tours.

The main attractions of this monumental palace are its coral pink exterior and the emblematic balcony where Eva Perón gave her famous speeches. As a curious fact, despite being a palace, locals call it "kuća" (pronounced "kucha") and it means house, which gives rise to Argentina's Casa Rosada.

Visitors can take guided tours of the presidential palace to explore its various chambers and rooms, including the famous Yellow Room or its Bicentennial Museum. The intricate architecture and interior design of the Casa Rosada is breathtaking, and one can easily spend hours gazing at it. And you can enjoy this visual spectacle at 100 Paseo Colon Avenue.

In Buenos Aires the classic trains are still in operation, distributed in six subway lines available in the city, known as "subte". They even lower the windows manually. Although it may seem absurd in bullet train times, part of the charm of Buenos Aires is the contrast between classic and modernity and this is a real test that deserves to be experienced.

In addition, this option is economical, as each trip costs 7.50 Argentine pesos (approximately 20 euro cents), and allows travelers to immerse themselves in the rhythm and daily life of the city.

The Argentine asado, one of the country's culinary jewels, is key in the best gastronomic tours in Buenos Aires. It is a traditional dish consisting of beef, pork or lamb cooked on the grill with charcoal embers. The meat is seasoned with salt and cooked slowly for a unique texture and flavor that melts in your mouth.

Although it sounds like any other barbecue, the Argentine asado is more than a meal, it is a social ritual, and sharing a good meal is a way to connect with the local culture at its roots. This is one of the 20 reasons to drop everything and go to Buenos Aires according to Traveler's experts, try it, you won't regret it!

If you have a sweet tooth, you can't visit Buenos Aires without trying the famous Argentine alfajores. This traditional dessert consisting of two soft and tender cookies filled with dulce de leche is an export quality product, and the flagship brand is Havanna, a company proudly from Mar de Plata.

The taste is exquisite, but being in Argentina the variations are endless and most importantly, they are fresh and with answers to most diets, there are even vegan alfajores. Treat yourself to this delicious souvenir, or learn how to prepare them with experts in one of the best cooking classes in Buenos Aires and sweeten your trip.

La Recoleta is one of the most prestigious and elegant neighborhoods in Buenos Aires where tango, soccer and cafes meet in the most Parisian place in Latin America.

This neighborhood is known for its luxurious architecture, its splendor, variety of shopping venues and its vibrant cultural life. Among the best things to see in this Buenos Aires neighborhood are the Recoleta Cultural Center, the beautiful Ateneo bookstore, the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar, the National Museum of Fine Arts and meters away from Plaza Francia, its iconic Recoleta Cemetery.

This cemetery is a historic and exciting place that houses the tombs of some of Argentina's most influential figures such as Evita Peron or the so-called Lady in White and her mythical story.

Plaza de Mayo is one of the most emblematic and historic squares in Buenos Aires. It is known for being the site of the most important political and social demonstrations in Argentina. This square is home to several of the best buildings in Buenos Aires such as the Casa Rosada, -the seat of the Argentine government-, and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires.

It also has several monuments and statues, such as the Pyramid of May and the Monument to the May Revolution. An interesting fact is that every Thursday the "Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo" event takes place, commemorating the historical events that took place in the square. It is a must for anyone who wants to learn about the history, culture and politics of Argentina.

Puerto Madero is the city's quintessential destination for fine dining, world-class shopping, a plethora of contemporary restaurants and bars, as well as, a lively nightlife. Be sure to try traditional Argentine dishes such as empanadas, meat pies and steak, accompanied by a glass of Malbec, the country's signature red wine.

And although it is one of the city's newest areas, Puerto Madero oozes history, with restored warehouses and magnificent attractions such as the Puente de la Mujer, the Fuente de las Nereidas, the Puerto Cristal or its nature reserve. Whether you feel like taking a romantic stroll along the canal, spending an afternoon strolling along its paths or partying in one of the area's trendy clubs, Puerto Madero has something for everyone.

This seaside neighborhood has undergone a huge transformation in recent years, from a dilapidated port area to a center of fashion and luxury activity; not for nothing is this one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Latin America.

The Museum of Latin American Art(MALBA) is a must for art lovers. It is one of the best museums in Buenos Aires of recent date. It was founded in 2001 in an effort to disseminate the works of Latin American artists of the last centuries.

It houses an extensive collection of art from the twentieth century to the present. One of the most interesting facts about its exhibition is that it not only supports established artists such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Alejandro Xul Solar or Tarsila do Amaral, but also supports emerging talents in diverse areas such as painting, sculpture, film and ArteCo

Visit MALBA at 3415 Figueroa Alcorta Avenue and do not miss its exciting dynamic cultural atmosphere for an average price of 5.5 ¤.

This sprawling hub of cultural activity in the heart of the city is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital for a few hours. Its official name is Parque Tres de Febrero, but it is mostly known by locals as the Bosques de Palermo, a natural lung located between Sarmiento and Libertador avenues, specifically at 110 Infanta Isabel Avenue.

On weekends, the park is filled with street performers, local craft vendors and families enjoying a picnic in the sun. Admission is free, however, for history buffs, there are several must-see attractions for an additional supplement. You can also take the opportunity to remember this beautiful park by taking one of the Buenos Aires bike tours.

There are many things to see and do in the Bosques de Palermo. Among them, you can visit the Galileo Galilei Planetarium, the Buenos Aires Zoo, the Eduardo Sívori Museum of Plastic Arts, the hippodrome, squares, lakes and the Palermo Rose Garden, a charming rose garden much appreciated by locals and visitors.

By the way, Palermo is a neighborhood of the Argentine capital that you should not miss. Here is our post about the best things to do in Palermo, Buenos Aires.

If you are one of the lucky ones who visit the city calmly and have several days to explore it, another plan I suggest is to do some of the best excursions from Buenos Aires. Among the favorites are the ones that take you to see the gaucho style in the Argentine ranches, a party where you can discover the traditions and customs of its people.

Another highly recommended option are the excursions to the Delta del Tigre where you will find a whole complex of islands, canals and streams inhabited by numerous plant and animal species that you can navigate in a boat on the Paraná River. At the same time, with these tours you can see the mansions of the northern periphery and Quinta de Olivos, where the Argentine president lives.

And for the more adventurous, how about visiting two countries in the same trip? If you are up for it, sign up for an excursion to Uruguay from Buenos Aires. It is feasible to visit Montevideo in a day trip from the Argentine capital by ferry or train and believe me, you will be amazed by the rich culture and the beauty of the landscapes of this city.

Buenos Aires is a huge city, with many attractions to discover and it is important that you plan your trip to the maximum to enjoy it well. Here are some tips to make this trip one of the best of your life:

When to go and how many days to dedicate to Buenos Aires

To the typical question of what is the best time to travel to Buenos Aires I always say the same thing: any time. You have so much to see that whenever you go, the city will offer its tourists an endless number of activities. To help you in your decision, I leave you the following articles where you will see selected the best plans by months or times of the year:

• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in January
• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in February
• 10 things to do and see in Buenos Aires in March
• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in April
• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in July
• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in November
• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in December
• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in Christmas
• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in springtime
• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in Summer
• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in Winter

And if you want to know how many days to dedicate to this trip, since it is a big city, I always recommend a minimum of 3 days. However, this also depends a lot on where you start from. For more information, visit our itineraries by days so you don't miss anything:

• What to see and do in Buenos Aires in 3 days
• What to see and do in Buenos Aires in 5 days
• What to see and do in Buenos Aires in 7 days

How to get around the city

Here my first advice is that from the beginning of the trip you should organize well the transfers between the airport and the center of Buenos Aires or, if in your case you are arriving by cruise ship, take a look at the transfers between the cruise port and the city. It will be much easier to have it previously programmed.

Due to the great extension of the Argentine capital, to move around you will have to use public transportation, from the "subte" or subway, to city buses, through cabs. All of them are 100% safe and very comfortable when it comes to experiencing the nightlife of Buenos Aires and, even more so, if you are traveling with children in the city. In this last case I also recommend you to take a look at the bus tours in Buenos Aires.

Now you have all the information you need to discover Buenos Aires in all its splendor. Enjoy it!