Best Things To Do in Palermo Buenos Aires

On your trip, you can not miss the streets of Palermo, one of the trendiest places in Buenos Aires. I show you the best proposals to discover

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

10 min read

Best Things To Do in Palermo Buenos Aires

Palermo rose garden, Buenos Aires | ©Weridiane

Palermo not only marks the cultural and tourist epicenter of Buenos Aires, but it is also the largest neighborhood in the Argentine capital, which also means that it is one of the most eclectic and multicultural places. There you can find many of the main attractions of Buenos Aires. Here I tell you what are the best alternatives to discover the neighborhood and its charms.

Among the best activities to do in Palermo are visiting the Galileo Galilei Planetarium, enjoying the nightlife of Palermo Soho, visiting the MALBA Museum, attending a horse race, walking through the Rosedal and visiting the Botanical Garden, which is one of the green lungs of the city.

1. Visit the Galileo Galilei Planetarium

Planetarium| ©Patricio Espigares
Planetarium| ©Patricio Espigares

The Galileo Galilei Planetarium is an architectural and scientific icon of Buenos Aires and is located in the heart of Palermo, so it is usually included in the tours of the best tours of the city. Since its inauguration in 1966, it has become one of the most visited sites by tourists and locals interested in science and the universe. And in its interior it has:

  • A sphere representing the sun, around which the planets and satellites of the solar system rotate in real time, creating a visual and educational spectacle for visitors.
  • Multiple activities and exhibits, such as projections on the dome with scientific and astronomical themes, interactive exhibits, lectures and workshops.
  • An astronomical observatory, where night and day observations of the sky can be made, guided by astronomy experts.
  • A library specialized in astronomical sciences, open to the public and with a great variety of educational resources and informative materials, so it is also one of the best alternatives if you plan to visit Buenos Aires with children.
  • An outdoor amphitheater, where music and theater shows are performed.
  • A cafeteria with panoramic views of the city.
  • In the surroundings of the Planetarium, you can also find green spaces and recreational areas, ideal for resting and enjoying the environment.

Details of interest

  • Price: entrance to the planetarium is free.
  • Location: Sarmiento Av. s/n, Buenos Aires.
  • Hours: every day from 8 am to 6 pm.

Book a guided tour of Buenos Aires

2. Enjoy the nightlife of Palermo Soho.

Palermo by night| ©Massimo Frasson
Palermo by night| ©Massimo Frasson

Palermo, being the largest neighborhood in Buenos Aires, is subdivided into different areas according to their style. Soho is the part that has become a popular destination to enjoy the city's nightlife. With a wide variety of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, there is something for everyone.

The bars in Palermo Soho are known for their craft cocktails and relaxed atmosphere and many of them have outdoor tables, allowing you to enjoy a drink while watching the bustle, especially if you plan to visit Buenos Aires in the summer. In addition, there are restaurants serving everything from typical Argentinean food to international cuisine, and they are included in the best places to eat and in the best gastronomic tours of Buenos Aires.

And if you are looking to dance, Palermo Soho also has places to enjoy electronic music and also the more traditional Latin rhythms such as tango, making it undoubtedly one of the best alternatives to enjoy Buenos Aires at night.

Book a guided tour of Buenos Aires

3. Visit the MALBA Museum

MALBA| ©Nicolás Waldman
MALBA| ©Nicolás Waldman

The Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires, or MALBA, is a must-see for art lovers in the city. Located in the Palermo neighborhood, it features a unique display of 20th and 21st century Latin American art and one of the largest private collections in Argentina that includes:

  • Paintings, sculptures, photographs and videos by artists from all over the continent. Some of the most outstanding artists exhibited in the museum are Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Joaquín Torres-García, Tarsila do Amaral and Antonio Berni, who is one of the maximum representatives of the porteño traditions.
  • Temporary exhibitions of contemporary and emerging artists. It also offers a variety of educational programs and workshops for children and adults.

The building has a modern and elegant architecture, with a huge central courtyard and large windows that let in natural light and offer very interesting open views of the city, and also has a gift store where you can buy unique and exclusive souvenirs related to Latin American art, as well as a cafeteria with a relaxed atmosphere and delicious dishes, making it one of the best museums in Buenos Aires.

Details of interest

  • Price: the entrance fee is approximately 10 €.
  • Location: 3415 Figueroa Alcorta Avenue, Buenos Aires.
  • Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm.

Book a tour of Buenos Aires with tickets to MALBA

4. Relax in the Rosedal

Rose Garden| ©K.B.L. Luccia-1.000 pic
Rose Garden| ©K.B.L. Luccia-1.000 pic

The Rosedal de Palermo is one of the most emblematic parks in Buenos Aires. Located in the heart of the neighborhood, it is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty, as well as to do activities in the central lake.

This park gets its name from the more than 18 thousand rose bushes of different species and colors that are framed in its landscape design. In addition to enjoying the scenery, you can perform various activities such as:

  • Walking or running along the trails and paths that run through the park, surrounded by flowers and trees.
  • Book a bike tour to tour the park in a faster way, which will be ideal if you are planning a short stay in the city. If that is your case, here is a list of activities for you to discover Buenos Aires in 3 days.
  • And if you are looking to relax, you can find benches and green areas to sunbathe, read a book or just enjoy the atmosphere.
  • Also, you can rent rowing boats and stroll around the lake while contemplating the views of the buildings of the city.

Book a bike tour in Buenos Aires

5. Tour the Mercado de Pulgas (Flea Market)

Flea Market| ©Brian McConnell
Flea Market| ©Brian McConnell

The Mercado de Pulgas is a unique and special place where you can find all kinds of antique objects and curiosities. Located in the bar area of Palermo and close to some of the best buildings in Buenos Aires, it is a popular destination where you can find representative objects with history. Keep in mind that it is very large, so I recommend that you spend several hours to walk through it completely.

There are numerous stalls selling everything from antique furniture and vintage lamps, to vinyl and art objects. In addition, you can find old books, jewelry and vintage clothing, so if you are a treasure hunter, maybe you can get lucky. Ideal for those who like interior decoration, as you can find unique pieces with which to give a differential touch to any home, and perfect for photography lovers, as there are many objects that can be photographed in an artistic and creative way.

In addition, it is an interesting place for its architecture and design. The building that houses it is an old railway shed, which has been restored and adapted for use as a market. The Buenos Aires tourist bus has a stop nearby.

Details of interest

  • Price: admission to the planetarium is free.
  • Location: Lafinur 2988, Buenos Aires.
  • Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:30 pm.

Book the Buenos Aires tourist bus

6. Visit the Plaza Serrano trade fair

Serrano Square| ©Curtis Gregory Perry
Serrano Square| ©Curtis Gregory Perry

The Plaza Serrano trade fair is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Buenos Aires. The fair is held every weekend and is an excellent opportunity to get to know the culture and crafts of the city. In addition, it is organized in the famous square that marks the epicenter of Palermo Soho.

This fair offers a wide variety of local products and typical handicrafts, such as ponchos, hats, silver jewelry and other regional products. In addition to shopping, the fair features live music and folkloric dance performances, making the visit a complete and exciting experience. You can also participate in tango classes.

At Plaza Serrano you can enjoy the typical food of the region, such as empanadas, choripán, asado and other traditional dishes at the food stands and nearby restaurants. In addition to the fair itself, Plaza Serrano is a lively and colorful place with many stores and restaurants. It is an ideal place to have a coffee in the open air and enjoy the local atmosphere. You can stroll through the surrounding streets and discover the trendy restaurants and bars.

Book a tango lesson in Buenos Aires

7. Attend a horse race at the Palermo Hippodrome

Palermo Racecourse| ©Marcelo Santangelo
Palermo Racecourse| ©Marcelo Santangelo

The Palermo Racetrack is an emblematic place in Buenos Aires, especially for horse and racing lovers. This venue has a long history in the city and has been home to world-class horseracing for over 140 years.

In addition to the thrill of watching horse racing, the Palermo Racetrack offers many other entertainment options, such as a renowned casino and top-notch restaurants. If you enjoy gambling, the casino has a wide variety of slot machines, table games and poker.

However, the most interesting thing you can experience at the racetrack is watching a live race. The atmosphere is very unique, with the crowd cheering on their favorite horses as they race at full speed. You can place bets and, if you are lucky, you could win some extra cash. In addition, the racetrack also offers special events, such as concerts and food and drink festivals.

8. Take a shopping tour in Palermo Hollywood

Streets of Palermo Hollywood| ©kiwiexplorer
Streets of Palermo Hollywood| ©kiwiexplorer

Palermo Hollywood is one of the trendiest areas of the neighborhood and is known for its vibrant nightlife, gastronomy and designer stores, but also because if you are a shopping lover, you can find the best shops there and browse through stores offering everything from fashion to home goods and accessories.

The clothing stores are usually local designers and independent brands, so you will find unique and original garments at the best price. There are also several furniture and decoration stores that offer exclusive and quality products, or shopping malls such as Alto Palermo. In addition, there are several design markets and art fairs where you can find unique and creative objects. One of the most popular flea markets is the Mercado de las Pulgas de Palermo.

Of course, after a long day of shopping, you can relax in one of the many bars and restaurants that abound in the area. Palermo Hollywood is known for its excellent gastronomy, from gourmet restaurants to tapas bars and charming cafes.

9. Visit the Evita Museum

Inside the Evita Museum| ©Suterh Osperyh
Inside the Evita Museum| ©Suterh Osperyh

The Evita Museum is located in Palermo and is dedicated to the life and work of Eva Perón, one of the most important and controversial political figures in Argentine history. Housed in a French-style mansion that was once a home for orphans and later served as an asylum for women, at the museum you can explore the life of this woman through photographs, documents, personal items and videos, and you can see her dresses and costumes, as well as her jewelry and accessories, which are displayed along with her speeches and photographs.

The Evita Museum has an extensive collection of historical objects that will allow you to learn about the life and work of Eva Perón, as well as the history and politics of Argentina. Among the most outstanding objects are the official documents of the protagonist, such as her ID card, her passport and her marriage record with Juan Domingo Perón.

The museum also has a section dedicated to children, where the little ones can participate in games and interactive activities. In addition, this site also has a library specializing in Argentine history, as well as a gift store where souvenirs and museum memorabilia can be purchased.

Details of interest

  • Price: the entrance to the museum has an approximate initial cost of 8 euros.
  • Location: Dorrego Av. 1650, Buenos Aires.
  • Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm.

10. Tour the Botanical Garden

Carlos Thays Botanical Garden| ©Denise Alvarez García
Carlos Thays Botanical Garden| ©Denise Alvarez García

The Botanical Garden of Buenos Aires is a green oasis and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Located in Palermo, there you can walk through its paths, appreciate a great variety of native and exotic plant species and discover the thematic sections, among which the French, Roman, Japanese and senses gardens stand out.

In this garden you can also find a greenhouse that houses a large collection of tropical and subtropical plants and a section dedicated to medicinal and aromatic plants.

In addition to enjoying the natural beauty of the place, the Botanical Garden offers various activities for the whole family, such as gardening workshops, lectures and guided tours. It is also possible to attend outdoor cultural events, such as concerts and plays, especially if you plan to visit Buenos Aires during the spring.

Recommendations before visiting Palermo

Touring Palermo| ©K.B.L. Luccia
Touring Palermo| ©K.B.L. Luccia

As you have seen, visiting the neighborhood of Palermo is one of the best things to see and do in Buenos Aires. To get there, you have several options:

  • The most convenient is to take the metro line D and get off at Palermo Station or Plaza Italia.
  • You can also get there by bus lines 15, 34, 39, 55, 68, 141 and 152.
  • Without a doubt, my favorite option is to book the Buenos Aires tourist bus, since the trip will be doubly productive and you will be able to get to know the city in depth while you arrive at your destination.

Book the Buenos Aires tourist bus