Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis. It has a rich and fascinating history that can still be felt to this day.
Located along the Rio de la Plata, Buenos Aires originated as a small settlement. The city slowly grew over the centuries, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that it began to truly flourish.
During that time, it was a major commercial center and a hub of immigration, as people from all over the world flocked there in search of a better life. The city’s population grew rapidly, and with it came a rich and diverse cultural heritage.
In the early 1920s, Buenos Aires experienced a period of prosperity and economic expansion.
Today, Buenos Aires is a thriving city that continues to attract visitors from all over the world. It is oftentimes called the Paris of South America. Its rich history, vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and tree-lined streets make it a must-see destination for anyone traveling to South America.
While it certainly deserves a week-long visit, if not longer, this is a jam-packed 3-day itinerary in Buenos Aries that covers all the highlights and several local favorites (aka hidden gems).
Table of Contents
- Best things to do in Buenos Aires
- Getting around BA
- Guided tours in BA
- Where to stay in BA
- Other worthwhile experiences
- Day trip options outside of BA
Best things to do in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a very big city so I broke it down into three sections to help guide you around.
This is my comprehensive map of the best things to do in the city.
The itinerary I made doesn’t need to be followed in the order I wrote it. You can switch the days around as you please, as well as omit some places and add others. Read until the end for a list of other places that I didn’t include in the itineraries which are also worthwhile visiting.
Note that some attractions are only open on certain days of the week. I will make mention of those so you can plan accordingly.
I would also recommend waiting until closer to your travel dates to see what to do based on the forecasted weather. For instance, on a sunny day, you’ll want to be out and about exploring the gardens and parks, whereas on a rainy day, you can visit museums and indoor attractions.
Now, go grab your best walking shoes and let’s go exploring!
Day 1
On this day you’re going to be visiting the northern part of the city, which includes the parks and neighborhoods of Recoleta, Barrio Norte, Palermo Chico, Palermo Hollywood, and Palermo Soho.
On the map, I highlighted this section in blue.
Tip: It’s best to save this itinerary for the weekend, but otherwise any day is good except Mondays because some locations on today’s itinerary are closed on Mondays.
Start your day by having a cup of coffee and a decent-sized breakfast because you’re going to be spending a lot of time on your feet today. 😉
1. Cementerio de la Recoleta: Today’s itinerary begins at La Recoleta Cemetery. This is one of the most famous and iconic attractions in Buenos Aires. It is the final resting place of some of the most prominent and influential people in Argentine history, including past presidents and Eva Peron, the beloved former First Lady of Argentina who is buried in the Duarte family tomb.
The cemetery is open daily from 7 am to 5:30 pm. To get in, you have to buy tickets at the building located to the left of the entrance. Paid tours are also available.
2. Plaza Francia: Right behind the cemetery, you’ll find Plaza Francia (which translates to the French Plaza). What I love most about this quaint little park is the artisan’s fair which is held every weekend and on holidays from 10 am to 7 pm. You’ll find handmade art including silver goods, jewelry, knives, leather, and paintings from local artists.
3. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes: Across the street from Plaza Francia, you’ll see the National Museum of Fine Arts. The museum hosts a permanent collection of works by several renowned Argentine artists as well as Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh, Rodin, and Chagall among others. The museum is free for visitors and is open every day of the week except Mondays.
4. Floralis Generica: Behind the museum is the Plaza de las Naciones Unidas. There you will find an iconic and captivating sculpture. The Floralis Generica is a large, metallic flower-shaped sculpture that is not only a work of art but also a symbol of the city’s resilience and innovation.
The sculpture stands at a height of 23 meters and consists of six petals made of stainless steel, which open and close with the changing of daylight. During the day, the petals open, revealing the bright yellow stamen inside, while at night, they close, symbolizing the closing of a flower at dusk.
The sculpture was designed by Argentine architect Eduardo Catalano and was intended to represent the hope and rebirth of the city of Buenos Aires after a period of economic and political turmoil in the early 2000s.
5. Jardín Japonés: From Floralis Genérica, walk 20 minutes (or take a 15-minute bus) to El Jardín Japonés. This is one of the largest Japanese gardens outside of Japan. There you will find a tea house and restaurant which offers authentic tea ceremonies, cultural exhibits, performances, and events.
The garden and restaurant are open daily including weekends and holidays from 10 am to 6:45 pm. There is an entrance fee.
6. Planetario Galileo Galilei: If you’re interested in astronomy, the universe, and the solar system, you’ll want to make a stop at El Planetario. This planetarium hosts astronomical displays, temporary exhibitions, and light shows. If this is not your kind of thing, it’s still worth a quick stop to look at the three meteors showcased near the entrance.
The planetarium is generally open from Tuesday to Sunday, however, it can be closed unexpectedly and with little warning. Check their website ahead of time for updates.
7. El Rosedal de Palermo: A short walk from the Planetario, you’ll discover the Rosedal Garden, a park perfectly groomed and covered in rose bushes. This is by far one of my favorite places in Buenos Aires. It’s free to enter and open from 10 am to 6 pm every day except Mondays.
8. Botanical Gardens: Today’s itinerary ends at the Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays. This is a beloved green oasis in the heart of Buenos Aires. Its well-maintained pathways, shaded benches, and serene ponds make it a popular spot for leisurely walks, picnics, and relaxation.
This ends the circuit for the day. I bet you’ve seen your fair share of green spaces. 😉
From here forward, you can either go to Palermo Hollywood or Palermo Soho. These are two high-end neighborhoods that are known for their culinary and drinking scene, cafes, shopping, and nightlife.
As for my personal suggestion, I would recommend kick-starting your evening at Bros and Hops in Palermo Hollywood with happy hour drinks.
Later head over to El Club de la Milanesa in Palermo Soho for the best milanesas in Buenos Aires. Their servings are huge! I’m sure your appetite will thank you after such a long day of walking.
For dessert, reward yourself with handcrafted chocolates and ice cream at Rapa Nui (also in Palermo Soho). Try their signature dessert: FraNuí. These are frozen raspberries dipped in white chocolate and covered in milk chocolate.
Day 2
On this day, you’ll be visiting the middle section of the city, which includes some of the most important historical, cultural, and political landmarks in Argentina.
On the map, I highlighted this section in orange.
1. Teatro Colón: We’ll start the day at the iconic Teatro Colón. This theater has been a symbol of artistic excellence, hosting world-class performances by renowned opera singers, ballet dancers, and orchestras from around the globe. There are tours available daily from 10 or 11 am (depending on the day) until 4:45 pm. Tours last approximately 50 minutes. Tickets can be bought on their website and at the theater.
2. El Obelisco and Avenida 9 de Julio: Near Teatro Colón, you’ll find the obelisk, Argentina’s national monument that commemorates the 400th anniversary of the founding of the city. Currently, visitors can only view and take photos of the obelisk from the outside.
The obelisk is located at the crossing of Avenida Corrientes and 9 de Julio, one of the widest avenues in the world and whose name honors Argentina’s Independence Day (July 9, 1816). This avenue is approximately 140 meters wide and 1 km long.
3. La Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires: From the obelisk, walk on the Avenida Presidente Roque Sáenz Peña (the diagonal avenue) for 15 minutes until you reach the Metropolitan Cathedral. This cathedral dates back to the colonial era of Argentina. It holds immense significance and importance in the history, local culture, and society of the country.
As one of the oldest and most iconic landmarks in Buenos Aires, the cathedral is not only a place of worship for the Catholic community but also a symbol of the country’s rich heritage and legacy. It is also where Pope Francis led mass when he was Archbishop of Buenos Aires.
4. Plaza de Mayo: Across the street from the Metropolitan Cathedral is the Plaza de Mayo. This square is oftentimes called the “heart of the nation” because it has played a pivotal role in the country’s history. Today it remains a symbol of resilience, resistance, and democratic values, and it continues to serve as a focal point for Argentine politics and social activism.
5. Casa Rosada: In front of the Plaza de Mayo, you’ll see a beautiful pink building. This is the presidential palace known as La Casa Rosada (which translates to The Pink House). It serves as the official seat of the executive branch of the Argentine government and has been the backdrop of many significant events in the country’s history.
Guided tours are available on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10 am to 6 pm. While there’s no cost to visit, reservations are required and need to be made online in advance.
6. Puente de la Mujer: Behind the Casa Rosada, there’s a famous pedestrian bridge called Puente de la Mujer (meaning: Woman’s Bridge). This bridge, designed by the renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, was donated to Buenos Aires in 2001 and resembles a couple dancing tango.
7. Café Tortoni: From Puente de la Mujer, you’re going to walk 20 minutes on Avenida de Mayo until you get to Café Tortoni. This is one of the best restaurants as well as the oldest cafe in Buenos Aires. Café Tortoni was founded in 1858 by a French immigrant.
It was named after a Parisian café and quickly became a popular meeting place for Buenos Aires’ high society. Its cultural importance continued through the 20th century and has since been declared a National Historic Monument. Stop by for a quick lunch or merienda (an afternoon snack and tea/ coffee, typical for Argentines).
8. Palacio Barolo: Palacio Barolo opened in 1923 and remains significant because of its unique architecture and history. It combines elements of Gothic, Neo-Romanesque, and Art Nouveau styles. The building’s design was inspired by the Divine Comedy, a famous poem by the Italian poet Dante Alighieri.
Guided tours are available during the day and evening and last approximately 90 minutes. Keep in mind that to access some areas of the building during the tour, you will have to use the stairs because there are no elevators. It’s worth it though because from the top you will be rewarded with 360° views of Buenos Aires.
9. Plaza del Congreso: A short walk from Palacio Barolo, you’ll find Plaza del Congreso, which is the plaza in front of the country’s parliament building. This is a great spot for relaxing and taking photos, as well as enjoying a coffee in one of the many cafes surrounding the park.
10. Palacio del Congreso de la Nacion: The National Congress building is home to Argentina’s legislative branch. The building’s interior is just as breathtaking as its exterior, with ornate ceilings, intricate wood carvings, and stained glass windows. Free tours are available Monday through Friday from noon until 5 pm, except when Congress is in session.
11. El Ateneo Bookstore: From the Congress building, you’ll walk 20 minutes (or take a 10-minute bus ride) to El Ateneo Grand Splendid. El Ateneo was originally a theater called Teatro Gran Splendid, but it was converted into a bookstore in 2000.
The theater’s original architecture, painted dome, and stage curtains have been preserved. There’s a coffee shop where the stage used to be and reading areas on each side of the stage. The bookstore is open daily.
This concludes our tour for today! After a long day of sightseeing, I’m sure you’ll be super hungry. There are two places I can recommend, depending on what you’re in the mood to eat.
If you’re craving pizza, go to El Cuartito. This famous pizzeria has been around since 1934. The interior walls reflect decades of history, and the quality of the pizza is something you won’t find anywhere else.
Their classic pizza, the fugazzetta, is a must-try. The crust is stuffed with mozzarella cheese and topped with onion; you can order it with ham as well. Another classic is the fainá, which is like a slice of pizza but the dough is made with garbanzo flour.
If you’re craving a typical Argentine asado (barbecue), then head over to La Estancia Asador Criollo. The delicious food is all I can recommend this restaurant for…unfortunately, the service is pretty lousy.
Everything I ate there was incredible, especially the steak. They grill the meat over firewood, which gives it its unique and mouth-watering flavor. If you save room for dessert, try the almendrado. It’s a slice of vanilla ice cream with a hint of chocolate that is rolled in caramelized almonds.
Day 3
On this day you’re going to be visiting the southern part of the city, which includes the parks and neighborhoods of San Telmo, La Boca, and Puerto Madero.
On the map, I highlighted this section in green.
Tip: You’ll want to save Day 3’s itinerary for Sunday if you can!
1. La Feria de San Telmo: The San Telmo Fair is a craft fair with over 200 artisan booths. It’s definitely one of my favorite experiences in San Telmo. It is only held on Sundays and runs from 10 am until 6 pm. It gets very crowded here on Sunday, so keep your belongings close to you and be aware of pickpocketers.
2. Plaza Dorrego: In the heart of San Telmo you’ll find Plaza Dorrego, one of the oldest squares in Buenos Aires. The buildings around Plaza Dorrego are a beautiful example of colonial-style architecture.
Take a walk around the square and the surrounding cobblestone streets. Walk to el Paseo de la Historieta, a corner featuring a mural and statues of Mafalda, Susanita, and Manolito. This is a well-recognized Argentine comic by cartoonist Quino.
Admire and photograph the colorful facades, wrought-iron balconies, and ornate details that make this neighborhood so unique. Sundays are the best day to visit this plaza because you’ll get to see tango dancers and street performers.
3. Mercado de San Telmo: A couple of blocks from Plaza Dorrego, you’ll discover the beautiful San Telmo Market. It’s a small indoor market featuring antique shops, cafes, empanada shops, and other eateries. The market is open daily from 11 am until 8 pm (noon to 7 pm on Mondays), and their busiest days are Sundays (because of the San Telmo Fair).
4. El Gauchito: While you’re in San Telmo, let me recommend a delicious lunch spot: El Gauchito. While they’re a bit pricier than other empanada restaurants, their quality is worth it. They’re open daily from noon to 4 pm and 8 to 11 pm.
5. La Boca: From San Telmo, it’s best to take a bus to our next destination: La Boca! This vibrant neighborhood has a rich history of immigration and labor struggles and is known for its colorful houses, tango dancing, and football culture.
During the daytime, it’s generally safe because it’s very touristic, but it’s not recommended to visit at night. Regardless of the time of day though, you should always be a cautious traveler wherever you go to prevent becoming a victim of petty thefts.
6. La Bombonera: This stadium, located in La Boca, is a cultural and architectural icon that has been around for over 80 years, and has been the home of the Boca Juniors football club since its opening. It has been the stage for some of the most important matches in Argentine football history.
The stadium offers self-guided tours every day of the week from 10 am to 6 pm (the ticket office closes at 5:30 pm). Your ticket includes a visit to the museum, where you can learn about the club’s history and see its trophies and memorabilia.
7. Caminito: One of the main tourist attractions in La Boca is El Caminito (which translates to The Little Path). It is a pedestrian alley featuring colorful houses, street art, and tango dancers.
The famous 1927 tango song “Caminito” was inspired by this colorful street. The song was composed by Juan de Dios Filiberto, written by Gabino Coria Peñaloza, and sung by Carlos Gardel. It has become an iconic representation of Argentinean culture and music.
Here we end today’s sightseeing tour, however, the day is young and a visit to Buenos Aires would not be complete without experiencing one of its tango and dinner shows.
After Caminito, I recommend returning to your hotel to rest and get ready for the evening.
Later attend a tango show with dinner and wine in or near Puerto Madero! Many places offer shows so you’ll be sure to find something that matches your budget. It’s a good idea to research your options and make reservations in advance. Google “Tango Shows Buenos Aires” for a list of the best-reviewed shows.
Getting around Buenos Aires
There are many ways to get around Buenos Aires. Luckily, the city is walking and biking-friendly, but for longer distances, you can always count on Uber and public transportation.
Uber / DiDi / Taxi
These are the most convenient options for getting around Buenos Aires, but they’re also much pricier options. I recommend it for when you’re arriving or leaving the city because you have luggage.
Uber and DiDi are safer because you can see the driver’s reviews and track the ride on your phone (of course, mobile service is required).
I don’t trust local taxis as much because many drivers will try to scam passengers, especially tourists. But if you don’t have any other option, it’s best to ask the concierge at a hotel to call one for you. I heard from several trusted sources that Radio Taxi is the safest taxi company in the city.
Public transportation including the bus, subte, and train
The cheapest way to get around Buenos Aires is definitely by public transport.
The best way to determine how to get from point A to point B is on Google Maps. When you’re on the app, find your destination and click on “Directions.” Then, choose the train icon at the top, and it’ll show you exact details on how to get there.
- The colectivos (buses) run 24 hours a day, with a higher frequency during the day and a lower frequency during the late night and early morning hours.
- The subte (metro) runs from the morning until 11 or 12 pm, depending on the day. Click here for a time table of the first and last scheduled metro for each day of the week.
- The train offers trips to the outskirts of the city and the cities within the Province of Buenos Aires. Click here for the map of all the trains.
Keep in mind that you need to have a “Sube Card” to get on the metro and bus — not just in Buenos Aires, but anywhere in Argentina. Cash will not be accepted for public transportation.
Where to buy a Sube Card
There are several places where you can buy a Sube Card in Buenos Aires, however during the time I was visiting, there was a shortage (which is very odd, I know!) and I ended up having to walk miles and miles (literally) just to find one.
The place where you can for sure find it will be the Terminal de Omnibus in Retiro. This is the central bus and train station.
Other places where you might be able to find it are at the entrance to the train/ metro stations, some shopping malls, and Agencias de Lotería Nacional (the National Lottery Agency — you’ll easily spot them around the city because their exterior walls are painted bright blue).
Again, I spent half a day walking around the city in search of one and the only place that had them was the Retiro Bus Station, so if you don’t want to waste a lot of time, I suggest going straight there.
While the card isn’t expensive, remember to bring some Argentine pesos and an ID to buy yours.
Tip: You can share the card with the people you’re traveling with. Each person in the group doesn’t need to have their own card.
Where to add money to your Sube Card
You can add money to the Sube Card directly at the bus station in Retiro, in many kioskos (mini markets), and in some Loterias throughout the city. Typically, there will be a sign outside of store windows that say “Se carga Sube,” which means that you can add money to it there. If not, ask around and you’ll easily find a place that does it nearby.
How much money to add to your Sube Card
This will depend on how much you’re planning to use it. Initially, you can start with 1,000 pesos and add money as needed. When you scan the card, it’ll show you the remaining balance on the screen.
The Sube Card works throughout the Argentine Republic so if you’re going to take advantage of public transportation somewhere else in the country (i.e. Cordoba, Mendoza, Bariloche, etc), it would make sense to keep a few hundred pesos in your account.
Guided tours in Buenos Aires
There are many ways to tour the city, including by foot, by bike, and by bus. Certainly, there’ll be an option that will meet your preferences.
Walking tour
There are many free (and paid) walking tours in Buenos Aires. To find one, Google “walking tour Buenos Aires” or “guided tour Buenos Aires” and it’ll show you several options. You can also look at AirBnB Experiences. If you attend a free walking tour, be prepared to give your guide a tip at the end.
Bike tour
There are many “bicisendas” (bike paths) in the city which make it a lot safer to ride a bike in Buenos Aires.
You can rent a bike and join a bike tour. Google “bike tour Buenos Aires” to find the various bike tours and bike rental shops near you.
Hop on/ Hop off city tour
There are currently two companies offering the hop on/ hop off service. They cost about the same, and while their itinerary is slightly different, they both make stops are the best spots in the city.
- The Yellow Bus has 22 stops. The earliest circuit starts at 9:00 am and the last circuit leaves at 5:00 pm.
- The Red Bus has 24 stops. The earliest circuit starts at 9:30 am and the last circuit leaves at 6:00 pm. I rode the Red Bus and loved how the front section at the top is closed and has air conditioning.
Helicopter tours
Take advantage of the unique experience to view Buenos Aires from an aerial perspective. Several companies offer this excursion.
Where to stay in Buenos Aires
There are endless accommodation options in Buenos Aires, so finding the perfect place will depend mostly on your budget and location preferences.
As far as safety goes, the best neighborhoods for tourists are San Nicolás, Recoleta, Barrio Norte, Palermo Chico, Palermo Hollywood, Palermo Soho, and Puerto Madero. It’s safe to be out and about in these areas during the day and evening. Still, don’t make yourself an easy target, and exercise precautions wherever you go. Don’t walk around showing off your phone and other valuables.
If you’re traveling alone or with one other person, I highly recommend the AirBnB I stayed in.
My favorite features of the apartment were the following:
- It was quiet. We didn’t hear any noises outside of the apartment.
- It has a balcony.
- It has air conditioning (which is a must for the summer months).
- It has a kitchenette, fridge, bathroom, and work area.
- The bed is comfortable and can be split in two if you’re traveling with a friend.
- The WiFi works! (Which is a must for people like me who work remotely).
- The building has 24-hour surveillance and security, so we felt safe leaving our valuables there.
- The place was impeccable!!
- It’s located in the city center, a couple of blocks from Teatro Colon.
Another important thing to note is that the host, Cecilia, responded quickly every time I messaged her, and she was extremely accommodating. She helped me out a lot by keeping my luggage on the day of our departure since we had an evening flight.
I didn’t get paid to write this review but I believe it’s a place worth sharing and recommending. My satisfaction comes from knowing that I could save you the trouble of staying at a sketchy place because I had a bad experience somewhere else in Buenos Aires and wouldn’t wish it on anybody.
Here’s the link to the AirBnB, in case you’re interested!
Other worthwhile experiences in Buenos Aires
On the map, I marked these locations in black.
- Shop in Calle Florida, a pedestrian street with lots of vendors and stores. Most stores are open Monday through Saturday.
- Visit the historical Museo Histórico Nacional del Cabildo y la Revolución de Mayo. The National Museum of the Council of Buenos Aires and the May Revolution is free and open from Wednesday through Sunday.
- Take a cooking class and learn to make empanadas, alfajores with dulce de leche, or other traditional Argentine treats and dishes.
- Attend a soccer match at the River Plate or Boca Juniors stadiums.
- Watch a polo tournament at the Campo Argentino de Polo (between October and December only).
- Explore Tierra Santa (translated to Holy Land), a theme park replica of Jerusalem, and some Biblical stories.
- Take a stroll through El Barrio Chino (China Town).
- Visit the Museo Histórico Nacional. The National History Museum is also free and open from Wednesday through Sunday.
- If you’re into art, visit the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA). The Museum of Latin American Art showcases newer art from the 20th century and hosts films and cultural events. They’re open every day except Tuesday. There’s a fee to enter, however on Wednesdays, the entrance cost is 50% off.
- Take a walk in La Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, an 860-acre nature reserve with lagoons, marshland, local wildlife, and cycling trails.
Day trip options outside of Buenos Aires
- Visit Tigre. This little town, less than an hour from Buenos Aires, offers boat and kayak tours on the Tigre Delta, one of the largest deltas in the world. To get there, you’ll need to get to the train station in Retiro. From there, take the Línea Mitre Train heading to Tigre. Click here for a map.
- Cross the border into Uruguay. There are two ferry companies (Buquebus and Colonia Express) that offer trips between Buenos Aires and Colonia del Sacramento or Montevideo.
Would you include any other highlights in your Buenos Aires trip? Did I miss any of your favorite hidden (or not-so-hidden) gems in this beautiful city? Let me know in the comments below!
