20 Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is South America's most European capital and its most passionate food-and-nightlife city — pick the right neighbourhood and it opens up quickly. Below is the 20-thing shortlist we send friends, and how to book with live prices through our tour partner.
The 20 things worth planning around
Recoleta Cemetery — the necropolis of Argentine presidents and Evita; go with a guide to make sense of it.
Teatro Colón guided tour — one of the world's great opera houses, tour in English at 11am / 12pm / 1pm.
MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano) — the essential Latin American 20th-century art collection.
Palacio Barolo rooftop tour — Dante-inspired downtown skyscraper with panoramic city views.
San Telmo Sunday market (Feria de San Telmo) — 10-block antiques + street-tango fair, Plaza Dorrego is the epicentre.
A tango show + dinner at Rojo Tango, Café de los Angelitos or Piazzolla Tango — book ahead for the dinner-included option.
A milonga night for real dancers, not tourists — La Catedral Club or Salón Canning after 11pm.
Caminito & La Boca by day — 30 minutes is enough; do not linger after dark.
La Bombonera stadium tour — Boca Juniors museum; match tickets require a guided-tour reseller.
Palermo Bosques — Rosedal rose garden, Japanese Garden, Sunday drum circle.
A parrilla dinner at Don Julio, La Cabrera or Parrilla Peña — book Don Julio a month ahead.
Puerto Madero riverside walk — the Ecological Reserve after has some of the best city birdwatching.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookshop — restored century-old theatre, on every 'world's most beautiful bookshop' list.
Sunday empanada-and-wine lunch at a Palermo bodegón — proper old-school Argentine.
A closed-door restaurant (puerta cerrada) like i Latina or Casa Coupage — book weeks ahead.
Tigre delta day trip — commuter train + delta launch to a jungle river lunch, 45 minutes each way.
Colonia del Sacramento (Uruguay) day-trip by Buquebus ferry — 1 hour across the Río de la Plata to a UNESCO Portuguese village.
Argentine polo at Campo Argentino de Polo — November-December Palermo Open matches are world-class.
A Sunday asado (barbecue) with locals via Airbnb Experiences.
Reserva Ecológica bike ride — 6 km loop along the river; rent bikes at Puerto Madero.
Best neighbourhoods to base yourself in
Palermo Soho / Palermo Hollywood: the food + design + boutique-hotel epicentre, best walkable base for most travellers.
Recoleta: French-Haussmannian streets, museums, quieter and slightly more upscale.
San Telmo: the historic bohemian barrio — atmospheric but pick a well-reviewed boutique, avoid budget options on the main plazas.
Puerto Madero: modern riverside, safest for solo travellers, less atmospheric.
Skip Microcentro / Retiro for overnights — office district, deserted after dark.
Getting there and around
Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) is 22 km south of the centre — pre-book a Kiwitaxi private transfer or take the Manuel Tienda León shuttle. Peso cash exchange rates at the airport are terrible; use card or bring USD to change in town.
Domestic flights use Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), 15 minutes from Palermo — closer than most cities' airports.
Inside the city, use the subte (subway) plus Uber/Cabify. Buses are very cheap but require a SUBE card.
You do not need a rental car for the city. Rent only for a Mendoza or Salta driving trip.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Buenos Aires?
Four full days minimum — Recoleta, San Telmo + La Boca, Palermo, plus a Tigre or Colonia day-trip. Five to seven days lets you add a proper milonga night, a football match and a bodegón lunch pace.
When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires?
March-May and September-November offer the best weather — 18-25°C, low rainfall, active cultural calendar. December-February is hot (30°C+) and porteños empty out. June-August is mild winter (10-15°C).
Is Buenos Aires safe?
Palermo, Recoleta, Puerto Madero and Belgrano are safe day and night with normal precautions. San Telmo is fine by day and evening. La Boca outside Caminito is not safe — day trips only. Avoid Constitución, Retiro after dark, and use Uber not street-hailed cabs at night.
How do I pay for things — pesos or dollars?
Cards work almost everywhere. Bring some USD to change at cuevas or via Western Union for the informal 'blue' rate which beats the official rate significantly. Do not change money at the airport.
How do I get from Ezeiza airport to the centre?
Pre-book a Kiwitaxi private transfer for the easiest arrival, or take the Manuel Tienda León shuttle to Puerto Madero. The 22 km drive takes 30-60 minutes depending on traffic.
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