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Many people arrive in Buenos Aires with two things on their mind: steak and tango! But this large, lively capital offers much more, with stunning buildings, Parisian-style boulevards, Latin energy and an elegant yet slightly unpolished charm that will definitely win you over.
Here’s our guide to help you explore the best bits of the city, for when you visit on your next multi centre holiday to Argentina…
Any trip to Buenos Aires should include a visit to the Teatro Colón, one of the world’s finest opera houses. Even if opera isn’t normally your thing, a guided tour of its opulent halls and stunning stage is well worth it, as the acoustics are so good that even a single note carries perfectly across the auditorium.
Plaza de Mayo is considered the political heart of the city and is overlooked by the Casa Rosada, the unmistakable pink presidential palace, from whose balcony Eva Perón delivered her most famous speeches. From the plaza, stroll along the Parisian-influenced Avenida de Mayo, lined with elegant cafés, ornate façades and historic buildings. A short detour will take you to El Ateneo Grand Splendid, which is considered one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops set inside a restored former theatre. The surrounding Montserrat area, with its colonial architecture and historic streets, is worth a wander, and nearby you’ll find the impressive National Congress building in the Congreso area.
Another must-see is the Obelisk, where, on certain days, you can take the lift to the top for a fantastic city view, which is particularly lovely at sunset.
Palacio Barolo, inspired by Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy’, is one of Buenos Aires’ most unusual buildings. Its floors and staircases symbolise the three realms Dante describes in his book, with tours culminating at the lighthouse, offering brilliant panoramic views.
Buenos Aires is a city built on layers, and some of its history is literally buried beneath its streets. One of the best ways to see this is at El Zanjón de Granados (the Secret Tunnels) in San Telmo. These restored tunnels and passageways show parts of the original 16th-century settlement, offering a chance to see how the city has grown and changed over the centuries.
Recoleta is considered one of the city’s most elegant areas with its wide avenues, leafy parks and stately buildings. It has a distinctly European feel and is a great place to spend a relaxed afternoon. However, its most famous feature is the Recoleta Cemetery, the resting place of many of Argentina’s most prominent families. It’s almost a mini city in itself, full of marble mausoleums, sculptures and narrow pathways. It’s probably no surprise that the most visited tomb belongs to Eva Perón, whose life and legacy are very much still alive in the city.
Just across the road, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is home to an impressive collection of European, Argentine and modern works. For more art, the MALBA in Palermo focuses on 20th-century and contemporary Latin American artists. Other highlights include Museo Evita, housed in a beautiful 1920s mansion, which explores the life of Eva Perón.
As you might expect from any major city, Buenos Aires has distinct areas (called ‘barrios’) that offer very different experiences. In San Telmo, you’ll find old buildings and cobbled streets with the lively Feria de San Telmo market every Sunday. Further south, Caminito is famous for its brightly painted houses and tango dancers who perform in the street. It may be a bit touristy, but it’s still worth a visit for the colour and atmosphere. This barrio is also home to Boca Juniors’ legendary stadium, La Bombonera. If you’re into football, it’s an absolute must. Even if you don’t catch a match, you can take a stadium tour and visit the Boca Juniors Museum to see the club’s trophies, historic memorabilia, and famous player exhibits.
For a complete change of scene, head to Puerto Madero, the city’s modern waterfront.
Here you’ll find restored, old docks sitting alongside contemporary glass-and-steel towers, giving it a very different feel from the historic centre. A walk across the modern pedestrian bridge, Puente de la Mujer, that rotates to let boats through, is particularly lovely in the evening.
For a taste of Buenos Aires’ creative side, stroll through Palermo, famous for its colourful street art, and nearby Colegiales, perfect for exploring local cafés, shops, and leafy streets. For an unfiltered view of everyday porteño life, head to Villa Urquiza and Caballito. And for a more trendy, up-and-coming scene, visit Chacarita, where you’ll find chic wine bars, great restaurants and the historic Chacarita Cemetery.
For a city of its size, Buenos Aires is surprisingly green. The Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays is full of shaded paths, fountains, and a rose garden. Nearby, the Ecoparque, a former zoo now focused on conservation and education, provides a more interactive experience, where you can see native animals and learn about local environmental projects.
The Bosques de Palermo, a huge park with lakes, rose gardens, and plenty of paths, is a favourite with locals. While along the riverside, Costanera Sur and the Reserva Ecológica offer beautiful views of the Rio de la Plata.
Good food is extremely important in Buenos Aires, and for many, steak is the highlight. The city’s parrillas (traditional steakhouses) serve various cuts, which are often grilled over wood or charcoal. Taking part in an asado (the Argentine style of barbecue) is a must, and as much about the social experience as the meal itself. Organised experiences explain the different cuts of meat, cooking methods and the relaxed, communal style of eating. You’ll find excellent asado and parrilla experiences across the city, from no frills places in San Telmo and Recoleta to the livelier restaurants of Palermo. When it comes to eating, it’s worth noting that Buenos Aires is very much a late-night city, and restaurants don’t tend to get going until around 9:00 pm – but it’s the perfect excuse for a proper afternoon siesta!
And then there’s tango. It’s one of the things Buenos Aires is most famous for, and seeing it live is truly worth it. There are many ways to experience it, from classic theatre‑style shows to more social dance evenings. If you want a polished performance, places such as Tango Porteño, Piazzolla Tango or BAR SUR Tango Show offer evenings of dance and music, often with dinner included. For a historic setting with a traditional feel, El Viejo Almacén Tango Cena Show Buenos Aires is another great choice.
If you prefer something less touristy, Buenos Aires has plenty of milongas, which are community dance events where locals gather to dance, often with live bands and occasional lessons beforehand. They’re a great way to see how tango lives in everyday porteño culture – but make sure you gen up on milonga etiquette before you go!
For nightlife beyond tango, Buenos Aires has a lively cocktail scene – head to Palermo and San Telmo for the best spots.
If you have time, the Tigre Delta makes an excellent day trip. Just a short train or boat ride from the city, this network of waterways feels a world away from central Buenos Aires. You can wander around the colourful Puerto de Frutos market or take a boat through the channels for a peaceful few hours on the water.
If you’d like help planning a Argentina multi-centre holiday or a wider South American adventure, as Buenos Aires is often the perfect starting point, simply get in touch with our team and we can get started on creating the perfect itinerary.
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