All the best things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina if you’re visiting for the first time
Colour, culture, and cuisine aplenty.
We’ve already shared the best things to do in London, Hong Kong, and Edinburgh for art and design lovers. And after our recent visit to Argentina’s capital, we just had to put this list together which was curated with the help of our local friend (muchos gracias, Morgane!). If you’re looking for the best things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina follow this guide to avoid disappointment and to learn more about the intriguing culture of the country.
Also, if you’re heading to the Argentine capital, you may like to read about the best luxury hotels and the best boutique hotels in Buenos Aires too.
All the best things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina
1. Hop-on Hop-off bus
Look. We used to think that these types of tours were for real touristy tourists, but we’ve changed our mind. If you have time, we’d definitely recommend doing this tour on the first day to get your bearings and tick off some of the iconic sights across the city. Plus, a number of our recommendations on the rest of the list (including Caminito, La Boca, San Telmo, Teatro Colon, MALBA, and the Argentina Polo Association) can be accessed from the route, meaning you will save on transport.
There are a few different operators in the city, but we opted for the Gray Line tour that cost us $25 USD per person. We bought our tickets online and were issued with a QR code that we showed the driver whenever we got on. Alternatively, you can buy a ticket on the bus. If you were to ride the entire loop without getting off, this would take about three hours.
If you ask for some headphones, you can tune in to the commentary in a number of different languages. You can get on at any of the stops along the route that takes in everything from Teatro Colon to Plaza San Martin. Opt to sit upstairs in the topless part of the cabin, or grab a seat in the air-conditioned cab in front for the hot summer days.
Plan your trip with Gray Line’s Buenos Aires City Bus
2. Explore the colourful buildings of Caminito
Located in La Boca, colourfully painted houses and buildings line the street of Caminito (meaning little path in Spanish). Made from sheet metal and wood, these iconic dwellings started popping up thanks to the Genoan immigrants who started arriving in the neighbourhood located near the port in the late 19th century.
Alongside the striking architecture, you’ll find some of the best leather goods (invest in belts and bags) and art pieces in town at the sprawling markets, so be sure to stock up on gifts and handcrafts. Sit down at one of the restaurants that can be found dotted around the area and enjoy an authentic meal alongside some live music and even a little tango. The area is a feast for the eyes and soul and we spent about three hours eating, exploring, and taking it all in.
Find out more about Caminito
3. Embark on a food tour of San Telmo with Sherpa Food Tours
One of the highlights of our visit to Buenos Aires was definitely our day with Sherpa Food Tours (not sponsored). Our guide Kate was so great and she really traced the history of the city alongside our delightful dishes.
We started at one of the oldest bars in the city, Bar El Federal, where we learnt all about the vermouth culture of the city before moving to the bustling San Telmo Market to taste some of the best empanadas and tamales we had on our trip.
Then, the meat eaters had their fill of steak while the vegetarians sampled the famed gaucho cheese (delicious!) at El Refuerzo. We learned about the penguin-shaped jugs used for pouring wine and passed by different historic buildings in San Telmo before finishing off with alfajores and coffee at Museo Moderno.
Be sure to pack some cash to tip your guide at the end. FYI, our local Argentine friends told us roughly 15-20% is a good amount to tip for great service in Buenos Aires, otherwise 10% is standard.
Book your tour with Sherpa Food Tours
4. Get lost in the streets of San Telmo and visit the Sunday antique fair
Speaking of San Telmo, this neighbourhood deserves its own mention. We’ve already touched on the eponymous market, which as well as food also has myriad antique and craft shops, and if you’re looking to take home a Yerba Mate vessel as keepsake, the gentleman at Otras Yerbas inside the market is super helpful and has well priced merchandise.
Long beloved by artists and musicians, the streets of San Telmo have a somewhat bohemian feel, with quaint antique shops sitting next to trendy eateries and bars. And on Sundays, from around lunch time, thousands flock to Plaza Dorrego to take in the famed Antique Fair. You’ll find artisanal products surrounded by vintage trinkets here, plus loads of music and tango performances that go on into the evening. It’s undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires, in our opinion.
Find out more about what’s happening in San Telmo
5. Step back in time at Recoleta Cemetery
Some people may not find this as fascinating as we did, but the queue (it took us about 30 minutes to get in on a weekday afternoon) told us we were not alone in our interest in the afterlife. Opening in 1822, this was the city’s first public cemetery with a layout designed by French engineer Próspero Catelin.
This famed cemetery in Recoleta has long been home to memorials for many of the city’s most famous and influential residents and families. With over 6,400 sarcophagi, crypts, and statues to discover, in a range of styles from Art Nouveau to neo-Gothic, this labyrinth is as intriguing as it is educational.
Our favourite part was finding the resting place of Eva “Evita” Perón, which was covered in flowers and tributes. Tours are available and the cemetery is open from 8am-6pm every day. Don’t forget to pick up a free map at the entrance.
Find out more about Recoleta Cemetery
6. Estancia La Mimosa
A visit to an estancia is a must-do when visiting Argentina. We went with our local friends to the historic Estancia La Mimosa, which is still owned by the family who built the property in 1869. Originally, a field grocery store where people travelling along the Camino Real would stop for food and socialising, these days, guests can enjoy traditional dancing, exceptional food, and even cowboy shows at the property.
Peacocks and dogs of every shape and size frolic around the beautifully designed gardens and you can take it all in as you taste their homemade empanadas. Our day here was one of the most memorable of our trip and we loved looking through all the historic memorabilia and photos that cover the interior of the property.
Learn more about Estancia La Mimosa
7. Catch a match at Argentina Polo Association
Polo is a beloved sport in Argentina, and if you can, it’s definitely worth seeing if you can get to a match. We were lucky enough to be there in November for the biggest tournament of the season, the HSBC Argentine Polo Open.
We got our tickets online through Ticketek, but had an issue viewing them in the local ticketing app. Thankfully, there are ticket stands at the front of the venue and the lovely people helped us get in.
Once inside, you’ll find food and drink stalls, along with restaurants, and even some shopping stalls to keep you entertained when you’re not watching the games.
See what’s on at the Argentina Polo Association
9. Visit the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires aka MALBA
If you’re an art-lover like me, then you’ll be wanting to check out Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires aka MALBA. The gallery is home to a core collection of works by the likes of Fernando Botero, Rosa Rolanda, and Tarsila do Amaral.
They also run seasonal exhibitions of works by regional artists, both up-and-coming and renowned. When we visited they had a show of works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. A small gift shop can be found on the ground floor with some interesting jewellery, ceramics, and books.
Find out what’s on at MALBA
10. See a football game at La Bombonera, home of the Boca Juniors
If football is your thing (like it is for almost everyone in Argentina) then you may want to experience watching a game. We were certainly excited to see one during our visit, but it turns out it’s not so easy, as members have access to the majority of the seats.
Thankfully, we discovered a company called Landing Pad months before our trip and they helped us score tickets to see Boca Juniors play at their home stadium La Bombonera. The whole experience was seamless, with the team from Landing Pad meeting everyone at a central pizza restaurant before ferrying us too and from the match.
The game itself was epic, with a fully packed stadium and an energy unlike anything else we’d ever experienced before. To top it off, Boca won!
Learn how to secure your ticket with Landing Pad
11. Day trip to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay
If you have the time, a trip to the stunning Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay is definitely worth it. Just an hour ferry ride away, this colourful little town is full of character with picturesque spots in every direction. Be sure to visit Calle de los Suspiros, the street of sighs, which retains its original cobbled pavement and traditional houses.
There’s a handicraft market on the waterfront, beautiful churches, and some of the best corn (humita) empanadas we had were here. If you’re looking for a special meal before you get the ferry back to Buenos Aires, then be sure to book at Charco Bistro where sea views and stellar service accompany wonderful food.
Book you tickets to Colonia del Sacramento with Buquebus
12. Catch a performance at the historic Teatro Colon
Opened in 1908, any fans of opera or live music will revel in the chance to see a show at the stunning Teatro Colon. Across history, the likes of Anna Pavlova, Yehudi Menuhin, and Luciano Pavarotti have graced the stage here, and we highly recommend booking something to see during your time in Buenos Aires.
Be sure to book as far in advance as you can as tickets to everything sell out quickly. We enjoyed a wonderful programme by the local philharmonic orchestra with Welsh Bass Baritone Bryn Terfel. If you’ve booked a box like we did, be sure to arrive early, as there are four seats in each and the two chairs behind have obstructed views.
The interiors of the theatre are enough to warrant a visit even if you can’t catch a show and guided tours of behind the scenes are available to book through the website.
See what’s showing at Teatro Colon
13. Enjoy a Tango show at Cafe de los Angelitos
If seeing a tango show is on your list of things to do for your stay in Buenos Aires, then we definitely recommend Cafe de los Angelitos. Our local friend gave us the heads up to not be sucked in by the dinner and show combo–apparently the food is ok, but better/cheaper options can be found around the neighbourhood (we went to El Rebenque de Omar which was amazing and just a five-minute-walk away).
We booked for the show only and received drinks and dessert as well which was a nice surprise. The show itself traces the development of tango across the ages and includes a wonderful group of live musicians. The costumes, the music, the dancing; this was a divine way to spend our final night in the city.
Learn more about Cafe de los Angelitos
14. Explore the streets of Palermo
Palermo is the largest district in the city and it’s abuzz with things to see and do. Here, you’ll find shops from local designers, cool cafes, and some of the best restaurants and bars the city has to offer. We loved our nights with friends at both La Favorita and Rey de Copas.
Street art aficionados will enjoy the colourful murals that adorn the streets and alleys here (Calle Santa Rosa is a must-visit!) Plus there are numerous murals of footballers like Messi and Maradona dotted around for fans to visit.
Find out more about Palermo
15. Take a peek inside Palacio Barolo, a building inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy
For anyone interested in architecture, Palacio Barolo is a wonderful place to explore. Commissioned by a wealthy farmer, Luis Barolo, construction on what was then one of the tallest buildings in Latin America started in 1919.
The building takes references and pays homage to Dante’s Divine Comedy and blends everything from neo-romantic to neo-Gothic styles and even includes and Indian-style dome. These days, it’s an office tower but guided tours are available, just note that you do need to climb some stairs as sections aren’t accessible by elevator.
Step inside Palacio Barolo
16. Get lost in El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a bookshop that was once a theatre
Bibliophiles like us, will enjoy the opportunity to visit El Ateneo Grand Splendid. The theatre was one of the most renowned in the city, opening in 1919 and hosting everything from international ballet acts to some of the first moving pictures, and even its own radio station.
Designed by architects Peró and Torres Armengol, the venue was converted into a bookshop in 2000 with preservation of the heritage building taking centre stage. Hundreds of thousands of books fill the stores many floors and there’s a cafe on the stage, so you can sit back and take it all in as you enjoy your purchases.
Learn more about El Ateneo Grand Splendid
17. Shop up a storm at Arandu Talabarteria
If you’re looking for souvenirs that are a step up from the quality of the markets, then make a beeline for Arandu in Recoleta. Another recommendation from our local friend, this family business has been running since 1987 and is worth a visit even if you have no room left in your suitcase.
Originally a saddlery, the artisanal products available to buy include everything from belts to clothes to rugs and art. Gorgeous photos and artwork are dotted around the shop that spans multiple floors and it’s a wonderful space to learn more about the local culture.
Explore Arandu
Getting around Buenos Aires
Taxi
The city is very sprawling, but catching a taxi is fairly easy. You can flag them down on the street and pay in cash. Some of the taxis we used accepted credit cards, but not all. It’s best to say the name of the street that you are going to plus the nearest junction.
Uber
Uber works in Buenos Aires and we found it very reliable and affordable. We had some great chats with our drivers on everything from Nirvana to the current political state of the country during our rides. One thing to note was that occasionally the app would say the fare was too high to pay on card, so we had to alter the payment method to cash. Just don’t forget to switch it back afterwards.
Subte or bus
To ride the bus or metro in Buenos Aires, you will first need to purchase a SUBE card, which you can buy at all Subte stations, and add money. Use the interactive map to plan your route, then just head to the correct stop and tap your SUBE card. For the Subte, be sure to know the final destination of the line you are taking as some entrances only take you to a single platform and if you’re going in the wrong direction, you will have to pay to get out again.
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