26 Great Things to Do in Buenos Aires - A Local's Guide
While Argentina’s stunning natural areas is usually what brings people here, our cosmopolitan capital city, Buenos Aires, is an urban treasure that no traveler should ever skip.
No matter what brings you to Argentina, you must dedicate at least a few days to discovering and enjoying Buenos Aires. Yes, as a lifelong Porteña (Buenos Aires resident), it’s true that I’m not an objective observer - I genuinely love my city! But in my twenty years as a tour guide, I’ve never met a traveler who was disappointed by their time in Buenos Aires. On the contrary, this city almost always exceeds people’s expectations.
The city, flowing out along the banks of the Río de la Plata (River Plate), serves as the gateway to Argentina for just above every visitor. Just like the river, which is always present but ever flowing with new waters and currents, this city maintains its rich traditions and heritage, while seamlessly incorporating and blending in new trends - forever expanding and in constant transformation.
Buenos Aires is a city that is truly built for enjoying life. Hedonists will never run out of pleasures to enjoy, while intellectuals are welcomed with open-arms. A place as sophisticated as anywhere and with our fair share of high society, this is also a working-class town that looks down on no one.
Our residents (and our city) are progressive and forward-looking, yet we also hold a deep nostalgia for the past. A city of contrasts, Argentina’s capital has a magnetism that draws in anyone who takes the time to explore it.
With outstanding architecture, world-class theaters and bookstores, great museums and galleries, lovely parks, iconic bars and cafes, an incredible culinary scene (we have the best grilled meat you will find anywhere in the world!), fantastic tango shows, and a nightlife that can rival anywhere else on Earth, this city will welcome and delight any and every visitor.
By the time you leave here, you will almost certainly wish you’d stayed for longer, and you’ll no doubt be preparing for a return visit.
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Buenos Aires planning cheatsheet
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- Book an Argentina travel consultation with a local expert
My favorite hotels in Buenos Aires
- Intersur Recoleta - lovely 4-star option in leafy Recoleta. $200/night
- Magnolia Hotel - upscale, but bohemian in the heart of Palermo Soho. $200/night
- SuMa Recoleta - Modern and ideally located in Recoleta. $100/night
- Modern Apartments - 1-3 bedroom apartments in Puerto Madero. $100+/night
- L'Adresse Hôtel Boutique - funky, boutique hotel in San Telmo. $70/night
Guided tours and activities
How to get around
- Car rentals with DiscoverCars
- Metro and bus at Subte
- Taxis & rideshares with Uber, Cabify, and Didi
- Long distance buses through Omnilineas and BusBud
- Airport transfers from Welcome Pickups
Plan your itinerary with local help
If you could use some help figuring out a great plan for your trip, schedule an Argentina travel consultation with Maria, our Buenos Aires-based Local Expert!
These are one-hour Zoom calls where you’ll get to chat with Maria about the trip you’re planning and she’ll share her tips and advice, answer your travel questions, and help you perfect your itinerary.
Things to know when planning your visit
As every big city, Buenos Aires demands that you plan well and use your time efficiently in order to make the most of your visit. Of course, this doesn’t mean rushing through the sights and just checking boxes off a list, as part of the joy of being here is simply breathing in the city and savoring it.
So, my aim is to help you organize your time and decide the key places to visit and things to see and do. Remember though, this is a subjective list: these are the things that I love, but they’re not necessarily what the guidebooks will tell you about. As a true Porteña, a 20-year guide, and a big traveler myself, I’ve listed those activities, sights, and lovely spots that I would consider must-visits if this were my first time here.
Some are touristy (because they’re worth it!), some are hidden gems, and others are simply things that I think embody and represent Buenos Aires. All are worthwhile.
I’ve also tried to include a diverse mix of things that are suitable for travelers of different interests and styles. Whether you are keen on culture; art; and history, people watching, outdoor activities, urban exploring, tango, wine tasting, or sampling the local food, you’ll find it all here.
Before seeing all of my recommendations, here are some things to be aware of and to keep in mind during your visit:
Days in Buenos Aires start late
Don’t start your days too early unless you are looking to be alone on the streets. Porteños are not morning people, shops and main tourist spots open around 10:00 AM, and the city really doesn’t get going before then. If you want to feel the city’s vibe and energy, you need to give it some time to wake up.
Be prepared for (very) late dinners
Porteños dine late, so except for the most touristic restaurants, dining establishments often won’t open until after 8:00 PM. Even so, you won’t see locals start going out for dinner until 9:00 or even 10:00. This can be even later on weekends, with people sitting down to dinner at midnight.
Don’t go out with expensive jewelry, luxury watches, or ostentatious cameras
Cunning pickpockets are always ready to pad their wallets with the unwitting generosity of naïve tourists. As with every big city, be aware of your surroundings, keep an eye on your belongings, and just avoid carrying around flashy and clearly expensive items.
This is quite a safe city overall, and the streets are almost always busy, so there’s nothing really to worry about, but you should always take the proper precautions.
Money and paying for things
Always have some cash with you. Keeping a little local currency on hand is definitely necessary, as taxis, kiosks, and local food vendors, among other small businesses, don’t take US dollars or credit cards.
You will be able to pay with dollars at a lot of places though, so always keep some USD on you as well.
Credit cards will likely be accepted in nicer restaurants (and higher-end ones) and bigger stores/shops, but the rate is almost always much worse than if paying with cash.
And while there are plenty of ATMs throughout the city, the exchange rate that they offer you will be truly atrocious (always a terrible ripoff), they’ll tack on additional withdrawal fees, and there’s an extremely low limit to what you can even take out.
You can exchange money at currency exchanges (casas de cambio) throughout the city, as well as in many banks. The rate is often quite good at these, so it’s a good choice to bring some cash from where you’re coming from and to just exchange it as you need it. The rate will be much better than at the ATMs.
Drivers are crazy here
This may seem like a silly and unnecessary suggestion, but here it goes anyways: always look both ways before crossing the road! Even if the light is green for you and you have a walk signal, do not trust it until you’ve checked and confirmed that there are no cars hurtling towards you.
The traffic here is crazy, and even New Yorkers that visit Buenos Aires mention that they feel like they’re at home, but with a little extra wildness. So be careful!
Taxis are safe and plentiful
Taxis are easy to find and they are very safe. The black and yellow taxi cars can be hailed from the street as they pass you by and you don’t need to worry about being ripped off.
When traveling by taxi, you pay at the end of the ride (always in cash) and they use transparently displayed meters to calculate the the fare.
For ride hailing, Ubery and Cabify or cabify can be used with no problem and pay with credit card.
1. Go for a walk through Plaza de Mayo
Plaza de Mayo is the country’s political heart, and since the May revolution in 1810 through to the present day, it has starred all of our historical events. Moreover, due to its central location and iconic buildings, it’s the ideal place to begin your sightseeing and to get an introduction to the city and our culture.
Here are the main sights to visit when in the Plaza de Mayo:
Metropolitan Cathedral (which houses the outstanding grave/tomb of Jose de San Martin, our leader during the wars of independence).
The Presidential Palace, known as the Casa Rosada.
The world-famous balcony of Evita Peron
The National Bank,
The old colonial town hall (Cabildo),
the Pirámide de Mayo (the city’s oldest historical monument, which celebrates the first anniversary of the May Revolution)
the meeting point of the Madres de Plaza de Mayo (mothers of the “desaparecidos” - disappeared activists who were killed during the dictatorship in the 1970’s).
This square is also the beginning of one of the most beautiful and significant streets in town, the Avenida de Mayo. From here, you can walk along the avenue until you reach the architecturally amazing Parliament building.
2. Travel through time in the city’s classic cafés
Photo: Roberto Fiadone, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Buenos Aires has a long list of famous cafes, many of which were former meeting points for great personalities, musicians, writers, actors and politicians. They are now preserved as “Cafes Notables” (Remarkable cafés) by the City’s government due to their age, architecture, or historical significance. These cafes serve as icons of the different neighborhoods and are part of the city's cultural heritage.
Despite the many foreign cafe chains that have opened everywhere in the city, these traditional establishments are still standing and are a mandatory stop for many Porteños when they take their daily “cortado” with medialunas (coffee with a croissant), sandwiches de miga, or churros.
La Biela and Café Tortoni are the most famous, but other less-known but equalliy unmissable ones are Confiteria Ideal, Las Violetas, Bar Britanico, El Federal, Café la Poesia, Café Margot, and 36 Billares, to name but a few.
These are all quite central, so you’ll likely pass by some of them during your time exploring the city. Just pick one (or a few!) that appeals to you and go and enjoy a delicious treat in one of these symbols of Buenos Aires!
3. Visit the galleries in Villa Crespo and Palermo Hollywood (along the “Polo Artístico” route)
Photo: Brian Barbutti, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you are keen on art, you will love meandering along this gallery-filled route stretching from Palermo Hollywood into Villa Crespo. Moving out from downtown into off-the-beaten-path Villa Crespo, the number of galleries in this area have exploded in the past 10 years.
All within just a few minutes of one another, you can visit any number of interesting galleries and studios along this walk, checking out important and up-and-coming local artists.
My favorite of the bunch is Ruth Benzacar, but all of them have their personal “touch”, unique profile, and each one is a chance to discover the work of young emerging artists. Some of the best galleries (in my opinion) are Acéfala, Gachi Prieto, HACHE, Quimera and Wunsch Gallery.
They’re usually open in the afternoons, but always check their hours before planning your visits.
4. Walk along Puente de la Mujer (Women’s Bridge)
This is a fantastic pedestrian bridge in the exclusive neighborhood of Puerto Madero, which was designed and built by the world renowned Valencian artist Santiaga Calatrava. It’s also the first art piece that he made in Latin America!
Opened in 2001, the bridge extends over the old docks and warehouses of the port from the late nineteenth century. Its name honors women, a decision probably made to maintain consistency in Puerto Madero, where all the streets are named after relevant women from Argentine history.
According to the artist, the bridge represents a couple dancing tango: the white mast symbolizes the man and the curve of the bridge is the woman. The bridge is enormous, so if you’re looking for great photos that encompass the whole structure, you’ll need to find a good vantage point from pretty far away.
5. Take a street art tour
Photo: Elliot Harmon, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Like in many cities around the world, street art in Buenos Aires has become a popular art expression that I think really changes and enriches the urban landscape. Famous Argentine and international artists have created artworks that span the entire city from north to south, showing off their skills almost everywhere you look.
You can easily spend a good few hours walking a “street art route”, and this is something that both tourists and locals alike really enjoy doing.
Taking a tour with a knowledgable local guide is the best way to make sure you see really interesting works and do so in an efficient manner, but even if you go on your own, the best neighborhoods for street art watching are La Boca (in the south) and Colegiales/Palermo (in the North). If you want to explore the art in La Boca, join me on my La Boca Urban Art Tour, where we’ll get way off the beaten path while checking out some exceptional art.
Both ends of the city have a variety of murals and other art mediums that display the local flavor and reflect the social background of each area.
Explore hidden gems of the city center, gritty and colorful La Boca, bohemian San Telmo, and chic Palermo on a private tour with Buenos Aires' best guide!
6. Browse the San Telmo Flea Market
Photo: Jorge Láscar from Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you’re in Buenos Aires on a Sunday, you absolutely have to go to the Feria de San Telmo, a huge street bazaar that is visited by over 12,000 people every week. The heart of the market is in Plaza Dorrego, but the vendors stretch out for more than 1,500 meters along Defensa street, a cobblestone street which becomes pedestrian-only from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays to accommodate the market.
In addition to the market’s vendors, you’ll also find musicians, tango dancers, and all kinds of entertainers sharing the street and open-air market.
On this same street, you’ll find the indoor market (whose main entrance is on Carlos Calvo street), which is open every day and is also a must-visit when in Buenos Aires. Built in 1879 by an Italian Architect, the market is now a testament to old Buenos Aires. It’s both a flea and food market, and the food especially, is excellent.
Full of local food trucks, a visit here is a great oportunity to taste Argentinian delights like juicy empanadas or the classic choripan.
And even if you’re not here on a Sunday, the neighborhood of San Telmo is still absolutely worth visiting. If you like walking tours, it features heavily in my Buenos Aires City Tour.
7. Bike or walk through the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur
Photo: Horacio patrone, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Covering 350 hectares, the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur is the largest green space in the City of Buenos Aires. Ideal for walking, biking, jogging, hiking, or just hanging out and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere while you drink mate like a true Porteño! Forests, pastures, lagoons, and marshes are all part of this unique space, which was declared a Ramsar site in 2005 due to its global importance as a wetland.
The Reserve is quite central, just a few steps away from Puerto Madero and very close to the historic center. If you visit on a weekday, you will mostly have the place to yourself, whereas the whole area is full of groups of friends and local families on weekends.
If you are a birder, or at least have a passing interest in birds, there are more than 343 bird species who fill the skies and the trees here. Specialists from all over the world come to the Ecological Reserve to observe these beautiful creatures, and you can likely see at least 50 different kinds in as little as two hours.
And last but not least, the Reserve offers you excellent views of the Rio de la Plata. Although Buenos Aires sits right on the river, it was built with very little access to it, and almost nowhere in the city affords views of this important waterway. So, this is one of the few places where you can actually observe it!
For your visit, you can explore the Reserve independently on foot or bike, or join a bike tour or bird watching tour. All are good options and it just depends on what you’re looking for.
8. Discover Buenos Aires’ dark history at Museo Sitio de Memoria EX ESMA and Parque de la Memoria
Photo: Camilo Del Cerro, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
For anyone interested in the history of Buenos Aires and Argentina more broadly, these sites are unmissable. The history that they explain is certainly the darkest period in Argentina, the genocide that devastated the country during the 1970s, taking the lives of close to 30,000 people. But it is our history just the same, and it’s something that I think is important for visitors to understand.
By car, both sites are about 30 minutes outside the center of the city, but they are just a few minutes away from each other, so can easily be combined.
EX ESMA Museum was formerly the biggest clandestine detention center in the country and it was the nucleus of repression, torture, and extermination. The Museum is on UNESCO’s list of candidates to potentially receive status as a World Heritage Site. It takes time to cover the 17 hectares and over 30 buildings of the property, but it’s worth doing at least a part of it.
You can visit for free from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM, and you can download a free audio guide via the QR codes on site. There is also a cafeteria and a cultural center that you can stop into.
The nearby Parque de la Memoria, sitting next to the Rio de la Plata river, is an extensive 14-hectare green space where art and nature merge to become a place of remembrance, homage, testimony, and reflection.
If you are also interested in the history of the Malvinas War (Falklands), there is a modern Museo de Malvinas in the same property as ESMA that is also worth a visit.
If you’re interested in delving deep into this period (while still seeing the city), I offer a half-day walking tour that is all about Argentina in the 1970’s.
9. Soak in some culture at the MALBA and Fine Arts Museum
Photo: Danielseo451, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Buenos Aires is a world-class destination for art lovers, with plenty of interesting museums, workshops, galleries, and cultural centers. But if you have limited time and have to pick only one or two from all of them, here are my recommendations:
MALBA: From outside to inside, this museum is housed in an outstanding modern structure in the heart of Palermo Chico. The building is an attraction in and of itself. Inside, the museum’s permanent collection includes a unique variety of works from modern masters throughout South America. You’ll find pieces from historic artists such as Antonio Berni, Xul Solar, Tarsila do Amaral, Frida Khalo, Diego Rivera, Wilfredo Lam, and Gyula Kosice, through to key contemporary figures such as Hélio Oiticica, Lygia Clark, León Ferrari and Francis Alÿs.
MALBA is also a cultural center that joins many art forms such as literature, cinema, and photography, among others.
Fine Arts National Museum: Its collection includes European art from the Middle Ages to the present, but more importantly (in my opinion anyways!), it hosts an extraordinary selection of Argentinean art from the last two centuries. You’ll find here historical paintings that depict the customs and spirit of the gauchos and indigenous peoples, as well as the work of some of our best nineteenth century artists, such as Cándido López and Prilidiano Pueyrredón.
In the twentieth century section, you’ll see paintings, sculptures, installations, and other works of art from internationally renowned Argentine artists.
10. Librería El Ateneo Grand Splendid
This is the largest bookstore in South America, the second best bookstore in the world (according to The Guardian newspaper), and the most beautiful one on the planet (title granted by National Geographic). What more could you need to know?!
Built on the old Grand Splendid movie theater, the bookstore preserves the look and design of the original theater, although it did have to be substantially renovated. The theater’s former stage, with the original enormous velvet curtain, has been transformed into a cafeteria.
Another of its outstanding features is the magnificent painted dome that portrays the end of the First World War.
Simply put, this is a spectacular structure, and it would be crazy not to check it out during your time in Buenos Aires. Whether you’re looking for a book or not, you must visit.
11. Enjoy a bike ride through Palermo and Recoleta
Photo: Liam Quinn from Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Hopping on a bike and cruising around the lovely leafy neighborhoods of Recoleta and Palermo is a fantastic way to explore these two neighborhoods in the northern part of Buenos Aires.
These are two of the most upscale residential neighborhoods in the city, and they are filled with wonderful scenery. From your two-wheeled vantage point, you will be able to admire the iconic French-style buildings, large wonderful parks, exclusive streets, aristocratic bars, exquisite restaurants, and first-rate shops. You’ll also be watching and mingling with some of the city’s wealthier residents.
A bike ride around these neighborhoods can totally be done on your own, but there are many important sites here, especially in Recoleta, so a bike tour delivered by professional guides can be a nice way to combine sightseeing with some historical background.
12. Admire the lovely Recoleta Cemetery
Photo: Andrew Currie from Toronto, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Considered one of the three most “important” cemeteries in the world, the outstanding Recoleta Cemetery is undoubtedly already on your list. Just a few minutes from downtown and smack in the center of the elegant Recoleta neighborhood, this is the final resting place of Buenos Aires’ rich and famous, Evita Perón foremost among them.
While hunting down the graves of famous figures will doubtless be your main goal here, the cemetery itself is also considered a piece of art, due to the great variety of architectural styles seen in its richly ornamented mausoleums and crypts.
Exploring the cemetery with a guide is a good idea, but if you go on your own, be sure to buy a map because this is a huge space (around 5 hectares) and there are very few signs. There is almost no chance that you’ll find Evita’s grave without a map or a guide who can show you the way, so come prepared!
And if you want to combine a visit here with stops at some other fabulous monuments and nearby leafy green spaces, check out my Parks and Culture Tour of Northern Buenos Aires.
13. Discover Buenos Aires’ Jewish history
Photo: Carlos Zito, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Argentina’s Jewish population is the sixth largest in the world, and the vast majority of Jewish Argentines live in Buenos Aires. If this heritage is something that interests you, I would recommend booking a Judaic tour or finding a relevant map online that will highlight the most relevant spots.
Some places to be sure to check out are the Jewish quarter called Once, Libertad Synagogue (the oldest in the city - you need your passport to get inside), the Jewish Museum, the memory Square of the Israeli Embassy, and the AMIA building (which was the victim of a terrorist attack in 1994).
And in case you have a chance to visit the Metropolitan Cathedral in the Plaza de Mayo, be sure to look for the holocaust memorial mural, which is considered the first mural in the world that paid tribute to the Jewish community from inside a Catholic church.
There are many other areas of significance for those interested in our Jewish history and heritage (you can learn more about this elsewhere online), but these are some very important sites.
14. Take a tango lesson, test yourself at a Milonga, and then watch a show
Photo: Jorge Láscar from Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
As everybody ought to know, Tango was born in Buenos Aires, so this is the one and only place to experience this marvelous three-step dance.
To start, learn your first steps at a typical tango hall. This will give you the perfect insight into the culture of Porteños, and it’s a good way to learn this dance, as you can observe what others are doing.
Once you’ve got the basics down, test out your skills at a traditional Milonga - the dance halls where Buenos Aires locals gather to dance tango (or Milonga, which is a somewhat similar dance style). Visiting a Milonga is a fun activity even if you’re not terribly interested in dancing, as its a unique cultural experience and is very traditional.
As your evening continues, and after you’ve tired yourself out on the dance floor, I suggest going to a professional tango show to see the pros. There are tons of places to catch a show all over Buenos Aires, and while this is definitely a touristic experience, it’s good fun even if you end up in a crazy touristy joint.
If you do a little research and find somewhere a bit off the regular tourist route, even better!
Working class and historic La Boca is so much more than just Caminito and tourist traps. Get off the beaten path and see the neighborhood the right way with Maria!
15. Watch a horse race at Hipódromo de Palermo
Photo: Roberto Fiadone, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Operating since 1876, the Hipódromo de Palermo was the city's first venue for horse racing and a day (or a few hours) at the races is definitely a lot of fun. This is also a good place to get a glimpse of another particular aspect of Argentina culture.
The Palermo Racecourse is noted for its monumental architecture and its 1.4-mile sandy track is one of the longest in the world.
Races take place every week and they are free to observe. Be sure to check the weekly schedule online before coming though, as it changes quite often. If you’re confident of your horse knowledge or you trust your good luck, you can place some bets to add to the excitement. Or, just hanging out and enjoying the spectacle is great time in and of itself.
16. Go to a soccer match (and watch the mayhem in the stands)!
Photo: Eduardo Lacerda, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
You’re probably already aware that soccer is as important as breathing for us Argentines. The game is in most of our blood and we are truly, truly passionate about it. With that in mind, attending a match while you are in Buenos Aires is one of the most fascinating adventures that you will ever experience. I meant it when I say “adventure” though, as this will not be a quiet 1.5 hours sitting in the stadium watching some people kick a ball a ball around.
If you go to a game, especially between rival clubs, you should be prepared to see crazy fans screaming, jostling wildly, and singing for hours on end. Being a part of the madness is just amazing.
Unfortunately, it’s very hard to find tickets if you’re not a club member. Even locals will have a hard time getting tickets for big matches. This means that often the only way for tourists to attend a match is by booking a soccer tour, which will entail meeting up with local guides prior to the match and then attending it together with them. This can be quite a good way to see a match, as the guides will probably be big fans themselves, so you’ll get to experience some authentic excitement from them as well.
Be aware that there are no matches in the summer, as the season ends in the late spring and doesn’t begin again until the fall.
17. Check out the Teatro Colón and Colón Fabric Museum
The world-class Teatro Colón opera house is considered one of the most important lyrical theaters in the world, on the same level as La Scala in Milan, the Opera Garnier in Paris, and the Royal Opera House in London. During its more than one hundred years of existence it has hosted the most important directors, singers, and dancers, with everyone from Igor Stravinsky, Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti, and Julio Bocca, among many others, gracing its stage.
There are guided visits of the theater that take place every day, but if you’re interested in seeing a ballet, concert, or opera, you should book well in advance (shows often sells out).
As with soccer, be aware that the opera season is over by the summer (and doesn’t start up again until the fall).
Interestingly, the Teatro Colón is one of the few theaters in the world that has its own workshops where they build the sets, costumes, and other materials for the monumental shows and productions that they put on. Just about everything is made in-house, which is a huge undertaking.
If that’s something that you’re interested in, the Colón Fabric museum (which is associated with the theater) is an incredible place where you can see old sets, designs, and costumes from previous productions. The museum opened recently in La Boca district, which you’ll almost certainly end up visiting anyways, so adding a quick stop here when exploring the neighborhood is highly recommended.
18. Visit the Centro Cultural Kirchner (also known as CCK)
Photo: Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, CC BY 2.5 AR, via Wikimedia Commons
This is the largest Cultural Center in Latin America and one of the four biggest in the world alongside the Pompidou Center in Paris, the Tokyo International Forum, and the Lincoln Center in New York. This enormous, gorgeous, and outrageous building just a few blocks from the city’s main square (Plaza de Mayo), was the former central post office. It’s more than 100,000 square meters, has more than ten multipurpose function rooms, and a capacity of up to 5,000 visitors.
The building itself is its own attraction.
The Great Concert Hall, known as the Blue Whale, occupies a central place in the structure. Its large size, the columns that support it, the Faraday cage that covers it, and its oval and curved shape, are all reminiscent of a whale, which is how it got its nickname.
You can visit and explore the building for free, but you can also join a guided visit (offered regularly) if you want to learn more about the center.
As for concerts here, they are also free, but you need to be very quick and get your tickets right away, before they’ve all been scooped up!
19. From heaven to hell in Palacio Barolo
Photo: Oscb06, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Palacio Barolo is a crazy building that sits along Avenida de Mayo (an unmissable avenue to walk by), and which was inspired by Dante Alighieri’s famous poem “The Divine Comedy”. Like the poem, the building is divided into three sections: hell, purgatory and paradise.
The structure represents a unique architectural style that mixes neo-romantic with neo-Gothic, and adds in in an Indian style dome that represents the tantric union between Dante and Beatrice, the protagonists of the Divine Comedy.
To visit, you need to book a guided tour, as this is the only way in which you’ll be able to access the building’s “Lighthouse”, which is something totally unique. You’ll take an elevator up to the 13th floor, and then continue up another 6 flights of stairs, which become more and more narrow as you ascend them.
Finally, you’ll reach the Lighthouse, where you’ll be immersed in a glass dome almost one hundred meters above the street. Here, you can enjoy the best views in all of Buenos Aires!
Afterwards, be sure to check out the rooftop bar, which is a wonderful spot for a sunset drink. Make sure to book in advance though, as reservations are required.
Explore hidden gems of the city center, gritty and colorful La Boca, bohemian San Telmo, and chic Palermo on a private tour with Buenos Aires' best guide!
20. Explore and shop your way through trendy Palermo Soho
Palermo Soho is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city and its name evokes the world-famous eponymous New York City neighborhood (Soho). The two neighborhoods, although continents apart, actually share similar characteristics: Palermo Soho is an area filled with artists, fashion boutiques, and stylish restaurants.
Despite its trendiness, this place hasn’t been ruined by big chains or the typical mass-market shops that usually show up when somewhere becomes popular. Instead, it has preserved its character and lovely ambiance.
It’s a place that invites you to simply walk about with no plan, and to just enjoy your surroundings and surprise yourself with pleasant discoveries. Everywhere you go you’ll find murals, artistic corners, small colorful alleys, cool bars, and on the weekends, craft fairs that fill its plazas.
Palermo Soho is also a nightlife hub, and the evenings stretch well into the morning here. With so much going on at night, the day here starts a bit later; don’t expect for there to be much going on until at least 12:00 PM. Shops open later than anywhere else in the city, so I wouldn’t advise starting your day in the neighborhood - there’s no rush.
21. Experience an authentic Argentine asado!
If Argentine beef is famous all over the world, it’s for a good reason - it’s the best! So, if you come to Buenos Aires, unless you are vegetarian, you should never skip trying a true asado (barbecue).
If you have the chance, try it at a local’s house. Most visitors don’t have a friend or relative in town though, so plan on other options: some tour guides and even just some enterprising locals will now open their homes for travelers to share a great asado.
Another option is the “behind-closed-doors” restaurant, a trend that started in Buenos Aires, where terrific local chefs will delight diners with high quality beef, served in stages, and answer questions. Some chefs even eat with you and become a part of the dinner. Do a little research to learn more about this unique Buenos Aires food tradition.
You can also check for options outside of Buenos Aires. Many estancias (ranches) offer visitors the option of a full-day stay in the countryside complete with a wonderful asado meal.
If all this sounds like too much work, you can always try the easiest way; a terrific grill restaurant right in the city! With hundreds of options to choose from, I’ll let you do some searching to find the right spot for you. But if you’re feeling lazy, I also put together this guide to my favorite restaurants in Buenos Aires.
22. Grab a sunset drink in one of the city's many rooftop sky bars
Located on the top floors and terraces of buildings as tall as 120 meters, Buenos Aires sky bars offer drinks and music with incredible panoramic views. There is a long list of these fabulous rooftop spots, but know that many are open only in the spring and summer.
Some also actually have restaurants that are quite good.
So, if you consider yourself an hedonist and are not afraid of heights, this is an excellent plan for you!
A relatively new addition to the Buenos Aires nightlife scene, there is an ever-growing number of these, but one of the best is Crystal Bar on the 32nd floor on the top of the Alvear Icon hotel in Puerto Madero. Trade Sky Bar hasn’t been open long, but it’s quite a spot. Prices are not cheap at any of them.
23. Revel in Buenos Aires’ renowned nightlife
There is so much to do in Buenos Aires at night that if you were a bat you would surely live a happy life. It’s no coincidence that Buenos Aires regularly tops the list for cities with the best nightlife worldwide.
But what exactly can you do? Just about anything!
Plenty of restaurants are open till 2 in the morning and you’ll find milongas (tango dance halls), hip hop bars, jazz clubs, speakeasies and cocktail bars, secret corners, all over the city.
For clubbers and serious partiers, you have slick and trendy nightclubs in Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood, amd Chacarita (the most active areas for clubbing and partying until morning).
For those who want a more local and low-key experience, you can look for peñas, neighborhood watering holes where you can drink and sing tango and folk music like a local, surrounded by locals. No matter what you opt to do, prepare yourself for a long night out!
You can also go head to San Telmo or Almagro for organized tango shows or casual milongas, countless “bodegones” (typical local restaurants where food is served in a very singular ambience, for cheap prices and with unpretentious service).
In every neighborhood of the city there are also myriad options for listening to live music, catching a theater show, watching a movie, listening to a poetry recital, and much more, all of it open until very late in the night.
If all of this is still not enough for you, and you find yourself awake when everywhere else is closing, you can pick one of the many never-ending discos or after-hours clubs where you can revel until practically past breakfast time.
24. Visit Museo Evita
Photo: Ministerio de Cultura de la Nación, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Among the dozens of great museums that Buenos Aires offers, Museo Evita is one of the best. What I like so much about it is firstly the subject: the wonderful Eva Perón! The museum is dedicated to telling the story of Argentina’s most famous woman who grew to become a global icon. But I also love how well curated the museum is and how much attention was paid to every single aspect of it.
You never get bored while here! Also, you can be in and out quite quickly, so even those who aren’t big fans of museums typically enjoy it.
The building itself, a former halfway house for underprivileged single mothers during the Peronist administrations, is itself worth a visit.
Inside, you can explore thirteen permanent exhibition halls where visitors can learn about Evita through the stages of her life: her childhood, her youth as an actress, her life as first lady to Juan Domingo Perón, her fight for women's civic rights, the social work carried out at the Evita Foundation, her resignation and, ultimately, her death.
The collection includes around 400 original pieces, including suits, gala dresses, and hats worn by Evita, personal photos, publications, and records of the time.
Probably the most touching aspect are the films recordings of her final speeches as well as the video of her massive funeral. The museum has English translations/explanations and a QR code to download an audio guide.
If you’re interested in learning more about Evita and want to do so while actively touring Buenos Aires, take a look at my Life and Times of Evita tour!
25. Take an evening walk down Calle Corrientes
Photo: Luis Argerich, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Calle Corrientes, which is Buenos Aires’ answer to New York City’s Broadway, is probably the largest entertainment center of the city. Here you can find productions of every nature; bohemian, cultural, intellectual, low brow (and on and on) every night of the week, all year long.
In the evenings, one side of the street becomes entirely pedestrian, so even if you don’t have tickets to a show, you can meander down the crowded streets and soak up some of the fabulous, lively atmosphere. The people watching is top notch!
Aside from just theaters, you also have cinemas for independent movies, cultural centers, and so many bookstores! To give you an idea of just how many, know that buenos Aires is said to be the city with the most bookstores per capita of anywhere in the world.
And on top of all this, if you get hungry know that the street has the most famous pizza places in town - Pizzeria Guerrin being the most famous of all.
Somehow, despite the obvious attraction of such a place, the street has remained almost totally off the tourist radar, which can be a very nice opportunity for visitors to mingle with locals in an authentic atmosphere.
26. Ride the subway to check out great art and daily life
First, to understand this suggestion, you need to know that in Buenos Aires art is always the protagonist. Proof of this is the sheer quantity of art displayed on the walls of most subway (subte as we call it) stations.
The idea here was to turn the boring routine of commuting into a much happier experience. And over 200 artists have contributed to these wonderful public art displays!
There are 6 subway lines in the city and each station has a different concept and focus; from Pre columbian art to fileteado porteño, from soccer to tango, and from diversity to workers’ struggle, and more.
While the artwork is reason enough to head down to the subway, you should also try to take at least one journey on the subte in order to understand a bit more about porteños and our culture. Just don’t do it at rush hour!
Maria Casiraghi
Argentina Expert based in Buenos Aires
¡Hola y buenos días! 👋
Hi, I'm Maria, and I've been a tour guide and travel consultant here in Argentina for the last 20 years. If you're looking for some local advice on your trip, I'd love to help!
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