Buenos Aires is the vibrant capital of Argentina. The city is full of passion. Many Argentinians are proud of their football hero, Lionel Messi, and tango is danced everywhere. The city still shows many influences from its Spanish colonial past. Buenos Aires is a charming city with lovely neighborhoods and cozy restaurants, where you can enjoy a good steak and a delicious glass of wine. Buenos Aires is a city that many travelers fall in love with.
There are several ways to get to Buenos Aires. From Europe, you can fly directly in about 13.5 hours. Flights from North America typically take around 10-12 hours. From other South American destinations, there are frequent direct flights, as the flight connections between South American capitals are well-established. You can also fly directly to Buenos Aires from Bariloche, Mendoza, or Salta. You can easily compare prices and book tickets via Skyscanner.
There are several great places to stay in Buenos Aires. We stayed in the San Telmo neighborhood, in an old and colorful mansion that had been transformed into a hostel. The trendy Palermo neighborhood is another great option for accommodation.
In Bariloche, you have several accommodation options. We stayed in an apartment via Airbnb in the Pinar de Festa neighborhood, which is a bit further from the city center. There are also many options in the city center. Most attractions are located outside the center, so you’ll often need to drive a bit. The bus system is well-organized in Bariloche. You can check current bus routes and schedules via Google Maps, and in our experience, the times and buses listed on Google Maps are accurate. You’ll need a Sube card for the bus, which you can load with money at most kiosk shops. Additionally, there are plenty of taxis in Bariloche. A rental car is the most convenient transportation option, as it allows you to decide where and when you want to go.
In Buenos Aires, there is so much to see and discover. You can definitely spend a few days here enjoying yourself. We’ve compiled some great tips for you!
Plaza de Mayo is a large and famous square in Buenos Aires. It is named after the May Revolution of 1810, which led to Argentina's independence from Spain. The square is also known as the political center of Buenos Aires. On the square, you’ll find the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace of Argentina. The square is also the site of many large demonstrations. Nearby, you can visit the San Francisco Basilica, a grand and impressive Roman Catholic church. A fun way to explore these highlights and the rest of the city center is by taking a Free Walking Tour.
The La Boca neighborhood is a colorful and lively area in Buenos Aires. It was once a harbor district where many immigrants settled. Today, it’s known for its colorful houses, impressive street art, and lively market stalls. You’ll feel cheerful as you walk around, and we recommend stopping to enjoy one of the cozy terraces.
The stadium of one of the most popular football clubs, Boca Juniors, is also located in this neighborhood. The stadium is painted in the club’s colors: blue and yellow. Maradona also played for the club in the past. Near the stadium, you’ll find a museum where you can learn more about the club.
Tip: Stay in the touristy part of the neighborhood, as the areas outside are less safe and offer little for tourists.
The Recoleta Cemetery is a unique cemetery located in the Recoleta neighborhood. The cemetery is filled with large, artistic tombs that resemble small houses. It’s an enormous cemetery, and many prominent Argentinians are buried here, including presidents, military leaders, and artists. One of the most visited graves is that of Eva Perón, the former First Lady of Argentina. She did a lot for the poor and working class of Argentina but was also frequently suspected of controversial activities. The cemetery is an impressive place and definitely worth a visit. You can also visit the cemetery with a Walking Tour.
The San Telmo neighborhood is one of the oldest in Buenos Aires. Plaza Dorrego is a charming square in the area, surrounded by various cafés, restaurants, and antique shops. The neighborhood is also a hub for art and culture. Every Sunday, there’s an antique market in the area. The San Telmo Market is also a great spot to visit, where you can find local products, enjoy a meal, or have a drink.
When you're in Buenos Aires, you definitely have to attend a tango show. Tango is very important to Argentine culture and the city. Tango originated in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and Montevideo in the late 19th century. In Buenos Aires, tango is everywhere. You can enjoy tango shows at many places, but it is also frequently danced on the streets. You'll find plenty of options in the city to attend a tango show.
Avenida de 9 Julio is the widest street in the world, running through the heart of the city. The Obelisco, a 220-foot-high tower (67 meters), is one of the main landmarks of the street. It was built to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Buenos Aires. Along the street, you'll find many historical buildings, green squares, shopping centers, and modern skyscrapers.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. The bookstore is housed in an old theater, which gives it a magical atmosphere. The theater was built in 1919 and converted into a bookstore in 2000. You can leisurely browse through a wide variety of books here.
We definitely recommend enjoying the delicious Argentine cuisine. Argentinians take pride in their asado tradition. Asado is a barbecue where you eat various types of meat, such as steak, chorizo, ribeye, and lamb. The meat is grilled over charcoal. In Argentina, eating is not just a meal but a social event where families and friends come together to enjoy each other’s company and the food. We had a wonderful meal at La Estancia Asador Criollo.
Parque Tres de Febrero is a large park in Buenos Aires. It is a popular spot among locals and tourists to relax and exercise. The park features a rose garden with many rose bushes, elegant rose arches, fountains, and statues. Take a leisurely walk through the park, and bring a blanket and something to drink to relax in nature.
Congreso de la Nación is a beautiful and important building in Buenos Aires. It is where significant political decisions are made. The congress consists of two chambers: the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, which together are responsible for drafting and approving laws.
The Palermo neighborhood is a must-visit during your stay in Buenos Aires. The area has an authentic character with charming boutiques and cozy, atmospheric restaurants. It's also very lively in the evenings and at night, with live music, bars, and nightclubs. Additionally, the neighborhood is known for its street art, so it's highly recommended to take a street art tour. During the tour, you'll learn the stories behind the murals.
Padel is extremely popular in Argentina, and the country is considered one of the leading nations in the sport. The padel culture has resulted in Argentina producing many talented players who rank high on the world rankings. Buenos Aires is the perfect city to take a lesson. We took a lesson at Lasaigues Padel Club and had a great trainer who was very knowledgeable about the sport. Through their website, you can easily send a WhatsApp message to inquire about lesson availability.