Buenos Aires is an incredible city that I initially underestimated but ended up really enjoying. It has its own history, music, art, dance, food, nature, and culture to share with visitors. And while my two trips there were both on the shorter side, you could easily spend a week or more exploring all the magic Buenos Aires has to offer.
But a week’s worth of accommodation and food can add up, so of course I’ve got some savvy tips on the best free things to do in Buenos Aires. That’s right, these are all things you can do in the Paris of Latin America without spending so much as a peso!
I consulted with a friend of mine currently living in Buenos Aires for an up-to-date, insider’s guide to enjoying all the free activities Buenos Aires has to offer. Check out her recommendations by topic area and start planning the budget-friendly viaje (trip) of a lifetime!
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The Best Free Things to do in Buenos Aires
Experience History
If you’re the kind of person who loves learning the secret past of a place that you’re visiting, you’re in luck. Buenos Aires has a fascinating political and economic history. Its journey from a Spanish colony to a modern, independent nation, with several wars and dictatorships along the way, will captivate you.
Free Walking Tour
Start your Buenos Aires trip with a free walking tour (or two!). This company offers two great Buenos Aires free walking tours, one of which covers the city center, informs you about important characters from Eva Perón to Pope Francis, and leaves every day at 3 pm.
Do that free walking tour first, then the next day, follow up with their Recoleta tour at 10:30 am. The free Recoleta walking tour explores one of the oldest and richest neighborhoods in the city and talks about some of the cultural and economic history of Buenos Aires.
Of course, while the tours are free, it’s expected that you will leave a tip depending on the quality of your experience and your budget. I like to leave the equivalent of about $15-20/person if I really enjoyed the tour, but your tip is up to you!
Casa Rosada Free Tour
If the walking tour hooked you and you want to learn more about modern Argentinian history, get behind the scenes with a free tour of the Casa Rosada (the Pink House). Casa Rosada is the Argentinian seat of national government and where the Argentinian president works. (In the States, we have a White House, but the Pink House is prettier!)
Tours take place in English every Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 pm at no charge. You just need to reserve your spot ahead of time and bring your passport to the tour for entry.
If you want to learn more about Argentinian modern history but don’t have a Saturday or Sunday open, you can visit the Casa Rosada Museum for free. The Museum is located just behind the Casa Rosada on the same plot of land that housed the original colonial fort of Buenos Aires. It’s open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Explore the Outdoors
If you’re visiting from the northern hemisphere, you’ll notice that the Argentine seasons are reversed. That means that visiting Buenos Aires in January means you may get to trade in snow for some sunshine! And while the best season to see all of Buenos Aires’s plentiful flowers in full bloom is in spring to summer (September to February), the city is beautiful all year round. With its plethora of beautifully maintained, free public parks, there’s no excuse not to get outside.
Rosedal de Palermo
The Rosedal (Rose Garden) de Palermo is a must-visit if you’re coming in the Argentine summer months. It boasts over 18,000 roses from all over the world, and walking through its weaving paths of colorful blooms is a truly beautiful activity.
It’s located within the larger Bosques de Palermo (Forests of Palermo) park (also called the Tres de Febrero Park), which is also worth a visit. It’s a popular place for locals to walk their dogs, gather to drink mate, go for a run, or enjoy a stroll around one of its many lakes. If you have a nice, sunny day go for a picnic!
Puerto Madero
For a mix of modern architecture and the best that nature has to offer, head to Puerto Madero. Buenos Aires’s newest (and most expensive) neighborhood is located directly on the river and provides beautiful views.
Walk along the Costanera Sur (Southern Riverside) Park on a Sunday evening to see locals practicing salsa and tango along the water, or at any time of the week to explore the Paseo de la Gloria (Walk of Glory), which features sculptures of famous Argentinian athletes like Lionel Messi.
Discover the Culture
As the home of tango, you can’t leave Buenos Aires without having seen or practiced the beautiful, sensual dance. And even if dance isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other free cultural activities to partake in.
Tango Dancers in Plaza Dorrego
Watch tango dancers for free most evenings in the Plaza Dorrego in the San Telmo neighborhood. Around 8 pm, the stage in the middle of the square will see performers come out to entertain the crowds of tables at the surrounding restaurants. Grab a beer at one if you’d like, or just stroll around and enjoy.
Buenos Aires Museo de Bellas Artes
To see some of the best art that Latin America has to offer, visit the Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Art) on Tuesdays or after 6:45 on Wednesdays and Sundays (the museum closes at 8 pm) for free admission. It’s an especially good activity if you find yourself on a rainy, super-hot, or humid afternoon.
Calle Santa Rosa in Palermo
For some fresher, younger Argentine art, stroll down Calle Santa Rosa in Palermo, a popular spot for Buenos Aires’s street art scene to share their latest work. (Pro Tip: it’s also a great spot for a unique Instagram shot!)
Auditorio Belgrano’s Free Acoustic Sets
If you’re craving some live music without the hefty price tag of a symphony show at Teatro Colón, check out the Auditorio de Belgrano’s lineup of free acoustic sets played in their gorgeous garden. Every Thursday through Sunday from 7 pm to midnight, the Auditorium presents independent Argentinian artists and serves local craft beers and small plates. (Note: the pints and food aren’t free, but by not paying for a show ticket, you’ll have some money left to enjoy them!)
