I was born in Buenos Aires – a great city and a fun one to explore. There is so much going on you will never have to wonder what to do in Buenos Aires! People are extroverted, friendly, and also loud. Every time I visit there, I think: “People are so loud!” without realizing I must also be considered loud here in the United States.
On the other hand, Porteños (Buenos Aires inhabitants) are also kind and passionate (that’s why we speak so fast and loudly!). We have the superpower of enjoying life and having fun despite the political and economic circumstances, which are rarely good.
The best time to visit Buenos Aires is in the fall, winter, and spring. Avoid going there during the summer – it can be brutal. Winters are mild, with the average temperature in the 50s and 60s (occasional 40s) with plenty of sunny days.
Buenos Aires (also called CABA) is entirely walkable, and it’s one of the three safest cities in Latin America (along with La Paz and Brasilia). Like in any other big city, please be aware of pickpockets in crowded places or while using public transportation. But rest assured, taking taxis or Ubers is safe and cheap.
The food is primarily Spanish and Italian (the Italian population in Argentina is the third largest in the world), and the traditional asado involves lots of different meat cuts and animals’ internal organs (it reads worse than it tastes). Of course, wine is always part of the equation. You can also find every food and drink under the sun in this city – you’ll never go hungry, I promise.
Porteños are very social, and you’ll see them in groups everywhere: in parks drinking mate (the national beverage), filling every table at the local restaurants, and enjoying events and meals with the family (kids are included everywhere). Also, they say “che” (kind of a “hey”) after every other word.
There are two types of exchange rates: the official and the unofficial. Your credit cards or ATMs will use the official rate, which will be less beneficial (half of the unofficial one). So, bring your new $50 and $100 USD bills and exchange them in the black market (it’s legal and safe – don’t worry!).
If you’re planning a big trip to Argentina, Buenos Aires is a must-visit. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the top things to do in Buenos Aires for you. It’s comprehensive, but I’m sure thousands of Buenos Aires activities couldn’t be included!
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13 Fun and Unique Things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina
1. Spend Time Exploring El Centro and Its Landmarks, el Obelisco and Teatro Colón
The Obelisco is not exactly pretty. Still, it’s such an integral part of Buenos Aires I can’t even imagine the city without it. It’s where Porteños gather to celebrate soccer (or fútbol aka football in Argentina) victories, and a photo here should be on any Buenos Aires bucket list.
This part of town is kind of like our Times Square. So, expect many people, lights, restaurants, street vendors, and performers. Watch out for pickpockets as you’d do in any crowded place in any big city.
The magnificent Teatro Colón is a few blocks away and one of the best places in the world to listen to opera. If you’ve got extra time, the guided tour is well worth it.
Also, you can go to the 23rd floor of the Buenos Aires Marriott (formerly the Hotel Panamericano) to get amazing panoramic views of these two landmarks and Nueve de Julio, the avenue where they are located, which is the widest street in the world!
2. Take in Incredible City Views From These Vantage Points
La Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur in the south of town (near Puerto Madero) is a beautiful place to see the Río de la Plata, the widest river in the world. You can walk or use an Ecobici bike.
There are recreational areas, and it’s an excellent opportunity to explore the area’s flora and fauna. They also offer full moon walks, which is one of the coolest things to do in Buenos Aires. This natural park has access to the river and provides unique views of the city’s skyline framed by native vegetation.
Looking at the famous Fuente de las Nereidas (Fountain of the Nereidas) by the entrance of the urban park is one of the must-do things in Buenos Aires. Also, don’t be afraid to try the food from the food carts along Costanera Avenue like many locals do (order lomitos or choripanes). On the weekends, a huge fair is held here, with locals dancing to folk music.
Café Proa and Museo Quinquela Martín offer beautiful views of La Boca, the city’s original port. After that, head over to nearby Galeria Güemes and enjoy the incredible views of the city and even the coast of Uruguay!
Finally, visiting Palacio Barolo is easily one of the most unique things to do in Buenos Aires. Besides the fantastic panoramic views, this building is a historical monument that honors Dante’s Divine Comedy. The 22-story building has three parts: Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven.
3. Visit the Historical Landmarks Around Plaza de Mayo
Continue your Buenos Aires sightseeing at Plaza de Mayo, surrounded by the Cathedral, Cabildo (home of the first government in 1810), and the National Government House or “Casa Rosada” (Pink House). You can visit these places on your own or take a tour.
This area has many other historical landmarks like La Manzana de las Luces and the Convento de Santo Domingo. The Plaza de Mayo is another gathering space for popular celebrations and protests.
Buenos Aires is (in)famous for its many creative protests. I still remember my kids’ American grandmother getting out of the taxi to photograph the protesters and loving it. Or my kids’ dad taking our children to a massive rally and them having a blast dancing to the drums (bombos) and eating choripanes (our iconic chorizo sandwiches).
Something worth witnessing at the Plaza de Mayo is the silent march of the Nobel Peace-nominated Madres de Plaza de Mayo every Thursday afternoon. These mothers wear white head scarves with the names of their “disappeared” kids during the military dictatorship from 1976-1983.
It’s an intricate story, and you can find out more on their website or by watching the Oscar-nominated movies The Official Story (1986) and Argentina 1985 (2022).
Finally, check out the view from the new Rooftop Plaza de Mayo.
4. Wine and Dine Along Avenida de Mayo
Walking from Plaza de Mayo along Avenida de Mayo toward the National Congress is one of the coolest Buenos Aires activities. This street was created after Madrid’s Gran Vía and is lined with some excellent Spanish restaurants: try El Imparcial, El Globo, Avila, Plaza Asturias, and Goya Bar Clásico.
This is where the Palacio Barolo described above is, along with the super famous Café Tortoni, which is the oldest café in the city. Your Buenos Aires bucket list must include this beautiful place, which has excellent food and hosts all kinds of cultural events, including lots of tango!
Order té con masas (tea with European-inspired pastries), tostado de jamón y queso (ham and cheese toasted sandwich), sanguchitos de miga (a special Argentinean sandwich made with super soft bread) with a beer, or a submarino (a glass of hot milk in which you’ll melt a dark chocolate bar) with medialunas (Argentinean croissants).
5. Check Out These Historical and Cultural ‘Bares Notables’ (Notable Bars)
Don’t let the word “bar” trick you. Most of the time, Buenos Aires’ bars are cafés and restaurants as well, and children are always welcome! The city’s “notable bars” offer an extensive menu that includes everything from coffee and pastries to glorious charcuterie boards called picadas, more elaborate dishes to make a full lunch or dinner, and fabulous desserts.
Café Tortoni, for example, is a notable bar. This category refers to the place’s historical and cultural importance. You can check the complete list of “notable bars” here, but I’ll tell you about my favorite ones.
Bar El Federal in San Telmo is a notable bar in my neighborhood. I have yet to try something I don’t like. I recommend the pasta and the charcuterie boards. They also serve beer, cider, wonderful milanesas (a sort of schnitzel), and excellent alfajores de maicena (a traditional Argentinian pastry).
La Poesía has the best submarino in town, La Ideal is astonishing, Las Violetas’ pan dulce (panettone) and cakes are incredible, and La Giralda serves top-notch chocolate with churros.
6. Explore San Telmo, the City’s Oldest Neighborhood and the Birthplace of Tango
San Telmo is the neighborhood where tango was born. Tango is not only a type of dance but a profound and beautiful musical genre and culture with its slang called Lunfardo.
I’ll talk more about tango later, but San Telmo is where you can see both tango shows and spontaneous street performances. Go on weekends when there is an antique/vintage street market around Plaza Dorrego. As always, watch out for pickpocketing.
San Telmo is also a neighborhood that I love because of its history, vintage shops, cobblestone streets, and laid-back pace despite being just a few blocks from the center of town and attractions like the Obelisco, Centro, and Plaza de Mayo.
A must on any Buenos Aires bucket list is Mercado de San Telmo, which is full of fun little shops with vintage items and many good places to eat (I recommend the croissants at the French-inspired restaurant Merci’s).
Pulpería Quilapán is an old-fashioned gaucho-style eatery where they host a fun folklore festival called peña every Friday night (Buenos Aires is not only about tango!). Another must-do thing in San Telmo is to take a photo with Mafalda, an Argentinean and Latin American comic icon (Defensa and Chile).
Many San Telmo tours are available, but I can’t wait to join this Airbnb experience during my next trip with the kids to learn more about the Afro-Argentine story. Before you leave, pick up a traditional wine pingüino jar as a souvenir!
7. From San Telmo, Go to Puerto Madero, the Most Modern and Exclusive Part of Town
One of my favorite things to do in Buenos Aires is to walk from San Telmo to Puerto Madero (about 20 or 30 minutes). I love the contrast between the old and new. You can also access Puerto Madero from Plaza de Mayo by crossing a bridge.
Take a sketchy neighborhood of old, filled with massive warehouses by the river, remodel the buildings into unique luxury lofts and condos, impulse a vibrant commercial-residential district, and you have Puerto Madero. It feels like you’re in a different country!
There are plenty of places to eat and drink, and some have great views, including Sky Club and Hotel Faena. Going to Puerto Madero after sunset is one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires. You’ll love the reflections of the lights in the water.
Also, if you pay close attention to the names of the streets, you’ll get to know some of the women that made Argentinean history.
8. Experience Argentina’s Biggest Love and Passion: Fútbol!
The best way to start a conversation with a Porteño is to talk about soccer. Mention how extraordinary Messi, Maradona, or the superstar goalie Dibu Martínez are, and you might get an invitation to go to an asado that evening!
Your soccer-centric Buenos Aires sightseeing tour must include a visit to La Boca and its famous soccer field, La Bombonera.
La Boca is annoyingly touristy, and for a good reason: Caminito is colorful and has plenty of photo opportunities. It’s fun, though, and I visit it whenever I return home and take silly photos every single time!
Make sure you take a bus or taxi (do not walk to La Boca from the city), go straight to the Caminito area, and stick around there. Go to the café at the Fundación Proa or visit Museo Quinquela Martín to learn about local art and get fantastic La Boca sunset views.
Other soccer stadiums are River Plate, San Lorenzo, and Argentino Juniors (where many soccer superstars started their careers, including the arch-famous Diego Maradona).
If you want to go to a soccer game, go with someone who knows the soccer culture or go on a tour. Going to a soccer game is hands down one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires! You’ll never see so much passion again.
Three street art pieces honor Lionel Messi and Argentina’s 2022 championship: Bolívar and Carlos Calvo (San Telmo), Darwin and Gorriti (Palermo), and Callao and Lavalle (Centro).
9. Skip the Tango Shows for Export and Experience Tango Like a Local
My favorite place to listen to tango is the Club Atlético Fernández Fierro. This is an independent venue managed by the musicians of the Fernández Fierro Orchestra, a fantastic band performing modern, authentic tango and one of the coolest Buenos Aires attractions.
Do you feel like dancing tango? These places are called milongas, and some also offer lessons. Go to La Viruta Tango Club or El Beso. Even if you don’t dance, these are awesome spots to see how real Argentineans experience tango, an essential aspect of their culture.
Also, tango is not only the music of Buenos Aires, but it belongs to the Río de la Plata, which is part of Argentina and Uruguay. If you’re a big tango fan, consider taking a tour to learn about its fascinating history. Did you know that in the beginning, tango was a dance among men?
You can also visit the Carlos Gardel Museum. He was (and still is) the most popular tango singer ever and an Argentinean icon. Even though he died in 1935, we say that “he sings better every day.”
10. Walk Around the City and Find Your Favorite Buenos Aires Neighborhood
Recoleta is the neighborhood that made Buenos Aires gain the name of “The Paris of America.” Walk the elegant Avenida Alvear, go to the historic Recoleta Cemetery (where Eva Perón is buried), check out Palais de Glace, and visit Plaza Francia, one of Buenos Aires’ best parks. Also, take a selfie by the Floralis Genérica sculpture that opens and closes following the sunlight!
Palermo is one of the hippest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Check out Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood. Also, visit Bosques de Palermo, another unique urban park with a rose garden with 18,000 rose bushes and an artificial lake with boats for rent. This park also features the only statue dedicated to Little Red Riding Hood.
Other Palermo landmarks are Planetarium Galileo Galilei, the Japanese Gardens, Placita Serrano, and the beautiful Buenos Aires Botanical Gardens. This is one of the best Buenos Aires attractions for cat lovers – there are so many!
Retiro is home to the Kavanagh Building, the British Tower, and Plaza San Martín. Go to Patio del Palacio Paz for breakfast and then shop at Patio Bullrich.
Barracas, Colegiales, La Paternal, and Almagro are other not-so-famous but still cool neighborhoods. The Abasto neighborhood is home to the unique Abasto Mall, which was built in an old market. It has lovely shops, a Children’s Museum your kids will love, an indoor Ferris wheel, and the only Kosher McDonald’s outside of Israel.
11. Be Immersed in the Rich, Almost Infinite Cultural Life of Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is home to (literally) thousands of books stores, theaters, venues, and movie theaters. If you’re looking for entertaining things to do in Buenos Aires, you must walk along Calle Corrientes. It’s our Broadway and home to some of the most traditional pizzerias, restaurants, and bookstores in town.
Ateneo-Grand Splendid has been chosen many times as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world and is one of the best sights in Buenos Aires. This 1919 theater building was repurposed as a bookstore and cafe.
Some of the best museums in Buenos Aires are Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (Argentinean art), Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo, Fundación PROA, and Museo de Arte Latinoamericano. Kids will love Centro Cultural de la Ciencia, which has an excellent playground, workshops, classes, and hands-on experiences.
Some excellent internationally renowned performances are offered by Fuerza Bruta and the theater company Catalinas Sur, featuring a popular carnival genre called murga.
12. Try my Top Five Buenos Aires Foods (and Where to eat Them!)
- Eating a parrillada (a combo of different cuts) is one of the must-do things in Buenos Aires for food lovers. Go to Don Zoilo (Villa Crespo), El Desnivel (San Telmo), El Ferroviario (Liniers), Parrilla 1880 (San Telmo), La Brigada (San Telmo), Agarrate Catalina (La Boca), La Raya (Retiro), and Don Julio (Palermo). These restaurants also have vegetarian options. For a Kosher option, head to Al Galope.
- Argentina’s pizza is legendary and one of the best in the world. Go to Güerrín and Las Cuartetas (Centro), Banchero (La Boca and San Telmo), Pirilo (San Telmo), Los Campeones (Barracas), El Cuartito (Barrio Norte), El Palacio de la Pizza (Centro), and Burgio (Belgrano). Order slices of jamón con morrones, fugazzetta, and fainá.
- In Argentina, empanadas are the cousins of pizza, and people usually eat them together. There are many excellent ones around the city, but be sure to try La Americana in Centro.
- Bodegon-style food consists of traditional family dishes at an accessible price served in an eclectic, homey ambiance. Some options include Milanesas de El Antojo (Villa del Parque) and Pulpería del Cotorro (Parque Patricios), seafood at La Marquesa (Parque Patricios), Suprema Maryland at El Puentecito (Barracas), pastel de papas at Mi Consuelo (Belgrano), raviolones (huge ravioli) at Restaurante Manolo (San Telmo), and tortilla de papas at El Obrero.
- Argentineans eat a meal in the afternoon (between 4-6 pm) called merienda and have dinner around 9 pm, so you can plan accordingly if you get an invitation! Some merienda foods you must try are the irresistible sanguchitos de miga. There are great food options everywhere but go to La Piedad (Centro). Try also facturas (the ones filled with dulce de leche are the best), alfajores, bizcochitos de grasa, and PBT sandwiches.
- Time for dessert! Of course, the best ones involve tons of that miracle known as dulce de leche: flan con dulce de leche, panqueques de dulce de leche (Argentina’s version of French crepes), dulce de leche ice cream (Freddo’s is awesome, but there are hundreds of good ice cream places), and the amazing chocotorta!
Also, coffee with milk 50/50 is called café con leche. A small cup of coffee with a little bit of milk is a cortado. And milk with a little bit of coffee is una lágrima (a teardrop). All coffee is espresso in Argentina.
Most Porteños drink huge amounts of mate throughout the day (hence the intense energy). Be aware that mate is a shared drink, and everyone uses the same straw, even though some prefer individual kits after Covid. If they offer un mate and you see only one mate/straw and don’t want to share it, politely decline the invite.
13. Experience Buenos Aires After Midnight and Party all Night Long
Regarding nightlife, Buenos Aires is the real city that never sleeps. There is so much to do, and the party culture starts early in life, with the club’s matinées for teenagers (12-17 years old). Alcohol is not served – no worries! – and they run from 9:00 pm to midnight-2:00 am.
If there is something Argentines are experts in it is to have fun and enjoy life. Since we have dinner around 9:00 pm, we usually go to bars around 11:00 pm or midnight. Dance parties and clubs get rolling around 2:00 am, and after parties end around 11:00 am or 12:00 pm. So, do as Porteños do and take a long nap if you plan to go out!
Go to Kika Club, Niceto, and Sky by Caix (river views!) in Palermo. Club Severino (Centro) hosts a fun party on Mondays! If you’re over 30, go to Vintage in Palermo. Nightclubs are called boliches. Fiesta Bresh (or La Bresh) is an itinerant party and one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires after midnight. A great matinée for the younger ones is Abadía Capital.
There are thousands of beautiful bars, and most cafés (like the ones listed in this article) have full bars and are open until 1:00 or 2:00 am. Go to La Fuerza, Sifón, Festival, Soria, La Calle, De los Cojones, Presidente Bar, and Vico Wine Bar if you’re looking for fun things to do in Buenos Aires with friends.
Don’t forget to try Argentina’s signature cocktail, Fernet-Cola. This is the drink the country’s national team players chose to celebrate Argentina’s latest World Cup win while parading around the city on an open-air bus!
There you have it! The 13 best things to do in Buenos Aires. What’s your favorite thing to do in Buenos Aires?
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