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Things to do in Buenos Aires

Things to do in  Buenos Aires

Welcome to Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires blends distinctly European heritage and fiery Latin charm with cosmopolitan class. As the country’s political and cultural heart, Buenos Aires offers an introduction to Argentina’s many delights—this is the place to sample yerba mate tea at a local cafe, learn to tango, tuck into juicy asado (barbecued steak), and party until dawn. Visitors can find a good introduction to the city at Casa Rosada, a backdrop for much of the nation’s history, and the Metropolitan Cathedral, Pope Francis’ former cathedral. From there, heading south brings travelers to the lively street markets and atmospheric tango shows of San Telmo, and the colorful houses of La Boca neighborhood, home to La Bombonera soccer stadium. Smart travelers heading to La Boca use either caution or take a guided tour, as it can be unsafe to walk around alone. To the north of the city’s heart, the chic Palermo zone holds leisurely lunches and the opportunity to stroll through Bosques de Palermo, while nearby Recoleta is a popular stop on walking tours for those who wish to leave flowers at the grave of Eva Perón. Along the coast, the modern skyscrapers of Puerto Madero mark the city’s financial center, but for a ground-level look at the city, bike tours run through the adjacent ecological park. For a taste of the calmer surrounding area, escape to Tigre to cruise around its scenic delta, or ride a ferry over the Río de la Plata to Uruguay to explore the laid-back capital of Montevideo.

Top 15 attractions in Buenos Aires

Colon Theatre (Teatro Colón)

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With its opulent architecture and fine acoustics, the Colon Theatre (Teatro Colón) ranks alongside Paris’ Opera Garnier and London’s Royal Opera House as one of the world’s most impressive theaters. Reopened after extensive renovations in 2010, the Colon Theatre is the premier venue for opera, ballet, and classical music in Buenos Aires.More

Recoleta Cemetery (Cemiterio de Recoleta)

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While it may seem odd that one of Buenos Aires’ principal attractions is a cemetery, this is no ordinary graveyard. Recoleta Cemetery(Cemiterio de Recoleta) is one of the world’s most exquisite necropolises—home to more than 6,400 tombs, mausoleums, and monuments laid out in formal tree-lined avenues, including the grave of Eva Perón (Evita).More

Puerto Madero

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Puerto Madero, once a lackluster cargo port, is now one of Buenos Aires’ most fashionable districts, teeming with upmarket restaurants and glitzy nightclubs. Marooned from the mainland by the Rio de la Plata estuary, the largely pedestrianized island is celebrated for housing some of the city’s most architecturally stunning buildings.More

Plaza de Mayo

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Home to the Casa Rosada—where Eva Peron famously stood on the balcony—and the Metropolitan Cathedral, Pope Francis’ former church, Plaza de Mayo is the historic and political heart of Buenos Aires. Named for the May 1810 revolution, the square’s centerpiece is the Pirámide de Mayo, an obelisk commemorating Argentina’s independence.More

San Telmo

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The central barrio of San Telmo is one of Buenos Aires’ tango haunts. Formerly an upmarket residential area, the area’s “old mansions and faded glory” vibe set the perfect scene for the artists and musicians who now call this enclave home. The streets here are picturesquely cobbled, and the fascinating little shops are well worth a browse.More

La Boca

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Few places in Buenos Aires are photographed as frequently as Caminito Street. The main artery of the waterfront La Boca neighborhood is a jumble of old buildings, brightly painted facades, and street-side market stalls, with hawkers, buskers, and tango dancers adding to the atmosphere.More

Palermo

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Buenos Aires’ largest barrio, the northeastern district of Palermo is one of the city’s most affluent and fashionable neighborhoods. Known for its beautiful parks, grand monuments, and art museums, Palermo is whereporteños (locals) come to eat, shop, and party, with a buzzing nightlife and some of the city’s top restaurants, bars, and cafés.More

La Ventana Tango Show

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There’s a sultry, sleek, and sexy beauty to Argentinian tango, and no place does is better at capturing that mood than the tango halls of San Telmo. Here in the old, cobblestonedbarrio of downtown Buenos Aires, tango went from a local dance to a passionate craze that circled that globe and gripped a generation. Today that flare for the dance lives on, and La Ventana tango show combines an evening of sleek performance with succulent local cuisine. Set inside aconventillo, or historic tenement building, La Ventana has entertained audiences since 1982. More than just simply a tango, however, the evening features a look at traditional gaucho life in the mountains, and also includes an inspired tribute to the leader, Eva Perón. To absorb even more of the Argentine flavor, opt for a show that also includes a 3-course dinner and wine, before kicking back and losing yourself in the passionate beats of San Telmo.More

Caminito

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Few places in Buenos Aires are photographed as frequently as Caminito Street. The main artery of the waterfront La Boca neighborhood is a jumble of old buildings, brightly painted facades, and street-side market stalls, with hawkers, buskers, and tango dancers adding to the atmosphere.More

9 de Julio Avenue (Avenida 9 De Julio)

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Porteños often boast about 9 de Julio Avenue (Avenida 9 De Julio) as the world’s widest boulevard, and with a width of 460 feet (140 meters) with 12 lanes of traffic, they might just be right. Construction on the avenue began in 1937, modeled after the Champs Elysees but twice as wide, and built to commemorate Argentina’s Independence Day, July 9, 1816. It wasn’t fully completed until 1980.Neo-classical and Beaux Arts buildings line the monumental street, but it’s most recognizable feature is the iconic Obelisco that towers over a small park at the intersection of Avenida 9 De Julio and Avenida Corrientes.More

Tango Porteño

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Tango Porteno, housed within a former movie theater, stages one of the best tango shows in Buenos Aires. The art deco theater is the perfect place for a trip back to the 1940s, considered the golden age of tango in Argentina. The show mixes clips of old tango footage with a live orchestra, sensual dancers, and elaborate costumes and settings.More

Tigre

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With its scenic waterways, riverside fun fair, and lively handicrafts market, the charming provincial town of Tigre offers a welcome change of pace from nearby Buenos Aires. Located on the Tigre Delta at the meeting point of the Paraná River and the Río de la Plata estuary, it’s a popular choice for a day trip from the capital.More

Recoleta

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An elegant residential district just north of downtown, Recoleta is Buenos Aires at its most polished—think luxury apartments, upscale boutiques, and perfectly manicured parks. The grand centerpiece is Recoleta Cemetery, a mini city of marble mausoleums and ornate crypts, where Eva “Evita” Perón was laid to rest.More

San Isidro Cathedral

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Presiding over the historic town of San Isidro in the northeast region of Buenos Aires Province, the San Isidro Cathedral is the crown jewel of suburban Buenos Aires. It is a popular pilgrimage site for those taking the famous Train of the Coast (Tren de la Costa) along the Rio de la Plata.More

Cabildo de Buenos Aires

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El Cabildo, a modest, two-story colonial building along the edge of Plaza de Mayo, once served as Buenos Aires’s original city hall. Today, it’s one of the few colonial structures still standing in Buenos Aires. The facade now houses a small museum showcasing paintings, furniture, antiques, and costumes from the colonial period.More
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All about Buenos Aires

When to visit

Spring in Buenos Aires means rooftop asados (barbecues), open-air music concerts, and all-night fiestas, as well as major events such as the Pride Parade, the World Tango Festival, and the Argentine Open Polo Championships. While summer is peak season for travelers, most porteños leave the city—follow suit and head to the countryside when the heat gets too much.

People Also Ask

What is Buenos Aires famous for?

The Argentine capital is celebrated as the birthplace of the tango, as well as for its delicious steak and its footballing legacy—soccer icon Diego Maradona was born in the city. This city was also the home of Eva Peron, ‘Evita’, whose grave can be visited at the magnificent Recoleta Cemetry.

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What is the #1 tourist attraction in Buenos Aires?

The Plaza de Mayo is one of Buenos Aires’ most visited sites—the grand square is home to the Casa Rosada presidential building, where Eva Peron or ‘Evita’ famously addressed the people from the balcony. Recoleta Cemetery is another one of the city’s top tourist attractions, home to Evita’s grave.

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Is it safe to walk around Buenos Aires?

Yes. Central Buenos Aires neighborhoods such as Palermo, Recoleta, and San Telmo are generally safe to walk around during the day, but keep an eye on your belongings as pickpocketing is common and take care if heading off the beaten track. At night, it’s always safer to take a taxi.

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What do people in Buenos Aires do for fun?

Buenos Aires has a buzzing nightlife, and locals fill up the bars, parrillas (grill houses), and milongas (tango dancehalls). For an unforgettable local experience, attend a football match at La Bombonera stadium, take a tango lesson, browse the stalls at San Telmo market, or watch the spectacular La Bomba de Tiempo show.

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Is 2 days enough for Buenos Aires?

Two days is enough time to take in the main attractions of Buenos Aires and gives you time to explore neighborhoods such as Palermo and Puerto Madero. Visit Recoleta Cemetery, the Casa Rosada, and San Telmo market; stroll around the colorful houses of Caminito Street in La Boca; and attend a tango show.

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Is Buenos Aires expensive?

Yes, Buenos Aires can be an expensive city to visit in comparison to other South American cities. However, it is still cheaper to visit than London or NYC, especially if you eat and drink at local haunts. Money-saving tip: pay in pesos rather than US$—you’ll save big on the exchange rate.

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Buenos Aires information

Number of Attractions

81

Number of Tours

1,153

Number of Reviews

19,088

Currency

ARS
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