Buenos Aires is European elegance meets Latin passion – tango + steak + cafe culture + nightlife. 4-5 days perfect.
Top Things to Do in Buenos Aires
1. Watch tango at Cafe Tortoni or El Beso (milonga)
Cost: ARS 5000-15000.
Real tango, not tourist show. Milonga = social dance hall.
2. Eat steak at Don Julio (top in world rankings)
Cost: USD 50-80/person.
Book 2-3 weeks ahead. Best steak experience in the world.
3. Walk Recoleta Cemetery (Eva Peron’s grave)
Cost: Free.
Most beautiful cemetery in world. 4,800 vaults.
4. La Boca + Caminito (colorful houses)
Cost: Free walking.
Tango on street. Touristy but iconic.
5. Walk San Telmo Sunday market
Cost: Free.
Best antiques + street tango + parrillas.
6. Eat empanadas at El Sanjuanino
Cost: USD 8-15.
Best empanadas in BA. Open since 1965.
7. Take a Spanish-speaking BA Free Walking Tour
Cost: Tip-based.
Best way to learn history.
8. Visit MALBA (Latin American art museum)
Cost: USD 15.
Best modern art museum.
9. Walk Palermo Soho + Palermo Hollywood at night
Cost: Free walking.
Best restaurants + bars in BA.
10. Eat at I Latina or Aramburu (modern Argentine)
Cost: USD 60-120/person.
Best tasting menus in BA.
11. Walk Plaza de Mayo + Casa Rosada (Evita’s balcony)
Cost: Free.
Where Evita gave speeches. Madres still march Thursdays.
12. Day trip Tigre Delta (1 hour by train)
Cost: USD 5 train.
Boat through delta islands.
13. Day trip Colonia, Uruguay (1 hour by ferry)
Cost: USD 30-50 ferry round trip.
UNESCO Portuguese colonial town.
14. Eat picada + Malbec at Aldo’s
Cost: USD 25-40/person.
Cured meats + cheese + Argentine wine.
15. Have alfajor at Cachafaz or Havanna
Cost: USD 2-4.
Argentine cookie sandwich classic.
16. Get a custom suit/shoe (Sastreria Marcelo)
Cost: USD 200-600.
Buenos Aires is custom tailoring heaven.
17. Catch a Boca Juniors game
Cost: USD 60-150.
Most passionate fans in world. Book through agency.
18. Drink at Florería Atlántico (speakeasy)
Cost: USD 15-25/cocktail.
Hidden behind flower shop. World’s 50 Best Bars.
19. Eat choripán + asado at Mercado de San Telmo
Cost: USD 8-15.
Argentine street food.
20. Take a polo lesson
Cost: USD 200-500.
Argentina is polo capital of world.
Practical Tips for Buenos Aires
Currency: Local currency essential. USD accepted in some tourist areas at worse rates. Carry small bills.
Transport: Use Uber/Cabify/local apps (not street taxis). Public transport is cheap but watch belongings.
Safety: Don’t flash phones/cameras in crowds. Use hotel safes. Use Uber not taxis at night.
Tipping: 10% at restaurants. Round up taxis. Tips welcome from porters + drivers.
Where to Stay in Buenos Aires
Stay in safe tourist neighborhoods. Mid-range boutique hotels offer best value. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for peak season.
FAQ
Is Buenos Aires safe?
Buenos Aires is generally safe in tourist areas. Standard travel precautions apply – watch valuables in crowds. Use trusted taxi apps. Avoid certain neighborhoods at night.
How many days do I need in Buenos Aires?
Buenos Aires deserves 3-5 days for first-timers. Add days for surrounding regions + day trips.
What’s the best time to visit Buenos Aires?
Avoid wet/hurricane seasons. Dry season + spring/fall offer the best balance of weather + crowds + prices.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Basic Spanish helps enormously. Locals appreciate the effort. Google Translate works in a pinch. Some staff in tourist hotels speak English.
What about altitude sickness?
Cusco (11,000 ft), Quito (9,300 ft), La Paz (12,000 ft) cause altitude sickness for 10-30% of visitors. Acclimate 1-2 days, drink coca tea, take diamox if needed.
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