Traveling to Buenos Aires can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to plan ahead and know a few tips to make the most of your time in the city. Here are some essential tips for visiting Buenos Aires:
• Plan your budget in advance. Prices in the city can vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation and activities you choose.
• Pack for all types of weather. Buenos Aires’ climate can be unpredictable, so pack layers and be prepared for anything.
• Visit the city during the week, when most attractions are less crowded.
• Try to stay in neighborhoods like San Telmo, Palermo, and Recoleta, which are close to many of the city’s top attractions.
• Take advantage of walking tours in the city. Not only will you get to explore the city, but you’ll also save some money on transportation costs.
• Make sure to take out travel insurance before you leave.
Now that you’ve got the basics down, here’s a list of 20 sites and monuments to visit in Buenos Aires:
- La Boca: One of the most iconic and colorful neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, La Boca is home to some of the city’s most stunning street art and colorful buildings. Admission is free. https://www.bue.gob.ar/turismo/
- El Ateneo Grand Splendid: This former theater has been converted into one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Admission is free. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Ateneo_Grand_Splendid
- Plaza de Mayo: This iconic square has been the site of countless historical events in Argentina’s history, and it’s a must-see for any visitor to the city. Admission is free. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaza_de_Mayo
- Recoleta Cemetery: This sprawling cemetery is the final resting place of many of Argentina’s most famous historical figures. Admission is free. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recoleta_Cemetery
- Palermo Parks: Buenos Aires’ largest park, Palermo offers plenty of green spaces to explore and relax. Admission is free. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palermo,_Buenos_Aires
- Teatro Colon: This world-renowned opera house is a must-see for any music lover. Tickets start at $20 USD. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teatro_Col%C3%B3n
- El Obelisco: This iconic monument is the most recognizable symbol of Buenos Aires, and it’s a great place to get some photos. Admission is free. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obelisco_de_Buenos_Aires
- La Bombonera: Home to one of the most iconic soccer stadiums in the world, La Bombonera is a must-visit for any sports fan. Ticket prices vary. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Bombonera
- MALBA: This world-class art museum is home to some of the most famous works of art from Latin America. Admission is $7 USD. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museo_de_Arte_Latinoamericano_de_Buenos_Aires
- Café Tortoni: This iconic café is one of the oldest in the city, and it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat or a cup of coffee. Prices vary. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caf%C3%A9_Tortoni
- El Caminito: This colorful pedestrian street is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Admission is free. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Caminito
- Puerto Madero: This waterfront neighborhood is a great place to take a stroll and get some beautiful views of the city. Admission is free. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Madero
- Floralis Generica: This iconic sculpture is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city. Admission is free. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Floralis_Generica
- San Telmo Market: This bustling flea market is the perfect place to find souvenirs and local goods. Admission is free. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Telmo_Market
- Tigre Delta: This river delta is a great place to explore by boat or kayak. Prices vary. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tigre_Delta
- Plaza Dorrego: This popular square in the San Telmo neighborhood is home to many street performers and local artisans. Admission is free. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaza_Dorrego
- Teatro Coliseo: This historic theater is one of the oldest in the city. Ticket prices vary. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teatro_Coliseo
- Casa Rosada: This iconic building is the official residence of the President of Argentina. Admission is free. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casa_Rosada
- Palacio Barolo: This iconic building is one of the most recognizable in Buenos Aires. Admission is $7 USD. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palacio_Barolo
- Cementerio de la Recoleta: This sprawling cemetery is the final resting place of many of Argentina’s most famous historical figures. Admission is free. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cementerio_de_la_Recoleta
Now that you’ve got some ideas of where to go, here’s a sample 3-day itinerary for Buenos Aires:
Day 1:
• Visit La Boca and explore the colorful streets and buildings.
• Take a tour of El Ateneo Grand Splendid, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
• Enjoy dinner and drinks at one of the many restaurants in Recoleta.
Day 2:
• Spend the day exploring Palermo’s parks and green spaces.
• Visit the iconic Plaza de Mayo and take in the sights and sounds of the city.
• Catch a show at the Teatro Colon, one of the world’s most renowned opera houses.
Day 3:
• Take a ride on the historic El Obelisco.
• Visit La Bombonera, one of the most iconic soccer stadiums in the world.
• Explore the MALBA, one of the city’s top art museums.
• Finish the day with dinner and drinks at Café Tortoni, one of the oldest cafés in Buenos Aires.
Here is an alternate sample 3-day itinerary for your time in Buenos Aires:
Day 1:
• Visit Plaza de Mayo
• Explore the streets of Palermo
• Have dinner at La Cabrera
• Catch a show at Teatro Colon
Day 2:
• Explore the Recoleta Cemetery
• Visit La Boca
• Have lunch in Puerto Madero
• Visit MALBA
• Have dinner at a local steakhouse
Day 3:
• Visit the Jardín Japonés
• Shop at Puerto de Frutos
• Visit the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve
• Catch a Boca Juniors game
• Take in the sunset from the Plaza Francia
No matter what you decide to do in Buenos Aires, make sure to take the time to explore and enjoy the city. Have fun and take it all in!