15 Amazing Things to Do in Buenos Aires, Argentina

In Argentina/South America

Posted 09/06/2025 | 9th June, 2025

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Buenos Aires: the city of steak, wine, and tango dancing.

It’s certainly not the city that never sleeps (try getting breakfast before 10 am – Argentinians do not enjoy early starts!), but it’s the city that lets you enjoy life late into the night. Coffee at 9 pm is ideal, and dinner at 11 pm is no problem. 

It’s a city of colour, contrast, and flavour. It transfixes you and makes it hard to tear yourself away. But, you’ll not quite be able to put your finger on why. 

Maybe, just maybe, my favourite South American city. 

If it’s your first visit to the Argentinian capital, here are all the best things to do in Buenos Aires. 

15 Amazing Things to Do in Buenos Aires, Argentina 

Visit La Boca 

La Boca is a vibrant and historic neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina, known for its colourful houses, lively atmosphere, and deep cultural roots.

Originally settled by Italian immigrants, particularly from Genoa, La Boca retains a distinct European flair. The neighbourhood’s most famous street, Caminito, is an open-air museum and a hub for tango performances, street art, and local crafts. This is a very beautiful area however, I was slightly underwhelmed to realise it really is only a few streets, so you don’t need more than a couple of hours to explore. 

La Boca is also home to the iconic Boca Juniors football club, whose stadium, La Bombonera, is a shrine for soccer fans. At present, there are no tours around La Bombonera. However, there is a museum on site that you can visit. Tickets to a game for foreigners are notoriously difficult to obtain. Still, you can use websites such as GetYourGuide to find them (but beware, they are very expensive). 

The metro doesn’t go to La Boca. If you’re staying in Palermo, you should take an Uber or use Cabify. (I don’t recommend using the taxis on the street; we had negative experiences, even when travelling with a local). If you’re staying in San Telmo, you can easily walk to La Boca – it takes less than thirty minutes.

Explore Plaza de Mayo 

Plaza de Mayo is the country’s most significant political and historical square. Established in 1580, it has been the centre of numerous pivotal events, including Argentina’s independence movement in 1810.

Key landmarks like the Casa Rosada, the presidential palace, and the Metropolitan Cathedral surround the square. It is also known for the Madres de Plaza de Mayo, a group of mothers who protest weekly, demanding justice for their children who disappeared during the military dictatorship.

It’s a beautiful place to relax and soak in the incredible architecture. If you’re familiar with other major cities in Latin America, you’ll be well aware that these can historic squares can sometimes attract a few unsavoury characters – however this isn’t the case in Plaza de Mayo.

Spend A Sunday at San Telmo Market

No guide to the best things to do in Buenos Aires would be complete without a big shoutout to the San Telmo market. I spent a few weeks based right by the market, and let me tell you, this is the place to be! 

The entire area is filled with markets selling handcrafted goods. From mate cups, to leather belts, to trinkets and souvenirs. Although extremely busy, the area had a really fun and welcoming vibe, with plenty of side streets to wander down when the crowds get a little overwhelming. 

The food market is open every day (except Mondays), but it really comes to life on a Sunday. The market has amazing places to eat and drink, including all the Argentinian staples—empanadas, choripan, bife de chorizo, and plenty of wine. I seriously recommend eating at Fonda, which sells incredible steak at a very reasonable price.

Side note: If you want to enjoy some great food and aren’t too fussed about the other goods, maybe visit on a Saturday. There will be plenty of life, but you won’t have to wait quite so long for a table.

Take a Walking Tour Around Recoleta Cemetery

I visited a few cemeteries in South America, including in Santiago, Chile, and Sucre, Bolivia. It’s a little strange, I know, but it’s a good way to appreciate a city’s history. 

However, when visiting  Recoleta Cemetery, I decided to do something a little different and take the guided audio tour – and I couldn’t reccomend it enough! It was informative, witty, and a really unique way to see a cemetery.

However, this felt like much more than a cemetery tour; we got a deep dive into the country’s history, including its politics and social situation, and, of course, football!

This is a surprisingly expensive way to see a cemetery as you have to purchase entrance tickets through the cemetery website and tour tickets. However, it’s well worth it to get the most out of your experience at  Recoleta Cemetery.

Graffiti Tour of Palermo 

The Graffiti tour in Palermo is one of the most fun activities in Buenos Aires. We had an excellent guide, Juan, who spent two hours showing us around this trendy neighbourhood and pointing out all of the special artwork. 

Much of the work shown throughout the tour was by the non-profit organisation Pinta Argentina. We were extremely lucky to meet the founder of this company as she was unveiling a new piece that very day! 

However, this tour went beyond just art. Instead, it used art as a medium to highlight the history of Buenos Aires and wider Argentina, telling us stories of hardship but also of prosperity. Of course, this is Argentina, so there is plenty of football talk! 

Be warned, though, this isn’t an intimate tour. We chose the Saturday option, and there were more than twenty of us stomping around the streets of Palermo together.

This didn’t detract from the tour; there was still plenty of time to ask questions. However, if you prefer not to be amongst the crowd, I recommend booking a weekday tour.

Have a Bougie Brunch in Palermo 

Palermo is, without a doubt, the brunch capital of Buenos Aires. Whether you’re craving avocado toast, perfectly brewed flat whites, or shakshuka served with style, this is the place to be. 

The vibe is laid-back and trendy, with leafy patios and interiors straight out of a magazine. Here are a couple of the most recommended:

Birkin Coffee Bar: Chic and cosy, Birkin is a local hotspot for a classic brunch. They have all the classics, including eggs Benedict and French toast, as well as a rotating seasonal specials menu. Their coffee is arguably some of the best in the city (which is a bold statement!)

Padre Coffee Roasters & Beer: For a slightly more modern, artsy edge, head to Padre. This place serves up excellent coffee alongside inventive brunch dishes such as brioche toast with ricotta and honey or kimchi scrambled eggs. It’s the perfect place to kick-start your day.

Wander El Rosedal Park & Japanese Gardens 

When you need a little break from the city’s buzz, I recommend El Rosedal Park and the Japanese Gardens.

El Rosedal, nestled within the Bosques de Palermo, is a sprawling rose garden with over 18,000 roses in bloom during spring and summer. Stroll across its charming white bridges, admire classical sculptures, or simply relax by the lake.

It’s one of the most romantic and photogenic spots in Buenos Aires.

Just a short walk away, the Japanese Gardens offer a tranquil contrast. It is filled with koi-filled ponds, red arch bridges, and meticulously manicured bonsai trees. It’s a peaceful oasis where you can slow down, breathe deeply, and even enjoy a cup of matcha in the traditional teahouse.

The Japanese Gardens in Buenos Aires are one of my favourite attractions, and I seriously recommend dedicating a couple of hours to exploring.

Together, these two green spaces showcase the city’s softer, more relaxed side.

Stroll Through Historic Lanmarks (Palacio Barolo, Obelisco,Teatro Colón)

I recommend dedicating at least one morning to strolling through some of the most iconic landmarks in Buenos Aires. You have three main options:

Book an intimate guided tour: These tours explore all the historic highlights in a small group. This tour also includes transfers to and from your hotel.

Book a ‘free’ walking tour: Typically a larger group than mentioned above, but a great way to make friends. Usually tips of between $10 – $15 USD are expected. 

Explore on your own: Mark out all of the hotspots and explore alone, at your own pace. 

Three of the ‘must-visit’ landmarks:

Palacio Barolo: Inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, this early 20th-century architectural marvel is one of the most unique buildings in the city. Its design symbolises the journey from hell to heaven, with each floor representing a different part of the epic. 

Obelisco: Standing tall in the heart of the city on Avenida 9 de Julio, the Obelisco is Buenos Aires’ most recognisable monument. Built in 1936 to commemorate the city’s 400th anniversary, it’s a great photo spot and a central point from which you can explore other nearby attractions. 

I did find that this area felt a little sketchy after dark. So, I recommend visiting in the day or at sunset for great photos. 

Teatro Colon: Considered one of the finest opera houses in the world, the Teatro Colón is an absolute must-see whether you’re a fan of the arts or not. The acoustics are world-renowned, and the opulent interior.

The most direct method is through the Teatro Colón’s official website. Tours are available daily, with English-language tours typically offered multiple times per day. Each tour lasts approximately 50 minutes and provides access to areas like the Main Hall, Golden Hall, Gallery of Busts, and the Main Foyer. 

Indulge in Art at Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (MNBA) in Buenos Aires is Argentina’s most important fine arts museum and one of the most prestigious in Latin America. Located in the Recoleta neighbourhood, it houses an extensive collection of European and Argentine art, spanning from the Middle Ages to contemporary works.

Due to its location, I recommend pairing this Buenos Aires activity with a trip to the cemetery. This will avoid the need to travel back and forth across the city. 

The best part, the NMBA is completely free. It’s closed on Mondays but opens from 11 – am – 7.30 pm Tuesday – Friday, and 10 am – 7.30 pm Saturday & Sunday. 

Wine Tasting and Small Plates at Pain et Vin

After getting my first taste of Argentinian wine in Mendoza, I quickly fell in love. The wine in Argentina (and Chile), is absolutely incredible. So, you’ll be happy to learn there is no shortage of great places to have a drink in Buenos Aires. 

After a long day of exploring the city, there are few greater pleasures than enjoying a wine tasting and a few small plates. And Pain et Vin provides just this! 

Take A Day Trip to Tigre

I absolutely loved our day trip to Tigre. It was one of my favourite activities in Buenos Aires and a welcome break from the hustle and bustle. 

The train to Tigre takes around an hour and you can simply use the same SUBE card as you use for getting around the city. The trains in Buenos Aires are extremely cheap and reliable.

There is also a tourist ‘coastal train’ which we took on our return journey. I have to be completely honest, I didn’t really think the views were anything special and would just recommend getting the normal train. 

You could get a taxi if you like, but I expect this would cost between $25 – $40 each way.

Some of the highlights in Tigre include:

🛶 Paraná Delta: One of the world’s largest river deltas, with beautiful waterways, islands, and lush greenery. Boat tours, kayaking, and rowing are popular ways to explore.

🛍️ Puerto de Frutos: A lively open-air market with local crafts, furniture, food, and souvenirs.

🎨 Museo de Arte Tigre (MAT): A stunning Belle Époque-style museum showcasing Argentine art.

🎢 Parque de la Costa: Argentina’s biggest amusement park, great for families.

The delta is the real highlight of Tigre, and taking a boat trip is an absolute must-do. I wouldn’t recommend pre-booking this unless you’re on a super tight schedule and need to book many different activities in one day. 

Otherwise, just head to the waterfront and you will see various kiosks selling tours of different lengths. These range from one-hour trips, which will give you an overview of the area, to full-day, extensive tours, which also include lunch. You won’t struggle to find something to suit your mood and budget. 

Our tour had information in English, Spanish and Italian, which was perfect for the diverse group. 

Explore La Plata 

La Plata is the capital city of the Buenos Aires Province, located about 55 km southeast of Buenos Aires. It is known for its planned layout, cultural attractions, and vibrant student life, as it is home to the prestigious National University of La Plata (UNLP).

Some interesting things to do in La Plata include:

🏛️ Planned City Design – Founded in 1882, La Plata was designed with a perfect grid layout, diagonal avenues, and many green spaces, making it unique in Argentina.

⛪ La Plata Cathedral – One of the largest neo-Gothic cathedrals in Latin America, famous for its stained-glass windows and twin towers offering panoramic city views.

🦕 La Plata Museum (Museo de La Plata) – A world-class natural history museum featuring dinosaur fossils, Egyptian mummies, and Indigenous artefacts.

🌿 Paseo del Bosque – A large park with gardens, a lake, and cultural sites, ideal for walking and relaxing.

🎭 Teatro Argentino de La Plata – The second most important opera house in Argentina after Teatro Colón.

⚽ Football Culture – Home to two major football clubs: Estudiantes de La Plata and Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata, both with passionate fan bases.

The main activity in La Plata is, of course, the incredible cathedral. You can go into the cathedral for free and have a look around. But, I seriously recommend heading downstairs to the museum. It will help you understand the history of the cathedral and houses some really interesting artefacts. 

We actually arrived at the exact same time as a huge school trip of teenagers. A group of which took a real shine to Adam, which was equal parts cute and hilarious. 

Museum tickets also include a trip in the elevator up the tower, which is, in my opinion, the best part. The views over the city are amazing and you can really appreciate the grid road system of the city that everyone talks about. 

Watch a Tango Show 

Going to see a tango show in Buenos Aires is literally non-negotiable. In fact, if you only had one day to give to this incredible city then I would advise you to spend it seeing one. 

Tango originated in Buenos Aires in the late 19th century, emerging from the diverse immigrant communities in working-class neighbourhoods like San Telmo and La Boca. Blending African, European, and Creole influences, it began as a social dance in bars and brothels.

Initially seen as risqué, tango gained broader acceptance and international fame in the early 20th century, becoming a symbol of Argentine identity and cultural pride.

Watching a tango show is one of my favourite things to do in Buenos Aires. There are several different venues across the city ranging from budget options up to upscale shows including dinner. I seriously recommend an option with dinner if your budget stretches to it – the whole experience is phenomenal. 

Drink Coffee in the Oldest Cafe in Buenos Aires (Café Tortoni)

You will not struggle to find excellent coffee in Buenos Aires. I found the cafe culture here to be some of the best in South America, with most having an excellent, relaxed, slow atmosphere (especially in the San Telmo and Palermo areas of the city). 

It might not have the swanky hipster vibe of the cafes you will find in the more trendy neighbourhoods. But, you have to pop by Cafe Tortoni for a coffee and a sweet treat. It’s the oldest cafe in the capital, dating back to 1858. It was opened by a French immigrant and named after a Parisian cafe with the same name. 

Some of its most notable visitors include Albert Einstein, Hillary Clinton, and Katy Perry. Talk about range. 

Visit The Most Beautiful Bookstore in the World (El Ateneo)

I have to admit, when I first walked through the doors of El Ateneo, I wasn’t blown away. I was comparing it to pretty much any bookstore in London, and I felt underwhelmed. 

However, as you move further through the store, the magnitude of this bookstore will blow you away. 

It’s a Bookstore in a former theatre. Originally the Grand Splendid Theatre, it later became a cinema before being transformed into a bookstore in 2000. The theatre’s ornate architecture, balconies, frescoed ceiling, and stage curtains have been preserved, making it a magical place to browse books.

There is a wonderful stage café – The former stage now hosts a café, where visitors can enjoy coffee while surrounded by books and the theatre’s original red velvet curtains.

As you would expect, there is an extensive book collection featuring over 120,000 books, including Argentine literature, international titles, and a great selection of art, photography, and history books.

Interestingly, there is also often live music played in the bookstore. There are regular piano performances on the main floor, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

Remember though, there are various El Ateneo stores across the city. El Ateneo Gran Splendid is the really amazing one!

Two Things Not to Do in Buenos Aires

As you’ve seen, there are so many amazing things to do in Buenos Aires. However, there are a couple of activities I see regularly on these types of guides that I certainly wouldn’t try to squeeze into your Buenos Aires itinerary.

Colonia de Sacremento, Uruguay 

Controversial? I don’t think so. 

Colonia is a beautiful area of Uruguay, accessible via ferry from Buenos Aires. If you have an extended period in Argentina and are running out of things to do (impossible!), then maybe add it to your list. 

The ferry only takes an hour. But, you have to arrive at the ferry port an hour early, meaning the round trip takes four hours. The ferry is also very expensive, and in my opinion, not worth it! 

There are more beautiful areas (and better ways to spend your money), staying within Buenos Aires. 

Iguazu Falls

Whilst Iguazu Falls is, without a doubt, one of the most popular things to do in Argentina, a day trip from Buenos Aires would be a nightmare! 

The flight time is just under two hours, and accounting for travel on either side of the airport (and waiting around in the airport), it would make for a very long day. 

If you can, try and give a night or two to Iguazu, allowing you to take your time and enjoy this magnificent site! Totally worth the journey and effort. 

Getting Around in Buenos Aires 

Public transport is plentiful in Buenos Aires, with a metro and bus network. To use these, you will first need to purchase a Sube card. These can be bought and recharged in any metro station and at many shops around the city. 

If you’re used to the underground in London, you might be a little disappointed by the Metro in Buenos Aires. It’s not super extensive, and it’s very slow (and quite smelly!). However, it gets you from point A to B very cheaply. 

You’ll be happy to know that Uber is affordable and reliable in Buenos Aires. Although it’s obviously more expensive than public transport, it’s the most time-efficient way to access all the best things to do in Buenos Aires. 

Where to Stay in Buenos Aires 

The most popular area for foreign tourists to stay in Buenos Aires is Palermo. Palermo is a huge area packed with bars, restaurants, and shops. It is known as one of the safest areas in the city, and many day trips offer pick-up in this area as they know that’s where most tourists stay. 

However, San Telmo is also an excellent option. Accommodation is much more affordable in this area and is still extremely popular with tourists. You’ll have the famous San Telmo Sunday Market on your doorstep, and you can walk to La Boca (or take a very cheap taxi there). The area has heaps of bars, restaurants and cafes to keep you occupied (and full!). 

MORE ARGENTINIAN INSPIRATION: 

8 Epic Things to Do in Mendoza, Argentina

How to Get to Iguazu Falls From Buenos Aires

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