Buenos Aires travel guide
Buenos Aires Tourism | Buenos Aires Guide
You're Going to Love Buenos Aires
From the ornate and beautifully preserved streets of European-style architecture to a nightlife scene that keeps the city hopping until dawn, Buenos Aires is anything but boring.
Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina, and also its largest. Plaza de Mayo is the center of the city. You'll find Buenos Aires a cosmopolitan and very multicultural city - one of the most diverse in South America - with a varied cuisine and thriving arts scene on offer.
More than just the city and buildings, you'll fall in love with the people of Buenos Aires, known as Porteños. Noisy, passionate, opinionated, they light up the city both day and night with the kind of energy that can't be put out. From the cafes to the city streets to the nightclubs where international DJs entertain the hip crowds, Buenos Aires is a feast for all the senses.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Buenos Aires
1. The Paris of South America
There are many, many examples of 18th and 19th-century architectural styles to take in, with a mixture of French, Italian, and Spanish influences and styles that range from neoclassical to Art Deco and Art Nouveau to the ornate neo-Renaissance.
2. The Tango
Sultry, steamy tango, probably Argentina's most famous cultural export, is a fabulous way to experience life in Buenos Aires. Whether you prefer to be a spectator or whether you'd like to get on your dancing shoes and join in, there are many venues and events big and small that you can take advantage of all over the city.
3. Sparkling Nightlife
Even if you're typically a homebody, you can't visit Bueno Aires without spending at least one sleepless night out. Here, the restaurants don't open for dinner before 9 pm, and nightclubs let the early crowd in at about 2 am.
4. Shop 'Til You Drop
Buenos Aires is a shopper's paradise, full of street upon street of endless clothing stores and shopping malls. Leather goods are a regional specialty. From brand name goods to local artisan crafts, be sure to leave room in your suitcase for new acquisitions.
5. The Arts
There are more theater productions in Buenos Aires every weekend than in places like London and New York City, making it a mecca for lovers of the performing arts. Whether you prefer taking in an opera at the internationally renowned Teatro Colón, visual arts at MALBA Museum or the National Museum of Fine Arts, or just strolling down the streets to take in the gorgeous buildings, you are sure to find whatever pleases your tastes.
What to do in Buenos Aires
1. La Boca: A Rainbow of Culture
This vibrant neighborhood is lined with colorful houses giving a lingering European flair, atmospheric and unforgettable. The motherland of tango is Caminito Street, a traditional alleyway turned museum, inviting tourists to immerse themselves in music and dance. Wander the rest of the area to check out the Bombonera Stadium, or discover the many museums. The PROA Foundation is home to exceptional contemporary art, and the Quinquela Martín Museum is the place to explore local artwork.
2. Cementerio de la Recoleta: Buried in Style
The cultural center of the city, the Recoleta neighborhood is home to the gorgeous and captivating burial grounds of the same name. Tourists will find the final resting places of many famous Argentinians, from Eva "Evita" Perón to a series of past presidents. Whether you are looking to make a pilgrimage to a particular tomb or not, the cemetery will transport you to an otherworldly place with its maze of spectacular mausoleums. Stylish and atmospheric, La Recoleta is unsurpassed.
3. 9 de Julio Avenue: The World's Widest Avenue
The iconic Obelisco monument towers over this fourteen-laned urban thoroughfare. Just below is Teatro Colón, a world-renowned opera house with unbeatable acoustics. Not far, the Metropolitan Cathedral watches over the epic Plaza de Mayo, where you will also find some of the city's best museums. Don't miss the venerable royal palace Casa Rosado either! From the neighborhoods of Retiro through Montserrat to Barracas, 9 de Julio hits the sights.
4. Palermo: Beautiful Barrio
This green neighborhood cannot be overlooked, with expansive public parks playing host to a constellation of immersive attractions. The Museum of Latin American Art gives a unique platform for contemporary artists from Central and South America, in an unsurpassed spectrum of styles. Nearby, the outdoor delights continue at both the Buenos Aires Botanical Gardens and the particularly engaging Japanese Gardens - celebrating local flora and fauna as much as species from all around the world.
5. San Telmo: Antiques and Arts
San Telmo is the oldest barrio in Buenos Aires, and the streets are still lined with well-preserved colonial buildings that transport tourists into the past. Antique shops line the streets among cafés and tango parlors, completing the historical picture. These shops spill into the open air at the San Telmo Market, full of trinkets and souvenirs galore. Nearby, the Museum of Modern Art - MALBA - beckons with world-class galleries filled with multimedia exhibitions from all over the globe.
1. La Boca: A Rainbow of Culture
This vibrant neighborhood is lined with colorful houses giving a lingering European flair, atmospheric and unforgettable. The motherland of tango is Caminito Street, a traditional alleyway turned museum, inviting tourists to immerse themselves in music and dance. Wander the rest of the area to check out the Bombonera Stadium, or discover the many museums. The PROA Foundation is home to exceptional contemporary art, and the Quinquela Martín Museum is the place to explore local artwork.
2. Cementerio de la Recoleta: Buried in Style
The cultural center of the city, the Recoleta neighborhood is home to the gorgeous and captivating burial grounds of the same name. Tourists will find the final resting places of many famous Argentinians, from Eva "Evita" Perón to a series of past presidents. Whether you are looking to make a pilgrimage to a particular tomb or not, the cemetery will transport you to an otherworldly place with its maze of spectacular mausoleums. Stylish and atmospheric, La Recoleta is unsurpassed.
3. 9 de Julio Avenue: The World's Widest Avenue
The iconic Obelisco monument towers over this fourteen-laned urban thoroughfare. Just below is Teatro Colón, a world-renowned opera house with unbeatable acoustics. Not far, the Metropolitan Cathedral watches over the epic Plaza de Mayo, where you will also find some of the city's best museums. Don't miss the venerable royal palace Casa Rosado either! From the neighborhoods of Retiro through Montserrat to Barracas, 9 de Julio hits the sights.
4. Palermo: Beautiful Barrio
This green neighborhood cannot be overlooked, with expansive public parks playing host to a constellation of immersive attractions. The Museum of Latin American Art gives a unique platform for contemporary artists from Central and South America, in an unsurpassed spectrum of styles. Nearby, the outdoor delights continue at both the Buenos Aires Botanical Gardens and the particularly engaging Japanese Gardens - celebrating local flora and fauna as much as species from all around the world.
5. San Telmo: Antiques and Arts
San Telmo is the oldest barrio in Buenos Aires, and the streets are still lined with well-preserved colonial buildings that transport tourists into the past. Antique shops line the streets among cafés and tango parlors, completing the historical picture. These shops spill into the open air at the San Telmo Market, full of trinkets and souvenirs galore. Nearby, the Museum of Modern Art - MALBA - beckons with world-class galleries filled with multimedia exhibitions from all over the globe.
1. La Boca: A Rainbow of Culture
This vibrant neighborhood is lined with colorful houses giving a lingering European flair, atmospheric and unforgettable. The motherland of tango is Caminito Street, a traditional alleyway turned museum, inviting tourists to immerse themselves in music and dance. Wander the rest of the area to check out the Bombonera Stadium, or discover the many museums. The PROA Foundation is home to exceptional contemporary art, and the Quinquela Martín Museum is the place to explore local artwork.
2. Cementerio de la Recoleta: Buried in Style
The cultural center of the city, the Recoleta neighborhood is home to the gorgeous and captivating burial grounds of the same name. Tourists will find the final resting places of many famous Argentinians, from Eva "Evita" Perón to a series of past presidents. Whether you are looking to make a pilgrimage to a particular tomb or not, the cemetery will transport you to an otherworldly place with its maze of spectacular mausoleums. Stylish and atmospheric, La Recoleta is unsurpassed.
3. 9 de Julio Avenue: The World's Widest Avenue
The iconic Obelisco monument towers over this fourteen-laned urban thoroughfare. Just below is Teatro Colón, a world-renowned opera house with unbeatable acoustics. Not far, the Metropolitan Cathedral watches over the epic Plaza de Mayo, where you will also find some of the city's best museums. Don't miss the venerable royal palace Casa Rosado either! From the neighborhoods of Retiro through Montserrat to Barracas, 9 de Julio hits the sights.
4. Palermo: Beautiful Barrio
This green neighborhood cannot be overlooked, with expansive public parks playing host to a constellation of immersive attractions. The Museum of Latin American Art gives a unique platform for contemporary artists from Central and South America, in an unsurpassed spectrum of styles. Nearby, the outdoor delights continue at both the Buenos Aires Botanical Gardens and the particularly engaging Japanese Gardens - celebrating local flora and fauna as much as species from all around the world.
Activities & attractions in Buenos Aires
Tours
Where to Eat in Buenos Aires
With a vast menu of multicultural cuisine citywide, steak is still king in Buenos Aires, with many parrilla or steakhouses. Among the best is Don Julio, in the Palermo neighborhood, with meals starting at about AR$220 per person. The city is also full of pizzerias. Among the most popular is El Cuartito in the Recoleta neighborhood; try local specialties like the fugazzeta, a pizza topped with curly onions, that will set you back about AR$12 for a single slice. For classic tapas, try La Esperanza de los Ascurra in Villa Crespo, where the dishes start at AR$15, with a well-stocked vermouth bar to add to the appeal.
When to visit Buenos Aires
With a subtropical climate, Buenos Aires is a year-round destination for tourists. The weather in Buenos Aires is usually hot and humid during the summer. January is the hottest month, with temperatures in the 80s on average, rising to close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are usually mild, with temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees, with occasional blasts of cold air from the Antarctic. Spring through fall are the busiest times for tourism.
How to Get to Buenos Aires
Plane
Ministro Pistarini International Airport, sometimes called Ezeiza Inernational Airport (EZE,) lies about 14 miles from the city. The airport shuttle bus is the cheapest route to the city at about AR$190. A taxi charges about AR$200 to the city center. The Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) handles domestic flights, and flights from other South American destinations in Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It is just over one mile from Buenos Aires. ArBus makes several stops in the city and costs only AR$30.
Train
The Retiro Mitre railway station is the city's main station, connecting Buenos Aires to Rosario, Cordoba, and other cities via long distance trains. It is located in the Retiro neighborhood as part of the Retiro Station complex that also houses the central bus station.
Car
Located on the coast, Buenos Aires is accessible via a network of highways, including National Route 1, or Buenos Aires-La Plata Highway, National Route 7 from the west and National Route 9 from the northwest. One caveat to drivers - the highways of Buenos Aires Province surrounding the city are the scene of many accidents.
Bus
The Terminal de Ómnibus de Retiro is the city's main bus station and it is located near the city center. This is where most long distances buses arrive and depart Buenos Aires. More than 80 bus companies operate out of the terminal, including Andesmar, Flechabus, and Plusmar. The Retiro Terminal connects to the city's public transit system via subway and city bus.
Airlines serving Buenos Aires
Where to stay in Buenos Aires
On the value priced end of the scale, you'll find properties like Icaro Suites. Urban Suites Recoleta Boutique Hotel is modern and stylish, while sumptuous room with upscale amenities at the Alvear Palace Hotel gives you a high-end experience.
Popular Neighborhoods in Buenos Aires
Palermo - this is a large neighborhood that the locals divide into several smaller districts, including Palermo Viejo, Palermo Chico, and Palermo Soho. Palermo is where you'll find the fashion district, museums like MALBA, the Museum of Latin American Art, and the National Museum of Decorative Arts, and a wealthy residential area.
Recoleta - this is an upscale neighborhood full of wealthy homes, high-end hotels, and cultural institutions like the Centro Cultural Recoleta and Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. It is also here you'll find the enormous Recoleta Cemetery, with tombs and vaults of many historical figures, including Eva Perón.
San Nicolas - this historic neighborhood is often called El Centro, and is home to the widest street in the world, Avenida 9 de Julio, and cultural institutions like as Teatro Gran Rex, Teatro Opera, and the fabulous Teatro Colón. It is also home to many public buildings like the Supreme Court of Buenos Aires and streets of beautiful architecture to explore.
Where to stay in popular areas of Buenos Aires
Most booked hotels in Buenos Aires
How to Get Around Buenos Aires
Public Transportation
There is an extensive network of public and private transportation in Buenos Aires, including a fast and efficient commuter rail system that operates between 4 am and 1 am daily, a subway (called the subterraneo), and tram service in some parts of the city. Fares for buses and the subway can be paid in cash or via an electronic pass, which starts at AR$25 on a load-as-you-go basis. The cost of travel goes by distance, starting at AR$4.50 for just under two miles.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap in the city. A trip of about five miles should cost about AR$100. You can hail a taxi from the sidewalk - just look for a red light mounted on the corner of the windshield. If it says "LIBRE" then wave away. Some taxis are independently run. If you want to stick with company-run vehicles, look for the Radio Taxi logo on the doors.
Car
Car rentals from several national and international companies are available at both of Buenos Aires' airports. The cost starts at about AR$1,200. Street parking is available in many areas, but be sure to read all the signs so you don't get a ticket. There are many city parking lots, with rates starting at about AR$15 per hour.
Best car rental deals in Buenos Aires
Full-size
5 Adults, 2 Bags
$39/day
Full-size
5 Adults, 2 Bags
$55/day
The Cost of Living in Buenos Aires
Shopping Streets
The streets of Palermo Soho are lined with brand name boutiques, and plenty of cafes when you need to sit down and take a break. The weekend street fair at Plaza Palermo Viejo is a treasure trove for fashionistas looking to find good bargains on trendy jewelry and leather purses. San Telmo is where to look for antiques, and a Sunday fair on Defensa Street where you can find local artisan souvenirs like ponchos and other textile work.
Groceries and Other
There are several grocery store chains in Buenos Aires, including Disco, Dia Supermercado, and Norte, which are typically well stocked and reasonably priced. Coto is a huge department store, something like Walmarts, where you'll find a large grocery section at lower prices. A quart of milk costs about AR$20, while a dozen eggs should run about AR$41.