The city of Buenos Aires has a unique charm and, in this article, we bring you a list of the 20 best things to do in Buenos Aires.
There are so many things to do that planning your travel itinerary to Buenos Aires that it can sometimes be intimidating, but with this list of the best things to do in Buenos Aires, you’ll get a native Argentinian’s tips on the city.
Some are the places that every tourist must visit, and others are perfect places to meet the locals and the hidden places of the city.
With so many hidden gems and world-renowned sites, it’s impossible to get bored in “America’s Paris.”
Best Things to do In Buenos Aires for First-Time Visitors
1. The Obelisco
If you went to Buenos Aires and did not visit the Obelisco, did you really go to Buenos Aires? This monument is the most emblematic of the city, and you can choose to take a photo outside, or if you’re lucky, get to take a tour inside.
2. The Teatro Colón
The Teatro Colon is on par with the theaters of big cities such as the Scala in Milan or the Opera in Paris. This theater was originally only for operas, but today you can see different types of shows or even take a tour of the theater.
3. Go to a football stadium
The ideal would be to watch a soccer game to learn how this sport is lived in the country that was the recent world champion. Getting a ticket can be difficult, so stadium tours are also a good option. The best ones are “La Bombonera” which is the Boca Juniors Stadium, located in the La Boca neighborhood, and “El monumental”, the River Plate Stadium located in Nuñez.
4. The neighborhood of La Boca
We have already told you about the Boca Juniors stadium, and if you plan to take a tour there then you cannot miss the other parts of the neighborhood. Its grills, pizzerias, restaurants, or the famous “Caminito” or little path in English, surrounded by colorful houses and fair stalls.
5. Visit the Ateneo Grand Splendid
This is one of the largest bookstores in South America, so big that it even has a stage where on special occasions all kinds of shows are given, from entire orchestras to rock bands. You can enjoy a coffee, good music (or go to the quiet room if you prefer) and get all kinds of books.
6. Go to the Recoleta Cemetery
Located in the heart of Recoleta, one of the most luxurious neighborhoods in the entire city, you will find one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. Yes, as you read, it is a beautiful cemetery that has some of the most elegant (and expensive) tombs and mausoleums on the entire planet. In addition, there are the graves of celebrities and prominent people in the country, and the entrance is cheaper or even free if you prefer to go without a tour.
7. Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires
This museum, also known as “MALBA” is one of the museums with the largest number of works of Latin American art in the world. There are exhibitions of artists from all over Latin America, and they are usually renewed so that there is always something new to see.
8. El Cabildo
Located on Avenida de Mayo, one of the most important in the city is the Cabildo. During the colonial era this building was the heart of the revolution, and today it is a museum preserving the original architecture so that people from all over the world can see it.
9. La Casa Rosada
Just a couple of blocks from the Cabildo is the Casa Rosada, which means pink house. This is the government house of the Argentine nation (equivalent to the White House in the US). You can see her outside or take tours, and in some they even let you go to the same balcony where Evita gave her famous speeches (like other presidents or prominent politicians).
10. Japanese Garden
Located between the Palermo and Nuñez neighborhoods, the Japanese garden is an oasis in the middle of the city. Any lover of Japanese culture should visit it. It also has flowers and plants from the Asian country, as well as ponds full of koi fish.
11. The fair of San Telmo
If you are in the city during the weekend, then you must visit the San Telmo fair. Of course, it is free since it is a large fair that occupies a few streets in this neighborhood of Buenos Aires. You only have to bring money to buy antiques, handicrafts, and the best leather products from around the world.
12. Cross the Woman’s Bridge
The Puente de la Mujer (women’s bridge) is located in the Puerto Madero neighborhood, which is the most expensive and luxurious in the city. We recommend that you do it at night, since the bridge has a LED light show, and there are also a large number of bars, cafes, and restaurants that are open until dawn.
13. Watch a Tango Show
To soak in the atmosphere and have a memorable night out, book a tango show and experience the magic.
14. The Metropolitan Cathedral
Churches around the world are outstanding architectural works, and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires is not far behind. Not only that it has stained glass windows and unique decorations in its style, but it is also located between the Cabildo and the Casa Rosada, so you can visit these three places on the same day.
15. Corrientes street bookstores
These bookstores are historical patrimonies of the city, they stand out for seeing books at cheap prices (in some you will find 3 books for usd$4 in the middle of 2023).
16. The Dorrego flea market
This flea market has something for all tastes. From old toys in mint condition, creepy dolls, old electronics (even from 1910), and furniture from the 1800s, here you can find anything you can think of.
17. “La Cabrera” Parrilla
It is one of the best-known Argentine grills. Here you can eat the best cuts of meat you will find anywhere in the world. Seeing a photo of their ribeye or juicy steak will be more than enough to make you drool.
18. Guerrin – Pizzeria
Still in the food category but a cheaper place, Guerrin Pizzeria is considered one of the best in the city. Their pizza has a great Italian influence, lots of dough, and lots of cheese with a great amount of tomato sauce.
19. Café Tortoni
Another cafe was full of history, where prominent artists and personalities such as Carlos Gardel, Alfonsina Storni, and Jorge Luis Borges, among others, enjoyed a good coffee. Today you can go and sit down to enjoy a good coffee in the afternoon or in the morning with authentic Argentine pastries.
20. Walk through the Costanera Sur ecological reserve
This is another free activity to do while in Buenos Aires, you simply have to wear good shoes or rent a free bike since it is a large reserve. You will be able to get to know nature in the middle of the city and then get closer to a unique view of the Rio de la Plata from the Costanera Sur ecological reserve.
