Best Things To Do in Buenos Aires

From the colourful streets of La Boca, to the classic asados and alfajores, to the sleek, modern architecture of Puerto Madero, the vibrant city of Buenos Aires is a destination that promises to offer an incredible variety of experiences.

Whether you're a seasoned traveller looking for new adventures or a first-time visitor eager to discover all the things to see and do in Buenos Aires, in this article you'll find a list of 14 must-see things to explore and immerse yourself in the local culture beyond the Buenos Aires tours.

As creole as the choripán, the porteño heat or the passion for Messi, you only have tango and you are in the mecca of this discipline, so you should not miss the best Tango shows in Buenos Aires. For that, you should head to the vibrant neighbourhood of La Boca. Whether you are an experienced tango dancer or a newcomer to the art form, there is something truly special about watching the dancers move and glide across the dance floor with effortless grace.

And, if you dare, you can try your hand at taking tango lessons in Buenos Aires. But beyond the dancing, there are many other reasons to visit La Boca, from exploring the neighbourhood's many art galleries and street murals to sampling the local cuisine.

In this neighbourhood, Caminito Street is the epicentre of activity. Don't miss the opportunity to wander the restaurants and old tenements that surround it. If you are looking for an authentic experience of Argentinean culture, we recommend trying a traditional pizza at the famous Pizzeria Banchero. All in all, this is just the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.

On your itinerary of things to do and see in Buenos Aires you should make a note of the San Nicolás neighbourhood, whose epicentre is the wonderful Teatro Colón, one of the most emblematic monuments in the country.

This majestic theatre is mostly known by the locals as the Microcentro and was inaugurated in 1908 at 628 Cerrito Street, and since then it has made a place for itself among the top theatres in the world, thanks to its acoustics, impeccable architecture and pristine beauty.

Some of the world's greatest artists have performed there, such as Igor Stravinsky and Luciano Pavarotti. It has also been the birthplace of some of the most iconic operas, ballets and orchestras in history. Visitors can be amazed by the incredible detail and care that has gone into the theatre's design. It's worth taking a look behind the scenes, so I recommend a guided tour of the Teatro Colón.

When it comes to must-see experiences in Buenos Aires, the legendary Bombonera stadium is a must-see. Located in the vibrant neighbourhood of La Boca, the iconic stadium is a spectacular tribute to Alberto J. Armando.

With one of the most passionate football cultures in the world, the stadium of Boca Juniors, one of the most traditional teams in Buenos Aires, is worth following. La Bombonera is more than just a sporting venue: it is a cultural institution that represents the heart and soul of Buenos Aires.

From antiques to souvenirs, the best of street food to all kinds of local products, in its colourful stalls you can find almost anything you want. The San Telmo Market is a favourite meeting place for tourists and locals alike.

This renowned neighbourhood fair is located in Plaza Dorrego every Sunday. Make sure you go early enough to avoid the crowds - despite its 13,000 square metres, it fills up quickly.

The San Telmo market has been around since 1897. It has been home to many of the city's most famous artists over the years, and their presence can still be felt today in the street art and murals that adorn the walls. All in all, the Mercado de San Telmo is a sanctuary for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike, which you can visit at Avenida Defensa 963.

Visit one of the oldest cafés in Buenos Aires, the Café Tortoni was founded in 1858, as its entrance proudly states.

Located at Avenida de Mayo 825, it is a key cultural centre of the city and home to "La Peña del Tortoni", a group of intellectuals and writers who organised cultural activities. It is ideal for a traditional Argentine breakfast of café con leche, for an afternoon snack with a classic medialuna, -medialunas are small pastries filled with caramelised dulce de leche or fruit jam-, or you can also opt for this place for dinner dessert.

Located in the heart of the city, it is Argentina's Presidential Palace and the centre of all political decisions made in the country. Built in the 19th century, it has witnessed Argentina's tumultuous history, from the Spanish viceroyalties, through dictatorship and democracy. Admission is free for self-guided tours.

The main attractions of this monumental palace are its coral pink exterior and the emblematic balcony where Eva Perón gave her famous speeches. Interestingly, despite being a palace, the locals call it "kuća" (pronounced "kucha") and it means house, which is the origin of Argentina's Casa Rosada.

Visitors can take guided tours of the presidential palace to explore its various chambers and rooms, including the famous Yellow Room or its Bicentennial Museum. The intricate architecture and interior design of the Casa Rosada is breathtaking, and one can easily spend hours gazing at it. And you can enjoy this visual spectacle at 100 Paseo Colón Avenue.

In Buenos Aires, the classic trains are still in operation on the six underground lines available in the city, known as "subte". You can even roll down the windows manually. Although it may seem absurd in the age of the bullet train, part of the charm of Buenos Aires is the contrast between the classic and the modern, and this is a real test that deserves to be experienced.

Moreover, this option is economical, as each trip costs 7.50 Argentinean pesos (approximately 20 euro cents), and allows travellers to immerse themselves in the rhythm and daily life of the city.

The Argentine asado, one of the culinary jewels of the country, is a key part of the best gastronomic tours in Buenos Aires. It is a traditional dish consisting of beef, pork or lamb cooked on a charcoal grill. The meat is seasoned with salt and cooked slowly for a unique melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavour.

Although it sounds like any other barbecue, the Argentinean asado is more than a meal, it is a social ritual, and sharing a good meal is a way to connect with the local culture at its roots. Here's one of 20 reasons to drop everything and go to Buenos Aires according to the experts at Traveler - try it, you won't regret it!

If you have a sweet tooth, you can't visit Buenos Aires without trying the famous Argentinean alfajores. This traditional dessert consisting of two soft and tender biscuits filled with dulce de leche is an export quality product, and the flagship brand is Havanna, a company proudly from Mar de Plata.

The taste is exquisite, but being in Argentina the variations are infinite and the most important thing is that they are fresh and suitable for most diets, there are even vegan alfajores. Treat yourself to this delicious souvenir, or learn how to prepare them with experts in one of the best cooking classes in Buenos Aires and sweeten your trip.

La Recoleta is one of the most prestigious and elegant neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires where tango, football and cafés meet in the most Parisian place in Latin America.

This neighbourhood is known for its luxurious architecture, its splendour, variety of shopping venues and its vibrant cultural life. Among the best things to see in this Buenos Aires neighbourhood are the Recoleta Cultural Centre, the beautiful Ateneo bookstore, the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, the National Museum of Fine Arts and just metres from Plaza Francia, its iconic Recoleta Cemetery.

This cemetery is a historic and exciting place that houses the tombs of some of Argentina's most influential figures such as Evita Perón or the so-called Lady in White and her mythical story.

Plaza de Mayo is one of the most emblematic and historic squares in Buenos Aires. It is known for being the site of Argentina's most important political and social demonstrations. This square is home to some of the best buildings in Buenos Aires such as the Casa Rosada, -the seat of the Argentinean government-, and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires.

It also has several monuments and statues, such as the Pyramid of May and the Monument to the Revolution of May. An interesting fact is that every Thursday the "Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo" event takes place, commemorating the historical events that took place in the square. It is a must for anyone who wants to learn about the history, culture and politics of Argentina.

Puerto Madero is the city's ultimate destination for fine dining, world-class shopping, a plethora of contemporary restaurants and bars, as well as a lively nightlife. Be sure to try traditional Argentinean dishes such as empanadas, meat pies and steak, accompanied by a glass of Malbec, the country's signature red wine.

And although it's one of the city's newer areas, Puerto Madero oozes history, with restored warehouses and magnificent attractions such as the Puente de la Mujer, the Fuente de las Nereidas, the Puerto Cristal and its nature reserve. Whether you fancy a romantic stroll along the canal, an afternoon strolling along the paths or partying in one of the area's trendy clubs, Puerto Madero has something for everyone.

This waterfront neighbourhood has undergone a huge transformation in recent years, from a dilapidated port area to a hub of fashion and luxury activity - not for nothing is this one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Latin America.

The Museum of Latin American Art (MALBA) is a must for art lovers. It is one of the best recent museums in Buenos Aires. It was founded in 2001 in an effort to disseminate the works of Latin American artists of the last centuries.

It houses an extensive collection of art from the 20th century to the present day. One of the most interesting facts about its exhibition is that it not only supports established artists such as Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Alejandro Xul Solar or Tarsila do Amaral, but also supports emerging talents in diverse areas such as painting, sculpture, film and ArteCo

Visit the MALBA at 3415 Figueroa Alcorta Avenue and don't miss its exciting dynamic cultural atmosphere for an average price of 5.5 €.

This sprawling hub of cultural activity in the heart of the city is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital for a few hours. Its official name is Parque Tres de Febrero, but it is better known to locals as the Bosques de Palermo, a natural lung located between Avenida Sarmiento and Libertador, specifically at Avenida Infanta Isabel 110.

On weekends, the park is filled with street performers, local craft vendors and families enjoying a picnic in the sun. Admission is free, however, for history buffs, there are several must-see attractions for an additional fee. You can also take the opportunity to remember this beautiful park by taking one of the bike tours of Buenos Aires.

There are many things to see and do in the Bosques de Palermo. Among them, you can visit the Galileo Galilei Planetarium, the Buenos Aires Zoo, the Eduardo Sívori Museum of Plastic Arts, the hippodrome, squares, lakes and the Palermo Rose Garden, a charming rose garden much appreciated by locals and visitors.

By the way, Palermo is a neighbourhood in the Argentine capital that you should not miss. Here is our post about the best things to do in Palermo, Buenos Aires.

If you are one of the lucky ones who visit the city calmly and you have several days to explore it, another plan I suggest is to do some of the best excursions from Buenos Aires. Among the favourites are the ones that take you to see the gaucho style in the Argentinean ranches, a party where you can discover the traditions and customs of its people.

Another highly recommended option are the excursions to the Delta del Tigre, where you will find a whole complex of islands, canals and streams inhabited by numerous plant and animal species, which you can explore by boat on the Paraná River. In addition, with these tours you can see the mansions of the northern periphery and Quinta de Olivos, where the Argentinean president lives.

And for the more adventurous, how about visiting two countries in the same trip? If you're up for it, sign up for an excursion to Uruguay from Buenos Aires. It is possible to visit Montevideo on a day trip from the Argentine capital by ferry or train and believe me, you will be amazed by the rich culture and beautiful landscapes of this city.

Buenos Aires is a huge city, with many attractions to discover and it is important that you plan your trip to the maximum to enjoy it well. Here are some tips to make this trip one of the best of your life:

When to go and how many days to spend in Buenos Aires

To the typical question of what is the best time to travel to Buenos Aires I always say the same thing: any time. There is so much to see that whenever you go, the city will offer its tourists an endless number of activities. To help you in your decision, I leave you the following articles where you will see selected the best plans by months or times of the year:

• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in January
• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in February
• 10 things to do and see in Buenos Aires in March
• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in April
• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in July
• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in November
• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in December
• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in Christmas
• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in Spring
• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in summer
• 10 things to see and do in Buenos Aires in winter

And if you want to know how many days to dedicate to this trip, as it is a big city, I always recommend a minimum of 3 days. However, this also depends a lot on where you start from. For more information, visit our itineraries by days to make sure you don't miss anything:

• What to see and do in Buenos Aires in 3 days
• What to see and do in Buenos Aires in 5 days
• What to see and do in Buenos Aires in 7 days

How to get around the city

Here my first advice is that from the beginning of the trip you should organise the transfers between the airport and the centre of Buenos Aires or, if you are arriving by cruise ship, you should take a look at the transfers between the cruise ship port and the city. It will be much easier to plan it in advance.

Due to the great extension of the Argentinean capital, you will have to use public transport to move around, from the "subte" or underground, to the city buses, and even taxis. All of them are 100% safe and very comfortable when it comes to experiencing the nightlife of Buenos Aires and, even more so, if you are travelling with children in the city. In the latter case, I also recommend you to take a look at the bus tours in Buenos Aires.

Now you have all the information you need to discover Buenos Aires in all its splendour. Enjoy it!