Buenos Aires on a Budget: Culture & Cuisine

Experience the vibrant culture of Buenos Aires without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina on a limited budget can still be an exciting adventure. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy, from exploring historic neighborhoods to visiting museums and art galleries. Additionally, street food and local markets offer affordable options for delicious and authentic cuisine.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Buenos Aires on a Budget

  • Accommodation: Stay at the Art Factory Hostel in trendy Palermo Hollywood. The colorful interior and rooftop terrace are the perfect backdrop for your Instagram feed.
  • Start the day with a strong coffee at Bar El Federal, a traditional Buenos Aires café with a vintage feel.
  • Head to the San Telmo neighborhood for the Sunday Feria, a colorful street market where you can find everything from antique treasures to local crafts.
  • Grab a cheap lunch at the Mercado de San Telmo, a vibrant indoor food market with plenty of affordable stalls and seats for people-watching.
  • Take a stroll along Avenida de Mayo, Buenos Aires' historical boulevard, and admire the impressive architecture of the buildings.
  • End your day at La Bomba de Tiempo, an incredible drumming show held every Monday night at the Konex Cultural Center. Tickets are only $15 and it's an unforgettable experience.
Day 2

Culture and Cuisine in Buenos Aires

  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Faro, a cozy boutique hotel in the trendy neighborhood of Palermo Soho. The breakfast buffet is included in the price and it's delicious.
  • Start the day at the MALBA Museum, one of the best contemporary art museums in Latin America. Admission is $5 on Wednesdays, perfect for budget travelers.
  • Have lunch at La Chacarita, a local parrilla (grill) where you can feast on juicy steaks and empanadas for a fraction of the price of other steakhouses in the city.
  • Afternoon tea at Las Violetas, a beautiful café and bakery that dates back to the early 1900s. The decor is stunning and the pastries are divine.
  • Take a tango lesson at La Catedral, a funky dance hall in the Almagro neighborhood. Classes are only $10 and you can practice your moves with locals.
  • Dinner at El Cuartito, a legendary pizzeria in Recoleta that has been open since 1934. The pizza is mouth-watering and the atmosphere is lively.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Buenos Aires, Argentina by plane is to fly into Ministro Pistarini International Airport, also known as Ezeiza International Airport. There are many airlines that offer direct flights to Buenos Aires from major cities around the world.

Car

Driving to Buenos Aires is possible but can be challenging due to the long distance and border crossings. The Pan-American Highway connects the city with the rest of South America. Once in Buenos Aires, it's recommended to park your car as traffic can be congested and parking can be difficult.

Train

Unfortunately, there are no train services that connect Buenos Aires with other cities outside of Argentina.

Boat

There are no regular boat services that connect Buenos Aires with other cities. However, it is possible to take a cruise ship or ferry from Montevideo, Uruguay to Buenos Aires. The Buenos Aires Cruise Port is located in the Puerto Madero neighborhood.

Bus

The best way to get to Buenos Aires by bus is to take a long-distance bus from major cities in Argentina, such as Mendoza or Cordoba, or from neighboring countries such as Uruguay or Chile. The central bus station, known as Terminal de Omnibus de Retiro, is located in the Retiro neighborhood of Buenos Aires.

Destination

Buenos Aires

Welcome to the land of tango, steak, and endless rolling r's. Get ready to lose yourself in the city that never sleeps (except during siesta time, of course).

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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