Best 20 things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Welcome to Buenos Aires, where tango meets empanadas and every corner has a story to tell! In this offbeat travel guide, we unravel the 20 best things to do in this vibrant city. Prepare to dance like no one is watching at a milonga, stuff yourself silly with perfectly seasoned meat at a parilla, and channel your inner Borges at the stunning El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore. Get ready for an adventure that will leave you grinning like a gaucho on horseback!

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1. Visit Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

4.7 (27873)

Av. del Libertador 1473, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Welcome to the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires, where you can indulge in a culture overdose without your doctor's prescription! This place is the ultimate paradise for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and those who enjoy standing and nodding contemplatively at paintings. Be prepared to leave with a "deep" appreciation for art, a neck cramp from craning to see every inch of the vast collection, and an insatiable desire to learn how to paint stick figures.

www.bellasartes.gob.ar

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2. Explore Puerto Madero

5 (1)

Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 50, C1107 CABA, Argentina

Welcome to Puerto Madero, the swanky neighborhood of Buenos Aires where even the pigeons wear designer sunglasses! As you wander the cobbled streets, keep an eye out for trendy locals sipping their flat whites and snapping Instagram-worthy selfies with the sleek Puente de la Mujer in the background. Don't forget to sample some of the mouthwatering steaks in the neighborhood's ritzy eateries, because here, the cows surely had a better life than most of us!

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3. Explore San Telmo street market

4.5 (2467)

Humberto 1º 401, C1103 CABA, Argentina

Welcome to the lively and vibrant San Telmo street market in Buenos Aires, where the hustle and bustle is as exciting as watching a tango showdown between a squirrel and a pigeon! Stroll along the cobblestone streets filled with curiosities and trinkets, while trying not to trip over the occasional moose souvenir disguised as a keychain. Dive into the market stalls, where you can find everything from antique furniture to vintage Mario Kart battle scars from the local gamers.

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4. Tour Teatro Colon

4.8 (63740)

Cerrito 628, C1010AAN CABA, Argentina

Welcome to the Tour Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, a place where you can witness the magic of tango and get a crash course in architectural grandeur. Prepare to be serenaded by stunning performances and a continuous battle with your jaw, which will keep dropping as you marvel at the opulent decor. Be warned, however, that the Teatro Colon might just make you wish you were born with the talent of a world-renowned soprano or a graceful ballerina.

teatrocolon.org.ar

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5. Explore the Japanese Garden

4.6 (101258)

Av. Casares 3450, C1425EWN C1425EWN, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Welcome to the Japanese Garden in Buenos Aires, where East meets South America in the most unexpected way! Step into a world where cherry blossoms coexist with tango rhythms, and sushi rolls meet empanadas on a culinary collision course. As you wander through this oasis of serenity, don't be surprised if a koi fish greets you with a cheeky wink or a bonsai tree does a little salsa jig – everything is possible in this quirky fusion garden!

jardinjapones.org.ar

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6. Enjoy a tango show

4.6 (213)

Av. de Mayo 801, C1000WAM CABA, Argentina

Welcome to the land of sultry moves and passionate rhythms, where tango dances its way beneath the cobblestone streets of Buenos Aires! Prepare to be swept off your feet and immersed in an evening of stylish footwork, eye-catching costumes, and steamy drama. Leave your inhibitions at the door, because there's no room for wallflowers in this sizzling tango show that will make your heart beat faster than a malfunctioning blender.

www.tangoshowbuenosaires.com

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7. Explore the MALBA museum

4.6 (29806)

Av. Pres. Figueroa Alcorta 3415, C1425CLA CABA, Argentina

Welcome to the MALBA museum in Buenos Aires, where art and laughter collide in a captivating tango of cultural delight. As you step inside this modern oasis of creativity, prepare to have your mind blown, your heart flutter, and your funny bone tickled. Get ready to embark on a whimsical journey through Latin American art that will leave you desperately trying to figure out whether that painting is profound or just a masterpiece of abstract confusion.

www.malba.org.ar

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8. Visit El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore

4.8 (68061)

Av. Sta. Fe 1860, C1123 CABA, Argentina

Get ready for a literary extravaganza as you step into the El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore in Buenos Aires! This place is so grand that you'll feel like you've walked into a fancy theater, except the actors here are books. Marvel at the beautifully decorated ceiling, which might make you ponder if this is where the angels come to catch up on their reading. Don't be surprised if you spot a bookworm humming a melodious tune while munching on literary snacks in the cafe - after all, embracing your inner bookworm is practically mandatory here.

www.yenny-elateneo.com

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9. Visit Plaza de Mayo

4.6 (111644)

Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen s/n, C1087 CABA, Argentina

Welcome to the lively and historic Plaza de Mayo, where you can witness intense political demonstrations or practice your dodgeball skills among the swarming pigeons – depending on your luck, of course. Grab a mate and immerse yourself in this bustling square, surrounded by impressive landmarks like the Casa Rosada, which may tempt you to burst into song à la Evita (audition at your own risk). But be warned, the monumental obelisk at the center of the plaza is not a place for the faint-hearted, as it doubles as a magnet for selfie sticks, resulting in a picturesque but perilous obstacle course.

www.turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar

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10. Stroll along Avenida 9 de Julio

Av. 9 de Julio, Buenos Aires, Argentina

As you venture onto Avenida 9 de Julio, be prepared to embark on a slightly insane quest to conquer the widest avenue in the world. Brace yourself for an encounter with buses that seem to have evolved from armored tanks, wielding their horns as weapons of sonic destruction. Take a leisurely stroll and feel the adrenaline pumping as you navigate through pedestrian crossings that challenge your agility, making you question if conquering Avenida 9 de Julio is more like a game of "Frogger" than a leisurely walk.

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11. Take a bike ride in Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur

4.5 (81116)

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Welcome to the magical world of Reserva Ecologica Costanera Sur in Buenos Aires! Get ready to pedal your way through this gorgeous urban oasis, where birds sing melodies only Disney princesses could dream of. Prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime as you navigate winding paths, dodge pesky geese, and try not to crash into the native flora, unless you’re into the whole "tree-hugging" experience. So hop on your trusty bicycle and let the eco-friendly fun begin!

www.buenosaires.gob.ar

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12. Visit El Rosedal in Palermo

4.7 (48482)

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Welcome to El Rosedal, a slice of floral paradise nestled in the heart of Palermo, Buenos Aires! As you amble through this bloomin' beauty, prepare to be dazzled by a kaleidoscope of colors, scents, and a good dose of floral-induced amazement. Designed for the rose enthusiasts and the hapless romantics alike, El Rosedal offers you a chance to prance among picture-perfect landscapes, while trying not to hug every rose bush in sight (trust us, it's harder than you think!).

turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar

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13. Visit Recoleta Cemetery

4.4 (4631)

Junín 1760, C1113 CABA, Argentina

Welcome to Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of Buenos Aires' elite and famous, where death has never been so glamorous. Prepare to be surrounded by the most extravagant mausoleums and crypts you've ever seen – it's basically a real estate competition for the afterlife. Don't worry if you get lost in this maze of grandiosity, it's all part of the experience – just hope you stumble upon Eva Perón's tomb and not a zombie searching for its missing headstone.

turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar

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14. Visit the Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art

4.5 (11011)

Av. San Juan 350, C1147 AAO, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Welcome to the Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art, where art comes with a side of quirky Argentine humor! Brace yourself for an adventure like no other, as you enter a world where bygone masterpieces mingle with mind-boggling contemporary works. Embark on a wild ride through the colorful halls, where the statues seem to wink mischievously and the modern art pieces might make you scratch your head, but hey, that’s half the fun!

www.museomoderno.org

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15. Visit the Planetario Galileo Galilei

4.6 (11338)

Av. Sarmiento s/n, C1425 CABA, Argentina

Welcome to the Planetario Galileo Galilei in Buenos Aires, where the stars align to give you an astronomical experience. Step inside this celestial haven, and prepare to be dazzled by the twinkling wonders of the universe. As you wander through the domed halls, you might even find yourself questioning if you accidentally boarded a spaceship headed for the cosmos—don't worry, it's just the magic of this out-of-this-world planetarium!

www.planetario.gob.ar

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16. Explore La Boca neighborhood

4.3 (1116)

Paleisstraat 15, 1012 RB Amsterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to La Boca neighborhood in Buenos Aires, where vibrant colors burst from the streets like a flock of parrots on a tropical vacation. Prepare to be dazzled by the kaleidoscope of hues that paint the houses, seemingly a result of a Picasso-inspired game of paintball. Keep a keen eye out for tango dancers effortlessly twirling through the air, at times narrowly avoiding collisions with enthusiastic tourists attempting their own impromptu performances.

laboca-restaurant.nl

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17. Take a boat tour in Tigre

4.5 (2787)

CMI, Lavalle 499, B1648 Tigre, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina

Ah, Tigre, the Venice of Buenos Aires! Hop aboard the boat tour and let yourself be whisked away to a floating paradise, where you can weave through a labyrinth of canals and pretend you're in a Hollywood spy movie. Don't worry if navigation is not your strong suit, just sit back, relax, and let the hilarity ensue as you make creative paddle moves while desperately avoiding collisions with fellow tourists who have mysteriously turned into boats!

www.catamaranestigre.com.ar

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18. Explore the Buenos Aires Botanical Garden

4.6 (51898)

Buenos Aires, C1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Welcome to the Buenos Aires Botanical Garden, where you can embark on a leafy adventure that will make Mother Nature green with envy! Stroll through this urban jungle and discover a stunning collection of plants from around the world, providing a little respite from the bustling city. Don't be surprised if you find yourself saying, "Ferns before friends" as you get lost in this botanical wonderland - just remember to be leafy and not branch out too much!

www.buenosaires.gob.ar

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19. Take a stroll in Palermo Soho

3.8 (1092)

Nicaragua 4728, C1414 CABA, Argentina

Welcome to Palermo Soho, the "oh-so-chic" neighborhood of Buenos Aires! Prepare to be whisked away into a world where the cobblestone streets will either make you feel like a supermodel strutting down a runway or an amateur on an ice-skating rink. As you take a leisurely stroll, be prepared to witness some fantastic people-watching, where hipsters and fashionistas compete for the title of who can wear the weirdest hat without tipping over.

www.palermosohohostel.com.ar

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20. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral

4.7 (7389)

San Martín 27, C1004 CABA, Argentina

Welcome to the Metropolitan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, where you can feel closer to heaven without needing a passport! This colossal basilica will leave you wondering whether it's a religious place of worship or a secret entrance to another dimension. With its grand architecture and divine ambience, this cathedral perfectly encapsulates the idea that “Heaven is a place on Earth" – cue the catchy tune by Belinda Carlisle!

www.catedralbuenosaires.org.ar

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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.

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Passion in Buenos Aires: A 4-day Romantic Escape

A trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina for a romantic getaway promises to delight couples with its vibrant culture and captivating beauty. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming cobblestone streets, indulge in some of the best food and wine in the world, and dance the night away to the sultry sounds of tango. Discover why Buenos Aires is known as the "Paris of South America" and fall in love with each other all over again amidst the city's enchanting ambiance.

Buenos Aires on a Budget: 4 Day Adventure

Buenos Aires, Argentina offers an array of attractions from tango shows to trendy art galleries. It's also a great destination for budget travelers as you can easily explore the city on foot, visit free museums and parks, and indulge in affordable yet delicious local cuisine. For a cheap place to stay, consider staying at one of the many hostels around the city.

Two Days in Buenos Aires: Family Fun on a Budget!

Buenos Aires is a vibrant city that offers a multitude of family-friendly activities and attractions. Families can explore the beautiful parks and gardens, such as the iconic Palermo Park and the Buenos Aires Ecological Reserve, where kids can enjoy playgrounds and outdoor activities. Additionally, visiting the interactive museums like the Children's Museum and the Museo de los Niños will provide both educational and entertaining experiences for the whole family.

Buenos Aires Bliss: A 5-Day Family Adventure!

A family-friendly trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and entertainment. Explore the vibrant neighborhoods like Palermo and San Telmo, famous for their picturesque streets, shops, and restaurants that cater to all ages. Don't miss visiting iconic landmarks such as the impressive Teatro Colon and the colourful La Boca district, known for its tango performers and art scene, making it an unforgettable experience for the whole family.