Top Things to Do in Buenos Aires: Must-See Sights, Neighborhoods, Tours & Food Guide
Buenos Aires, Argentina's dynamic capital, nearly became the starting point of our South American adventures in May 2010—and we might never have left. This vibrant city offers endless attractions for culture lovers. Discover our curated guide to the best sights, neighborhoods, tours, culinary highlights, and practical tips, including plenty of free activities.
Essential Sights in Buenos Aires
Plaza de Mayo and Catedral Metropolitana
No visit to Buenos Aires is complete without stopping at Plaza de Mayo, the historic heart of the city. Home to the iconic Casa Rosada—the 'Pink House' and presidential palace—it's famous for Eva Perón's legendary 1952 balcony speech. The square also hosts poignant weekly gatherings by the Mothers and Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo, honoring victims of Argentina's dictatorship. Nearby, the understated Catedral Metropolitana boasts a breathtaking silver altar and ornate interior.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
This flagship store of the El Ateneo chain transformed a grand theater into one of the world's most stunning bookstores. Browse books beneath opulent ceilings, then relax in former box seats or on the stage-turned-café with your selections.
Tango in Buenos Aires
Tango permeates Buenos Aires. Experience it through private lessons, milongas (local dance halls), street performances at Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo or El Caminito, park events like Sundays in Parque Barrancas del Belgrano, upscale dinner shows, or casual spots like La Catedral—a warehouse venue with classes, dancing, affordable vegetarian fare, and wine.
Feria de Mataderos
This weekly fair in the Mataderos suburb immerses visitors in gaucho culture with horse competitions, folk dances, live music, and stalls selling handicrafts and local produce—a stark contrast to urban Buenos Aires.
San Telmo Market
The Sunday Feria de Antigüedades stretches from Plaza Dorrego along La Defensa to Plaza de Mayo, blending antiques, souvenirs, food, mate, street performers, musicians, and tango dancers.
Recoleta and Chacarita Cemeteries
Recoleta Cemetery, often ranked among the world's most beautiful, houses Eva Perón's tomb amid stunning mausoleums. For a quieter experience with equally impressive architecture, visit expansive Chacarita Cemetery, free from crowds.
Parks and Botanical Gardens
Buenos Aires abounds in green spaces ideal for picnics and strolls, especially in spring and summer. Favorites include Bosques de Palermo, areas around the Floralis Genérica sculpture, Plaza San Martín, and the free Botanical Garden—home to friendly cats.
Best Neighborhoods to Explore in Buenos Aires
San Telmo
The city's oldest barrio (17th century) features colonial mansions, antiques shops, indie cafes, and cobblestone streets. Sundays bring the lively antiques market; Plaza Dorrego and Parque Lezama are perfect for people-watching, near South America's first Russian Orthodox church.
La Recoleta
Known for its cemetery, this elegant area showcases Parisian-inspired architecture with European-imported materials. Visit the free Fine Arts Museum.
Puerto Madero
Revitalized from industrial decay, this upscale waterfront features skyscrapers, fine dining in converted warehouses, and scenic docks—perfect for sunset strolls with ice cream or wine.
Palermo
Trendy and sprawling (including Palermo Soho and Hollywood), it's packed with boutiques, street art, indie cafes, bars, and the bohemian Plaza Serrano market.
La Boca
Once gritty shipyards turned colorful by Italian immigrants and a 1960s painter, El Caminito offers pedestrian streets with tango, taverns, crafts fairs, and vibrant houses—a tourist favorite on weekends.
Best Tours in Buenos Aires
Walking Tours
BA Free Tours offers free 2+ hour walks: morning City Tour and afternoon Aristocratic Tour, covering history, culture, and daily life.
Street Art Tours
Buenos Aires' streets burst with murals. Graffitimundo provides insightful tours, especially in Palermo/Chacarita, led by passionate guides.
Bike Tours
Bike-friendly despite traffic; options from Biking Buenos Aires include city, north/south, or Tigre trips. Book weekends for lighter crowds.
Food Tours
Teresita's Culinary Tour teaches empanada-making and wine tasting. BA Food Tour samples local dishes at hidden eateries.
Buenos Aires Culinary Highlights
Closed-Door Restaurants
Puertas cerradas offer intimate dining in private homes. Try fine dining at Casa Felix, Asian at Cocina Sunae, or vegetarian at Jueves a la Mesa. Search for current options as they evolve.
Steak
Parrillas shine here; top picks: La Cabrera and Siga La Vaca.
Pizza
Italian heritage yields excellent pizzerias. Favorites: El Cuartito (cheesy), Los Inmortales (empanadas), FILO (thin-crust), El Guerrin (slices). Try Napolitana; indulge in dulce de leche pizza at Bakano.
Sweet Treats
- Alfajores: Dulce de leche-filled cookies, often chocolate-dipped (Cachafaz, Havanna, bakery fresh).
- Medialunas: Addictive sweet croissants; great at Bonafide, Ditali, Memo's.
- Gelato: Volta edges Freddo/Persicco; flavors by the kilo, many dulce de leche varieties.
Chipás
Cheesy bread balls ('heaven in a ball') from Disco supermarkets.
Vegetarian Options
Abundant choices like La Esquina de las Flores, Naturaleza Sabia, Bio (organic).
Tips for Your Buenos Aires Trip
- Use the Buenos Aires Interactive Map's Cómo Llego? for real-time bus/subway routes.
- Opt for licensed Radio Taxis (marked); avoid unregulated ones. Uber available.
- Skip Calle Florida money changers—risk counterfeits.
- Rent apartments via Wimdu for value (kitchens offset costs).
Share your Buenos Aires tips in the comments!
