Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital of Argentina, is a city that effortlessly blends European grandeur with Latin American passion. I have lived in Buenos Aires since 2017, and I want to share my perfect 3 day itinerary for exploring this beautiful city. This 3 day in Buenos Aires itinerary is designed by my local experience and below you find a map per day + stops to have lunch or dinner. Handy to navigate in the city.
Read also: where to stay in Buenos Aires?
3 Days in Buenos Aires Itinerary
Day 1: History of Buenos Aires
Morning:
1. Obelisk and Avenida 9 de Julio
- Walk along Avenida de Mayo towards the Obelisk, an iconic symbol of Buenos Aires. This area is bustling with energy and showcases the city’s grandeur.
2. National Congress and Palacio Barolo
- The National Congress of Argentina is an imposing neoclassical building that houses the legislative branch of the government. It stands prominently at the western end of Avenida de Mayo, facing the Plaza del Congreso.
- Palacio Barolo is an iconic building in Buenos Aires and one of the most remarkable architectural achievements. Palacio Barolo was inspired by Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy.” The building’s structure is divided into three sections representing Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, reflecting the epic poem’s themes.
3. Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada
- Plaza de Mayo, the political heart of Buenos Aires. You can see the old city hall – Cabildo – Catedral, Presidential Palace, National Bank of Argentina.
- Visit Casa Rosada, the presidential palace. If possible, take a guided tour to learn about Argentina’s history and politics.
4. Catedral Metropolitana
- Visit the Catedral Metropolitana, where you can see the tomb of General San Martín, a key figure in Argentine history. Learn more here about San Martín and why he is so important for Argentina.
- Walk on the street Av. de Mayo. The connecting street between the presidential palace and the national Congress. Make a stop for a coffee at Café Tortoni, one of the oldest and most famous cafés in Buenos Aires. More info about the best times to visit Café Tortoni.
Lunch:
- Get a lunch in San Telmo Market (Mercado de San Telmo). Try the empanadas in one of my favorite places “El Hornero“. Or try the Argentine steakhouse “La Brigada“.
Afternoon:
5. San Telmo Neighborhood
- Walk to San Telmo, the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Stroll through its cobblestone streets, antique shops, and art galleries. Visit the San Telmo Market for a taste of local life and perhaps some shopping
- Make a small quick stop at the faculty of Engineering. Originally housed a mausoleum for Eva Perón (Evita) in its basement. However, her remains were never placed there.
- Get a coffee or sweet pastry at Bar Britanico or El Hipopótamo. One of the oldest cafes in Argentina.
- Make a stop at the National History Museum in Parque Lezama. Also, the place where Pedro de Mendoza founded Buenos Aires.
6. La Boca and Caminito
- Head to La Boca by taxi or bus, known for its colorful houses and vibrant street art. Walk along Caminito Street and enjoy the lively atmosphere filled with tango dancers and artisans. Make a stop at El Rinconcito for a delicious empanada.
- Visit the Boca Juniors stadium “La Bombanera”. One of the iconic football arenas in Buenos Aires. You can also visit the Boca Juniors museum. Click here to get tickets for Boca Juniors match.
Dinner:
- Head back to San Telmo. Have dinner in Avenida Caseros or steakhouse El Desnivel or have a dinner and tango show experience.
TIP: When having dinner before 20:00 PM you will probably be alone in the restaurant. Go at 21:00 PM or later.
Evening:
7. Tango Show
- Experience an authentic tango show at a venue like El Querandí, El Viejo Almacen or La Ventana. Some places also offer dinner if you want to take it easier. You can book your tango show tickets here. Dinner starts mostly at 20:00 PM.
- Ending the first day of your 3 days in Buenos Aires itinerary.
Day 2: Museums, History and Local Flavors
Morning:
1. Recoleta Cemetery
- Begin your day at the Recoleta Cemetery, famous for its elaborate tombs and as the resting place of Eva Perón.
2. Recoleta Neighborhood with Bellas Artes Museum
- Explore the Recoleta neighborhood, including the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar and the nearby Plaza Francia.
- Discover the Museum of Bellas Artes. It has an extensive collection of fine Argentine and international art from various periods. With works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Goya, Van Gogh, and local luminaries like Xul Solar and Antonio Berni. More best museums in Buenos Aires
3. Floralis Genérica and view on Jacaranda Trees
- Floralis Genérica is a striking, large-scale metal sculpture in Buenos Aires, resembling a blooming flower. Its petals open during the day and close at night, symbolizing renewal and hope.
- Walk over the pedestrian bridge and have a stunning view of the Jacaranda Trees and the University building on the right side.
Lunch:
- Have lunch at La Biela, a historic café in Recoleta with outdoor seating under ancient trees.
Afternoon:
4. El Ateneo and graffiti art
- World’s most beautiful bookstore in Buenos Aires is El Ateneo. A former cinema converted into a heaven of books.
- Walk near the Faculty of Medicine and admire sky-high graffiti art.
- On your way to Puerto Madero, visit the Palacio de Aguas. It is a magnificent building with a museum about water distribution and the evolution of toilets.
5. Teatro Colon
- Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires is a world-renowned opera house celebrated for its exquisite architecture, exceptional acoustics, and rich history, hosting top-tier performances since its inauguration in 1908.
How to get tickets for Teatro Colon?
6. Calle Florida and Plaza San Martin
- Walk to Calle Florida. Known for the black market exchange. On your way, you can visit the shopping mall Galerias Pacifico and see the stunning fresco art on the ceilings. More info about exchanging money.
- At the end of the street, you see Plaza San Martin. It is a beautiful square with statues and old trees. On the other side, you see the Torre Monumental. You can visit the tower and have a view over the square.
7. CCK and Puerto Madero
- On your way to Puerto Madero, you pass the Centro Cultural Kirchner. A former HQ post office and now a renowned cultural center.
- Visit the Women’s Bridge and stroll around on the docks in Puerto Madero. Especially in the evening, the atmosphere is lovely.
Dinner:
- Dine in Puerto Madero at one of the many restaurants offering a view of the river.
- Follow an Argentina cooking class. Perfect for foodies among us! Check out here my review of Criolla Cooking class.
Day 3: Modern Buenos Aires and Parks
Morning:
1. MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires)
- Start your day with a visit to the MALBA to see modern and contemporary Latin American art, including works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
2. Japanese Garden (Jardín Japonés)
- Visit the Japanese Garden, one of the largest of its kind outside Japan, offering a tranquil escape with beautiful landscaping and a tea house.
3. Rosedal – Rose Gardens
- Feel the calmness of the city in the large Rose Garden. A beautiful space to relax and enjoy the beauty of many roses.
4. Botanic Garden and EcoParque
- Indulge yourself in more green areas of Buenos Aires. Visit the Botanic Gardens of Buenos Aires, followed by the EcoParque (the old city zoo). Some animals are still there.
Lunch:
- Have lunch at the garden’s restaurant or nearby in Palermo.
Afternoon:
5. Palermo Soho
- Explore Palermo Soho, known for its trendy boutiques, street art, and vibrant atmosphere. Wander through the streets and discover unique shops and cafes. Perfect to search for an original gift.
- Join a food tour to end your day in Palermo SoHo. You can book the food tour experience here. It starts at 16:30 PM.
Dinner:
- Stay in Palermo Soho for dinner. Try Don Julio, a famous parrilla, for some of the best Argentine beef. Or Fogón Asado, one of my favorite steakhouse experiences. Make your Fogon reservation online. Also, a cooking class is a good option as the day is a bit shorter
Wondering where to stay in Buenos Aires? I selected the best hotels and explained the neighborhoods
- Best 10 hotels in San Telmo
- Best hotel selection in Palermo
- Where to stay in Buenos Aires: all neighborhoods explained
