Buenos Aires, the vibrant capital of Argentina, is a city that effortlessly blends European grandeur with Latin American passion. In this guide, I share my personal experience when I guided family and friends around Argentina’s most beautiful city, Buenos Aires. So, you can get the most out of your 72 hours in Buenos Aires and see the most important landmarks and highlights. Check out the maps below for the walking routes.
Not a fan of premade itineraries? No problem! Check out my list of top things to do in Buenos Aires and mix and match your favorites to create your perfect trip.
| My Quick Recommendations for your travel to Buenos Aires!๐ ๐ก Find the Best and Most Affordable Stays in Buenos Aires here! ๐ Rental Car: The top Argentina & Budget companies are listed on this page. ๐ฑ Connect: Stay connected, and get a 5% automatic discount, with the Argentina eSim! ๐ The Best tango show ticket prices available in Buenos Aires. |
Buenos Aires Tips You Wouldnโt Think Of
- Pick a hotel based on what you want to do first thing in the morning and just before bed (like dining). Check out my “Where to Stay in Buenos Aires” guide for helpful tips.
- Most museums and activities are closed on December 24, 25, and 31st and January 1st. But there are more than enough top things to do in Buenos Aires to discover.
- Book your activities such as Gaucho day, Asado Experience and tango shows in advance.
- There is a hop-on hop-off bus in Buenos Aires. An easy way to stop at the highlights of the city. Click on the link for more information. It is one of the best ways getting around when 3 days in Buenos Aires.
3 Days in Buenos Aires Itinerary
Day 1: History of Buenos Aires
08:00 AM: Arrive at Ezieza Buenos Aires International airport. Take a taxi or book an airport transfer in advance for the quickest way of getting from the airport to Buenos Aires City.
10:00 AM: Arrive at the hotel. Did you not pick a hotel yet? Check out the list of the best hotels in Buenos Aires for every budget.
10:30 AM: Obelisk and Avenida 9 de Julio
- Start your first day of 3 days in Buenos Aires at the Obelisco and 9 de Julio Avenue. The Obelisco is one of Buenos Aires most iconic landmarks. It was built in 1936 to celebrate the 400th year anniversary of the founding of the city. On top of that, the Obelisco is located at the heart of the widest avenue in South America – 9 de Julio. An important road for the city. Connecting the North with the South entry.
How to get there: Take a taxi and mention “Obelisco” or take subway line B, C or D. You can pay for a contactless ticket for the subway. Super easy to navigate quickly. I explain more in the guide “getting around in Buenos Aires“.
11:00 AM: 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.
Visit the National Congress of Argentina for free! Check out here how to get free entry tickets and follow the interesting tour in the political heart of Argentina.
- 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.My personal favourite is following the Palacio Barolo tour just before sunset. Click here to get tickets.
ย 12:00 PM: Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada
- Plaza de Mayo, the political heart of Buenos Aires. You can see the old city hall โ Cabildo, Catedral, the Presidential Palace, and the National Bank of Argentina.
The location where you see the presidential palace was before a fortress. The square “Plaza de Mayo” has been the center of the city for years.
- Visitย Casa Rosada, the presidential palace. If possible, take a guided tour to learn about Argentinaโs history and politics.
12:30 PM: Catedral Metropolitana
- Visit the Catedral Metropolitana, where you can see the tomb of General San Martรญn, a key figure in Argentine history. Learn more here about San Martรญn 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.
Lunch idea: Make a stop for coffee or lunch at Cafรฉ Tortoni, one of the oldest and most famous cafรฉs in Buenos Aires. More info about the best times to visit Cafรฉ Tortoni.
13:00 – 14:00 PM: San Telmo
- 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. Visiting San Telmo is one of my favourite things to do in Buenos Aires.
Get lunch in San Telmo Market. Get more info about the Mercado de San Telmo and what to see there. Try the empanadas in one of my favorite places “El Hornero“.
- Make a small quick stop at the faculty of Engineering. Originally housed a mausoleum for Eva Perรณn (Evita) in its basement. However, her remains were never placed there. There is an interesting Disney plus series called “Santa Evita” about it.
- Get a coffee or sweet pastry at Bar Britanico or El Hipopรณtamo. 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.
16:00 PM: La Boca and Caminito
- Head to La Boca by taxi or bus, known for its colorful houses and vibrant street art. It is for sure a “thing to do” when in Buenos Aires. 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.ย
- 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.ย
18:00 PM: San Telmo
- Head back to San Telmo and enjoy the evening vibe in the coble stone streets of San Telmo. Around that time is the perfect moment to enjoy the oldest neighborhood of Buenos Aires. You may see me there getting a coffee as it is my favorite moment of the day there.
TIP: When having dinner before 20:00 PM you will probably be alone in the restaurant. Go at 21:00 PM or later.
20:00 PM: Night activity
- Experience an authentic tango show at a venue like El Querandรญ, 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.ย 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
10:00 AM: Recoleta Cemetery
- Begin your day at the Recoleta Cemetery, famous for its elaborate tombs and as the resting place of Eva Perรณn. The cemetery has narrow paths lined with cool mausoleums, statues, and crypts, giving you a peek into Argentinaโs history. Itโs a calm and interesting spot to walk around, and many people say itโs one of the most beautiful cemeteries youโll ever see. The Recoleta cemetery is top ranked on travelers things to do list in Buenos Aires.
At 11:00 AM, you can follow a guided tour in English. It was one of the most interesting tours that I followed in the city. And only 10 USD per person. Click here to book the tour.If you book the tour? Go first to the Floralis Genรฉrica (see below), and go to the cemetery at 11:00 AM.
How to get there: get on the subway line F and get off at the station “Las Heras” or take a taxi and say “cementario de la Recoleta”.
11:00 AM: 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
12:00 PM: Floralis Genรฉrica and view on Jacaranda Trees
- Floralis Genรฉrica is a striking, large-scale metal sculpture in Buenos Aires, resembles 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 idea: Have lunch at La Biela (link Google maps), a historic cafรฉ in Recoleta with outdoor seating under ancient trees.
14:00 PM: El Ateneo and graffiti art
- Getting to the most beautiful bookstore in the world? You walk best from the cemetery of Recoleta to El Ateneo Bookstore. A 20-minute walk, but you will see the beautiful European architecture style buildings in the wealthy neighborhood of Recoleta. Click here for the Google maps location of El Ateneo.
Be advised that there are many “El Ateneo” bookstores in town. You need to get to the right one, called El Ateneo “Grand Splendid“.
- Visit the World’s most beautiful bookstore in Buenos Aires. It was a former cinema converted into a haven of books. Wander around and enjoy the marvelous interior and atmosphere.
- Afterward, walk toward the Faculty of Medicine and admire sky-high graffiti art. It will not be the first big wall of graffiti that you can admire in the city. Walk to the square “Plaza Dr. Bernardo Houssay (maps link)“ for the best view.
16:00 PM: Teatro Colon
- Take from Plaza Dr. Bernardo Houssay subway line D from station “Facultad de Medicina” in the direction of “Catedral” and get off at station “Tribunales”.ย
- Teatro Colรณn 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?
17:00 PM: Calle Florida and Plaza San Martin
- Walk to Calle Florida. Known for the black market exchange. On your way, you can visit the Galerias Pacifico shopping mall and see the stunning fresco art on the ceilings. More info about exchanging money in Buenos Airesand what to look out for.
- 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.
18:00 PM: Palacio Libertad and Puerto Madero
- On your way to Puerto Madero, you pass the Palacio Libertad. A former HQ post office and now a renowned cultural center. Be bold to enter the building and discover the free art galleries. Also, on some days you are able to get free tickets for prestigious concerts. Check here if there is any concert on your travel dates.
- Visit the Women’s Bridge and stroll around on the docks in Puerto Madero. Especially in the evening, the atmosphere is lovely. A perfect place to drink a cocktail or beer. Or visit one of the rooftop bars located in Puerto Madero. For example: Crystal bar. You want to know more about Rooftop bars in Buenos Aires? Check it out here.
20:00 PM: Dinner in Puerto Madero or activity
- Dine in Puerto Madero at one of the many restaurants offering a view of the river. I can recommend the Italian restaurant La Parolaccia Madero Downtown. The fish restaurant MARE by Fran, or BBQ steakhouse Villegas Restรณ.
- Follow an Argentina cooking class. Perfect for foodies among us! Check out here my review of Criolla Cooking class.
The perfect ending of day two of your 3 days in Buenos Aires.
Day 3: Modern Buenos Aires and Parks
10:00 AM Palermo Soho
- The last day of your 3 days in Buenos Aires. Let’s start with to explore Palermo Soho in the morning, known for its trendy boutiques, street art, and vibrant atmosphere. Wander through the streets and discover unique shops and cafes. Stop at one of the many coffee bars for your caffeine boost and freshly baked medialuna (a typical Argentine pastry). Wondering which typical food in Argentina you should try more? Check out the “top foods to try in Argentina” post.
How to get there: take subway line D to the station “Plaza Italia”. From there it is around 15 min walk to the heart of Palermo Soho. Or take the hop-on hop-off yellow bus line. It has 2 stops in Palermo Soho.
- Follow a graffiti street tour in Palermo. It is one of the best ways to learn the true identity of the neighborhood. You will discover its creative spaces and hidden street art gems. Admire vibrant murals, bold graffiti, and unique urban artwork, while learning about the talented local artists and the stories behind their creations. Check out here to book the graffiti tour.
12:30 PM: Lunch in Palermo
- Make a lunch stop at one of the many lunch bars in Palermo while you wander around in the small streets of Palermo full of art. Make lunch stop at El Preferido, Chori snackbar,ย orย Lo de Jesรบs.
14:00 PM: 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.
15:00 PM: 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.
16:00 PM: Japanese Garden (Jardรญn Japonรฉs)
- Visit the Japanese Garden, one of the largest of its kind outside Japan, offering a tranquil escape with beautiful landscaping and a tea house.
OPTIONAL : 16:30 PM: Palermo Famous Food Tour
- Join a food tour to end your day in Palermo SoHo. You can book the food tour experience here.ย It starts at 16:30 PM.
17:30 PM: 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. Just to know: MALBA is closed on Tuesdays.
How to get to MALBA: Unfortunately, there are no subway lines nearby. The only option is a taxi or public bus. Also, the hop-on hop-off bus has a stop in front of the MALBA museum.
20:00 AM: Evening in Palermo
- Stay in Palermo Soho for dinner. Try Don Julio, a famous parrilla, for some of the best Argentine beef. Or Fogรณn 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
