Here are the top things to do in Buenos Aires, from must-see landmarks to hidden gems, the city has something for everyone. I’ve put together a list of the best things to do in Buenos Aires, including top attractions, secret spots, and unique experiences to make your trip truly special. The perfect list to fill your days if you spend 1, 2 or 3 days in Buenos Aires.
Read also: what to do in Buenos Aires on Sunday
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Best 25 Things to Do in Buenos Aires
1. Palacio Barolo – A Must-See Attraction in Buenos Aires
Palacio Barolo is easily one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires and a personal favorite of mine. Sitting on Avenida de Mayo, this architectural gem was completed in 1930 and is packed with symbolism from The Divine Comedy. It stands 100 meters high with 18 floors, blending eclectic styles into something truly unique. While some offices still operate inside, visitors can explore the building through guided tours.
The tour takes you through its fascinating history and ends at the lighthouse beacon at the top. Want the best experience? Go on a clear day, about one hour before sunset. The panoramic view from the top is unbeatable and one of the best things to see in Buenos Aires.
Pro tip: Book your tickets in advance, especially for sunset tours, as they fill up fast. Palacio Barolo is a must-see, combining history, architecture, and one of the most stunning views of the city.
❤️ SECRET: visit the rooftop bar Salon 1923 on top of Palacio Barolo and have drink. More info here.
BOOK THE PALACIO BAROLO TOUR
2. Explore Caminito in La Boca
One of the top things to do in Buenos Aires is to visit Caminito, a colorful street located in the vibrant La Boca neighborhood. Known for its bright, multi-colored houses, Caminito is a must-see for anyone looking to experience the artistic heart of the city. The street, whose name means “little walkway” in English, is lined with local painters showcasing their art, bringing the neighborhood to life with every brushstroke.
La Boca, historically home to Spanish and Italian immigrants in the mid-19th century, is the birthplace of this iconic colorful scene. The homes were originally painted with leftover paint scraps that immigrants could find, creating the unique and colorful architecture you see today.
❤️ SECRET: You can visit the houses in La Boca for free. Enter the galleries where you see all the shops and take the stairs up. This is how you can see how life before was and where they lived. Photo hotspot: click here for location
3. Visit the Evita Museum
If you’re interested in learning about Eva Perón, one of Argentina’s most iconic figures, the Evita Museum is a must-see attraction in Buenos Aires. Located in the heart of the city, this museum offers a fascinating look into the life of Eva María Duarte Perón (May 7, 1919 – July 26, 1952), showcasing her journey from humble beginnings to becoming the First Lady of Argentina.
The Evita Museum is often overlooked by many visitors, but it’s definitely worth a stop. Also, a top thing to do in Buenos Aires when it rains 🙂 . Through its exhibits, you’ll discover surprising facts about Eva’s life and the political and social impact she had on Argentina.
With an entrance fee of USD 5 for non-residents, the Evita Museum offers valuable insight into Argentina’s history and is an essential part of the Buenos Aires experience for history enthusiasts.
4. Recoleta Cemetery
Recoleta Cemetery is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and historic cemeteries in the world, making it a top must-see attraction in Buenos Aires. Located next to the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, this iconic cemetery was established in 1822 and is home to over 4,600 graves within a 5.5-hectare area. Among the many famous figures buried here are Eva Perón (Eva María Duarte Perón), Nobel Prize winners, and even the daughter of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The cemetery’s stunning mausoleums and intricate sculptures give it a unique and hauntingly beautiful appearance, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich history. While many tourists rush to visit Evita Perón’s tomb, the cemetery has much more to offer. To truly understand its history and significance, I highly recommend taking a guided tour. For just USD 10 or €9, you’ll gain fascinating insights into the lives of those buried here, making it a worthwhile investment.
The entrance fee for non-residents is USD 11, and the experience of exploring this historic cemetery is one of the most enriching things to do in Buenos Aires.
BOOK THE CEMETERY GUIDED TOUR
5. Casa Rosada and Plaza de Mayo
You will find Casa Rosada, the presidential palace, in front of Plaza de Mayo in the neighborhood of Montserrat. Plaza de Mayo became world famous because of the silent protest of grandmothers in 1977. Still now, every Thursday around 15h30, the grandmothers walk around the plaza to keep the subject alive.
The Casa Rosada is pink because it mixes Federalist red and Unitarian white, symbolizing unity. Another idea? They used lime and cow’s blood back in the day, which made it pink and helped protect it from humidity.
Other impressive buildings on the Plaza de Mayo are the Catedral of Buenos Aires, the old city hall “Cabildo” and the National Bank of Argentina.
❤️ SECRET: Every day at 7 P.M. / 19 h the big flag in front of the Presidential palace is lowered down along with an official ceremony.
6. Tango shows in Buenos Aires
What to do in Buenos Aires? That is seeing a tango show! Buenos Aires is the heart of tango. You will see the city best tango dancers performing on stage full of passion and elegance. The level of dance skills that I saw was amazing. Tango dance and music at a high level. There are many companies that offer tango shows in Buenos Aires. Therefore, I made a list to help you. Sure, check it out.
Read here: the best tango show in Buenos Aires. My top pick.
BOOK A TANGO SHOW
7. Feria San Telmo
A must see in Buenos Aires is Feria de San Telmo on Sundays.
San Telmo, the smallest area and oldest of Buenos Aires, hosts every Sunday an antique market. The market starts from Av. San Juan until Plaza de Mayo. Wander around between all the small trinkets and maybe find historical items. Go also to San Telmo during weekdays and enter San Telmo Mercado, have a coffee, or taste the local cuisine.
Read more: visit San Telmo Mercado, the historic market in town
❤️ SECRET: Visit the Gallery Ezeiza, located on Defensa Street 1179 in San Telmo, dates back to the early 20th century. Originally a residential mansion, it was later converted into a commercial passage. This historic spot now houses antique shops, art galleries, and vintage stalls. Its century-old charm. Iconic San Telmo Gallery Instagram photo hotspot.
8. El Ateneo Bookstore
Did you know Buenos Aires has the highest number of bookstores per capita? El Ateneo Bookstore wasn’t always a bookstore. Before there was a marvelous theater with 1.050 seats in the eclectic-styled building. In the ’20s the theater was rebuilt into a cinema and in 1929 the first movies with sounds were played here.
The Guardian placed El Ateneo in second place for the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Worth a visit and put it on your list of things to do in Buenos Aires.
❤️ SECRET: Go to the second level to take better photos.
9. Café Tortoni and other famous bars
Another what to do in Buenos Aires is go to the iconic Café Tortoni. It was opened in 1858 by a French immigrant and many famous Argentines went there for a coffee or merienda. It’s a great location to get into the atmosphere of Buenos Aires’ 19th century. However, sometimes too crowded. After some years I discovered many other “bar notables” with the same vibe and sometimes more authentic.
Read also: what is the best time to visit Café Tortoni
❤️ SECRET: Visit also Cafe las Violets, Cafe de los Angelitos, Cafe Ideal for other impressive cafe experiences.
10. Day trip to Tigre River Delta
Looking to escape the city hustle? A day trip to Tigre is the perfect nature getaway. Located in the Paraná River delta, Tigre offers calm waters, charming islands with small houses, and a peaceful vibe. You can enjoy an Argentine BBQ by the river, swim, or simply relax in this serene setting. Don’t miss the Puerto de Frutos, a lively market with local crafts and food, or the Tigre Art Museum, offering stunning river views from a beautiful mansion.
Getting there is easy: take a 50-minute train ride from Retiro Station in central Buenos Aires to reach Tigre. It’s the perfect day trip to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Buenos Aires’ natural surroundings.
I wrote an article with more info about Tigre and how to get there.
11. Obelisco and 9 de Julio
The most famous landmark of the city and perhaps the symbol of the city is the Obelisco. It was built in 1936 as a monument to the 400th anniversary of the city of Buenos Aires. In 1536 Pedro de Mendoza set foot here in the city.
The Obelisco is located in the middle of the widest street with 16 avenues, 9 de Julio. I and many others barely managed to cross the street in one go.
In front of the Obelisco, you will also find two large letters “BA” decorated with flowers. A nice place to take a picture. Go early in the morning to be able to take a photo without many people.
❤️ SECRET: Enter the cafe “Tostado” on the corner and go to the first floor. Take a seat at the window and enjoy the view on the Obelisco and take a timelapse video.
12. Mercado de San Telmo
One of the top things to do in San Telmo is visiting the “Mercado de San Telmo”. This historic market is packed with quirky antiques, fresh produce, vintage treasures, and tasty food stalls. It’s the perfect mix of old-school vibes and local flavor. Whether you’re hunting for souvenirs or just soaking in the atmosphere, it’s a must-visit gem in San Telmo.
I share some secret spots to get lunch in another post about Mercado de San Telmo
13. Visit the museums in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the cultural heart of Argentina. Therefore, you will find many interesting museums in the city. For example, the National Museum of Fine Arts or The Museum of Latin American Art (MALBA). Already two fascinating places to visit with an extensive collection of fine Argentine and Latin American Arts from various periods.
I wrote a dedicated article about the 12 best museums to visit in Buenos Aires. On top of that, some museums are located in beautiful buildings and give you a view of the architecture of that time.
14. Visit San Martin monuments
The national hero of Argentina is José de San Martin. You will see him on banknotes, in honor of him there is a national holiday and there is are important monuments in the city.
San Martin was born on February 25th, 1778 in Corrientes (province in Argentina). He joined the Spanish army but later San Martín came into contact with supporters of South American independence.
In 1812 he sailed to Buenos Aires and offered his services to liberate South America from Spain. In 1813 there was the Battle of San Lorenzo. Where he weathered the Spaniards from the land.
He crossed the Andes in 1817 via Mendoza and together with Bernardo O’Higgins he liberated Chile. Later he liberated Peru with Simon Bolivar. Afterward, he moved to France.
In his will, he wanted to be buried in Buenos Aires. His grave is in the Buenos Aires Cathedral. You can visit it for free.
❤️ SECRET: Visit the national history museum in Parque Lezama. You will discover the complete history of Argentina’s foundation. Including the original sword of José de San Martin. You can also see the very first flag of Argentina in the museum.
Visiting is free. An English-language paper guide is available.
15. The Dinning and Nightlife of Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is a culinary and nightlife haven, offering a diverse mix of dining experiences and vibrant spots to unwind after dark. The city is home to excellent restaurants, ranging from world-class steakhouses such as Don Julio to trendy fusion spots. For an unforgettable experience, try private dining options like Fogón Asado, where you can indulge in an authentic Argentine BBQ in an intimate, cozy setting.
Don’t forget to treat yourself to some of the best ice cream in the world! Buenos Aires has a variety of gelaterias offering rich flavors that rival any in Italy. Popular chains like Heladería La Venezia and Lucciano’s are favorites for locals and tourists alike.
For nightlife, the city shines with rooftop bars offering stunning views of the skyline. Florería Atlántico and Uptown are popular spots to sip cocktails while soaking in the sights. To experience true local flavor, dive into the nightlife scene in Palermo or San Telmo, where you’ll find cozy bars, live music venues, and tango clubs. Always check ahead for reservations, as some of the most sought-after spots fill up quickly!
I help you here in this post with the best restaurants in Buenos Aires
16. Teatro Colón
One of the buildings that will trigger your interest will be Teatro Colon. It’s located near the Obelisco. Teatro Colon is an opera house that opened in 1908 and rumored as one of the best opera houses in the world. The acoustic is magnificent they say. I went a couple of times to watch the Philharmonic Orchestra of Buenos Aires. Truly, a wonderful experience.
❤️ SECRET: You can book your tickets here in advance and enjoy a beautiful night out.
17. Food tour in Buenos Aires
Going for a food tour while visiting a capital city such as Buenos Aires is a must-do. In a couple of hours you get indulged into the local food and discover many Argentine tasty dishes. I went on a couple of food tour and they never disappointed me as I like food.
I give you below the link of one of the best Food Tours in Buenos Aires.
You can book on this link the food tour in Buenos Aires . Every Monday till Saturday starting at 5:30 PM.
18. Floralis Genérica
The Argentine architect Eduardo Catalano designed the aluminum flower in 2002. As a counterbalance to the popular landmark Obelisco. The flower opens every morning at 8 am and closes again in the evening. The hydraulic system was broken for a long time, but after a few years the flower blossoms like never before. During the evening the flower has a beautiful purple glow. A beautiful new landmark.
❤️ SECRET: Go and stand on the pedestrian bridge nearby and get the best photos of the neighborhood. Link to location here.
19. Bike tour Buenos Aires
Perfect for somebody who stays for 1 or 2 days in Buenos Aires. With a guided bike tour in Buenos Aires, you can visit the most popular places in one day. There are plenty of bike tour companies active in Buenos Aires. You can make a choice depending on how long you want to bike, the kind of tour, with an electric bike, and more. Really one of the best things to do if you want to visit Buenos Aires differently.
I made a list and compared all the companies. So, you can make a choice easy and fast.
Read here: bike tour in Buenos Aires: all the companies and tours available
More things to do in Buenos Aires
20. Puerto Madero
This is the area where the first European immigrants set foot in Argentina. During the 19th century, Puerto Madero was booming because of imports and exports. After the 2nd world war, trade decreased tremendously and the hangars and cranes went into decay. Until a new government set a new goal for Puerto Madero. Lofts, hotels, museums, and luxury apartments are giving Puerto Madero the look of today with Puente de la Mujer Bridge as the eyecatcher. Go with a sunset to Puerto Madero and enjoy a lovely walk while you see the sun going down. A perfect view.
❤️ SECRET: Go to the Crystal Rooftop bar in the hotel Alvear Icon before sunset and enjoy the beautiful view! More rooftop bars to be found here.
21. Cooking class “Criolla”
In this list, I want to give you also the option to “do” things in Buenos Aires. And the cooking class “Criolla” is a super thing “to do”.
During a 3-hour cooking class, I learned how to cook traditional Argentine dishes and drinks. Such as empanadas with a glass of vermouth, little cheese breads, and a very tasty wine sauce accompanied by a tender piece of meat.
Together with a chef and a group of 8 people, we cooked a delicious Argentine meal. It is for sure an interactive and social activity in Buenos Aires. Meeting new people and having a fun evening. I can recommend this if you are not tired of a day walking around in town 😁
You can book the cooking class here.
22. Torre Monumental
In front of Retiro train station, you will see Torre Monumental also known as “La Torre de Los Ingleses”. It has a balcony on top of the tower that was built in 1916. Secret: you can visit Torre Monumental by going up the balcony. I will give you a nice view of the city (Puerto Madero, the train station area, and Recoleta). The entrance fee is around 3 USD. So many reasons to just step inside and visit Torre Monumental in Retiro.
23. The Congress
Visit the political heart of Argentina, Congress. Argentinians are very passionate about politics and talk about it every moment that they can, sometimes with a lot of passion. From the outside, you will be impressed by the architecture. Sometimes visits to the Congress are available. Especially during the Night of the Museums. If to opportunity takes place, go and visit. You can get FREE guided tickets here for the Congress.
Read also: why don’t talk about politics with Argentines?
24. The Rose Garden – El Rosedal
In Palermo, you can find The Rose Garden as part of Parque Tres de Febrero – Bosque de Palermo. More than 18.000 roses are planted in this beautiful part of the park. Ideal to take a break and relax.
The best moment to visit is in November when all the roses are in bloom. It’s my favorite place to end a day walking around in the city.
Visiting Bosque de Palermo is a must-do if you are staying 3 days in Buenos Aires and perfect to unwind after a busy day. Especially in the weekends, it is a perfect place to hang out.
25. The water palace – Palacio de aguas corrientes
Imagine a water pump station in a beautiful palace. Palacio de Aguas Corrientes. The water pump station is dated from 1984 and still now provides the city with water. On the outside, it’s covered with over 300.000 glazed terra-cotta tiles. Inside the water company palace, you can visit the water museum. The main exhibits of the museum is devoted to the history of water and you will see hundreds of urinals and toilets. The entrance is free.
26. The Monetary Museum
A museum little bit in the shadow of the bigger ones but definitely worth visiting. I suggest you visit the monetary museum (Museo del Banco Central) at the beginning of your stay. Ask at the desk if there is an English guide available. They will show you – with a lot of passion – the monetary history of Argentina. Behind the different currencies that Argentina had, is a great story about how Argentina became how it now is. For example, did you know that a note had kangaroos on it? Even though Argentina doesn’t have kangaroos. All because of … 😉
27. Drinking Yerba Maté
One thing you must try when you are in Argentina and that is sharing Maté. I recommend drinking it during “Mierenda”. That is the Argentina afternoon tea around 17 – 18h. Or for the Maté lovers among us, a perfect start when drinking at breakfast.
‘Yerba’ stands for the herb leaves, ‘mate’ is the drinking cup where the yerba poured in dry, afterward you add water and you drink it through a ‘bombilla’ (filter straw).
It is a very popular drink in Argentina and a perfect social thing to do. It’s a must-try when you are visiting.
I wrote an article to explain the tradition of drinking Maté.
Continue things to do in Buenos Aires
There so many other things to do in Buenos Aires. Such as the Japanese Gardens, riding the historic tram in the city, MALBA museum, eating a choripan near the river, the national liberary, Planetarium Galileo Galilei, Plaza Serrano, EcoParque,…
What is the best thing to do in Buenos Aires for first-time visitors?
Top attractions in Buenos Aires include the iconic Plaza de Mayo, La Boca (famous for Caminito), the Recoleta Cemetery, and Palermo for its parks and vibrant neighborhoods. Don’t miss the stunning Casa Rosada and the Teatro Colón, one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world.
What should I do in Buenos Aires for the first time?
For first-time visitors, the must-do activities include exploring the historic San Telmo neighborhood, experiencing a tango show, visiting La Boca for its colorful streets, don't miss the Recoleta Cemetery and enjoying a traditional Argentine asado.
What are the best neighborhoods to explore in Buenos Aires?
Explore the charming cobblestone streets of San Telmo, the green spaces and trendy cafes in Palermo, the upscale shops and museums in Recoleta, and the artsy district of La Boca. Each neighborhood offers a unique vibe and attractions to explore.
Is Buenos Aires safe for tourists?
Buenos Aires is generally safe for tourists, especially in well-populated areas like Recoleta, Palermo, and San Telmo. However, it’s important to stay vigilant, avoid flashy displays of wealth, and be cautious of pickpockets, particularly in crowded areas and public transportation.
33 Comments
We are spending 2 days in Buenos Aires. What should we visit? Don’t want to miss out the highlights. We arrive around 9 AM at Ezeiza and leaving the next day at 7 PM.
Hi Tanja, I wrote a post about spending 3 days in Buenos Aires. The last day you can skip. The first 2 days are packed full of highlights to visit in Buenos Aires. It are really the best things to do in Buenos Aires for spending 2 days. I give you here the link: https://secretsofbuenosaires.com/3-days-in-buenos-aires-itinerary/.
If you are visiting Buenos Aires on a Sunday? Then for sure visit San Telmo that day. There is the Feria de San Telmo in the street Defensa.
Have a great time!
Thanks Glenn. I do a lot of traveling and have read a lot of suggestions and reviews and your is one of the best! Excellent!
Thank you very much 🙂
Thanks, Glenn, for your amazing list of things to do in Buenos Aires! We had such a fantastic time exploring the city. Visiting Palacio Barolo was definitely a highlight for us. Keep up the great work on the website!
Hi Andrew, thank you so much for the kind words! I’m really glad to hear you had a fantastic time in Buenos Aires and that Palacio Barolo stood out as a highlight. Your feedback means a lot, and I’ll keep working to bring more tips and insights on the city. Safe travels on your future adventures!
Hello Glenn, how may i reach you? Do you have an instagram account? I need your advice.
Hi Tomas, you can reach me best via Whatsapp: +5491125524682. Cheers, Glenn
Thank you for the very useful hints. We had a magnificent time in Buenos Aires and share the same opinion on your number 1 hint. The sunset was amazing from above!
Theater colon is worth a visit! Excellent work! Thank you!
Many thanks Sandra for leaving your comment 🙂 Happy helping you.
Do you have recent information about getting tickets to the Casa Rosada? The link still seems broken even on the Argentinian Tourist Bureau website.
Hi Mary, unfortunately the tours are not taken place until further notice.
Hi Glenn,
Can you talk about different ways to get around in BA? Are Buses, Taxi, Uber all good & safe? I am fortunate to be looking forward to a full month stay in BA. I do love to walk.
Good idea! Will create a video about it 🙂
Thanks for some really good information on places to visit, what would be the easiest and cheapest way to visit the majority of these locations?
First time visiting BA and travelling solo with one day in the city, I am not sure on what kind of distance it is between these locations. Good with walking if it is not to far
Is there a map that would show the locations of most of these places to visit?
Hi Ray, Buenos Aires is a pretty big city. Walking is nice and will take you some time. Booking a bike tour is a nice alternative 🙂
I didn’t make a map yet. But on Google maps you find easily the major attractions.
We booked our tango tickets at Las Angelitas though you. It was a wonderful dinner and show and our seats were next to the stage. A true highlight of our week stay in Buenos Aires. The many tips on your website were also very useful. Gracias.
Thanks a lot Robert. Happy I could help you. 🙂
Hi Glenn,
Thanks for the great tips. Is there any good waterpark here? We are here right now and looking for a waterpark & some sun bath.
Cheers,
Yekta
In Tigre next to the theme park is a water park. But a basic one.
Hi Glenn,
where do you suggest to stay in the city as a first time visitor to Buenos Aires with my wife
Hi Hans, a safe option in Recoleta. It’s near all the major attractions and a good vibe there. Plenty of restaurants too. Also, I can recommend Palermo Soho. I live in San Telmo. Also a nice area but a bit quieter in the evening.
hi Glenn,
thanks for your response is Microcentro a safe place to stay
Hi Glenn, thank for your useful information
Do you know any coffee shop where I can see Buenos Aires from above ?
There is a new rooftop terras on Plaza de Mayo. Pretty nice view on the square. Also, many hotels with rooftops are providing the service to get a nice view.
Thank you!!
Hi Glenn
Thanks to a lot of patience and your informative posts I finally managed to make my dream to BA a reality. It was the best holiday of my life.
One thing though, Recoleta, at least of around 2 weeks ago (end of November) was closed as a result of the pandemic for tourism purposes.
Great list of things to do in Buenos Aires. We visit almost every place mentioned in the list. Only the Torre Monumental was closed upon our visit. Great work and keep on going!
Hi Glenn, really enjoyed reading your website of things to do in Buenos Aires. Will certainly be putting some of them to good use as we have a few days there in April. I am also considering a quick trip to Iguaza Falls. Was thinking of a 2 day/1 night visit. Do you think that is enough time and if so, can you recommend any tour operators? There is so much overwhelming information online it’s hard to know who the best ones are…
Hi Marina ?, thank you! A trip to Iguazu waterfalls is a must! Great idea. 2 days/1 night will be ok, but you will have to take a morning flight when heading to Iguazu. The Argentina park opens around 9 and closes at 6 p.m. Do see everything on the Argentinian side it will take you around 4-5 hours. You can book a guide via this link (it’s with pick up and drop off at your hotel). Or contact the tourism agency “Aguas Grandes”. 2 day/1 night is fast but it’s possible doing.
Have a great stay!
Hello Glenn,
Was wondering if haggling over price in San Telmo market is acceptable, common, expected?
Thanks much
Jim
Hi Jim ?, here in Buenos Aires it’s not that common to do. However, you can always try. An Argentinian is mostly ready to negotiate 😉
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