Top 10 Free Experiences in Buenos Aires

Much of what makes Buenos Aires so magical can be enjoyed for free, including many of the city’s most famous attractions. From art exhibitions to historical sights, spending a culture-packed day in the city doesn’t have to cost a penny. Strolling through the city’s best neighborhoods is an excellent way to absorb Buenos Aires’ unique charm while admiring spectacular architecture and stunning street art.

When it’s time for a rest, kick back in one of Buenos Aires’ parks or plazas. You might even catch street performers dancing tango. These top 10 experiences can help you see the best of Buenos Aires without breaking your budget.

1. Rollerblade and Smell the Roses in the Bosques de Palermo

In Palermo’s Parque Tres de Febrero (nicknamed the Bosques), the smooth tarmac path that circumnavigates an artificial lake is a popular place to go rollerblading. Bring your own skates, and it’s free; otherwise, you can rent a pair near the entrance to the Rosedal, the park’s beautiful and free-to-visit rose garden.

2. Immerse Yourself in Cutting-Edge Culture at the Usina del Arte

Usina del Arte, a cultural center and events space housed in a magnificent former electricity plant in La Boca, always has something interesting going on. From contemporary dance performances to tango festivals and art exhibitions, the events here are often alternative and rarely mainstream, and nearly always free.

Planning tip: Look out for kid-friendly activities and workshops, too.

3. Wander Between Mausoleums in Recoleta Cemetery

Cementerio de la Recoleta is not your average graveyard. The “streets” of this city of the dead are lined with thousands of elaborate mausoleums in various architectural styles—don’t miss the marble, art-nouveau tomb of Rufina Cambaceres. Most visitors head straight to the tomb of Eva Perón, but it can be tricky to find.

Planning tip: Pick up a map at the entrance and allow plenty of time to explore Buenos Aires’ most worthwhile (and free!) attraction.

4. Catch a Performance at the Centro Cultural Kirchner

What was once the city’s central post office is now the enormous Centro Cultural Kirchner, which offers a range of activities—all for free. Named after President Néstor Kirchner, the CCK has numerous exhibition spaces and several concert halls with outstanding acoustics. All concerts are free, but you’ll need to get in quickly to reserve your tickets. Events often book out just hours after tickets are released.

Planning tip: The transformation of the building’s interior is remarkable, and if you’re interested in architecture, you should join a free guided tour.

5. See Colorful Shacks and Street Performers on El Caminito

Head to El Caminito, a pedestrianized street in the neighborhood of La Boca, where you’ll find tourists snapping photos of tango dancers in front of brightly painted shacks. This area was conceived by local artists as a way of celebrating and preserving the spirit of the neighborhood, and the shacks are reconstructions of the colorful homes of port workers.

Planning tip: Visiting El Caminito is free, but street performers may charge for photos.

6. View Works of Art at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

The vast, free-to-visit Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is housed in a painted pink former waterworks building in the neighborhood of Recoleta. The collection includes approximately 12,000 works from Argentina’s most celebrated artists, such as Benito Quinquela Martín, Xul Solar, and Antonio Berni, as well as pieces by Picasso, Goya, and Renoir.

Planning tip: Viewing the masterpieces makes a perfect rainy-day activity.

7. Learn About Argentine Folk Culture at the Feria de Mataderos

For a taste of traditional Argentinian folk culture, head to the Feria de Mataderos, a free Sunday street fair in the neighborhood of Mataderos. Browse food and craft stalls and watch musicians perform traditional Argentine folk music accompanied by lively dancing.

Planning tip: Bring a few pesos for local delicacies such as locro (corn-based stew) or an empanada.

8. Tour the Casa Rosada and Look Out Over Plaza de Mayo

On weekends and public holidays, you can peek inside Argentina’s famous presidential palace by joining a free guided tour. Guides provide insights into the building’s history as the corridors of the pink house are explored, and you’ll even get a chance to step onto the famous balcony for a photo overlooking Plaza de Mayo.

9. Browse the Stalls at the Feria de San Telmo

The Sunday street market in San Telmo extends the length of Calle Defensa. Browsing the antique and craft stalls costs nothing, and street performers provide free entertainment, although it’s courteous to toss a few pesos in the hat.

Planning tip: Check out the nearby Mercado de San Telmo, an atmospheric indoor produce and antique market.

10. Discover Street Art in Barracas

Buenos Aires boasts one of the world’s top street art scenes, with vibrant murals found in various neighborhoods. The best area for street art may be Barracas, an off-the-beaten-track location filled with murals by various artists, including Martín Ron. Explore this area and admire the colorful, mosaic-covered houses scattered throughout.

Planning tip: While in Barracas, be sure to check out the lively street art scene and engage with local artists.

This article was first published Mar 19, 2020 and updated Jan 16, 2023.