Top Experiences in Buenos Aires

Famed for its food, fun, and fleet-footed dancers, Argentina’s capital has evolved into one of the most talked-about travel destinations on the planet. What makes Buenos Aires so captivating? It’s partly the energy and zest for life, best experienced in the city’s tango-tastic milongas (dance halls). However, the city also offers a wealth of experiences, from high-end decadence to urban grit.

For every top-tier art museum, there’s a backstreet adorned with flamboyant street art, and for every group of cocktail-sipping trendsetters, there’s a cluster of old-timers gathered around a radio, tapping a toe to the tunes of Carlos Gardel.

The city boasts an incredible number of things to see and do, much of which is free (or very budget-friendly), allowing you to indulge in lavish steak dinners accompanied by robust Mendoza red wines. Here are some top Buenos Aires experiences you shouldn’t miss.

Pay Your Respects at Cementerio de la Recoleta

Encounter centuries worth of great porteños at the spectacular Cementerio de la Recoleta, a necropolis ornate enough to rival Paris’s Père Lachaise or the moss-cloaked cities of the dead in New Orleans. This intriguing cemetery is a labyrinth of narrow passageways lined with crumbling marble statuary and ornate mausoleums in architectural styles ranging from art nouveau to neo-Gothic.

Wander through the alleyways to discover cherubs in stone relief, stained-glass windows edged with cobwebs, marble angels, and bittersweet poetry etched into granite.

Get Football Fever at La Bombonera Stadium

In Buenos Aires, fútbol is not merely a game – it’s a way of life. The nation’s favorite pastime inspires near-religious passion in locals, sending spectators into fits of ecstasy and anguish as they huddle around TV screens or brave the electric stadium crowds.

Experiencing a game at La Bombonera, the famed stadium of Club Atlético Boca Juniors, is one of the world’s top spectator sports experiences, especially if you catch the superclásico match against rival team River Plate.

Planning tip: Tickets can be hard to come by – it’s best to use a travel agent.

Explore San Telmo Barrio

The barrio of San Telmo exudes faded grandeur and bohemian spirit. The neighborhood’s elegant belle-époque architecture and crumbling villas reflect the district’s 19th-century heyday. Before yellow fever and cholera sent the beau monde fleeing for higher ground, aristocratic Spanish families traversed these atmospheric cobblestone streets.

After the epidemic, San Telmo’s poor immigrants turned the abandoned mansions into makeshift conventillos (tenement housing). Tango music developed amid the melancholy of homesickness and the merging of musical traditions in the district’s plazas and patios. Today, the charming barrio still boasts an unpretentious vibe, with antique dealers, tango clubs, and restaurants drawing a steady stream of tourists and locals.

Tango at a Milonga

Nothing captures the spirit of Buenos Aires like the sensual and melancholic tango. No visit to the city is complete without at least witnessing a live performance, or even better, trying it out yourself.

For an authentic experience, head to a milonga, or tango club. Top spots include Almagro’s La Catedral, Belgrano’s Milonga La Glorieta, and Palermo’s Salón Canning.

Planning tip: Tango nights are held most nights of the week at dozens of venues across the city, and dance classes are often offered before milongas, making it easy to join in or simply enjoy the ambiance over a glass of wine.

Drink Argentine Wines

Argentine wines are world-class, and the proof is in the tasting. The nation’s most famous varietal is malbec – a dark, robust, plum-flavored wine that has firmly established Mendoza on every oenophile’s map. However, the bodegas (wine cellars) of Argentina are well stocked with other local varietals worth sampling, including fresh torrontés (a dry white), fruity bonarda (a berry-rich red), and earthy pinot noirs.

Start your search for your favorite Argentine wine at a Buenos Aires vinoteca (wine boutique) such as those in Palermo or San Telmo.

Planning tip: Many puertas cerradas (closed-door restaurants) offer fine wines with their meals.

Order Steaks Big Enough to Share

Argentine beef truly deserves its stellar reputation, and you can indulge yourself at hundreds of parrillas (steakhouses), where a meal begins with a glass of wine and concludes with a satisfied grin.

Parrillas range from neighborhood joints to upscale restaurants, ensuring something for every budget. In particular, Palermo is a meat-lover’s paradise.

Explore Buenos Aires’ Street Art Scene

From the city’s leafy northern suburbs to the abandoned warehouses of its southernmost borders, Buenos Aires is a massive canvas for talented street artists. Creators from around the world collaborate with Argentina’s graffiti luminaries.

Exploring some neighborhoods like La Boca and Palermo poses a great opportunity to see these vibrant murals. Look out for the city’s next masterpiece being crafted right before your eyes.

Savor Argentine Cafe Culture

Buenos Aires isn’t called the “Paris of the South” for nothing. The city boasts a vibrant café culture with a distinct Parisian flair, complete with grand boulevards and art nouveau architecture.

Planning tip: Top spots to sip a cortado (espresso with a dash of milk) can be easily found throughout the city.

Walk in Nature at Reserva Ecológica

In the shadow of Puerto Madero’s skyscrapers lies a sprawling nature reserve, the ruggedly beautiful Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, home to hundreds of birds, colorful butterflies, turtles, and iguanas.

Take a leisurely walk or cycle along the paths that twist alongside the Río de la Plata, watching children and dogs playing in the water as sailboats glide across the horizon.

Shop at Buenos Aires’ Markets

On weekends, Buenos Aires’ outdoor markets buzz with activity as treasure hunters search for everything from antique teapots to handmade leather boots.

Busy Sunday markets offer a glimmering treasure trove of Argentine silver, local crafts, and delicious foodstuffs.

Learn About the History of Plaza de Mayo

Founded in 1580, Plaza de Mayo has been the setting for some of Argentina’s most dramatic historical events. Today, the square hosts demonstrations and rallies most days, including the touching Thursday vigil of Las Madres de Plaza de Mayo.

Admire Art at Fundación Proa

The striking, ice-white building of Fundación Proa is a standout in La Boca, gaining recognition for its role in the international art scene.

Tune into Buenos Aires’ Folk Music Scene

Immerse yourself in gaucho culture at Buenos Aires’ peñas, local clubs where musicians perform traditional songs while patrons enjoy hearty country-style cuisine.

Expect lively jam sessions to commence following the performance.

Get Outdoors in the Green City Parks

Despite the hustle and bustle of downtown Buenos Aires, you may find a need for green space during your visit. Just gather a picnic lunch – perhaps some empanadas and a mini bottle of Malbec – and retreat to one of the area’s lovely parks for relaxation.

Planning tip: Visit Palermo’s Parque 3 de Febrero for rose gardens, water features, and people-watching opportunities.

Cheers to the Capital from a Rooftop Bar

Drinking above street level is part of the fun in Buenos Aires. The city skyline brims with rooftop bars offering stunning views of the streets below.

From café rooftops to stylish cocktail lounges atop luxurious hotels, Buenos Aires is a must-visit for those seeking cocktails with a view.