Top 25 Activities and Attractions in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is poised to delight visitors with its exceptional steaks, fine red wine, and an abundance of attractions that can keep you engaged for several days. This vibrant city is known for its lively pace, offering a chance to experience weekend markets, exquisite dining options, historical landmarks, charming plazas, and fascinating museums.

Enjoy a glass of malbec, savor an empanada in the park, or consider practicing your tango skills—or simply observe as the experts take the lead.

When you need a break from the hustle of exploration and shopping, order a café con leche and unwind among the stylish Porteños (the locals). Known as “The Paris of South America,” the city is characterized by its numerous cafes, nightclubs, delectable cuisine, and European architectural influences, ready for you to discover once you have recharged.

Let’s delve into the best things to do in Buenos Aires:

1. Recoleta Cemetery

This cemetery is not conventional; it serves as a resting place for the affluent, renowned, and influential figures in Argentina.

Wander amidst the impressively designed mausoleums, intricately arranged in this compact area of the city, which invites hours of exploration through the labyrinth of family plots.

Entry is complimentary, although you may need to obtain a map to navigate the grounds.

One of the most visited landmarks here is the tomb of Eva Perón, the former first lady, where flowers and tributes are often left by visitors.

After paying your respects to Evita, capture some evocative photographs, and perhaps pet a few stray cats before exploring the adjacent Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar.

2. Eat Steak, Drink Malbec

You are, after all, in Argentina. The nation’s rich tradition of beef consumption and communal barbecue gatherings, termed “asado,” is deeply rooted in Argentine culture.

Indulge in premium cuts of meat and accompany your meal with local red wine.

Some esteemed steakhouses include Don Julio and La Cabrera, while Cabana Las Lilas is a popular option for those wishing to indulge further.

Familiarize yourself with local terminology to enhance your dining experience; “bife de lomo” refers to tenderloin, while “ojo de bife” denotes ribeye.

Ensure you order it “jugoso” for medium rare, and choose from a wide range of affordable red wines from Mendoza!

3. Visit Tigre

For a refreshing escape from the city, take a train ride to Tigre and spend the day exploring the delta.

This enjoyable experience costs approximately 6 pesos (about $0.38 USD) and lasts around one hour.

Sunday is the ideal day to visit, as you can explore the Ciudad’s Puerto de Frutos, a sizable market featuring crafts, gourmet foods, and handcrafted furniture.

Additionally, you’ll find an artists’ market at the main dock, a park, and several museums.

Consider boat tours, kayak rentals, or ferries to several waterfront dining establishments and clubs in the area.

4. Dance Tango at a Milonga (Or Just Watch)

Buenos Aires is the origin of tango, making it the ideal place to learn or simply observe skilled dancers.

Instead of opting for a dinner-and-tango show, consider attending a “milonga,” a venue dedicated to tango dancing, with many authentic options available throughout the city on various days.

Enjoy viewing the Sunday night milonga at Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo, where dancers perform in the streets.

Salón Canning offers affordable admission and is popular for traditional milongas, also providing classes and performances.

La Glorieta, an outdoor milonga in Belgrano, holds free milongas on weekends, although donations are welcomed.

5. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

The National Museum of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires ranks among the finest globally, showcasing works from South American artists alongside renowned figures such as Van Gogh, Degas, Monet, and Picasso.

Incredibly, admission is complimentary! Make it a point to visit this museum while wandering through Recoleta, as it offers a fascinating array of art.

The museum features paintings, tapestries, sculptures, and an array of rotating temporary exhibitions.

6. Café Tortoni

Enduringly charming despite its tourist influx, Café Tortoni, established in 1858, is a delightful spot for a snack.

Stop by for a café con leche accompanied by a medialuna (local croissant) or a submarino (warm milk with chocolate for dipping). Once a gathering place for the legendary tango dancer Carlos Gardel, this Porteño café has long been frequented by distinguished scholars and artists.

Although slightly pricier than the average café in Buenos Aires, your beverage enables you to experience this significant historical site located on Avenida de Mayo.

Do not miss the Tiffany glass ceilings.

7. San Telmo Market

This vibrant and bustling Sunday street fair, known as the Feria de San Telmo, attracts over 12,000 visitors each week.

A wide array of antiques, artwork, trinkets, and other unique items are displayed along the pedestrian street of Defensa.

It serves as an ideal location to acquire a distinctive souvenir from Buenos Aires’ golden age.

As you wander through the 270 stalls of this local market, keep a watchful eye on your possessions while sampling homemade snacks and enjoying street performances that enliven the 13 cobblestone blocks.

8. Check Out the Fashion Designers in Palermo

Emerging Argentine designers showcase their products at both the Feria de Plaza Serrano and the Feria Artesanal de Palermo Viejo.

You can discover unique jewelry, discounted apparel, and distinctive accessories at their stalls.

Don’t forget to visit independent vendors showcasing their creations at temporary shops surrounding Plaza Serrano, as well as other public outdoor areas. Stroll through the trendy shops to find affordable outfits before enjoying a beer or light pre-dinner snack in one of the many local bars.

9. Have a Beer in Plaza Serrano

In terms of nightlife, Plaza Serrano is a popular location in the trendy Palermo Soho for outdoor beverages, with numerous cafes and bars featuring tables and chairs extending onto the streets each evening.

Order a cold Quilmes beer and enjoy the sunset in one of the city’s most fashionable neighborhoods.

If you prefer craft beers or international selections, a short walk from the plaza will bring you to The Temple Bar and Antares, which have a more diverse offerings.

10. Watch a Polo Match or Horse Racing in Palermo

Argentina is renowned for its exceptional horsemanship, so why not enjoy a polo match or horse racing during your time in the capital? During the season from September to November, experience Argentina’s polo prestige at the Campo Argentino de Polo.

Alternatively, visit the Palermo Hippodrome to catch a horse race, which are frequently hosted throughout the afternoon.

Grandstand tickets are affordable, allowing you to wager on your favorites.

Even if there are no races scheduled during your visit, you can still access the premises to admire the French architecture and observe horses in the paddock.

11. Dance at a Boliche late into the night

If tango isn’t your style, immerse yourself in the local nightlife at one of Buenos Aires’ famous nightclubs, known as “boliches.” However, don’t arrive until late—specifically, around 2 AM.

The nightlife here is illustrious, with many venues remaining open until 7 AM. It’s important to note that Porteños prefer dancing and socializing over heavy drinking.

House and electronic music dominate the city’s soundscape, so consider visiting one of the city’s largest and most popular clubs, Pacha (recognizable as a global brand), or catch internationally renowned DJs at Crobar, or visit Niceto for a variety of musical experiences.

12. Eat Empanadas

The quintessential Argentine indulgence, empanadas come in various forms and are available at countless venues, from street kiosks to bus stations and eateries.

The doughy exterior can be either baked or fried, while the filling can consist of everything from minced beef to shredded chicken, cheese, onions, or mushrooms.

Among the best places to try them are Güerrin near the Obelisco, which is a notable cash-only establishment, and Ña Serapia, a cozy spot in Palermo offering empanadas accompanied by a spicy dipping sauce.

In Recoleta, La Cocina is praised as an excellent take-out spot.

If you’re interested in creating your own, you might consider a culinary class that focuses on Argentine empanadas.

13. Take in a Show at Teatro Colón

As one of the most esteemed opera houses worldwide and a historic Buenos Aires landmark, Teatro Colón commenced operations in 1857, with its current venue inaugurated in 1905. After extensive restoration, the venue now hosts symphonies performed by world-renowned orchestras, operas, and ballets within its stunning architecture.

The theater spans seven stories and occupies an entire city block.

Check the official website for performances, but even if you don’t plan on attending a show, consider participating in guided tours running every 15 minutes to explore this architectural marvel.

14. Wander Puerto Madero

This modern and cosmopolitan neighborhood, located along the water, provides a scenic setting for a leisurely stroll.

Be sure to cross the iconic Puente de la Mujer (“Bridge of the Woman”), and observe that the streets in this district honor women by bearing their names.

Visitors can also explore two ships converted into naval museums, the Sarmiento and the Uruguay, which remain afloat.

Alternatively, venture to the Reserva Ecológica to glimpse the Atlantic Ocean.

Here, you’ll find footpaths and bike trails to explore the park while observing local wildlife in this greener area of the city.

15. The Plaza de Mayo and La Casa Rosada

This plaza may hold the utmost significance within the city.

Dedicate some time to this historically and politically charged site to view the Casa Rosada (“Pink House”), where the Argentine President conducts business and where Juan and Eva Perón delivered many memorable speeches from its balconies.

Alongside observing the pigeons and people-watching, the plaza also serves as a focal point for demonstrations.

Every week, the mothers and grandmothers of individuals who were “disappeared” during the government’s campaign in the 1970s and early 80s, known as Las Madres de Plaza de Mayo, convene for their march in the square.

The plaza is also a venue for protests against the British ownership and claim of the Falkland Islands (“Las Malvinas”).

16. Try Some Dulce de Leche and Alfajores

Both of these delightful treats can be enjoyed simultaneously! Dulce de leche is a very sweet, sticky confection derived from milk, reminiscent of caramel.

As a beloved Argentine delicacy, it can be spread on toast, incorporated into crepes, drizzled over ice cream, or sandwiched between two cookies—resulting in the famous dessert known as the “alfajor.” These delectable cookie sandwiches, often coated in chocolate, can be found in numerous kiosks, cafes, and grocery stores.

However you choose to enjoy it, don’t forget to set aside some dulce de leche to bring back home!

17. The Museum of Latin American Art

Affectionately known as “MALBA,” this museum is one of the city’s favorites.

The ultra-modern building, located in the Palermo neighborhood, features both historical and contemporary collections by Latin American artists, including notable works by Frida Kahlo.

Explore diverse artistic expressions reflective of the continent’s social and political narratives, in addition to sections dedicated to surrealism and pop art.

The museum occasionally hosts traveling exhibitions, previously showcasing works from renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, changing frequently.

Entry is priced at 100 pesos (approximately $6 USD), with discounted tickets available on Wednesdays.

18. Feria de Mataderos

This vibrant folk market and gaucho fair is situated in the working-class area of Mataderos.

Taking place on Sundays, it’s an excellent venue to experience regional delicacies such as locro (a meat and corn stew), empanadas, and humita (a mixture of cheese and corn wrapped in husks). This lively event features dancers, folk musicians, and gauchos on horseback entertaining attendees, providing opportunities to purchase unique and rustic souvenirs.

Expect to find a variety of leather goods, silver jewelry, and mate gourds available for sale, all within a warm and inviting atmosphere.

19. Stroll Corrientes Avenue

Referred to as the “street that never sleeps,” Corrientes Avenue provides a pathway through the city.

This bustling thoroughfare passes through Microcentro, the financial district, intersects with the pedestrian shopping lane Calle Florida, and runs by the Obelisco.

Numerous bookshops, cafes, pubs, theaters, and retail establishments line its edges.

If you prefer guidance, consider joining walking tours that explore the surrounding area, often starting at the National Congress.

20. Relax in the Botanical Gardens

These botanical gardens provide a serene and free opportunity for a peaceful stroll amid nature, all within the city’s core.

Located in Palermo adjacent to Plaza Italia, they offer a tranquil retreat while showcasing diverse architectural styles found within their borders.

Features include a butterfly house, a century-old greenhouse, a small lake, several fountains, and an herbal garden.

Feel free to explore or find a shaded area for a picnic by bringing along your own snacks and drinks.

21. Explore the Feria de Recoleta and Plaza Francia

This street market occurs on Saturdays and Sundays near the famous cemetery.

Filled with artisanal crafts and creations from local artists, it offers a plethora of handmade goods, silver jewelry, pottery, leather products, mate gourds, and street performances.

Engage with local craftspeople and encounter a range of unique offerings while navigating the stalls.

Relax with a drink overlooking Plaza Francia at one of the many restaurants and bars, or enjoy some mate while lounging on the grass surrounding the market.

The plaza features pleasant green spaces ideal for relaxation and is often accompanied by live music performances.

22. Check out the Colorful La Boca Neighborhood

For iconic photographs of brilliantly painted buildings and street tango performances, visit the La Boca neighborhood during daylight hours.

While some might assert that the area is somewhat unsafe after dark, it hosts two significant tourist attractions: the renowned Caminito street adorned with artists’ works and La Bombonera, the famous stadium of Boca Juniors futbol club, known for its passionate fanbase.

Explore the cobblestone streets but be mindful to depart before nightfall.

23. Dinner at a Supper Club or Drinks at a Speakeasy

The underground dining and drinking culture in Buenos Aires is growing rapidly.

These “closed door” restaurants provide guests with an intimate dining experience, often featuring limited seating.

They create a dinner-party atmosphere where patrons are typically seated at communal tables alongside strangers.

Emerging around 2001 during an economic crisis and subsequent tourism boom, these chefs opened their homes to share culinary experiences.

Casa Saltshaker and Casa Felix are among the most recognized puerta cerrada establishments in the city.

If you prefer a drink in a speakeasy ambiance, consider visiting Victoria Brown Bar, located behind a concealed entrance in a café in Palermo Viejo.

You might also venture to the exclusive Ocho7Ocho, discreetly located behind two unembellished wooden doors in Villa Crespo.

24. El Zanjón de Granados

El Zanjón de Granados represents an extraordinary archaeological discovery.

For a truly historical experience, venture underground in the San Telmo district.

Visitors enter through a residence built in the 1830s and explore a network of brick tunnels that were once sealed off and buried.

When the present owner acquired the land in the 1980s, he had planned to establish a restaurant but stumbled upon this intriguing maze beneath.

Restoration became a passion project, leading to tours that provide insights into the area’s architectural history and the origins of the city.

Some historians suggest that the earliest settlement of Buenos Aires may have been located here in 1536.

25. Become a Gaucho for a Day

Experience a taste of gaucho life by heading outside the city to the plains (“Las Pampas”) to a local ranch (an “estancia”) for an afternoon filled with grilled meats, horseback riding, and gaucho demonstrations.

Rest assured, red wine will be plentiful.

These experiences can easily be organized, with transportation to and from the city included.

Guests can enjoy traditional folk performances, dancing, singing, and expert horsemanship displays.

If interested, you may have the opportunity to ride a horse, followed by a feast featuring a variety of grilled meats, including local specialties such as blood sausage or morcilla.