Explore Buenos Aires: Must-See Attractions and Culinary Delights

Buenos Aires enchants with its charm. The city, rich with grand European architecture, cozy cafes, and lush parks, thrives on steak, wine, and ice cream. Dinner starts late, typically after 9 p.m., followed by passionate tango dancing until dawn.

My love for Buenos Aires began during my first visit in 2015, and I've returned numerous times to escape the U.S. winter. I even penned a travel piece about the city's history and allure. This guide highlights the top attractions, dining, and tango spots in Buenos Aires.

From eSIM cards to travel tips, keep reading for everything you need to know about visiting Buenos Aires!

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Planning Your Trip

Currency: Argentinian Peso (ARS) Best Time to Visit: Spring (September to November) & Fall (March to May). Travel Insurance: Consider SafetyWing travel medical insurance for protection against accidents and travel issues.

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When to Visit Buenos Aires

Tourism peaks in summer—December to February—when temperatures reach the 80s. I prefer visiting during this time for the warmth. November and March are also pleasant, with blooming jacaranda trees in November. Bring a light jacket for the cooler evenings.

Top Attractions in Buenos Aires

• Palacio Barolo offers stunning skyline views and was inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy. Daily tours allow access to the lighthouse atop the building.Palacio Barolo

• La Recoleta Cemetery is renowned for Eva Perón's grave and features intricate marble mausoleums across a beautiful 14-acre site. Don’t miss the adjacent weekend market.Le Recoleta CemeteryFree Entry.
• Catch a Boca Juniors or River Plate football match for an exhilarating experience. Tickets can be booked through agents,GetYourGuide orViator. If a game isn’t possible, astadium or museum tour is a great alternative forRiver Plate andLa Boca. Always read reviews before booking.

• Teatro Colón is a world-class opera house built in 1908, showcasing ballet and concerts. Guided tours are available every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in English and Spanish.Teatro Colón

• El Ateneo Grand Splendid Bookstore is a converted theater featuring ornate décor and a cozy café. It’s the perfect spot to curl up with a book.El Ateneo Grand Splendid BookstoreFree entry.

• National Museum of Decorative Arts is housed in a stunning mansion filled with European and Asian art, featuring a ballroom and rotating exhibits.National Museum of Decorative ArtsEntry is free.

• San Telmo Street Fair draws crowds on Sundays for antiques and local goods, including leather and fresh juice, creating a vibrant market atmosphere.San Telmo Street FairSundays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Free entry.

• Parque Tres de Febrero is the city's largest park, featuring a lake and rose garden, perfect for biking and running. It was previously private grounds of a dictator.Parque Tres de FebreroRose garden open daily from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

• Galileo Galilei Planetarium hosts a nightly light show with color-changing structures and fountain displays. Weekend nights offer free telescope viewing until 10 p.m.Galileo Galilei planetariumAv. Sarmiento, Light show is free.

• Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes showcases European masters and Argentine artists. Admission is free.Museo Nacional de Bellas ArtesEntry is free.
• Graffitimundo offers street art walking tours to explore various neighborhoods. Book in advance via email or throughGetYourGuide orViator.

• MALBA focuses on Latin American art, featuring works by Rivera and Kahlo. Visit on Wednesdays for discounted admissions.Museo de Arte Latino Americano (MALBA)

• Obelisco de Buenos Aires celebrates the city's 400th anniversary and is a popular photo spot with the giant BA sign nearby.

• Floralis Generica is a striking metal flower sculpture, ideal for picnics and illuminated at night.FIGUEROA ALCORTA, PRES. AV. 2301, Free entry.

• Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays offers a serene escape with over 1,500 plant species and lovely sculptures, designed by notable landscape architect Carlos Thays.Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays

• Buenos Aires Ecological Reserve provides a vast green space for biking and exploring local flora, bustling with activity on weekends.Buenos Aires Ecological ReserveFree entry.

• The Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral is the city's main Catholic church, once led by Pope Francis. It also features a museum dedicated to him.The Buenos Aires Metropolitan CathedralEntry is free.
• La Caminito is a vibrant street in La Boca filled with colorful houses and shops, but exercise caution at night.

• Free Walking Tours are available, where guides work for tips, providing a great introduction to the city.Free Walking Tour.

Left: Empanadas from La Cocina are the best in the city! Right: Steak from Don Julio, voted the best restaurant in Latin America in 2020 and 2024.

Top Dining Spots in Buenos Aires

• Don Julio ranks as the best restaurant in Latin America for 2024, renowned for its exceptional Argentine steak. Reservations recommended.

• El Preferido de Palermo, from the Don Julio team, serves delicious milanesas (breaded meat cutlets). Reservations are advisable.

• La Cabrera is a Palermo parrilla with a happy hour from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Enjoy 40% off steaks and sides, but be sure to leave before 8 p.m. to avoid reservation crowds.La Cabrera

• Casa Cavia, set in a former mansion, offers a lovely brunch and dinner experience. Don’t miss their homemade scones with dulce de leche.

• Pain et Vin is my favorite wine bar in Palermo, serving light cheese plates but no full meals.

• GOIN! features two Recoleta cafes perfect for breakfast or lunch, closing early by local standards around 8 or 9 p.m.

• La Cocina boasts the best empanadas in the city, known for its cozy atmosphere and classic rock music.

• L’Orangerie, located in the luxurious Alvear Palace Hotel, serves afternoon tea with miniature sandwiches and pastries.

L’Orangerie in the Alvear Palace Hotel.

• La Fachada offers a wide range of empanada flavors, including pumpkin and pineapple, as well as tasty pizzas available at two locations.La Fachada

• Narda Comedor is a healthy eatery with ample portions and a delightful patio, run by renowned chef Narda Lepes.Narda Comedor

• Croque Madame Café serves an array of cakes and quiches, with the most scenic location at the Museum of Decorative Arts.Croque Madame Café

• Lucciano’s is a beloved ice cream chain known for its delicious pomelo flavor.Lucciano’s

• For San Telmo, Virrey Cocina Urbana andEl Blanco Rojo, along withBar Chin-Chin, were my favorites in 2018 and remain popular today.

Top Craft Beer Spots in Buenos Aires

Craft beer culture is growing in the city, with many breweries offering happy hour specials.

• Buller Brewing features a rooftop patio with stunning views of Recoleta cemetery, known for its beer and burgers.

• Rabieta is a favorite microbrewery with an extensive selection of beers and a spacious patio at the horse racing track.Rabieta

• 1516 Cerveceria in Palermo has a large patio and offers 20 local beers.1516 Cerveceria andOn Tap have multiple locations.

• Jugetes Perdidos is unique for its ever-changing beer offerings. They provide brewery tours every Saturday; reservations required.Jugetes PerdidosBolivia 3342.

Top Coffee Shops in Buenos Aires

Recommendations from friends highlight the best coffee in the city. Santa Café is favored for its excellent flat whites. LAB offers a cozy setting with bagels, while Coffee Town is popular in San Telmo.

Dancing Tango in Buenos Aires

Don’t miss a tango lesson during your visit. Milongas are dance events where professionals perform, and everyone is welcome to join in. Here are some popular spots:

• Outdoor tango sessions often happen on Sunday nights at La Gloretia in Barrancas de Belgrano park.

• La Cathedral is a casual milonga with a vibrant atmosphere, offering lessons and nightly milongas. Enjoy two-for-one entry before 10 p.m.

• Other venues include La Viruta andSalon Canning, which have a more formal dress code.

Day Trips from Buenos Aires

For a break from the city, consider these day trips, either independently or through organized tours.

• Tigre features picturesque canals and museums, easily accessed by train from Retiro station. I recommend the scenicTren de la Costa for a delightful ride.

• La Plata is known for its neo-Gothic Cathedral and acclaimed natural history museum. Direct trains depart from Constitución station.

• San Antonio de Areco embodies traditional gaucho culture in a charming setting.

• Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay is just an hour away by ferry, offering a picturesque colonial experience. Find ferry ticketsonline.

Public Transportation in Buenos Aires

• Subway and buses are efficient and budget-friendly. Purchase a reusable Subte card at stations.Public transport

• Bicycle rentals are available throughout the city, allowing tourists to explore easily. Sign up by uploading a copy of your passport.Eco Bici

• Ubers & Taxis exist, but taxis are typically quicker. Set Uber payment to cash for ease. I prefer taxis for their lower cost.

Puerto Madero's sleek skyline, featuring El Puente de la Mujer, designed by Santiago Calatrava.

Understanding Exchange Rates in Argentina

Argentina deals with high inflation, reaching 25% in December 2023, but reducing to approximately 3.9% by August 2024. Annual inflation continues to exceed 200% according to the Associated Press.

Traveling with U.S. dollars is often necessary due to Argentina's two-rate currency system: the official bank rate and the unofficial blue dollar rate. Rates fluctuate, affecting affordability for travelers.

As of November 2024, the official rate for U.S. dollars was 973 and the blue dollar rate was 1,140. In February 2022, the rates were significantly lower, making travel cheaper for those with dollars.

Using Credit Cards in Argentina

Yes, credit cards are accepted, and travelers can benefit from a higher “tourist dollar” rate. The “foreign tourist dollar” program allows credit card users to access a favorable exchange rate.

The MEP rate is not the same as the blue dollar rate but is typically higher than the official rate. For current rates, check this site.

Floralis Genérica is an impressive sculpture by Eduardo Catalano in Plaza de las Naciones Unidas.

Exchanging Money for the Blue Dollar Rate

When exchanging U.S. dollars, ensure they are pristine $100 bills. I’ve successfully used Enviarg Money Transfer in Palermo Soho. No passport is required for exchanges, and I’ve exchanged up to $500 at once.

Western Union is another option, especially for app-based money transfers, although finding cash exchange locations can be tricky.

While counterfeiting was a concern previously, I’ve not encountered issues. Most store clerks closely inspect bills.

Is Traveling in Argentina Affordable?

Argentina remains a budget-friendly travel destination, especially with U.S. dollars, but costs have risen due to inflation and austerity. Locals face greater financial challenges.

To maximize your funds, check the rates before traveling and consider bringing cash for negotiations. I've often negotiated apartment prices significantly lower by paying in cash.

Safety in Buenos Aires

While inflation benefits those with U.S. dollars, it exacerbates struggles for others. Petty theft is an ongoing issue; always keep an eye on your belongings. I secure my purse tightly in restaurants and avoid leaving bags unattended.

Be cautious in areas like La Boca and San Telmo at night, as these can be hotspots for theft. I keep valuables locked up at my apartment and only carry essentials while exploring.

Do You Need Travel Medical Insurance?

Yes, travel medical insurance is essential for international trips. It covers unexpected events like injuries or delays.

I recommend SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance, which offers

$0 deductible coverage in over 180 countries for those under 70. It’s cost-effective and allows visits to any hospital while traveling.

Other benefits include coverage for

lost luggage, travel delays over 12 hours, and accidents(if licensed and safe). Optional add-ons include adventure sports and electronics theft coverage.

Travelers abroad for 90 days can access 30 days of home-country coverage as well.

Where to Buy a SIM Card

Purchasing a local SIM card can be cumbersome, as it involves multiple steps. Instead, consider an Argentina specific eSIM card for immediate activation upon arrival.

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For short trips across South America, consider a Latin America Regional eSIM card. Country-specific eSIMs are usually cheaper.

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