buenos aires overview

Buenos Aires is Argentina’s cultural heartbeat and one of the most vibrant places on the planet. The neighborhoods are small and highly individualized, each with its own characteristic colors and forms. The people of Buenos Aires, or Portenos, are passionate, expressive, and embody a rich, yet complex cultural identity. Additionally, the lifestyle and architecture here are noticeably more European than in any other place in South America. The unique mix of creative forces at work can be felt most in the food and art scenes which are constantly evolving. For these reasons, Buenos Aires is the kind of place travelers dream of, fall in love with, and then decide to move to. This Buenos Aires travel guide will help you make the most of your trip to what is commonly referred to as “The Paris of South America.”

buenos aires fast facts

Best time To Visit Buenos Aires

Where to Stay in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires Attractions

Plaza de Mayo – is located in the heart of the Centro district and is the oldest public square in Buenos Aires. On the east end of the plaza sits Casa Rosada, the pink-colored presidential palace where Eva Peron gave her famous speech to over one million onlookers in 1951. At the west end are the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, the former seat of Pope Francis, and Museo Histórico Nacional del Cabildo y la Revolución de Mayo, also known as Buenos Aires Cabildo, a national history museum in a colonial-style building.

Cafe Tortoni – is an iconic french-style cafe built in 1858. Tortoni still hosts live tango dancing in the back room and is the perfect introduction to Buenos Aires’ world-renowned cafe scene.

Palacio Barolo – is a twenty-two-story historical monument inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy. Guided tours of the building are required to be booked in advance. Pizzeria Guerrin is a few blocks to the north and a local favorite. Buenos Aires’ strong Italian heritage has given birth to an exceptional pizza culture. After an active morning, Guerrin will be a welcomed stop for a midday slice and cool glass of Moscato.

Teatro Colon – is ranked the third-best opera house in the world by National Geographic. Guided tours start every fifteen minutes and it’s best to book in advance.

Plaza San Martin – is considered one of the most beautiful places in the city. The city of Buenos Aires is checkered with assorted parks and green spaces and we recommend spending as much time enjoying them as you can.

Puerto Madero – was a rundown dock area that was revitalized and is now the city’s trendiest neighborhood. Defunct warehouses have been converted into upscale restaurants, condos, and shops. Coleccion de Arte Lacroze de Fortabat includes pieces by Dali, Rodin, Warhol, and notable local artists. Puente De La Mujer (Women’s Bridge) is a striking asymmetrical, pedestrian suspension bridge in Puerto Madero that is meant to resemble a couple dancing the tango.

Palermo Soho – is a vibrant, bohemian district within Palermo, and includes the city’s most popular boutiques, restaurants, and bars. This is where Portenos gather in the evenings to eat, drink, shop and enjoy la buena vida. A short walk to the north of Plaza Armenia is Don Julio Parrilla, an unpretentious, family-run steakhouse. Locals tend to eat very late by most standards. Restaurants don’t open for dinner until  8:00 pm (20:00) and if you arrive before 9:30 pm (21:30) you are likely to be dining alone.

Croque Madam – is a cafe located next door to the Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo, a luxurious museum housed in a former palace with beautiful gardens and amazing art from around the world. It makes for a great spot in the Recoleta neighborhood to enjoy breakfast or morning tea.

Recoleta Cemetary – Here you will find the graves of many notable Portenos, including Eva Perón, presidents of Argentina, Nobel Prize winners, and a granddaughter of Napoleon. If the cemetery experience doesn’t ruin your appetite completely, there are several options for lunch directly across from the cemetery entrance. La Biela is an old school cafeteria recognizable by the huge Branca sign out front. For a more unique and upscale experience, try L’orangerie at the Alvear Palace Hotel.

La Boca – is a popular destination among visitors that features colorful houses and a pedestrian street where tango artists perform and tango-related memorabilia is sold. The area is only a few blocks long and has been built up for tourism very actively over the last few years. Outside this tourist area, it is a fairly poor neighborhood that has had regular occurrences of petty crimes reported, so many visitors prefer to taxi in and out of the area.

San Telmo – is the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires. At its center is Plaza Dorrego, which is known for its antique shops, outdoor tango exhibitions, and cobblestone streets. El Viejo Almacén is one of the best tango shows in the city and a short walk north of the plaza. Prices for last-minute shows can often be negotiated.

bottom line

Buenos Aires is a confident, seductive place, where inhabitants embrace la buena vida. Visitors will find large parks checkered among Parisian-style buildings, historical monuments, and outdoor cafes. It is a dream destination for food lovers, featuring steak, pizza, and wine scenes that will rival any in the world. The mornings are sleepy and slow and the evenings are vibrant and energizing. This city lives up to its hype and reminds us that the good life can be achieved through food, wine, art, and community.