Buenos Aires, Argentina: A Short Travel Guide

Buenos Aires is the vibrant capital of Argentina. It sits on the western bank of the Rio de la Plata, a vast estuary on the eastern coast of South America that was once crucial for trade. Founded in the 16th century as a Spanish colonial outpost, the city grew from a military base to a major commercial center, becoming a melting pot of cultures. Today, Buenos Aires is renowned for its vibrant culture, European-influenced architecture, passionate tango scene, and delicious cuisine. In this travel guide, we share our top things to do in Buenos Aires as well as great places to stay, eat, and drink.

Puerto Madero

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Check out our video about Buenos Aires to see the best things to do through our camera!

Things To Do In Buenos Aires

• Explore La Recoleta Cemetery (also possible as a guided tour)

• Walk the colorful streets of La Boca (don't miss Caminito Street!)

• Go on a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay (book the ferry in advance!)

• Have lunch at Mercado de San Telmo

• Enjoy Puerto Madero (stroll along the waterfront promenade)

• Spot birds at Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur

• Experience the nightlife of Palermo Soho (lots of cool speakeasy bars and clubs around Plaza Serrano)

• Watch a tango show (Teatro Piazzolla is a great option!)

• Relax at Bosques de Palermo

• Discover the historic center (Go on a free walking tour)

Download our Google Map with all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay here.

Caminito in La Boca

Places To Stay In & Around Buenos Aires

• Anywhere - Palermo Soho ($$): Amazing apartment complex with a rooftop pool, and accommodation with a balcony, free WiFi, AC, flat-screen TV with streaming services, kitchen, dining area, private bathroom with shower and comfy bed.

• The Glu Boutique Hotel - Palermo Soho ($$$): just 3 blocks from Serrano Square and the artisans fair, this hotel is set nearby trendy cafes and pubs. It offers designer style décor. The suites are spacious and bright with private balconies or terraces. Beautiful courtyard as well.

• Studio Congreso - Historic Center ($): studio within a short distance of Palacio Barolo and Tortoni Cafe, Studio Congreso offers free WiFi, air conditioning and household amenities such as a stovetop and kettle. It's a good budget option!

• Ker San Telmo Hotel - San Telmo ($$): budget-friendly hotel with a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and bar.

Congreso Nacional

Places To Eat And Drink In Buenos Aires

• Anasagasti Bar & Restaurant: Ideal for a night of cocktails and sushi with an exclusive touch in a dreamy setting

• Backroom Bar: Hidden gem with a book store and jazz shows

• Bar 878: Relaxed spot with burgers, cocktails, and happy hour specials

• Café Tortoni: Historic cafe with a famous literary past and good coffee

• Ciro Puerto Madero: Waterfront restaurant/bar which is great for sunset

• Don Julio: Upscale steakhouse with a long wine list

• EL Hornero de San Telmo: Traditional Argentine bakery with delicious empanadas (inside the market)

• Fuego y Vino Cabernet: Intimate restaurant with European cuisine and a wide selection of wines

• Gamboa - Viñas & Bodega: Winery and restaurant with a beautiful view of the vineyards (though outside of the city center)

• Il Fiume Ristorantino: Italian restaurant with a romantic atmosphere next to the water

• J.W. Bradley: Great cocktails (they have beer as well), great service and a very fun atmosphere

• Kraken bar: Trendy bar with a pirate theme and a variety of drinks

• La Baita: Cozy Italian restaurant in Palermo with good pastas

• MATEAME, DONDE PROBAR EL MATE?: Place to try mate, the traditional Argentine drink

• Nicky Harrison: Popular sushi bar with a hip and lively atmosphere (ask to see to the bodega and they will take you inside the speakeasy - great story and cocktails there)

• Parrilla la 10: very local and traditional Argentine steakhouse with a wide selection of barbecued meats (and very affordable prices as it's in a local area)

• Parrilla La Brigada: A popular steakhouse with a focus on quality meats in San Telmo

• PES Gastrobar: Trendy bar with a focus on craft cocktails and tapas

• Plaza Serrano: Lively plaza with great bars, restaurants, and shops (sometimes free tango performances outside)

• Rapanui: famous Argentinian chocolate shop

• The Hole Bar - Alcatraz Speakeasy Hidden Bar: Hidden bar with a speakeasy theme and a unique menu

• Victoria Brown Bar: Stylish bar with a great selection of cocktails (a bit pricy though)

  
  

Swiss fondue at La Marmitre

Map Buenos Aires

Find all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay in Buenos Aires on Google Maps, follow and save the list, do the following:

1. Tap on the link to open it (click button below)

2. Tap Follow. This list will now be added to the group of lists you follow.

3. Optional: To unfollow a list someone shared with you, tap the list Saved.
   

If you follow the list we made, all our saved places of Buenos Aires will show up in Your Places. The places will also appear as suggested locations in Google Maps.

Save Google Maps Places

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Use These Websites To Save Money On Your Trip To Buenos Aires

• Booking.com for places to stay

• Skyscanner for cheap flights

• GetYourGuide for local tours

• Rentalcars.com for affordable car rentals

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Are you having a hard time planning your trip to Buenos Aires? Get our Interactive Travel Planner to keep it all organized.

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Need more travel inspiration? Check out our other destinations and articles about Chile:

• Patagonia 5 Must-See Places

• San Carlos de Bariloche