Buenos Aires: What to see and do
Welcome to your guide on Buenos Aires: What to see and do!
When I first arrived in Buenos Aires, I was instantly captivated by the city’s energy. Every corner seemed to offer something new — a café to work from, a park to relax in, or a historic building to explore. Over time, I’ve discovered that the true magic of Buenos Aires lies in how easily it blends its past and present. When you arrive here, you can can fill your days with a combination of classic historic sites that feel frozen in time mixed with local hang out spots that capture the essence of modern culture.
If you only have a few days to spend in the city, consider this your ultimate guide on what to see and do in Buenos Aires.
(Psst… looking for restaurant recommendations to keep you fueled on your adventures? Check out my blog on the 20 Best Restaurants in Buenos Aires.)
From the iconic Recoleta Cemetery to hidden gems like a sunset wine tasting experience, this list is the perfect way to get a taste for Buenos Aires and dip your toes in the porteño lifestyle. Warning: You might fall in love and cancel your return ticket! (Guilty as charged.)
Buenos Aires: What to see and do
1. Go back in time at the Recoleta Cemetery
No visit to Buenos Aires is complete without a stroll through the famous Recoleta Cemetery. Coming from the midwest in the USA, I’d never seen anything like this. The burial ground is more than just a place of rest; it’s a labyrinth of towering mausoleums and ornate tombs that reflect the wealth and power of Argentina’s elite. Among the most famous graves is that of Eva Perón, the beloved (and controversial) First Lady of Argentina.
2. See a soccer game at La Bombonera or El Monumental
I wrote soccer — but let’s call it what it truly is: fútbol. Argentines are passionate about fútbol, and there’s no better way to experience that passion than by attending a live game. Whether you’re at La Bombonera, home of Boca Juniors, or El Monumental, where River Plate plays, the energy of the crowd is contagious. From the neighborhood signs to the passionate chanting and waving arms, you’ve never experienced sports like this before.
P.S. Wondering how to get tickets? As a tourist, the easiest way is through third party platforms like HomeFans, Airbnb Experiences, and Viator. You’ll attend the game with a local guide who will introduce you to the game, accompany you at your seats, and ensure your safety in the stadium.
3. Have a coffee at Palacio Paz
Next up, the third activity on your list for “Buenos Aires: What to See and Do,” involves a short walk from Recoleta. Head toward Plaza San Martín, one of the city’s most beautiful squares, offering great views of La Torre de los Ingleses. The square is a favorite for locals to relax and is home to the striking Palacio Paz, which was once the residence of one of Argentina’s wealthiest families. The ornate building, now the Círculo Militar, serves as a cultural hub. I highly recommend grabbing a coffee at the Croque Madame inside Palacio Paz to feel like true royalty. For some shopping post-coffee, take a stroll down Calle Florida.
4. Visit the world’s most beautiful bookstore
Once a grand theater, Librería El Ateneo Grand Splendid has been transformed into one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. With its original ornate balconies, red velvet curtains, and stage still intact, the bookstore is a paradise for bibliophiles. You can wander through the shelves of books, enjoy a coffee in the café on the old stage, and soak in the ambiance of this stunning building. Whether you’re a book lover or not, it’s an unforgettable experience.
5. Downtown walk: La Casa Rosada, Plaza de Mayo, and El Obelisco
Downtown Buenos Aires is home to some of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Start your walk at La Casa Rosada, Argentina’s pink presidential palace, which overlooks Plaza de Mayo, the heart of Argentine political life. From here, continue to El Obelisco, an iconic Buenos Aires landmark rising high above Avenida 9 de Julio, one of the widest avenues in the world. The downtown area is also rich in historical significance, with plenty of cafés and shops to discover as you walk.
6. See a show at Teatro Colón
I’ll never forget the first ballet I saw at the Teatro Colón. This opera house is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and beautiful architecture, and when combined with the level of creative talent in Buenos Aires, you’ll have an equally memorable experience. It’s no wonder Teatro Colón is ranked among the best theaters in the world. You can also catch the opera or symphony, depending on the night.
7. San Telmo market: Your Sunday activity
Next up on “Buenos Aires: What to See and Do”? The San Telmo market. You might have heard that Buenos Aires is famous for its vibrant markets, and none is more famous than the San Telmo Market. Located in a historic neighborhood, the market is a bustling hub of activity, with stalls selling antiques, leather goods, street food, and more. You’ll also find plenty of street performers, from tango dancers to live music. Bring cash, and prepare to take home many souvenirs.
8. Walk down Avenida Libertador: From Recoleta to Palermo
Avenida Libertador is my absolute favorite avenue in Buenos Aires. It’s home to some of the wealthiest and most elite buildings in the city, reminiscent of the prosperous Buenos Aires from the early 1900s. Start from Recoleta, home to many historic sites and museums, and head toward Palermo, Buenos Aires’ largest and most verdant neighborhood. Along the way, you’ll pass landmarks such as the National Museum of Fine Arts and the Floralis Genérica, a massive metal flower that opens and closes with the sunlight. The avenue is lined with French-style buildings, parks, and monuments, making it perfect for a leisurely walk.
9. Picnic in Bosques de Palermo
After all the hustle and bustle, take a break and relax in the Bosques de Palermo. This massive park, with its rose garden, lakes, and shaded walking paths, is the perfect place for a picnic. Rent a bike, paddle a boat on the lake, or simply lie back and enjoy the serene surroundings. It’s a green oasis in the middle of the city, ideal for unwinding and people-watching with a mate in hand.
10. Asado with La Terracita Asado Experience
Asado is such a quintessential element of Argentine culture that no trip would be complete without it. This style of Argentine barbeque involves slow cooking meats over charcoal or wood for multiple hours. Add in a couple bottles of wine, some good friends, and a chocotorta (chocolate cake) to finish, and you’re halfway to being a local. For an authentic and educational experience, check out La Terracita Asado Experience, where you can savor perfectly grilled meats in a friendly, communal setting.
11. Pair wine with a river sunset on The Sommelier’s Voyage
If you’re a wine lover, The Sommelier’s Voyage by The Authentic BA is a must. This unique experience takes you on a curated journey through Argentina’s world-renowned wines as you sail down the Rio de la Plata at sunset. Led by a professional sommelier, you’ll sample various local wines, learn about the country’s wine regions, and enjoy views of the city from a unique perspective.
12. Monday night rhythms at La Bomba de Tiempo
For something a bit different, head to La Bomba de Tiempo on a Monday night. This live percussion show is one of Buenos Aires’ most loved events, blending tribal rhythms with improvisational music in an open-air venue with food vendors. Held at the Konex Cultural Center, it attracts locals and tourists alike.
13. Attend a Polo Match in November
Headed to Buenos Aires in November? Add a polo match to your list. Argentina is home to some of the world’s top polo players, and the matches are a blend of elegance, speed, and skill. Even if you’re not familiar with the sport, the ambiance of the event (with the well-dressed attendees and perfectly crafted gin & tonics) make it well worth your time.
14. Walk through Ecoparque
A more laid-back experience awaits at the Ecoparque, formerly the Buenos Aires Zoo. This urban green space has been repurposed as an ecological park that focuses on conservation and animal welfare — and it’s right in the middle of the city. As you walk around its tree-lined paths, you’ll encounter a variety of wildlife from carpinchos to guanacos to flamingos and more.
15. Day Trip to San Isidro
If you’re looking to escape the city for a day, consider a trip to San Isidro, one of Buenos Aires’ wealthiest neighborhoods. Just a short train ride from downtown, San Isidro offers charming streets, colonial architecture, and waterfront views. Start your visit at La Catedral de San Isidro, a neo-Gothic masterpiece, and explore the local Mercado Natural, a quaint market filled with artisanal goods and fresh produce on Sundays. Don’t miss a stroll through El Bajo de San Isidro, a lovely area filled with cafes and shops. For a more active adventure, consider biking the scenic path from Recoleta to San Isidro.
If you have just a few days in the city, this guide on “Buenos Aires: What to See and Do” offers a perfect balance of history, culture, and local charm to give you a truly memorable experience.
For even more recommendations, follow my Buenos Aires explorations on Instagram at @ba.noma.
