Buenos Aires | Your definitive guide to discovering and enjoying the city
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina. It is a vibrant, cosmopolitan metropolis known for its rich history, captivating culture, impressive architecture and exciting nightlife.
A fascinating mix of architectural styles can be found in the city, from Spanish colonial buildings to modern buildings. The neighborhood of San Telmo is renowned for its cobbled streets, old mansions and charming bohemian atmosphere. Meanwhile, the neighborhood of La Boca is recognized for its colorful houses and the famous Boca Juniors football stadium, the iconic La Bombonera.
emblematic landmarks
Avenida 9 de Julio is recognized as one of the most iconic landmarks in Buenos Aires, being considered the widest avenue in the world. A very important tourist spot is the Casa Rosada, seat of the Argentine government, located in the famous Plaza de Mayo. In the same area, you will also find the Metropolitan Cathedral, where Pope Francis served as archbishop before becoming Pope.
Buenos Aires and Tango
Buenos Aires is famous for its love of tango, a traditional Argentine dance and music style. Visitors can enjoy tango shows throughout the city.
Gastronomy in Buenos Aires
Gastronomy in Buenos Aires is a true delight. Typical dishes include the famous Argentine meats, such as the chorizo steak and the asado (barbecue), accompanied by a good Argentine wine. The city also offers a wide variety of restaurants serving cuisines from around the world, reflecting the cultural diversity present in the city.
Parks
Bosques de Palermo is the largest park in the city, where locals enjoy outdoor activities such as picnics and walks. The Japanese Garden and Rosedal are also popular places to relax and enjoy nature.
Buenos Aires nightlife
Without a doubt, Buenos Aires’ nightlife is vibrant and widely diverse. The city offers a wide range of options, from bars and clubs to tango venues and theaters. The Palermo neighborhood is known for its lively nightlife, so be sure to stop by.
When to go to Buenos Aires
By the way, Buenos Aires is a pleasant destination throughout the year and the best time to visit the city is:
- during springthe city’s parks and gardens are filled with colorful flowers, creating a lovely setting for exploring the city on foot or by bike.
- In the fall, the leaves of the trees turn into shades of red and gold, providing picturesque landscapes. Temperatures are mild, making sightseeing more enjoyable.
- In the summer (December to February), Buenos Aires can get very hot and humid, with temperatures in excess of 30°C.
- The winter (June to August) in Buenos Aires is relatively mild, with average temperatures around 10°C to 15°C.
In summary, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures, less likely to rain and a variety of cultural events. However, Buenos Aires can be discovered and enjoyed at any time of the year, depending on the personal preferences and specific interests of the traveler.
How many days to stay in Buenos Aires
Many Brazilians choose Buenos Aires as their first international trip, which raises common doubts when planning the itinerary and determining the ideal number of days for the stay.
The city offers a wide variety of activities and tours, including parks, museums, historic buildings, famous neighborhoods, tango shows and even a famous cemetery. These are the most common sights included in the itineraries of visitors exploring the Argentine capital.
To really get to know Buenos Aires and enjoy everything the city has to offer, it is recommended to book an average of 5 to 7 days, depending on your pace and itinerary.
However, if you have less time available, don’t worry: it is possible to visit the main tourist attractions in 3 days and leave some attractions for a future visit!
Your itinerary will be defined according to the time available, allowing you to adjust the number of attractions and the speed of the tour, whether it is a slower pace or a faster one.
Recommended reading: Buenos Aires Guide: discover the best and worst of the Buenos Aires city
How to get around in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires offers an environment conducive to exploring on foot, especially in the central region. To move between neighborhoods, tourists have several transportation options, such as subway, buses, taxis and transportation apps like Uber.
If you want to use public transport, you can buy the Sube card at any kiosk or establishment and top it up with Argentine pesos. This card can be used on the subway, on municipal and intercity buses.
To catch a taxi, simply flag down an empty vehicle and the taxi driver will stop for you. However, if you prefer to avoid conventional taxis, you can use the apps mentioned above, which calculate the cost of the trip in advance and offer a safer alternative, minimizing the risk of scams and fraud.
What to do in Buenos Aires
Avenida 9 de Julio and Obelisk
This is a quick and contemplative tour that you cannot miss during your visit to Buenos Aires. At 140 meters wide and 1 km long, Avenida 9 de Julio is recognized as the widest avenue in the world.
Along Avenida 9 de Julio, you will find important sights such as the renowned Teatro Colón, the majestic Constitution Station and the elegant Belle Époque building.
In the heart of Avenida 9 de Julio, you will reach the intersection with Avenida Corrientes, known as the avenue that never sleeps, and you will find the iconic Obelisk in Plaza de La República.
The Obelisk is a symbolic monument of Buenos Aires, paying homage to the 400th anniversary of the city’s founding. Its strong presence is unmissable and provides a unique opportunity to take beautiful pictures and absorb the vibrant atmosphere of the region.
So be sure to include Avenida 9 de Julio in your itinerary to enjoy a quick yet unforgettable tour exploring the sights along this important and imposing avenue.
Colon Theater
The Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires is a cultural and architectural jewel that has enchanted its visitors for over a century. Located in the heart of the city, the theater is a masterpiece of the Belle Époque, with its imposing façade and sumptuous interiors.
The Colón is recognized as one of the best opera houses in the world, with exceptional acoustics and a diverse program that includes opera, ballet, concerts and plays. Its rich and prestigious history attracts renowned artists and audiences eager for high-quality performances.
In addition, Teatro Colón is also an important educational and artistic training center, providing opportunities for young talent to develop. It is a true cultural treasure that continues to delight and inspire all those lucky enough to experience its magic.
Pink House
This tour will take you through the historic center of Buenos Aires, in the neighborhoods of San Nicolás and Montserrat. In San Nicolás, you’ll find the Casa Rosada and the imposing Metropolitan Cathedral. In the Montserrat neighborhood, some of the most important buildings in the city are located, such as the City Hall of Buenos Aires and the Legislative Chamber.
Casa Rosada, located in the heart of the historic center in San Nicolás, is an emblematic landmark of Buenos Aires. It is the official residence of the presidency of the Argentine Republic and was named after the pink color of its façade.
The building was painted pink for the first time in 1870. Explanations for the color vary: some say it represents the union of two political parties, while others claim that the pink hue was obtained by mixing bovine blood with paint at the time.
El Ateneo bookshop
The El Ateneo Bookstore in Buenos Aires is a true paradise for lovers of reading and culture. Located in a former theater converted into a bookstore, it combines original architectural beauty with a wide selection of books in all genres and languages.
Upon entering El Ateneo, visitors are immediately captivated by the magical atmosphere of the place, with its ceiling frescoes, ornate details and velvet drapes that evoke the grandeur of the ancient theatre.
Every corner is carefully designed to provide a unique shopping and reading experience, with comfortable armchairs scattered throughout the corridors and charming cafes to enjoy a good book with a cup of coffee.
It is a welcoming refuge for lovers of literature, where it is possible to get lost in the shelves full of titles, explore new works and let yourself be enveloped by the magic of words.
El Ateneo Bookstore is a true treasure in Buenos Aires, a place where the passion for books comes to life.
National Museum of Decorative Arts
This is one of those places that few people talk about, but which is so beautiful. O National Museum of Decorative Arts of Buenos Aires it is an outstanding cultural institution offering visitors a fascinating insight into the world of decorative arts.
Located in a beautiful neoclassical palace from the 20th century, the museum houses an impressive collection of furniture, tapestries, porcelain, jewelry and art objects from different eras and styles.
By exploring its elegant and well-preserved rooms, visitors have the opportunity to delve into the history and aesthetics of different periods, from the Renaissance to Art Nouveau.
Each piece on display is a testament to the craftsmanship and aesthetic refinement of its creators, and together they tell a rich story of the evolution of design and decor over the centuries. The National Museum of Decorative Arts is a must-see destination for art and history lovers, offering an educational and inspiring experience amidst an environment of beauty and elegance.
And best of all, it’s open every day and admission is free!
Malba: Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires
The Latin American Art Museum (MALBA) is one of the most interesting in the City: it houses the art collection of the Costantini Foundation, with approximately 400 works (paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs and objects) by great Latin American artists of the 20th century. XX.
This is where the famous work by Tarsila do Amaral, the Abaporu, is located.
Floralis Generica
The Floralis Generica is an impressive metal sculpture in the shape of a flower, 20 meters high and weighing 18 tons. Donated by Argentine architect Eduardo Catalano, this monument is not only a historic landmark, but also an amazing place to visit and capture beautiful photographs.
Located in the Naciones Unidas square in Palermo, this sculpture is surrounded by a large grassy space where Argentineans usually sit to enjoy the sun and talk. However, the most interesting aspect of Floralis Generica is its unique system that allows its petals to open and close according to the time of day. Although not always in operation, this modern and fascinating attraction is a special addition to its design, making it truly captivating.
