Looking for the best things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina? Whether you’re here for 48 hours or a slow traveler staying for weeks, Buenos Aires is a city that doesn’t just invite exploration—it demands it. With a mix of European sophistication and Latin American soul, the capital city offers much more than tango and steak (though those are great places to start).
This guide is your insider roadmap to Buenos Aires—from timeless landmarks to modern cultural experiences and local secrets that many tourists miss.
Tango, Antiques, and Cobblestone Charm San Telmo is Buenos Aires’ oldest barrio, where colonial architecture, vintage stores, and tango dancers meet under the open sky. Visit on a Sunday for the Feria de San Telmo, a massive antique market that spills through Plaza Dorrego and beyond.
Pro tip: Stick around for street performances in the late afternoon. The tango shows here are raw and authentic—no dinner ticket required.
Sure, La Boca is touristy—but it’s also iconic. Caminito is an explosion of color and history, a pedestrian alley filled with murals, tango dancers, and street vendors. Just a few blocks away, La Bombonera Stadium offers the kind of football (soccer) passion that will rattle your bones.
Want the real experience? Catch a Boca Juniors match and prepare to lose your voice.
For travelers drawn to elegance, Recoleta is your spot. Visit the world-famous Recoleta Cemetery, where intricate mausoleums house Argentina’s elite, including Eva Perón. Don’t miss the Floralis Genérica, a giant aluminum flower sculpture that opens and closes with the sun.
Instagram-worthy: The neoclassical buildings and tree-lined avenues make this one of the city’s most photogenic neighborhoods.
No visit is complete without exploring Palermo, especially Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood. Think artisanal cafés, indie boutiques, hidden speakeasies, and some of the city’s best restaurants.
Relax in Bosques de Palermo, a massive green space with rose gardens, paddle boats, and shady paths perfect for picnics.
Foodies should book a local closed-door dinner or wine tasting.
Line A, the oldest subway in Latin America. The wooden train cars are a time machine to 1913 and a reminder of Buenos Aires’ golden age.
Tip: Ride it from Plaza de Mayo to Caballito and grab a coffee at Café Las Violetas, an old-school bakery with Belle Époque decor.
Forget the polished tourist tango shows. A milonga is where locals dance tango late into the night. Head to La Catedral in Almagro or Salon Canning and watch (or join in) as porteños of all ages glide across the floor.
Beginners welcome! Many milongas offer a quick lesson before the dancing begins.
Just an hour from the city, Tigre is a riverside town with colonial vibes, kayak rentals, and a vibrant craft market. Cruise the delta by boat and see a slower, more relaxed version of Argentine life.
Best on weekends, but go early to avoid the crowds.
When in Argentina, you eat beef. Head to a traditional parrilla like Don Julio, El Pobre Luis, or one of the neighborhood gems recommended by locals. Try a bife de chorizo, morcilla, and provoleta, and pair it all with Malbec.
Want to take it further? Learn how to cook your own asado with our YouTube tutorials.
If you want an off-the-beaten-path experience, Feria de Mataderos is a folkloric market where gauchos ride horses, artisans sell handmade goods, and locals line up for choripán and pastelitos.
Live folk music and dancing often take place in the plaza—pure Argentine culture.
Wrap up your day with a walk through Puerto Madero, the city’s modern waterfront. Watch the sun set behind Puente de la Mujer, and then grab dinner at one of the upscale restaurants along the docks.
Great spot for a romantic night or evening stroll.
There are countless things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and no single list can capture its essence. But this guide is your gateway to experiencing its heartbeat, through its neighborhoods, flavors, traditions, and hidden gems. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Buenos Aires always has something new to offer.
