Buenos Aires
Elegant barrios, soulful tango, and unforgettable Argentine flavors together
Highlights
Walk through Plaza de Mayo and San Telmo to trace Buenos Aires’ political and colonial history.
Admire European-style boulevards, ornate mausoleums, and a world-class fine arts museum.
Relax in the Bosques de Palermo’s lakes and rose gardens, a green oasis in the city.
Learn to prepare empanadas and local dishes in a cozy Palermo cooking class.
Experience an atmospheric tango show in the historic heart of the city.
Browse antiques, crafts, and street food at the famous San Telmo Market.
Where to Eat
8 picks
Café Tortoni
Classic 19th-century café with stained-glass and marble tables; order a café con leche with medialunas or churros with hot chocolate.
El Hornero – Mercado de San Telmo
Casual counter inside the market serving empanadas and grilled Argentine classics; try a couple of empanadas and a choripán.
Cabaña Las Lilas
Well-known parrilla on the docks; share a bife de chorizo or ojo de bife with papas fritas and a glass of Malbec.
La Biela
Historic café facing the Recoleta church and giant rubber tree; order café con leche with tostadas and dulce de leche.
Rapanui Recoleta
Patagonian chocolate and ice cream shop; try the dulce de leche helado or chocolate with almonds.
El Sanjuanino
Traditional regional restaurant known for hearty empanadas, locro, and milanesas; share a mix of empanadas and a house main.
Oui Oui
Charming café with a neighborhood feel; order fresh orange juice, scrambled eggs, and pastries to fuel a relaxed park morning.
Don Julio
Famed parrilla with friendly service; share provoleta (grilled cheese), a perfectly cooked ribeye, and a bottle of Malbec—advance reservations strongly recommended.
What to Do
8 picks
Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada (exterior)
Stroll the main square, see the Casa Rosada presidential palace, the Cabildo, and the Metropolitan Cathedral; great spot for photos of iconic facades and monuments.
San Telmo Market (Mercado de San Telmo)
Covered market with food stalls, coffee stands, and vintage shops; wander the aisles, sample empanadas, and photograph the wrought-iron structure and colorful produce.
Tango Show at Madero Tango (Show Only or Dinner Show)
Evening tango performance in a modern riverside venue with skyline views; arrive a bit before the show to walk along the docks and photograph Puente de la Mujer at sunset.
Cementerio de la Recoleta (Recoleta Cemetery)
Explore the maze of mausoleums, including Eva Perón’s tomb; focus on the main alleys and sculptural details for striking photos.
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
National fine arts museum with European masters and Argentine art; enjoy the sculpture halls and 19th–20th century Argentine painting rooms.
Bosques de Palermo (Palermo Parks)
Wander lakeside paths, Rose Garden (Rosedal), and tree-lined avenues; rent a rowboat if you like or just enjoy shaded benches and photo-friendly bridges.
Palermo Soho Free Explore
Spend a couple of hours wandering cobbled streets, boutique shops, and street art around Plaza Armenia and Plaza Serrano; great for casual photography and people-watching from café terraces.
Palermo Small-Group Argentine Cooking Class
Hands-on class in a local-style kitchen where you learn to prepare empanadas, chimichurri, and a classic dessert, usually paired with Argentine wine.
Good to Know
5 picks
Using Public Transit and Taxis
The SUBE card works on buses, subways, and some trains; you can buy and top it up at kiosks and subway stations. For late evenings or when tired, use official radio taxis or ride-hailing apps, which are affordable for most in-city trips.
Safety and Pickpocket Awareness
Stick to well-lit main streets at night in areas like Palermo, Recoleta, and Puerto Madero, and keep your phone and valuables out of back pockets or open bags, especially in crowded pedestrian streets and on transit.
Tipping and Paying the Bill
A 10% tip in cash is standard in sit-down restaurants, usually left on the table; service is not automatically included. When paying by card, servers often bring a portable terminal to your table—check the amount before approving.
Language and Communication
Many people in tourist areas speak some English, but learning a few phrases in Spanish like 'por favor', 'gracias', and 'la cuenta, por favor' goes a long way; download offline maps and a basic phrasebook for when connectivity is spotty.
Booking Shows and Classes
Reserve tango shows, Teatro Colón tours, and cooking classes online a few days ahead, especially for weekend evenings, and keep digital copies of confirmations accessible offline or via screenshots.
Map
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