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You have just found the ultimate list of the best things to do in Buenos Aires.I am a Buenos Aires local and I’m here to help make sure your visit to my city is unforgettable.
I’ll share all the popular Buenos Aires attractions, plus a few hidden gems only a local would know.
I’ve traveled all over the world, but Buenos Aires remains my favorite city – and I hope you’ll soon agree after experiencing the architecture, the food, and the people.
Buenos Aires is huge, so this list is long. I’ve organized it logically, though. Use the below links to jump around. And if you need a hotel, bookmark our guide to where to stay in Buenos Aires.
Notification: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!
Table of Contents
Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires
La Boca
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse La Boca Tours on Viator
La Boca is a popular neighborhood home to some of the best tourist attractions in Buenos Aires. Wandering its colorful streets, you’ll find street art, magical tango performances, and interesting museums. And, of course, you’ll appreciate the local passion for football.
If you’re lucky enough to be in town at the right time, a very unique Buenos Aires experience is to see the classic game between Boca Juniors vs. River Plate at the famous La Bombonera stadium. Without a doubt, you will be amazed by the passion of the Argentines about soccer.
While in La Boca, be sure to check out Caminito. It is a small cobblestone street characterized by the colors of its houses, street tango shows, restaurants, shops, and bars. La Boca’s restaurants are the perfect place to try local Asado or fernet (another entry on this list of best things to do in Buenos Aires).
👉 Pro Tip: La Boca gets busy! The ideal time is to visit La Boca around 10 am. If you want to visit La Bombonera and its museum, it is recommended to buy tickets online, the price is $1100 for adult foreigners and $750 for minor foreigners and the opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Go to a Tango Show
A touristy thing to do in Buenos Aires, sure, but it’s still a can’t-miss experience that you’ll remember for life.
👉 Browse Popular Tango Shows on Viator
Perhaps the single most famous thing to do in Buenos Aires is to see a tango show. There are several productions around the city, most in San Telmo and Puerto Madero. Usually you’ll have dinner before the show, though a few shows offer an option to join only for drinks and the show.
To be honest, like most locals, I actually never saw a Buenos Aires tango show for most of my life. But that recently changed when I took my partner Nate and his mom to two of the most popular shows: El Querandi Tango Show and the Señor Tango Show.
Both tango shows are fantastic, though different. Señor Tango is a bigger and more impressive production in a fancier setting, but El Querandi is more affordable and feels more authentic.
Recoleta Cemetery
Hauntingly beautiful, the Recoleta Cemetery is one of the most popular sites in Buenos Aires.
📍 Google Maps | +54 011 4803-1594 | Website | Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM daily | Entrance: 1,400 ARS for tourists (only credit card accepted) | 👉 Book a Guided English Tour
You might not expect a cemetery on a list of the best things to do in Buenos Aires. But the 200-year-old Recoleta Cemetery is arguably the most beautiful in the world and is one of the most famous landmarks in Buenos Aires.
You can wander around Recoleta Cemetery independently after paying the mandatory entrance fee for foreigners. But for a more memorable experience, I suggest booking this highly rated guided English tour. The guide will help you find the graves of some of the cemetery’s famous residents, like Eva Perón while sharing fascinating local history.
🛎️ Want a Unique Place to Stay? The Sileo Apart Hotel has suites with balconies overlooking Recoleta Cemetery. It certainly would make for some unique vacation photos!
San Telmo
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Search for Hotels in San Telmo on Booking
San Telmo is perhaps the most bohemian neighborhood in the city of Buenos Aires. It is located north of La Boca and west of Puerto Madero.
On Sundays along Defense Street, you can find hundreds of antique shops at the famous “San Telmo Fair,” which is undeniably one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires. Also known as the Plaza Dorrego Fair, you’ll find antique shops, local artists, and a festive atmosphere.
Plaza Dorrego is worth a visit any of the week. This square is a historical place where Argentina’s independence as a nation was announced in 1816.
In San Telmo, you can also find the “Cartoon Passage,” which is made up of different statues of characters from Argentine Comics. My favorite is Mafalda with Susanita and Manolito. You can find it located between Defense and Chile streets.
👉 Local tip: Although it is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in the city, do not lose sight of your belongings in San Telmo. Picket pockets and petty theft are a real issue here.
Teatro Colón
One of the best opera houses in the world, Teatro Colón is worth a tour even if you can’t catch a show.
📍 Google Maps | +54 11 4378-7100 | Website | Tours: 11 am – 4:15 pm daily (Reserve in Advance) | Entrance: $3800, adults, Free under 7 | 👉 Pre Book Tickets Here
One of the best things to do in Buenos Aires is to visit Teatro Colón. This majestic theater is one of the best opera houses in the world. It is located in the center of the city a few meters from the Obelisk.
Teatro Colón is open to the general public, you can take a guided tour in Spanish or English or if you want a unique and glamorous experience you can get tickets to see their shows at night and enjoy all its splendor.
If you want to take a guided tour, the cost for foreigners over 7 years old is 3,800 ARS, while the tickets for the different shows range from 900 to 20,000 ARS.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
Perhaps the most beautiful bookstore in the world, El Ateneo is one of the best Instagram spots in Buenos Aires.
📍 Google Maps | +54 011 4813-6052 | Website
National Geographiconce called El Ateneo the “world’s most beautiful bookstore.” One look inside this Recoleta attraction and you’ll see why. El Ateneo is situated inside a beautifully restored antique theater. There is even a cafe on the stage where you can sit and sip coffee.
Be sure to walk up the stairs to the overlooking terraces, where you can find what I think is one of the best Instagram shots in Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires Sites & Attractions
Casa Rosada (Pink House) Presidential Palace
An iconic Buenos Aires landmark that serves as the office of the President of Argentina.
📍 Google Maps | +54 11 4344-3600 | Website
The presidential palace, better known as Casa Rosada or Pink House, is one of the most historically important places in Buenos Aires. Although the Casa Rosada is the President’s office during the week, on weekends you can get a guided tour inside the building that you can attend with the whole family.
The Casa Rosada is located next to the Plaza de Mayo, a square that has been the site of several historical dramas in Argentine history. Famously, former president Fernando de la Rua fled from it in a helicopter after resigning due to a popular revolt in 2001. After this episode, the country had 5 presidents in 11 days! Incredible, right?
Catedral Metropolitana de Buenos Aires
The most important church in Argentina, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires was once home to Pope Francis.
📍 Google Maps | +54 11 4331-2845 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 6:45 pm Monday to friday, Weekend 9:00 am – 7:00 pm | Entrance: Free
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires is the most important church in the entire country of Argentina. The remains of General José de San Martín, known as the Liberator and father of the country, rest there. They are permanently guarded by two grenadiers, emblematic figures of the Argentine army.
The church has a museum called “Cardenal Jorge Mario Bergoglio” in honor of the current Pope, who was the archbishop of the Cathedral. Inside you can appreciate the luxury that runs through every corner of this imposing building. As it is located in front of the Plaza de Mayo, this is an easy attraction to cross off your list of things to do in Buenos Aires.
Palacio Barolo
With a unique architectural design inspired by Dante, this historical building is one of the most interesting structures in Buenos Aires.
📍 Google Maps | +54 11 3221-1331 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 10 pm Tuesday – Friday, 10 am – 11 pm Saturday, 10 am – 9 pm Sunday, 10 am – 10 pm Monday
Inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, Palacio Barolo is one of the most unique landmarks in Buenos Aires. Erected in 1890, Palacio Barolo is an unusual mix of architectural styles, with neo-Gothic, neo-romantic, and Indian influences.
Guided tours of the building are available to book by calling or at the box office on the ground floor. The night tours in particular get great reviews.
For a real treat, reserve a spot for afternoon “merienda” (Argentina’s “afternoon snack” service that’s kind of like high tea) at Salon 1923, a rooftop restaurant with beautiful views over the Buenos Aires skyline.
If you peek over the western ledge, you can even get fantastic views of Congreso, which happens to be next up on this list of things to see in Buenos Aires.
Congreso de la Nacion Argentina
Marvel at the outside of my country’s Congressional building or take a tour inside.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Free Tours Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri at 12:30 PM in English (Bring Photo ID)
Argentina’s Congress building is one of the most impressive in the city, and worth a detour from Plaza Mayo even if just to take a photo in front of the 80 meter bronze-plated dome.
If you want to tour the inside, guided free walking tours of the interior are available most weekdays (except Wednesdays). The tour will take you through the ornate chambers and even Eva Peron’s pink room.
To book a tour of the Congreso de la Nacion Argentina, visit the security window at Hipólito Yrigoyen 1849 (Google Maps).
Obelisco
An iconic Buenos Aires landmark located in the center of downtown.
If you watched the coverage of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory, you may have seen photos of the massive crowds celebrating at the city’s iconic Obelisco.
This landmark is an important site in the center of the city, and therefore frequently where rallies, protests, and marches are staged (we Argentinians like to express ourselves!).
The best thing to do at Obelisco is to snap a photo from the nearby park. It’s located in a traffic circle on the busy Avenida 9 de Julio, so there’s not much else to do. But it’s nearby many other Buenos Aires attractions and tons of cute cafes, including the next one on our list.
Café Tortoni
Perhaps the most famous cafe in Argentina, the queue for this popular attraction is never short.
📍 Google Maps | +54 11 4342-4328 | Website | Hours: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm daily
Since 1858, Café Tortoni has been located on the famous Avenida de Mayo, and a few meters from Plaza de Mayo. It is a popular thing to do in Buenos Aires, especially among tourists, because Café Tortoni has been visited by historical characters such as Carlos Gardel, Albert Einstein, and Borges.
Just be aware that this Buenos Aires attraction is very popular, so there is almost always a line out front to get seated at Café Tortoni.
👉 Local Tip: The best time to visit Café Tortoni is from Monday to Friday in the morning starting at 8 am, when it opens.
Floralis Genérica
A famous steel flower sculpture that opens during the day and closes at night.
This next Buenos Aires landmark is located right next to the University of Buenos Aires, where I went to law school (and next on this list).
Floralis Genérica is an 18 ton, 23 meter high, steel sculpture of a flower that opens and closes with the sunrise. The flower opens at 8 am and closes every day at sunset.
The park sits in is a nice place to go for a walk, or to bring a blanket and enjoy some mate. What’s mate, you ask? We’ll get to that in this next section of things to do in Buenos Aires!
👉 Pro Tip:Book the Buenos Aires Hop-on-Hop-Off City Bus to quickly see many of the best things to do in Buenos Aires on this list. Plus the open top bus is perfect for seeing the city on a sunny day.
Facultad de Derecho (University of Buenos Aires)
My law school is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, featuring art, architecture, and history.
📍 Google Maps| Website | Open 7 am – 11 pm (Closes 8 pm Sat & All Day Sun)
Ok, this next landmark is very special to me because I recently graduated from this law school. The Facultad de Derecho is one of the most grandiose buildings in Buenos Aires, and its soaring interior has been famously featured in scenes in many local movies.
The soaring Greek columns on the front staircase make a great place to take photos. Entrance is free and open to the public, and inside you’ll find art, paintings, and sculptures.
After checking out the building and nearby Floralis Genérica sculpture, you could always join the local students for a drink at one of my friends’ favorite secret hangouts: Ache grill.
Food & Drink
Bestial Fly Bar
A new and hip rooftop bar overlooking Palermo, perfect for sunset drinks.
📍 Google Maps | +54 11 312-63490 | Website | Hours: 7 PM – Late, Closed Sun & Mon
Ok, now we get to the part of this guide where I get to share one of my personal favorite things to do in Buenos Aires: drinking and eating of course! And let’s start with a newly-opened rooftop bar that most tourists pass by without even knowing it’s above them: the stylish Bestial Fly Bar.
Bestial Fly Bar is a high-end rooftop bar that is a must-visit at sunset for panoramic views over Palermo. Oh, and be sure to try the signature tiki drinks!
Dine at Palacio Duhau
One of the city’s top luxury hotels houses a courtyard featuring several elegant al fresco dining options.
📍 Google Maps | +54 011 5171-1234 | Website | 👉 Check Prices for Hotel Rooms at Palacio Duhau
Palacio Duhau is one of the nicest hotels in town, and a great luxury choice when choosing where to stay in Buenos Aires. But, no matter where you stay, it’s worth enjoying a meal at one of the fine restaurants in the hotel’s stunning courtyard.
Plant based eaters will love Gioia Cocina Botánica, which is perfect on a sunny afternoon. Or, for carnivores looking for more traditional Argentine fare, try the steak and wine at Duhau Restaurante & Vinoteca, which is beautiful when lit up in the evenings.
Try Mate
A uniquely Argentinian drink that, though an acquired taste, is a can’t-miss experience in Buenos Aires.
One of the most important things to do in Buenos Aires is to try some mate! Mate tea is a caffeinated drink made with yerba mate leaves.
Drinking mate is a ritual that is an important part of everyday life for most Argentinians. We put the mate in special gourds with metal straws, and then pour hot water over it and drink.
Mate is as common as coffee here. But you can’t really order it in a Buenos Aires restaurant. Everyone prepares their own in their preferred way (this is why you’ll see locals lugging around thermoses everywhere!). So you’ll need to make it yourself or ask a local to share some.
The yerba leaves can be found in any grocery store. Your accommodation in Buenos Aires might come stocked with the gourd and straw. If not, they are easy to find at fairs and stalls around the city, or you can go to a store like Todo Mates in Palermo (pictured above). Plus, they make great souvenirs!
Alternatively, you can also try mate and other typical Argentinian foods by booking your spot at the popular Argentine Experience dining event.
Eat an Alfajor
This chocolatey delight is one of the most famous desserts from Argentina. You must try one!
An alfajor is a traditional Argentine pastry that consists of dulce de leche sandwiched between two small chocolate cakes. Alfajores come in different flavors and types, so be sure to try more than one to find your favorite!
Finding an alfajor to try won’t be hard during your visit. Alfajores are sold at practically every corner store and supermarket in Buenos Aires. But I recommend heading to one of the city’s many Havanna cafes, which specializes in serving this delicious local treat, or at the Cachafaz Cafe in La Boca.
Experience Fra-nui
These chocolate-covered frozen raspberries are one of the best treats in Buenos Aires.
📍 Google Maps (Palermo location) | Website
If you have a sweet tooth, you can’t leave Buenos Aires without tasting the magic of Fra-nui. This local dessert consists of chocolate-covered frozen raspberries. And it’s even more delicious than it sounds.
You can get a cup of Fra-nui at the Rapanui chocolate shop, which has locations around the city (I’ve linked to my favorite, their Palermo location, above). Or you can find it in many grocery stores and even some restaurants.
🍴 Need to Order In? FYI, the top food delivery apps in Buenos Aires are called Rappi and Pedios Ya. You can even order Fra-nui for delivery!
Drink Fernet
A popular Italian alcohol that you can find all over Buenos Aires.
Fernet is an herbal liqueur that, though technically from Italy, is heavily associated with Argentinian culture. Pretty much every bar in the city serves Fernet. You can try it straight, but most people I know prefer to order Fernet with cola.
Kayla Restaurant
Dine at one of the most privileged locations in the city, with stunning views overlooking Puerto Madero and the Buenos Aires skyline.
📍 Google Maps | +54114114-0947 | 👉 Check Prices for Hotel Rooms at the Alvear Icon Hotel
⚠️ Closure Note: Kayla Restaurant is temporarily closed until further notice.
If you’re looking for one of the nicest restaurants in Buenos Aires, Kayla sits in perhaps the fanciest location in town. Situated on the rooftop of the incredible Alvear Icon Hotel, Kayla sports some of the best views in the city and top-notch service. It’s great for a romantic date or a fancy night out with friends.
Museums & Culture
Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA)
A popular museum housing an impressive collection of 20th Century Latin art.
📍 Google Maps | +54 011 4808-6500 | Website | Hours: 12 PM – 8 PM, 11 AM – 8 PM Wed (Closed Tue) | Entrance: 900 ARS, Children 5 and Under Free
If you enjoy modern art, then you should definitely visit the highly-rated Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires. Started by the private collection of the museum’s founder, local businessman Eduardo F. Costantin, MALBA is home to more than 600 20th century Latin artworks.
National Museum of Fine Arts (MNBA)
Home to one of the largest art collections in Latin America, MNBA is a must-visit for any art-lover.
📍 Google Maps | +54 011 5288-9900 | Website | Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM (Closed Mon, Opens 10 AM Sat & Sun) | Free Admission
The National Museum of Fine Arts in Recoleta is one of the most esteemed museums in Buenos Aires. Inside you’ll find both impressionist and contemporary pieces, including many sculptures and paintings.
Manzana de Las Luces (Apple of the Lights) Historical Complex
A historical complex home to underground tunnels, a library, a church, and various historic sites.
📍 Google Maps | +54 011 4342-9930 | Website | Hours: 12 PM – 7 PM (Closed Mon, Tues, Thurs)
The “Apples of the Lights” historical center is a complex that takes up an entire city block just south of Plaza de Mayo.
The complex is home to the Parroquia San Ignacio de Loyola. Built in 1675, it’s the oldest church in the city and an important Buenos Aires landmark. You can also visit the library of the national college, several historical missions, and even a small underground cave network.
Centro Cultural Recoleta
One of the oldest buildings in Buenos Aires has been converted into a thriving cultural center.
📍 Google Maps | +54 011 4803-1040 | Website | Hours: 1:30 – 10 PM (Closed Mon, Opens 11:15 AM Sat & Sun)
Part art museum, part community center, Recoleta’s Centro Cultural is an exhibition space housed in an 18th century building, one of the city’s oldest. Exhibitions come and go, but it’s always worth a stop to check out what is currently on display. You can also enjoy a snack or meal on the large balcony cafe or a drink at the garden bar.
Bernardino Rivadavia Museum of Natural Science
A fun natural history museum where kids can marvel at dinosaur fossils and fascinating exhibits.
📍 Google Maps | +54 011 4982-4494 | Website | Hours: 2 PM – 7 PM Daily
One of the best things to do in Buenos Aires with children is to visit the Bernardino Rivadavia Museum of Natural Science. There is a large collection of prehistoric fossils, insects, and stuffed animals, including a dramatic T-Rex skeleton.
Afterwards, you can take a stroll through the nearby Parque Centenario, which has a giant water fountain in its center.
El Zanjón
Explore underground tunnels and labyrinths at one of the oldest historical sites in Buenos Aires.
📍 Google Maps | +54 011 7078-1542 | Website | English Tours 12 PM, 2 PM & 4 PM | Entrance 4,000 ARS
El Zanjón is a privately-owned archaeological site where you can find one of the earliest settlements in Buenos Aires. It was bought by a private owner, who was surprised to unearth the extensive network of tunnels running under the site. The owner has put El Zanjón through an extensive series of renovations, and opened it to the public for tours.
It is only possible to visit El Zanjón via guided tours, so be sure to book ahead. After your tour, cross the street to check out Casa Minima, another part of the site that is home to the narrowest house in Buenos Aires (it’s the white house I’m standing below in the above photo).
Museo Evita
A small museum dedicated to chronicling the life of Argentina’s famous former first lady.
📍 Google Maps | +54 011 4807-9433 | Website | Hours: 11 AM – 7 PM (Closed Mon)
If you’ve seen the 1996 film Evita, you already know a little bit about Eva Perón, former first lady of Argentina and an important local historical figure. But you can learn much more by perusing the exhibits at this museum near Plaza Italia dedicated to telling the story of her life.
Exhibit signs are in both English and Spanish, which makes it the perfect place to learn about the history of one of the city’s most famous people.
Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo
A small but luxurious art museum hosting pieces from around the world.
📍 Google Maps | +54 011 4801-8248 | Website | Hours: 1 PM – 7 PM, last entrance 6:30 PM (Closed Mon & Tues) | Free Admission
Though it is one of the smaller museums in Buenos Aires, Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo is worth a visit. Located in a historic mansion in Palermo Chico, the museum houses pieces from around the world.
There is also no charge for entrance (though they do take donations), making it one of the best free things to do Buenos Aires offers.
Museo Sívori
A small but important museum showcasing Argentinian artists, located in one of the best parks in the city.
📍 Google Maps | +54 011 4774-9452 | Website | Hours: 11 AM – 7 PM Mon, Wed-Fri, 12 PM – 8 PM Sat & Sun (Closed Tuesday) | Free Entrance
Museo Sívori is another small museum that gets good reviews for its many displays featuring local Argentine artists. It’s located in one of the city’s main parks, near several other things to do in Buenos Aires on this list, so afterwards stroll the park, cross the Greek Bridge, and check out the stunning rose garden.
Places to Explore in Buenos Aires
Puerto Madero
The former port area is now home to waterfront restaurants, offices, and some of the most exclusive condominiums in Buenos Aires.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book Hotels in Puerto Madero on Booking
Puerto Madero is a waterfront neighborhood located along a revitalized port not far from downtown Buenos Aires. Both sides of the waterfront are lined with some of the best restaurants and cafes in the city. Puerto Madero is a great place to go for a sunset stroll. Be sure to snap a photo at the iconic white Puente de la Mujer (“Bridge of the Woman”).
Puerto Madero is one of the more modern neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, so it’s naturally also home to some of the best luxury hotels in the city. If you’re looking for a place to stay, I suggest either the luxurious Faena Hotel Buenos Aires or the soaring Alvear Icon Hotel.
Plaza Serrano
The busiest square in the popular Palermo neighborhood, this is the place to go for nightlife.
Plaza Serrano is a busy urban square in the heart of the Palermo neighborhood. The square is packed with cafes, restaurants, and bars, and is one of the liveliest places in the city if you want to check out the famous Buenos Aires nightlife scene.
Plaza Serrano also makes a fun thing to do in Buenos Aires during the day, too. You can sip coffee at a cafe, peruse the stylish boutiques nearby, or browse the frequent street markets.
🍸 Local Tip – Planning a Night Out? Porteños (people from Buenos Aires) love to party! But be aware that our schedule runs much later than you may be used to. If you go to Palermo’s nightclubs at 1 AM, they’ll be empty! It’s normal for locals to go to dinner at 10 PM, a bar at midnight, hit the nightclubs at 3 AM, and party until sunrise.
Tigre
The easiest day trip from Buenos Aires is a great place to relax by the water.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Tour to Tigre Delta and San Isidro
One of the most popular day trips from Buenos Aires is to the waterside town of Tigre. Locals and tourists alike go to chill out at the many waterside restaurants, take boat rides, or just go shopping.
Tigre also has a small and interesting Chinatown that’s worth checking out. And the Museo de Arte Tigre is a really nice little art museum that I suggest visiting while in Tigre.
You can get to Tigre by taking a train from Retiro Station. Trains leave frequently and take about an hour. Alternatively, you can check out this popular group tour to Tigre that also takes you to nearby San Isidro.
Take the Ferry to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
One of the best day trips from Buenos Aires is to cross the river and explore Uruguay’s small but picturesque colonial town.
📍 Google Maps (Buenos Aires Ferry Terminal) | 👉 Book a Day Trip Tour to Uruguay
What is Uruguay doing on a list of the top things to do in Buenos Aires? Well, it’s such an easy and unique day trip that I decided to include it – plus it gives you the chance to quickly check off another country.
Located just across the river from Buenos Aires is the small but adorable town of Colonia del Sacramento. Wander cobblestone streets, check out the historic fort San Miguel Bastion, and grab a waterfront lunch at one of the highly rated restaurants (I loved the outdoor patio at Bohemia Bistro).
You can get to Colonia by joining this tour or can go independently by taking the ferry from the downtown terminal. The ride is easy and comfortable, though I suggest you plan to arrive a bit earlier to go through immigration.
Chinatown Buenos Aires
A lively attraction in the Belgrano neighborhood, including some great places to find cheap eats.
Though it is small, the Buenos Aires Chinatown is a fun and unique place to explore while you are checking out the Belgrano neighborhood. You’ll find various shops and restaurants, including some affordable street stalls serving up yummy Asian delights.
Outdoor Activities in Buenos Aires
Jardín Japonés (Japanese Garden)
A beautiful Japanese garden located in the heart of the city, which is especially gorgeous when the cherry blossoms bloom.
📍 Google Maps | +54 011 4804-4922 | Website | Hours: 10 AM – 6:30 PM | Entrance: 416 ARS
The Jardín Japonés (Japanese Garden), is one of the most beautiful places in Buenos Aires. There is an onsite restaurant, a nursery, a large pond filled with koi fish, and more plants and birds than I could count.
If you can, I suggest you come during the weekdays. On busy days, the line to get in can appear intimidating, but it does move fast!
Ecoparque
A former zoo turned open air park, where you can take a stroll among peacocks, capybaras, and other small animals.
📍 Google Maps | +54 011 5091-7200 | Website | Hours: 11 AM – 6 PM (Closed Mon) | Free Entrance
The animal lover in my loves strolling through the Buenos Aires Ecoparque in Buenos Aires. This park sits on the site of a former zoo, originally opened in 1888 and re-opened as an open air ecopark in 2018.
It’s free to wander the grounds. Inside you’ll find a variety of small animals, including rabbits, capybaras, llamas, and peacocks. You’ll also find several historical buildings and plaques describing the history of the old zoo.
Botanic Garden (Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays)
A beautiful botanical garden with a charming greenhouse, right in the heart of Palermo.
📍 Google Maps | +54 011 4831-4527 | Hours: 8 AM – 5:30 PM Tue-Fri, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM Sat & Sun (Closed Mon) | Entrance Free
Located directly next to the Ecoparque in Palermo, Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays makes for another great place to go for a relaxing stroll away from the noise of the city.
The gardens are filled with exotic plant species from all over the world, and are well-marked with signs explaining what they are. There is even a greenhouse showcasing exotic plants.
Tres de Febrero Park & Paseo El Rosedal Garden
Two adjoining stunning parks perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, love birds, and Instagrammers.
📍 Google Maps | Tres de Febrero Park Open 24 hours, Rose Garden Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM (Closed Mon)
Tres de Febrero Park is one of the largest parks in Buenos Aires. On the weekends and warm summer evenings, it comes alive with visitors and locals enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. You can rent a paddle boat on the large lake in the middle, or take a bike ride, or run around the wide pedestrian streets looping the lake.
In the middle of Tres de Febrero Park, you’ll find my favorite place: the Paseo El Rosedal Garden. It’s filled with tons of roses and makes for a perfect spot to take photos or to just enjoy the beauty of mother nature.
Unique & Non-Touristy Things to Do
Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo
A racetrack complex tucked away near Palermo, which is very active on race days.
📍 Google Maps | +54 011 4778-2800 | Website | Check Website for Racing Schedule | Entrance Free
Located in the northern part of Palermo is the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, a large complex containing the city’s main race track. Come to see a horse race or to just wander the grounds. There is a large brewery on site, as well as an extensive casino inside.
Planetario Galileo Galilei
This half-century-old planetarium is a fun thing to do with kids (or anyone who acts like one).
📍 Google Maps | +54 011 4771-6629 | Website (Pre-Book Tickets) | Shows 2 PM & 6 PM Sat & Sun (Closed Holidays)
If you are visiting Buenos Aires with children, you’ll definitely want to check out this planetarium. They run multiple shows per day on the interior screen. Or you can pass by in the evenings to see it spectacularly lit up.
Planetario Galileo Galilei is a very popular thing to do for local families and school groups, so be sure to pre-book your tickets on their website.
Galerías Pacífico
A shopping mall with a rooftop mural worthy of a place in the Vatican.
📍 Google Maps | +54 011 5555-5110 | Website | Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM daily
Galerías Pacífico is a century-old shopping mall. It may not sound like a fun activity at first. That is, until you look up! Painted on the ceiling of the center area, you’ll find a stunning mural painted by local artists in the 1940s.
Feria de Mataderos
A Sunday fair where you can find local artisans selling goods and musicians performing.
If you want to know what to do in Buenos Aires like a local, you need to check out the street fairs! There are dozens all over the city (walk long enough, and you’re sure to run into one). But one of the most famous fairs in Buenos Aires is the Feria de Mataderos, which takes place Sundays in a lesser known part of the city.
Mercado de la Pulgas
An expansive flea market in Palermo where you can browse Argentinian antiques and collectibles.
📍 Google Maps | +54 011 4779-2915 | Hours: 11 AM – 6:30 PM (Closed Mon)
Located on the western edge of Palermo is an expansive flea market. You’ll find everything from furniture to vintage phone booths being sold inside. If you’re into antiques or just want to get a flavor of the city’s past, it’s a unique thing to do in Buenos Aires.
👉 Safety Tip: Do take note that I nearly had my phone stolen nearby though and that the area nearby is prone to petty theft. As a general rule, it’s best to leave your phone in your pocket as much as possible.
FAQs About What to Do in Buenos Aires
What are the most popular attractions in Buenos Aires?
The most popular attractions in Buenos Aires include the Recoleta Cemetery,La Boca neighborhood, Casa Rosada, and Teatro Colon.
What are some local hidden gems in Buenos Aires?
Hidden gems in Buenos Aires include the Feria de Mataderos,Ecoparque, and the Planetario Galileo Galilei.
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Now you know what to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina! I hope you’ve enjoyed my list of the best things to do in Buenos Aires. Did you find anything I missed? Scroll down and leave a comment!
Oh, and if you’re planning a trip to Iguazu Fall (which you should, in my opinion), check out our Iguazu itinerary.
