Buenos Aires is one of those unique places in Latin America that feels like it was picked up and dropped off from Italy. The architecture, food, and general feel was all very European. I spent a week in the city, and felt like I got a really good feel for the culture, the food and the sights. Today
I’m sharing my Buenos Aires, Argentina City Guide.

Buenos Aires, Argentina City Guide

[ TO SEE & DO ]

The Bosques de Palermo

Also known as the “Parque 3 de febrero,” the Bosques de Palermo lake are surrounded by park area, wild geese, and a rose garden. You can also rent row boats to row across the lake. I think what amazed me the most was how many geese were lounging around chilling.

• Pro Tip: Don’t get too close to the geese – they may try to attach you.
• To do: Bring a picnic to enjoy by the lake, take a bike ride, or rent a boat.

The Casa Rosada

The Casa Rosada (The Pink House) is where the President of Argentina lives. I loved finding a unique way to take a pretty ordinary picture. Not only can you take a tour of the casa, but you can also visit the museum on site.

• Tours: English tours on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at 2.30pm. To reserve a spot, visit the Casa Rosada website.
• Price: Tours are free

The Japanese Garden 

A Japanese Garden in Buenos Aires? Not very Argentinian. But the gardens are a great option if you’re looking for a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the Buenos Aires city life. There’s also a Japanese restaurant in the gardens which had some pretty great sushi!

• Hours: Daily 10 AM – 6 PM
• Entrance Fee: $150 ARS (~$4 USD)

La Boca

When you see Buenos Aires postcards, the most common one is of colorful buildings. The area known as “La Boca” is where immigrants entering Buenos Aires (primarily Italian) lived upon arrival. Previously, the entire are was super colorful, now only a few blocks remain. While it is a must visit area, it is also known as being very unsafe.

• Pro Tip: Visit La Boca with a guided tour, and keep an eye on your cameras, phones, and other valuables.
• Attractions: Looking for a list of attractions in La Boca? This post has some great tips.

El Cemetario de Recoleta

El Cemetario de Recoleta, also known as “The Recoleta Cemetery,” is one of the most breath-taking spots in Buenos Aires. Not to mention that Eva Perón and other famous artists, intellectuals, and politicians are buried there.

• Tours: There are free tours in English take place at 11am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• Hours: Open daily 8 AM – 6 PM
• Notable Tombs to See: 
  • Paz Family
  • Eva Peron
  • David Alleno
  • Rufina Cambaceres

Pro Tip: If you visit the cemetery on the weekend, be sure to catch the “Feria de Artesanos de Plaza Francia” which wraps around the entire plaza.

Graffiti Tours

Taking a graffiti tour was one of my favorite activities while in Buenos Aires. While you can explore neighborhoods like Palermo Soho and come across all sorts of art, taking a tour will really make it come alive. You can read my blog post about the entire experience here.

[ FOOD ]

 

 

If I had to describe Argentine cuisine, I’d start with a metaphor. Argentine food is to Italian food what TexMex is to Mexican food. It’s latino with an Italian spin. You’ll often find a pizza restaurant that serves empanadas on the side.

Must Try Foods in Buenos Aires: 

• Empanadas
• Fugazzeta (pizza with cheese and onions)
• Steak (“parrilla”)
• Malbec (a wine but still makes the list!)
• Milanese (breaded & fried meat)
• Alfajores ( Argentine cookie)

[ DAY TRIPS ]

Colonia, Uruguay

I decided to take a day trip from Buenos Aires to Colonia, Uruguay. It’s an adorable little town with shops and restaurants along the water. For more day trip ideas, this blog post is very helpful.

[ MUSEUMS ] 

The MALBA Museum

The museum features all Latin American artists and features a mixture of different types of art. I would say most of them were modern.

• Hours:
  • Thursday through Monday and Holidays: 12-8PM
  • Wednesday 12- 9PM
    Tuesday closed
• Entrance Fee:
  • Adults: $170 ARS ( ~$4.50 USD)
  • Students, teachers and seniors: $85 ARS ( ~$2.30 USD)

El museo de Bellas Artes

The Museum of Fine Arts was an interesting mix of French artists (think Van Gogh), Latin American artists, and Italian artists. More interesting to me however, was the gorgeous park area surrounding the museum.

• Hours: 
  • Tuesday through Friday, 11 AM – 8 PM
  • Saturdays and Sundays, 10 AM – 8 PM
  • Closed Mondays
• Entrance Fee: $100 ARS (~$2.75 USD)

[ SHOPPING ] 

El Ateneo Grand Splendid

I was torn whether to put El Ateneo in the “See & Do” section or in the “shopping” section. Because really, it is a little bit of both. Find a book, take some photos in this converted theater, or grab a cup of coffee while reading a book you bought. It really was one of my favorite little spots that was worth all the hype!

San Telmo Market

San Telmo Market, also known as “Mercado de San Telmo,” is your one stop shop for all souvenirs you need from Argentina. I picked up some of those little yerba mate pots (above), grabbed a snack, and spent the afternoon walking around. You can find everything from groceries, to antiques, to traditional Argentine items. Don’t forget to haggle!

Hours: Open daily 10 AM – 8 PM

Palermo Soho

Looking for some chic and trendy shopping options? Take a walk through the neighborhood of Palermo Soho. While there you can also stop at a cafe, and grab a bite to eat.

I hope you enjoyed my Buenos Aires, Argentina City Guide. This is the perfect itinerary to follow for a first-timer’s visit!