What to do in Buenos Aires

Recoleta

Walks

Plaza Francia: Explore in the afternoon, especially during the weekend fair.

Tip: Bring cash for artisan purchases as not all vendors accept cards.

Recoleta Parks: Ideal in the morning for peaceful walks and cooler weather.

Tip: Pack a picnic or grab a coffee from nearby kiosks to enjoy in the park.

Avenida Alvear: Stroll along this elegant avenue to admire early 1900s small palaces, including the Duhau Palace, France Embassy, and Alvear Hotel.

Tip: Visit in the afternoon for a quieter experience and stop at the Alvear Hotel for a tea service or cocktail.

Cultural Activities

Recoleta Cemetery: Best in the morning for fewer crowds and cooler weather.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestone paths can be uneven.

National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes): Ideal in the afternoon, when it’s less busy.

Tip: Allocate at least 1–2 hours to explore the impressive collections.

Centro Cultural Recoleta: Visit in the afternoon or evening for exhibitions or events.

Tip: Check the event schedule online for free performances or workshops.

Patio Bullrich: A luxury shopping mall. Visit in the afternoon for a relaxed shopping experience.

Tip: Bring a credit card as many stores cater to high-end shoppers.

Librería El Ateneo: A stunning bookstore in a converted theater. Best visited in the afternoon.

Tip: Enjoy a coffee while browsing books in the café located on the old stage.

San Telmo

Walks

Defensa Street: Walk in the afternoon for vibrant street art and performances.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the streets are cobblestoned.

Plaza Dorrego: Best in the evening for tango shows and a lively ambiance.

Tip: Bring a light jacket and enjoy the outdoor tango performances.

Cultural Activities

San Telmo Market (Mercado de San Telmo): Visit in the morning on weekends to enjoy the bustling atmosphere.

Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy fresh empanadas at local stands.

El Zanjón de Granados: Tours are generally better in the afternoon for a relaxed pace.

Tip: Book your tickets in advance, as tours are often in small groups.

Palermo

Walks

Bosques de Palermo: Visit in the morning for picnics or a jog.

Tip: Use sunscreen and bring a hat, as there are open sunny areas.

Japanese Gardens: Best in the afternoon, avoiding early crowds.

Tip: Check their website for seasonal events like tea ceremonies.

Palermo Soho: Enjoy in the afternoon or evening for boutique shopping and nightlife.

Tip: Dress stylishly for the trendy cafés and rooftop bars.

Cultural Activities

Evita Museum: Visit in the morning to explore before heading to nearby parks.

Tip: Rent an audio guide for a more in-depth experience of Evita’s life.

MALBA (Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires): Go in the afternoon for a calm experience.

Tip: Stop by the café for delicious pastries and coffee after your visit.

Buenos Aires Planetarium: Best in the evening for stargazing shows.

Tip: Bring a light jacket as evenings can get chilly.

La Boca

Walks

Caminito Street: Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the vibrant colors under good lighting.

Tip: Keep an eye on your belongings, as the area can get busy with tourists.

Cultural Activities

Fundación PROA: Best in the afternoon, after exploring Caminito.

Tip: Enjoy the rooftop café for panoramic views of the neighborhood.

La Bombonera Stadium: Go in the morning or afternoon for stadium tours.

Tip: Wear blue and yellow if you’re a fan of Boca Juniors for extra fun!

Puerto Madero

Walks

Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur: Best in the morning for pleasant weather and birdwatching.

Tip: Bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Puente de la Mujer: Visit in the afternoon for great photo lighting.

Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the area.

Renovated Docks: Best in the evening for a romantic stroll and dinner by the water.

Tip: Reserve a table in advance at one of the waterfront restaurants.

Microcentro/Retiro

Walks

Florida Street: A pedestrian shopping street best enjoyed in the afternoon.

Tip: Be cautious of pickpockets and enjoy street performances along the way.

Plaza San Martín: Visit in the morning for a peaceful walk through this historic park.

Tip: Look for the Monument to the Fallen in the Falklands War and enjoy the shade of the ancient trees.

Obelisco: Best viewed in the afternoon for iconic photos in good lighting.

Tip: Combine your visit with a walk along Avenida 9 de Julio, one of the widest avenues in the world.

Cultural Activities

Café Tortoni: Visit in the afternoon for a classic Buenos Aires coffeehouse experience.

Tip: Try their famous churros with hot chocolate and enjoy the historic decor.

Avenida de Mayo: Stroll this avenue in the morning or afternoon to admire its stunning architecture, including the Palacio Barolo.

Tip: Look out for guided tours of the Palacio Barolo for spectacular views from the lighthouse.

Plaza de Mayo: Visit in the morning to experience the historical and political heart of Buenos Aires.

Tip: Take time to admire the May Pyramid and the surrounding colonial buildings.

La Catedral Metropolitana: Best visited in the morning, near Plaza de Mayo.

Tip: Don’t miss the mausoleum of General San Martín inside the cathedral.

El Cabildo: Ideal in the morning, just off Plaza de Mayo.

Tip: Visit the museum to learn about Buenos Aires’ colonial history.

Belgrano

Walks

Barrio Chino (Chinatown): Visit in the afternoon to enjoy lunch and shopping.

Tip: Try the street food stalls for authentic Asian cuisine.

Plaza Barrancas de Belgrano: Morning walks are ideal for a serene experience.

Tip: Bring a book or blanket to relax under the shade of the trees.

Where to eat?

Buenos Aires offers a wide variety of food, from the best smash burgers to top asian food places and great ice creams.

FYI: Its very important specially on weekends to go either early between 7:30 Pm to 8:30 Pm in order to avoid large queues, or after 10 PM, also some places may require a reservation.

Smash Burgers

Palermo: Kiddo, The Flour Store, Laundry Soho Bar, Burger Couple

Colegiales: Voraz

General / Multiple Locations: Foodtruckstore, Big Pons, El Club de la Birra

Villa Urquiza: Frank’s Grill (grilled burgers)

Pasta

Recoleta: Massey, Sottovoce, La Parolaccia

Palermo: La Alacena, Quotidiano

Chacarita: Cantina Pierino

Villa Devoto: Evelia Restaurante

Belgrano: Cucina Paradiso

Meats & Asado

Palermo: Don Julio, Corte Comedor, Fogón Asado

San Telmo: La Brigada

Puerto Madero: Ribs al Río, Kansas

Recoleta: Piegari Carnes

Villa Devoto: Mago - Parrilla de Mercado

Zona Norte / Costanera: Roldán, Bulls BBQ Smokehouse

Caballito: Madre Rojas

Cantinas (Traditional Eateries)

Palermo: Cantina Palermo, El Preferido de Palermo

Chacarita: Fraga Bodegón

Villa Ortúzar: El Antojo

Recoleta / Chacarita Border: Albamonte

San Telmo: Olla 7

Tapas

Palermo: Lardito

Villa Crespo: La Esperanza de los Ascurra

Chacarita: Pasillito

Napolitan Pizza

Palermo: Siamo Nel Forno, Francisca del Fuego

Recoleta: Pizza Paradiso

Belgrano: Atte Pizzería Napoletana

Villa Urquiza: Spritzza!

Argentine Pizza

Centro / Microcentro: Las Cuartetas, Los Inmortales, Banchero

Recoleta / Barrio Norte: El Cuartito

Belgrano: La Mezzetta

Villa Urquiza: La Guitarrita

Abasto / Once: Güerrin

NYC-Style Pizza

Chacarita / Colegiales: Kalis Pizza, Hell’s Pizza

Palermo Hollywood: Togni’s

Tacos

Palermo: ¡Ya Cabrón!

Medialunas & Bakery

Palermo Chico: Boulan

Palermo Soho: Oli

Belgrano: Dos Escudos

Café

Palermo: Oli, Bicho, Gontran Cherrier

Recoleta: Havanna, Philo Café

Colegiales / Chacarita: Blanca

Sushi

Palermo: Nicky Harrison, Maru Omakase, La Causa Nikkei

Puerto Madero: Osaka

Recoleta: Paru Inkas

Belgrano: Azul Profundo

Zona Norte: Sushiclub

Villa Urquiza: Norimoto

Ice Cream

Palermo: Rapanui, Lucciano’s

Recoleta: Freddo

Belgrano: Persicco

Where to Go for Drinks?

Buenos Aires has a vibrant nightlife — from neighborhood bars to rooftops and hidden speakeasies.

Bars

Palermo: Soria Bar, Florería Atlántico, Negroni, Club Lucero, Laundry Soho Bar

Recoleta: Milión, Alvear Rooftop

Puerto Madero: Trade Skybar, Alvear Icon

San Telmo: La Estrella Cantina

Centro / Retiro: Presidente Bar

Speakeasies

Palermo: Frank’s, Nicky Harrison, JW Bradley, Uptown