The Ultimate Guide to Buenos Aires

I visited Buenos Aires for 6 weeks a few years ago while I was there I was taking a photography course. When I wasn’t in a class, working on an assignment, relaxing in the pool, and playing volleyball with my classmates, I was out exploring the city. Every chance I had, I would take the opportunity and dive into the culture and passion of Buenos Aires. I would visit markets on the weekend, watch tango dancers on the streets, enjoy siestas in the afternoons and spent some time dancing the night away in some of the city’s clubs. 

Buenos Aires is a passionate Latin city. With music always playing and the smell of great food the city is so alive! It is known for its excellent food and wine, magnificent art and architecture and as the birthplace of tango. It has a lot of fun neighbourhoods which makes it a great city to walk around. If you are interested in Latin American culture, love cities and are looking to turn up the passion in your life, then Buenos Aires is the place for you. Grab a glass of wine or a cup of tea and let’s dive into my Ultimate Guide To Buenos Aires. 

Things to do in Buenos Aires

1. Take a tango class

I can’t think of a better way to get to know the Buenos Aires culture than to learn how to tango. Tango is so passionate and sexy and really grasps the essence of the city’s culture. Pull out your dancing shoes and book a class at a tango studio. The city is filled with bilingual studios, like Mariposita de San Telmo. 

2. San Telmo Feria 

If you are a fan of exploring street markets around the world then you need to check out San Telmo Feria in Buenos Aires. This is the city’s largest and best outdoor street market that runs every Sunday. Visitors can walk up and down the main street of the San Telmo neighbourhood and purchase handmade goods, antiques, second-hand clothes and more. This one of a kind market has street performers and musicians and is surrounded by amazing restaurants. 

3. Enjoy the nightlife 

Buenos Aires has some amazing nightlife. Young and old head out after a late dinner and enjoy dancing and music at one of the city’s many clubs and bars. I really enjoyed my time dancing to pop music at clubs and grooving to tunes while sipping cocktails at jazz bars. While you are in Buenos Aires enjoy a night or two on the town! 

4. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Add a little art into your life as you explore Buenos Aires, by visiting the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, an art museum in the city. This Argentine art museum is located in the Recoleta section and hosts pieces by Goya, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Rodin, Manet and Chagall among other artists.

5. Explore the different neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires 

Buenos Aires is a very big city and has some very cool and unique neighbourhoods that are perfect for tourists to explore. I highly recommend visiting Palmero, Recoleta, San Telmo, La Boca, Downtown, and Puerto Madero. Each of these neighbourhoods has a unique vibe and attractions to see. Click here to check out this guide to the different neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires. 

Where to stay in Buenos Aires 

Like any big city, there are a number of nice hotels in Buenos Aires that range in price and value. Here are three Buenos Aires hotels that would make a great place to call home while you explore the city. 

Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires

This luxurious hotel is divided over a contemporary tower and a 20-century French-style mansion boasting local artwork and upscale décor. Guests can relax in the award-winning spa, state-of-the-art gym, outdoor swimming pool, enjoy therapeutic massages and salon treatments. Four Seasons Hotel is located in the exclusive Recoleta neighbourhood, just a 3-minute drive from the centre of Buenos Aires. Swanky gourmet restaurants and bars can be enjoyed, serving gourmet Argentine cuisine and Argentine-style BBQ. 

Palladio Hotel Buenos Aires Mgallery

Located in Buenos Aires, just 1.3 km from the Colon Theater and 1.2 km from the Obelisk of Buenos Aires, the Palladio Hotel Buenos Aries Mgallery is the perfect hotel for anyone looking for mid-range pricing. Rooms have free WiFi, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, a bidet and some rooms offer a balcony. Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, fitness centre, terrace, restaurant and lounge.

Che Juan Hostel BA

Che Juan Hostel is an adorable hostel located in the Buenos Aires Centre district near the Obelisk of Buenos Aires and the Colon Theatre. The facilities boast air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TV’s, free WiFi, shared kitchen and lounge. Continental breakfast is available and the hostel offers a barbecue. 

What To Pack 

No matter what time of year you plan to visit Buenos Aires here are some items that you need to pack. 

• Sunscreen! 
• Comfortable walking shoe – Buenos Aires is a great city to walk around 
• The correct power adaptor 
• Portal phone charger 
• Patient – the public transport systems is a little more laid back than what most North Americans are used to, so I recommend being patient and going with the flow 
• Clothes that are bright and floral patterned 
• A side bag or satchel for exploring – avoid backpacks due to pickpockets.

What To Eat In Buenos Aires, Argentina

1. Ice Cream 

You have to get ice cream in Argentina! Argentinian ice cream is actually an amazing mix of traditional ice cream and classic Italian gelato. It is smooth and soft and is literally the best ice cream in the world. While I was in Buenos Aires, my friends and I would frequently visit the ice cream store that was around the corner from where we were staying and enjoy this delicious treat before taking a nice siesta. All of the flavours I tried were delicious but I would recommend trying the classic Latin American flavour, dulce de leche.

2. Empanadas

Empanadas are little pockets of dough that are usually stuffed with meat, cheese and veggies that are either baked or fried. They are a class Buenos Aires food, and can be found everywhere in the city – literally everywhere, it seems like there is at least one empanada shop on every block. 

3. Italian – hello pizza and pasta! 

Argentina was settled by a large number of Italian immigrants, so it should be no surprise that the country has some delicious Italian food. While you are exploring the city take a break and nourish yourself with some delicious pasta and pizza. 

4. Steak 

Argentina is known for its steak, so it only makes sense to try some while you are visiting. Just like any of these options, it isn’t going to be hard to find steak in Buenos Aires, but here are 13 of the best steak restaurants in the city. One of my favourite memories from my time in Buenos Aires was when I was invited to an asado (Argentina BBQ). It was such a fun time with new friends and the meat was perfect. 

5. Wine 

Argentina is a wine paradise! When you are there I highly recommend trying some of its fine wines. Here is a list of best wine bars in Buenos Aires that you can try while you explore the city. 

I hope this guide helps you experience this truly remarkable city. If you are ready to plan your next trip to Buenos Aires, click here to purchase my printable travel planner and get planning. 

Enviando amor y luz en tus viajes,

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