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Welcome to Buenos Aires
Welcome to Buenos Aires
Experience tango, steak, and soulful elegance.
Experience tango, steak, and soulful elegance.
Buenos Aires, Argentina’s steamy capital, is a 2.9-million-strong sprawl where tango sways in the streets, colonial facades rub shoulders with Art Nouveau flair, and the Río de la Plata glints on the horizon. Known as the “Paris of South America,” it’s a city of passion—San Telmo’s cobblestones echo with buskers’ guitars, Recoleta’s marble tombs whisper history, and Palermo’s leafy boulevards buzz with café chatter.
From the pink-hued Casa Rosada to the smoky parrillas grilling Argentina’s famed beef, Buenos Aires is a sensory overload—think mate sipped on a plaza bench, the clatter of milonga heels, and the roar of a Boca Juniors match. Whether you’re browsing Feria de Mataderos’ gaucho crafts, sipping Malbec under fairy lights, or tracing Evita’s legacy, this is a city that grabs you by the soul and spins you into its rhythm.
Finding All The Right Places
Finding All The Right Places
We've compiled a helpful map showing all of the attractions we've detailed throughout the guide.
Click on the icon at the top left of the map to open the Attractions menu.
Click on one of the numbered waypoints to open details about that attraction.
You can also expand the map using the icon at the top right of the map.
You can also click the icon at the top right of the details pane for directions when you're there.
Best Flights to Barcelona This Year
Best Flights to Barcelona This Year
Buenos Aires’ main hub is Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE), aka Ezeiza, 35 km southwest of the city center—a busy gateway to the Southern Cone.
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Popular Airlines and Routes
From Europe: London, Madrid, or Paris flights cost $700–$1,400 (13–17 hours) with British Airways, Iberia, or Air France—direct from Madrid, one stop via São Paulo or Paris otherwise.
From the U.S.: Miami or New York to Buenos Aires runs $600–$1,300 (9–12 hours) via American Airlines, Delta, or Aerolíneas Argentinas—direct from MIA or JFK, one stop via Santiago elsewise.
From Asia: Tokyo or Singapore flights hit $1,200–$2,000 (25–30 hours) with ANA, Qatar, or Emirates—two stops via Doha or Dubai; no directs.
From Australia: Sydney or Melbourne to Buenos Aires costs $1,000–$1,900 (18–24 hours) via Qantas, LATAM, or Air New Zealand—one stop via Santiago or Auckland, no directs Down Under.
When to Book for the Best Deals
Spring (Sep–Nov) and fall (Mar–May) peak with mild weather—book 3–5 months ahead to keep fares under $1,000 from the U.S. or $800 from Europe. Summer (Dec–Feb) sizzles and spikes—aim for mid-week (Tuesday/Wednesday) 2–3 months out to save $50–$200. Winter (Jun–Aug) cools off and drops prices—last-minute deals under $600 from Miami pop up. Watch Aerolíneas Argentinas’ sales or LATAM’s promos for steals.
Buenos Aires Travel Tips
Airport Transfers: From EZE, Tienda León shuttles to Palermo or Retiro cost ARS 5,000–7,000/$12–$17 USD (45–60 minutes)—book at the counter. Taxis run ARS 15,000–20,000/$36–$48 USD (40 minutes)—fixed rates beat haggles; pre-book via Expedia. Local buses (Line 8) cost ARS 500/$1.20 USD (90 minutes)—cheap but slow, cash only.
Visa Requirements: U.S., UK, and Aussie citizens get 90 days visa-free—bring proof of onward travel. Others may need an ETA ($50 USD, apply at argentina.gob.ar)—check updates.
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Top Places to Stay in Buenos Aires
Top Places to Stay in Buenos Aires
Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring budget or looking for high-end luxury, Buenos Aires offers accommodation to suit every type of traveler. From city center luxury hotels to Beachside apartments, here are our top recommendations:
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Where to Stay: Hotels in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires’ barrios offer everything from gritty hostels to chic lofts—pick your flavor.
Budget: Milhouse Hostel in Monserrat (ARS 10,000–20,000/$24–$48 USD/night) buzzes with backpackers—think tango nights and rooftop beers. America del Sur Hostel in San Telmo (ARS 12,000–25,000/$29–$60 USD/night) blends colonial charm with dorms—steps from the market.
Mid-Range: Hotel Pulitzer in Microcentro (ARS 40,000–70,000/$96–$168 USD/night) offers sleek rooms and a rooftop pool—central and cool. Fierro Hotel in Palermo Hollywood (ARS 50,000–90,000/$120–$216 USD/night) pairs boutique vibes with steakhouse cred—foodie haven.
Luxury: Alvear Palace in Recoleta (ARS 150,000–300,000/$360–$720 USD/night) dazzles with Belle Époque opulence—chandeliers, afternoon tea, pure decadence. Faena Hotel in Puerto Madero (ARS 120,000–250,000/$288–$600 USD/night) stuns with red velvet and tango flair—artsy luxe.
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Best Local Food in Buenos Aires
Best Local Food in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires’ cuisine is a meat-lover’s hymn with porteño flair—beef reigns, empanadas tempt, and Malbec flows like water. It’s hearty, smoky, and tied to the pampas, with Italian and Spanish echoes in every bite—a city where parrillas (grill joints) are temples and dulce de leche is a religion.
Bife de Chorizo: Sirloin steak, juicy and charred—Argentina’s pride. Don Julio in Palermo (ARS 10,000/$24 USD).
Empanadas: Pastry pockets—beef, chicken, or ham and cheese, baked or fried. El Sanjuanino in Recoleta (ARS 1,500/$3.60 USD each).
Asado: Mixed grill—ribs, sausages, sweetbreads over embers. La Cabrera in Palermo (ARS 15,000/$36 USD/plate).
Traditional Argentine Dishes to Try
Traditional Argentine Dishes to Try
Milanesa: Breaded beef cutlet—crisp outside, tender in. El Club de la Milanesa in Palermo (ARS 6,000/$14.40 USD)—add fries for heft.
Locro: Hearty stew—corn, beans, and meat, a gaucho classic. La Querencia in Villa Crespo (ARS 5,000/$12 USD)—winter soul food.
Alfajores: Dulce de leche sandwiched in shortbread—sweet obsession. Havanna cafés (ARS 1,000/$2.40 USD each)—grab a dozen.
Flan con Dulce de Leche: Creamy custard with caramel gold—dessert royalty. Café Tortoni (ARS 2,000/$4.80 USD)—history in a bowl.
Best Restaurants in Buenos Aires
Best Restaurants in Buenos Aires
Don Julio (Palermo): Parrilla perfection—steak aged to glory (ARS 15,000/$36 USD mains)—book weeks out.
La Cabrera (Palermo): Grill heaven—bife with endless sides (ARS 12,000/$28.80 USD mains)—meaty chaos.
El Sanjuanino (Recoleta): Rustic gem—empanadas and locro shine (ARS 5,000/$12 USD mains)—homey vibes.
Tegui (Palermo): Chef-driven tasting—modern Argentine (ARS 40,000/$96 USD mains)—splurge with style.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
Hierbabuena (San Telmo): Plant-based bliss—vegan milanesa (ARS 5,000/$12 USD)—fresh and green.
Bio Solo Organico (Palermo): Organic veggie—quinoa bowls (ARS 4,000/$9.60 USD)—light and lovely.
Staying Connected in Buenos Aires
Staying Connected in Buenos Aires
Best eSIM Providers for Buenos Aires
Claro and Movistar blanket Buenos Aires with 4G—solid in the city, spotty in rural outskirts. Airalo’s “Argentina” eSIM (5GB, $20, 10 days) fits short trips—activate pre-landing. Ubigi’s plans (500MB for $3, 10GB for $30) flex for longer stays or data hogs. Hotel Wi-Fi’s free but shaky in budget spots—luxe joints charge ARS 2,000–4,000/$5–$10 USD daily for speed.
iRoamly eSIMs: iRoamly offers eSIM data packages tailored to Spain, with fast and affordable plans. You can activate it before departure and start using it as soon as you arrive. Get your iRoamly eSIM here!
easySim: For frequent travelers, easySim offers global coverage and flexible data plans perfect for staying connected no matter where you go. Purchase your eSIM now!
See our Travel eSIMs page for more options.
Best Attractions in Buenos Aires
Best Attractions in Buenos Aires
Must-Do in Buenos Aires: Unmissable Experiences
Buenos Aires is a tango of grit and glamour—here’s your hit list, bursting with details.
Stroll Plaza de Mayo
Why: The city’s historic core—Casa Rosada’s pink glow, mothers’ protests etched in memory.
Details: Free, 24/7—spend an hour; nearby Café Tortoni’s coffee costs ARS 1,500/$3.60 USD.
Tip: Catch the Thursday 3:30 PM Madres march—quiet power in motion.
Tango in San Telmo
Why: Cobblestone soul—street dancers sway, antique stalls hum Sundays.
Details: Free to roam, market 10 AM–6 PM; tango shows ARS 5,000–10,000/$12–$24 USD at bars like El Viejo Almacén. Takes 2–4 hours.
Tip: Sundays explode—grab a choripán (ARS 2,000/$4.80 USD) and watch the pros.
Visit Recoleta Cemetery
Why: Marble maze—Evita’s tomb among ornate crypts, a silent spectacle.
Details: Free, 7 AM–5:30 PM—needs 1–2 hours; guided tours ARS 3,000/$7.20 USD.
Tip: Morning light softens the stone—snap Evita’s spot, then café-hop nearby.
Cheer at La Bombonera
Why: Boca Juniors’ stadium—football fever shakes the stands.
Details: Match tickets ARS 5,000–15,000/$12–$36 USD (via resellers); museum ARS 2,500/$6 USD, 10 AM–6 PM. Half-day vibe.
Tip: Book early—feel the roar from the cheap seats; avoid rival gear!
Explore Palermo Soho
Why: Hip heart—boutiques, murals, and wine bars under jacaranda trees.
Details: Free, 24/7—spend 2–4 hours; cocktails ARS 2,500/$6 USD at Verne Club.
Tip: Dusk turns it electric—hunt street art near Plaza Serrano.
Savor Feria de Mataderos
Why: Gaucho grit—folk music, crafts, and horse tricks on the city’s edge.
Details: Free entry, Sundays 11 AM–7 PM (seasonal, check local listings); 1-hour bus from downtown ARS 500/$1.20 USD. Full day trip.
Tip: Try locro stew (ARS 3,000/$7.20 USD)—bring cash for leather finds.
Cruise the Tigre Delta
Why: River escape—wooden boats weave through lush islands, 30 km north.
Details: Train to Tigre ARS 200/$0.50 USD (1 hour), boat tours ARS 5,000–10,000/$12–$24 USD. Half-day jaunt.
Tip: Morning rides beat heat—pack a mate gourd for the deck.
Check out our Buenos Aires collection on Viator for all the best Traveler rated experiences!
Travel Doctor
Travel Doctor
We hope you'll never find yourself in the intrepid position of needing a doctor whilst you're on the other side of the planet. But life happens! And so does the need for quality medical care.
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Protecting Your Trip to Buenos Aires
Protecting Your Trip to Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is lively but urban—watch for pickpockets in San Telmo or Retiro. Clinic visits start at ARS 5,000/$12 USD—more at private spots or suburbs. Insurance covering health, cancellations, and gear runs 5–7% of your trip—$50–$100 for a $1,000 jaunt. Check out the great options below.
Faye Travel Insurance: Whether you’re planning adventurous activities like diving or trekking, Faye Travel Insurance offers comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and even has add-ons for adventure & extreme sports. Get a free quote here.
OnshoreKare Travel Insurance: For those seeking a range of coverage options, OnshareKare offers affordable plans that include trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency medical assistance. Protect your trip today!
Freely Travel Insurance: Need specialized coverage? Freely offers essential travel insurance that is customizable with the add-ons you need to suit the needs of families, solo travelers and adventurers alike. You can even add daily boosts to suit those last minute trips. See your insurance options.
See our Travel Insurance page for more options.
Practical Tips for Buenos Aires
Practical Tips for Buenos Aires
Best Time: Spring (Sep–Nov) for blooms, fall (Mar–May) for cool—summer (Dec–Feb) steams, winter (Jun–Aug) chills.
Getting Around: Subte (subway) day pass ARS 1,000/$2.40 USD—fast in the core; buses ARS 500/$1.20 USD—ubiquitous but slow. Taxis start at ARS 1,500/$3.60 USD—Uber’s cheaper (ARS 2,000–4,000/$4.80–$9.60 USD). Walk Palermo—sprawling but flat.
Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS); $1 USD = ~ARS 416 (official, check black market “blue dollar” rates). Cards spotty—cash is king; ATMs charge ARS 3,000/$7.20 USD.
Pack: Layers, comfy shoes, sunscreen—BA’s weather swings; tango heels optional.
Buenos Aires Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Buenos Aires Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Villa Crespo’s Palermo Fringe: Skip Palermo Soho’s hipster crush for this quieter barrio, where street art blooms and dive bars like El Bandido serve empanadas (€1.50/$0.36 USD) with local Malbec (€3/$0.72 USD). Free to roam—hit it at night for live folk music. 2–3 hours.
Day Trip to Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay: A 1-hour ferry from Puerto Madero (ARS 20,000/$48 USD round-trip) whisks you to this cobblestoned UNESCO town across the Río de la Plata. Wander colonial forts, sip mate by the lighthouse—feels like BA’s rustic cousin. Full day; book via Expedia (#affiliate-link).
Café Margot in Boedo: Forget Tortoni’s lines—this 1903 Boedo café hums with tango nostalgia. Locals debate politics over medialunas (€1/$0.24 USD) and café con leche (€2/$0.48 USD). Open till midnight—grab a corner table to soak in porteño grit.
Why It’s Worth It: Villa Crespo’s edge, a Uruguayan jaunt, and Boedo’s old-school haunt trade tourist traps for Buenos Aires’ raw pulse.
Buenos Aires Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Buenos Aires Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Customs
Greetings: Porteños love warmth—a firm handshake for men, a single cheek kiss (right side) for women or friends. Use “Hola” or “Buen día”; first names are fine after intros.
Dress: Stylish yet relaxed—jeans and nice tops for Palermo cafés, smart-casual (dresses, collared shirts) for upscale Recoleta spots. Tango shows welcome flair (heels, ties).
Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Embrace late nights—dinner starts at 9 PM, clubs at 2 AM. Share mate in parks; accepting a sip signals friendship.
Don’t: Tip American-style—10% (ARS 1,000/$2.40 USD on ARS 10,000) is generous; cabs don’t expect it. Don’t rush—porteños savor long chats over asado.
Respect: Avoid loud political debates—history’s sensitive here. Keep sidewalks clear in San Telmo; markets get packed.
Festival Highlights
Tango Festival y Mundial (August): Milongas erupt citywide—watch pros or join free classes at La Boca to connect through dance.
Feria de Mataderos (Sundays, seasonal): Gaucho culture shines—try folk steps or buy crafts (ARS 5,000/$12 USD) to bond with vendors.
Blend In: Say “Che, gracias” for casual thanks—mimics local slang. Sip coffee slowly at cafés like Tortoni; rushing screams tourist. Join plaza chats to feel porteño warmth.
Let the Good Times Roll in Buenos Aires
Let the Good Times Roll in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires dances to its own beat—a sultry blend of tango’s heat, steak’s sizzle, and the Río’s shimmer. From San Telmo’s gritty charm to Recoleta’s marble hush, it’s a city that grips you tight and spins you into its story. Book your flights sharp, snag a stay that hums with its pulse—be it a hostel bunk or a velvet-draped suite—savor asado under lantern glow, and chase its must-dos with this guide, packing flights, hotels, eSIMs, and insurance in one neat bundle. You’re ready to step into the Paris of South America’s embrace—Buenos Aires beckons with open arms this season!
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