Buenos Aires is called the “Paris of South America” because of its incredible art, architecture, and cultural scene. With so many noteworthy things to do and see when visiting Buenos Aires, you’ll find it easy to fill your days. Here are three of our top places to visit in Buenos Aires to help you soak it all in: 

• Plaza de Mayo. When you visit Buenos Aires, make a point to stop by the historic Plaza de Mayo. The plaza has been a favorite of tourists since Argentina declared its independence in 1810. Take time to admire the Casa Rosada (Pink House), where Eva Perón gave her famous speech from the balcony. The plaza is also home to the May Pyramid (that’s Pirámide de Mayo in Spanish), Buenos Aires’ oldest monument.
• La Boca. Not to be missed on Buenos Aires tours, the La Boca neighborhood is famous for its beautifully and brightly colored houses. One of Argentina’s most famous painters, Quinquela Martín, led a revival of the barrio in the 1950s by enlisting his neighbors to paint the houses in brilliant colors.
• The Recoleta. Take some time to walk through the Recoleta neighborhood, known for its European-style architecture, and visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, which houses one of Latin America’s best and most extensive collections of Argentine art. The Recoleta Cemetery, with its towering marble mausoleums, is the final resting place of many famous Argentines, including Eva Perón.

Read our Buenos Aires Travel Guide for more of the best places to visit on tours of Buenos Aires →

Because Buenos Aires is in the Southern Hemisphere, its seasons are opposite those in the Northern Hemisphere. So, if you live in North America, your summer would be wintertime in Buenos Aires. The best time to travel to Buenos Aires is not summer or winter. The best time to book Buenos Aires tour packages is in the off-seasons, spring and fall, when the weather is excellent and there are fewer crowds.

Argentine cuisine blends Latin, indigenous, Mediterranean, and African influences into many (delicious) dishes. Here are a few not to miss when you visit Buenos Aires:

• Empanadas. While you can find these tasty pastries all over South America, you won’t find any better empanadas than in Buenos Aires, where they are made with flour dough. You can find some of the best right from street vendors—and they’re perfectly portable, making them one of our favorite street foods. There are so many varieties of filling, from meats to cheeses to veggies; you’ll never tire of eating them.
• Dulce de leche. Satisfy your sweet tooth on a Buenos Aires tour with this delicacy. The creamy caramel concoction can be enjoyed many ways, and none better than Argentines’ favorite snack, melt-in-your-mouth alfajores. These delicious sandwich cookies are filled with dulce de leche.
• Asado. Argentina produces some of the best beef in the world, making asado in Buenos Aires particularly delicious. The Argentine-style barbecue is cooked over an open flame, taking cues from the gauchos, or cowboys, who live and work in rural Argentina. Skirt steak served with a side of chimichurri is a must on trips to Buenos Aires.

Want more tips on what to eat on tours to Buenos Aires? Let Tour Director Jorge tell you all about South American cuisine →

Buenos Aires has a temperate climate, which means the weather is reasonably warm year-round, making any time a great time for Buenos Aires vacations. Despite the mild temps, Argentines don’t often wear shorts, so don’t plan on packing shorts if you want to blend in with the locals while visiting Buenos Aires. Here are the essentials to pack for your trip:

• Sun protection. The days are long and the sun is bright in the Southern Hemisphere. We recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your face and the back of your neck from the sun when traveling to Buenos Aires.
• Layers. We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures in Buenos Aires. You’ll be glad you packed a windbreaker, long-sleeved shirts, and sweaters when nights get cool.
• Rain protection. Occasional rain showers are expected during spring and summer, so lightweight rainwear may be necessary depending on the timing of your trip. A light, waterproof jacket or poncho (along with an umbrella) will keep you from getting soaked when the showers appear on Buenos Aires tours.
• Comfortable walking shoes. You always want to have your favorite, comfiest walking shoes with you when you take advantage of travel packages to Buenos Aires. Whether walking through its colorful neighborhoods or heading to a restaurant to try asado, you’ll be glad you brought your most comfortable footwear.
• Dressier attire. You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a tango show (a must!) when you visit Buenos Aires. Pack a nice outfit for the occasion.