Our travel guide to Buenos Aires
Dreaming of visiting Buenos Aires on tour? We tapped our team of travel experts (including one of our South American Tour Directors!) for their best tips for exploring the “Paris of South America.” See what they had to say about what to do in Buenos Aires, where to find the best dulce de leche, and more for your trip to Buenos Aires.
Currency: Argentine peso
Best way to get around: On foot—or hop on the subway, called “subte”
Phrase to know: In Argentine Spanish (and in some other parts of Latin America) “che” is commonly used to say “hey!” or as an interjection. Here’s a little bit of trivia: Revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara earned his nickname because of how often he used the word.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BUENOS AIRES
Since it’s in the Southern Hemisphere, seasons in Buenos Aires are opposite those in the Northern Hemisphere. So, if you live in North America, your summer would be wintertime in Buenos Aires!
Buenos Aires’ spring (September–November) and fall (March–May) months are some of the best times to visit for great weather and fewer crowds—just two reasons we love the off-season.
WHAT TO PACK FOR BUENOS AIRES
Buenos Aires has a temperate climate, which means the weather is fairly warm and tropical year-round. One tip: Despite the mild temps, Argentines don’t often wear shorts, so don’t plan on packing any if you want to blend in with the locals.
“Bring a light jacket and pants,” says our staffer Steph. “If you’re visiting in the summer months, have layers for cooler evenings!”
“Pack a nice outfit for attending a tango show,” adds staffer Marissa.
“If you go during their spring and summer, be sure to have a poncho or an umbrella in case of showers,” says staffer Wesley.
PLACES TO VISIT IN BUENOS AIRES
Buenos Aires is called the “Paris of South America” because of the city’s incredible arts, architecture, and culture scene. Here are just a few of our top places to visit in Buenos Aires to soak it all in:
Stop by the 19th-century Plaza de Mayo, where you can also admire the Casa Rosada—the Presidental Palace.
Walk through the Recoleta neighborhood, which is known for its European-style architecture, and visit the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. The Recoleta cemetery is also the final resting place of many famous Argentines, including Eva Perón.
Drive down 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest street in the world!
“Visit La Boca to see all the beautifully colored houses,” says our staffer Steph. You can stroll down El Caminito and shop for crafts, spot impromptu tango performances, and check out local street art.
Stop to admire Teatro Colòn, which is one of the top opera houses in the world.
From El Rosedal to the Ecological Reserve, Buenos Aires is full of beautiful public parks and gardens. Take a paddle-boat ride at the parks in the Palermo neighborhood, says our staffer Gustavo, who grew up in Buenos Aires and visited many times with his grandparents.
WHAT TO EAT & DRINK IN BUENOS AIRES
Argentine cuisine blends Latin, indigenous, Mediterranean, and African influences into many (delicious) dishes. Here are a few not to miss on your trip to Buenos Aires:
Asado
The best Argentine-style barbecue is cooked over an open flame, taking cues from the gauchos, or cowboys, who lived and worked in rural Argentina. Skirt steak served with a side of chimichurri is a must—you’ve gotta have an “Argentine steakhouse dinner, definitely,” says staffer Kyle. Take expert Tour Director Jorge’s tips and head to Don Julio for some of the best.
Dulce de leche
Visit La Casa del Dulce de Leche to satisfy your sweet tooth with this creamy caramel. You can also try alfajores, sandwich cookies filled with dulce de leche. See why they’re expert Tour Director Emiliano’s favorite treat, and make some on your own at home with the recipe!
Empanadas
“Eat empanadas every day,” says staffer Wesley. You can find some of the best right from street vendors—and they’re extra portable, making them one of our favorite street foods.
Helado
Thanks to the influence of Italian immigrants, Buenos Aires is an ice cream-loving city. Gelateria Cadore is our Tour Director Jorge’s top pick.
Yerba mate
Indigenous Guaraní and Tupí peoples first harvested and used yerba mate leaves, and the drink became a commodity after the Spanish colonized South America. Today, drinking mate is a common way for people to socialize—people gather with friends and family to enjoy a cup together.
Want more tips on what to eat in Buenos Aires? Let Tour Director Jorge tell you all about South American cuisine.
FREE TIME TIPS FOR BUENOS AIRES
Head to a tango show to take in a performance of the famous dance, which originated on the streets of Buenos Aires in the 18th century.
Take a tour of Palacio Barolo, a seriously unique office building that was designed to celebrate Dante’s Divine comedy, says staffer Kyle.
Explore the Malba Museum and admire its collection of Latin American art.
Visit the Evita Museum to learn about the life of Eva Perón, the former First Lady of Argentina.
Admire El Ateneo Grand Splendid. A former theater, it’s now one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. (“Google it, it’s just fabulous!,” says Tour Director Jorge.)
Have you ever been to Buenos Aires on tour? Tell us your travel tips on Facebook!
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