A pastel coloured skyline and dazzling glitter city lights aluminate the sky as my plane descends to the World famous city, Buenos Aires. At last, I had arrived, at the beautiful Latin city, so many people fall in love with every year. A unique, enthralling travel experience packed into a short 5 days. Keep reading for my top list of what to do in Buenos Aires to make your time just as enchanting and mind blowing-ly amazing as mine.
What to do in Buenos Aires: Tango dancing
The places to dance the Tango are called Milongas. The best places I got to experience with locals were at La Bendita Milonga on Mondays and at La Maldita Milonga on Wednesdays. Both offer the best type of authentic Argentinian tango atmosphere with a live orchestra, dancers and an opportunity for you to dance off the sexy moves you learned from the class! Both Milongas are located in San Telmo. If you can’t make it to the Monday or Wednesday class, other nice Milongas are La Catedral and La Viruta.
What to do in Buenos Aires: La Boca
A Barrio (District) filled with colourful buildings, artists, shops and cultural entertainment. There is no corner left uncoloured in La Boca; it’s like you’re in a Crayola box!
The barrio’s early inhabitants were poor, worked near the port, and used leftover paint from boats to paint their houses. There was never enough paint to paint one house in all one colour, so they became multi-coloured. Take a stroll down the Caminito, where tango dancers perform in the streets and artists paint masterpieces right before your eyes.
Tip: Take a jumping photo in front of the colourful houses in Caminito – it’s a fun, unique treasure that will last a lifetime!
What to do in Buenos Aires: Shopping & entertainment
The Feira de San Telmo is one of the most notable and famous fairs bustling with unique artisans, antiques, cultural entertainment, food, and the best place to buy souvenirs! The fair takes place every Sunday from 10am to 4pm. Feria de San Telmo is a great place to experience old-style Argentine life. Locals come here to perform and enjoy their Sundays.
What to do in Buenos Aires: Palermo
Out of all the Barrios in Buenos Aires, Palermo is definitely the district that has it all! During the day, it has beautiful parks to walk around and a trendy atmosphere many of its local dreadlocked Rastafarians call home. At night experience the bohemian heart of Palermo at Plaza Serrano.
What to do in Buenos Aires: Taste the Argentinian steak and Havana Alfajores
- Want the best steak in town?! Go to Las Cabras! A buzzy steak house in the centre of trendy Palermo. The meat quality is sublime, and its intimate red decor and dark wooden furniture set the perfect ambience. Las Cabras is known for its high-class meat and equally high-class service without the high price tag. Ample outdoor space makes this restaurant even more ideal for enjoying a typical argentine meal outside on a warm summer evening.
- An alfajor is a sandwich cookie (with a cake-like consistency) filled with dulce de leche and coated in chocolate and other varieties coating, like vanilla, powdered sugar, or meringue. Each alfajor is individually wrapped with elegance and perfection, making it irresistible to buy and try! You can eat them in a café or order them to go and enjoy walking around the streets of Buenos Aires.
What to do in Buenos Aires: Hang out at Café Tortoni
Founded in 1858, Café Tortoni is the oldest coffee shop in Argentina, with a vibrant history and a long list of international intellectuals that paid a visit. From the outside, the Café looks like an old fancy hotel. Still, as soon as you walk in, you’ll immediately bask in the ambience of what looks and feels to be a luxurious Parisian restaurant.
A must-do is ordering El Submarino – it’s the signature drink of this historical café! El Submarino puts a unique twist to the classic hot chocolate, as it requires a few steps after it’s served to you. You first will receive a mug of hot milk and a chocolate submarine. Next, unwrap the submarine shaped chocolate, take a picture of the motion of dunking it in the cup, and then, when ready, submerge and enjoy!
Tip: Café Tortoni is a popular tourist destination, so get there before noon to enjoy the Café’s unique ambience without the crowds.
What to do in Buenos Aires: Walk around Plaza de Mayo
Plaza de Mayo is where May 25, 1810, revolution took place and led to the independence of Argentina. Out of all the landmarks around the plaza – the most notable is Casa Rosada (The Pink House). Enter the house, and don’t miss the Escalera de Italia and the Capilla de Christo Rey.
What to do in Buenos Aires: Walk down Avenida 9 de Julio
Avenida 9 de Julio is one of the widest avenues globally and named in honour of Argentina’s Independence Day, declared on July 9, 1816. Walking down this avenue, I’m reminded of Paris. The long avenue resembles Les Champs Elysées minus the fancy pants shops and high-end hotels. Two things I enjoyed most about this avenue are the Obelisk and Plaza de la República.
What to do in Buenos Aires: Explore Recoleta District and La Recoleta Cemetery
Within this popular district, you can find the Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Pilar. This colonial church is a national monument. There are also beautiful open spaces and public gardens, including the Plaza Francia, where the city’s craft fair takes place on Sundays.
The Recoleta Cemetery is almost the equivalent of Paris’s Père Lachaise Cemetery. Many famous Argentinians are buried there, including Evita Person, past presidents, sports stars, and writers.
My trip wouldn’t have been that amazing if it weren’t for the wonderful friends who welcomed me there. Looking forward to revisiting them!
I hope this guide has inspired you to visit Buenos Aires and experience all it has to offer!
