Europe meets South America
Buenos Aires, a city where European influence meets South American flair. From tango shows, to beautiful architecture, football rivalry, steak and wine, this city is something for everyone!
In this Buenos Aires travel guide we’ll cover some of the best things to do, as well as budget, transportation and accommodation in one of my favourite cities in the world!
How much time do I need?
Buenos Aires is quite a big city with each neighbourhood having something different to offer. I would say a weekend or 3-days can be a great introduction to Buenos Aires covering most of the basics. However, if you can, try to set aside a week to really enjoy a lot of what the city has to offer. Just being, existing and walking around in Buenos Aires is worth a day on its own.
Top Activities
With plenty of things to choose from, here are some of my absolute favourite things to do in one of my all time favourite cities!
Tango Porteño
When in Buenos Aires, you can’t miss out on the spectacular Tango show. The city offers different types of shows depending on the neighbourhood. It combines a dinner and wine (if you choose it) with an experience into the culture of Argentina and the tango. What’s not to like!
La Recoleta Cemetery
The famous cemetery in Buenos Aires is a popular tourist destination. This is the final resting place of some of the most affluent people of Buenos Aires. More importantly for those visiting, their final resting place is comparable to a small apartment in some cities, and displays wealth and the wonderful architecture that draws so many tourists here each year.
Tetro Colón
The historic theatre building in Buenos Aires is worth a visit either as a guided tour inside the building or maybe even for a show if there is one available when you are there. Finished in 1908, many opera singers and performers say it has some of the best acoustics in the world!
La Bombonera & La Boca Neighbourhood
If you are a football fan then you might want to try and get tickets for a match at the world famous La Bombonera stadium, home to Boca Juniors. An absolutely unique experience with some of the most passionate fans in the world.
If there’s no game, or it’s just too expensive, a trip to the stadium is still worth it with plenty of shops nearby for some souvenirs. It is also right next to the famous La Boca neighbourhood, know for its colourful buildings. A great way to spend an afternoon in Buenos Aires!
Casa Rosada
Casa Rosada, the office of the President of Argentina is a popular spot for tourist to take pictures of the “Pink House”, while having a stroll around the plaza in front of it. It also has a museum with objects from former presidents on display.
Steak & Wine
You can’t miss out on steak and wine when in Buenos Aires. It’s a combination that is made for each other, and here even if you’re on a tight budget you can get plenty value for your money. It is so ingrained in the Argentinean culture that it’s like going to Mexico and not have tacos!
Obelisco
A famous landmark in Buenos Aires, located in the middle of the busy Avenida 9 de Julio. A great place to use for direction if you’re ever lost wandering around. Also pretty good for some pics!
Puerto Madero
A neighbourhood along the ports that is growing rapidly with big skyscrapers popping up. A charming place to walk along the water and have a nice lunch. At night it’s also a good place for tango with their own Tango Madero!
Parks
There are many parks in Buenos Aires, and also some of my favourite ones are located right next to each other. Close to the Palermo neighbourhood you have Almirante González Fernández Park as well as Jardín Japonés. A nice way to spend some time away from the city!
Budget
For Buenos Aires I would budget around $40 a day if you are staying in dorms, eating local food and using local transportation. This also assumes that you are getting close to the blue dollar on your credit cards or use Western Union for cash.
Food
Argentina in general is famous for their asados, and Buenos Aires is not an exception. There are many options with restaurants everywhere offering steak and wine. With a favourable conversion rate these quality meals can even be possible on a backpackers budget, and go as low as $7-8 dollars.
Buenos Aires also has many different influences like Italian or Asian, and cheap food can be found everywhere. A lunch meal can be found as cheap as $3-4 dollars. If you are in need for a snack you can’t go wrong with some Argentinean empanadas or the famous Choripan!
Accommodation
Accommodation in Buenos Aires are plentiful, but not always the most backpacker friendly prices, as many hostel has switch to charging in dollars instead of the Argentinean Peso, which means you won’t save on accommodation as you would everything else. Expect to pay between $15-20 per night in a dorm.
Transportation
With its charming streets and interesting architecture, it is easy to choose to walk around the city. Because of its size though you probably can’t walk everywhere, and that’s where the metro comes in handy. A super affordable option that takes you around quickly.
Uber is also available everywhere and is a quick and fairly cheap option to get around the city.
When to go
The best time to visit Buenos Aires is in the spring between March and May or in the fall between September and November. These are periods of comfortable temperatures, as the summer between December and February can be very hot and humid! Also the winter can get quite cold.
That being said, if you are prepared for the heat or the cold, Buenos Aires is a beautiful city to visit year round!
Safety
Buenos Aires is like any city in Latin-America. Walking around alone at night is not recommended depending on the neighbourhood. Ask your hostel for information about the area you’re staying in. By taking some precautions though you will have a wonderful time in this energetic place! Just remember to never travel without travel insurance.
Safety Tips:
- Always have some cash at hand in case someone wants to rob you. Better to hand over a few notes than to be caught with nothing or lose your credit card.
- Always keep your valuables safely on you on night buses and never put your backpack in the overhead compartment.
- In large crowds be careful with your belongings. Things in your pocket can easily be taken, but also smaller backpacks, bum bags etc. Make sure you secure them to avoid pickpockets in these situations.
- Do not wander around alone at night in places you are not familiar with. If you have to, stick to well lit streets as much as possible. Preferable where there are more people. If you need to use your phone for maps, do it discreetly and never wave your phone or wealth around.
- Don’t wear flashy things and leave your expensive jewellery at home.
- Bring a padlock and use the lockers in hostels for all your valuables.
- Be careful with how much you drink, accepting drinks from others or the use of drugs. There are many stories out there, so try not to overdo anything unless you have people with you to take care of you.
By taking some precautions you will be fine in Buenos Aires, and come back with wonderful memories of this beautiful little paradise.
Resources
So, are you ready for an adventure to Buenos Aires? Here are some of the resources I personally use when I travel. Great value and support, in addition to the best deals out there!
BOOKING – The best place to book accommodation. In my experience the site with the best prices, deals and selection. Perfect for a budget traveller.
HOSTELWORLD – The best place to find hostels, and also has group chats for all your bookings and places you’re going to make it easier to meet people. Perfect for solo travellers!
SKYSCANNER – When I need to find the cheapest days and ways to fly somewhere, Skyscanner is always the first place I go.
GET YOUR GUIDE – A massive marketplace for inspiration and booking of tours and activities for each place you visit.
AIRALO – What I use to stay connected on the road. A slightly more expensive option than buying local sim cards, but nothing beats having e-sim installed and ready to go as soon as you cross the border.
Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn commission from products or services I recommend. For more, see disclosure.
