What to see in Buenos Aires
Thinking of visiting Argentina, but have no idea what to see in Buenos Aires?
Then read on.
Buenos Aires has been called the Europe of Latin America, and for good reason. (This stunning city is actually my favorite major city in South America!)
The capital of Argentina is full of European inspired architecture, places to appreciate the arts, incredible food, and of course, lots of tango.
What to see in Buenos Aires
1. Plaza Italia
Plaza Italia is a small park in the neighborhood of Palermo. This site offers an easy way to explore Buenos Aires. Tourists can enjoy nice walks and admire beautiful flowers all around. The plaza is next to the main entrances of the old zoo, which is now an eco-park, and the botanic gardens.
This is a great option for all travelers, but especially for older travelers or people traveling with kids.
2. Tres de Febrero Park
Although it is more commonly known as Los Bosques de Palermo, Parque Tres de Febrero covers an area of 400 hectares of natural beauty. The whole parks boasts of rose gardens, groves, lakes, and gorgeous trees. It is common to find street performers here, even some theater groups set up entire performances in the park.
The park is within walking distance of Plaza Italia.
3. La Recoleta and Recoleta Cemetery
Anything to see in Buenos Aires is going to give off an European vibe, but especially La Recoleta. This European-style neighborhood has historically been the more affluent part of the city, containing former palaces and luxury boutiques. It is an area that is very walkable and has many sights to behold, such as the Floralis Genérica sculpture, the Recoleta Cultural center, the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (National Museum of Fine Arts), and of course, the Recoleta Cemetery.
Said cemetery is the resting place of many important people in Argentina. Most notably, the one and only Eva “Evita” Perón.
4. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Anyone that is asking themselves what to see in Buenos Aires must definitely look into The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Especially art connoisseurs.
The museum was first inaugurated in 1896. From the moment that it opened its doors, Bellas Artes became a place where art pieces from all over the world could be admired. It also became a place for Argentine art to be known.
Today, after almost 130 years of operation, it hosts a collection of over twelve thousand pieces from different art eras. This impressive collection contains national and international art.
Without any doubt, this is one of the most important cultural establishments of Latin America.
5. El Ateneo Grand Splendid
Unfortunately, the day I visited El Ateneo I had ZERO cameras with me. Literally ZERO. Every time I think about it I cry a little inside.
For book lovers, this is a MUST.
Generally when people ask me what to see in Buenos Aires, I immediately tell them about this place regardless of what their interests are. I think it is THAT fantastic.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid is the mother of all bookshops. It is a reader’s happy place. Many will say that it is the second most beautiful book store in the world, but to me it is the first. Keep reading to learn why.
Initially, the building opened up at as theatre called Teatro Grand Splendid, which was inaugurated in 1919. As time went by the building stopped operating as a theatre and began operating as a book store. Yes, you read that correctly reader. It is a book shop that is housed WITHIN an old theater. How cool is that?!
El Ateneo, image by Unsplash. All rights reserved for Unsplash.
6. Puerto Madero and El Puente de la Mujer
Puerto Madero is the commercial district of Buenos Aired. It sits right along the riverbank of the Rio de la Plata, which is the city’s main river. This is where travelers can go if they are looking for AMAZING upscale steakhouses. The meat can not be beat in this area of Buenos Aires. I highly recommend it.
Puerto Madero is also home to El Puente de la Mujer, which is an impressive rotating footbridge that was designed by Santiago Calatavra, an architect from the Spanish region of Catalunya.
According to the architect, the shape of the bridge is meant to be a couple who is dancing tango.
7. La Casa Rosada
La Casa Rosada is a National Historic Monument of Argentina should definitely be on your list of what to see in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It is their Casa de Gobierno, the house of government. The name comes from the pink color of its exterior walls, since rosada means pink in Spanish.
This building is full of history, dating back to the very beginning of Buenos Aires. It evolved from being a fort that sat on the Rio de la Plata into the historic monument that it is today.
It is home to a museum where visitors can learn about its history. The museum also showcases artifacts that once belonged to former presidents.
8. Caminito
If you are wondering what is my top recommendation for what to see in Buenos Aires, then this is officially it. DO NOT leave the city without stopping by in Caminito. It is my FAVORITE part of Buenos Aires. It is a neighborhood full of color, street art, music, and dancing. I could have watched those tango dancers for hours. The whole neighborhood had a charm that easily captivates anyone within it. This is one of those tourist attractions that even if one is not into it, one has to go see it.
It is so easy to want to walk the streets of Caminito for several hours, and there are many free walking tours around the city that do a great job at introducing travelers to this lively neighborhood.
There are tons of phenomenal restaurants and bars in this area. I recommend having a meal at one of these, or at least an Argentine empanada or two. There is a good chance that you will be delighted with a tango show!
9. El Obelisco
The Obelisco de Buenos Aires is a national historic monument that has been standing since May 23, 1936, and it is an icon of the city. Located at the intersection of two very important avenues in the city, and with a height of 67.5 meters (221 ft), it is a tourist site that is hard to miss. Basically, it is to Buenos Aires what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris.
The place where the monument stands today was once a church. It was in that church that in 1812 the flag of Argentina was hoisted for the very first time in Buenos Aires. This event is highlighted on the inscription written on the north side of the Obelisco.
In fact, each side of the monument has an inscription written on it. All of them honor the city or the history of Buenos Aires in some way.
There is only one entrance. The top can be reached through one staircase that is 206 steps long. Once at the top, there is a viewpoint with four different windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Buenos Aires, Argentina?
Getting to Buenos Aires in really simple. There are several airports that are easily accessible. The main one is Ministro Pistarini International Airport, Ezeiza (EZE), which is located only 32km (20mi) from the city center. Most international flights will land or depart from this airport. Travelers can choose to arrange their own private transportation or take a taxi into the city.
How many days do I need in order to see all of Buenos Aires?
I recommend at least three to four days to really see the city. Of course things can be rushed, but that will mean the loss of some sights. For example, I spent a week in Buenos Aires. Out of that week, I spent almost a whole day in Caminito alone. I just fell in love with it! It had so many things that I love. I was not rushed for time, so I was able to do that. Had I only had three or four days, then I would have probably only spent one to two hours there and moved on.
Is it easy and safe to get around Buenos Aires?
Generally speaking, Buenos Aires is one of the safest cities in South America. However, just like with any other big city, it is important to be alert and to use caution. I had a wonderful experience during my entire trip, and I moved around completely on my own most of the time. I also often used public transportation and taxis, which felt very safe to me.
Where can I stay in Buenos Aires?
This site is about luxury travel, so of course I am going to throw in a shameless plug about the top 5 star hotels in Buenos Aires that I highly recommend. I am a big fan of the Four Seasons brand, of course my top pick is the Four Seasons Buenos Aires. There is also The Alvear Palace Hotel located in the Recoleta neighborhood, Faena Hotel Buenos Aires which is very close to some of the city’s most important landmarks, and Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt, which will make travelers feel like royals.
For budget travelers, I can not vouch for any of the following properties since I have never worked with them. However, some options I found online are Up Tribeca, Magnolia Hotel Boutique, and Rendez Vous Hotel Buenos Aires.