Buenos Aires Travel Guide
The Highlights:
- Teatro Colon: Ranked as one of the best opera houses globally, the theatre not only offers world-class music but also historical and architectural tours.
- La Boca: A vibrant neighborhood known for its brightly colored houses, tango performances, and the popular football club, Boca Juniors.
- Palermo: Buenos Aires' biggest and trendiest district is crammed with charming boutiques, bustling bars, and gourmet eateries.
- The MALBA: The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires where you can see works by some of South America’s most important 20th-century artists.
Don't Miss Out On:
- Puerto Madero: Once a neglected dockyard, Puerto Madero has been transformed into a thriving hub of modernity. Explore its waterside promenades, dine in elegant restaurants, view the striking Puente de la Mujer bridge, and take a tranquil stroll in the Ecological Reserve.
- San Telmo Market: An exciting blend of antique and flea markets, San Telmo Market buzzes with activity each Sunday. Bask in the atmosphere of street performers, artisans, and local vendors selling everything from vintage clothes to homemade empanadas.
- Café Tortoni: Step into the past at Café Tortoni, a former haunt for the city's literati. Its grand interiors and vintage charm coupled with tasty Argentinian pastries and coffee provide a quintessential Buenos Aires experience.
- Palacio Barolo: Illuminate your Buenos Aires tour with a visit to Palacio Barolo. This architectural marvel, inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, is a testament to the city's European connections. From its top, majestic panoramic views of Buenos Aires await.
Exceptional Dining in Buenos Aires
Argentinean cuisine is famous across the world, and rightly so. Buenos Aires offers a culinary scene that blends local flavors, contemporary techniques, and a dash of international influence.
- Parrilla Tour - Argentina is renowned for its beef. The Parrilla Tour lets you explore the city's traditional restaurants, known as ‘parrillas’. Expect to sample various cuts of meat, local sausages, and other specialties. Book your Parrilla Tour Here
- Fogón Asado - A contemporary take on classic Argentinian grill, Fogón Asado takes the primal experience of the Asado to a whole new level. Don't miss their perfectly smoky and tender 'asados'. Fogón Asado
- Don Julio - Ranked as one of the best restaurants in the world, Don Julio in the trendy Palermo barrio offers Argentinian steakhouse classics and a vast selection of wines. Be sure to make a reservation! Book your Table at Don Julio
Live Events:
- Tango Buenos Aires Festival and Dance World Cup: In August, Buenos Aires breathes Tango. Watch performances and participate in free classes.
- Buenos Aires Jazz Festival: In November, jazz takes over the city with a variety of concerts & performances.
- Argentine Open Polo Championship - Watch this thrilling sport at the world's highest-level polo tournament held in Buenos Aires every year.
Day Trips:
- Tigre and the Paraná Delta: Just a short train ride from Buenos Aires, the town of Tigre serves as the gateway to the Paraná Delta, where you can enjoy boat trips along the lush, peaceful waterways.
- Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay: Hop on a ferry across the Río de la Plata to explore this charming UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved Portuguese and Spanish colonial architecture.
- Estancias: Experience the Argentine countryside with a day trip to one of the traditional ranches (estancias), where you can enjoy horseback riding, a typical asado (barbecue), and folkloric performances.
Beach Destinations:
- Mar del Plata: For some sun, sand, and surf, head to Mar del Plata, Argentina's premier beach resort city. It boasts beautiful beaches, grandeur architecture, a lively nightlife, and delicious seafood.
- Cariló: Known as the 'Garden City', Cariló offers a tranquil atmosphere with its classy resorts, verdant pine forests, and serene beaches.
- Pinamar: Bustling with popularity in the summer, Pinamar bestows rich sand dunes, wide beaches, and vivacious nightlife.
- Villa Gesell: Family-friendly beaches, abundant nature, and a vibrant boardwalk make Villa Gesell another favorite nearby beach destination.
Recommended Accomodations in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires caters to all tastes and budgets, offering a diverse range of accommodations from luxury hotels in upscale neighborhoods like Recoleta and Palermo to cozy bed and breakfasts in more bohemian areas like San Telmo. Many travelers opt for boutique hotels and apartments to immerse themselves fully in the local ambiance.
- Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires - This beautiful neoclassical property offers stunning views of the city and features a serene garden for relaxation. Book Now
- Algodon Mansion - For a more intimate stay, choose Algodon Mansion in the heart of the elegant Recoleta district. Its suites offer modern comfort with classic elegance. Reserve Now
- Home Hotel - This boutique hotel in Palermo offers a unique and personal experience with its modern interiors and lush garden with a pool. Check Availability
- Faena Hotel Buenos Aires - Located in the stylish Puerto Madero district, this lavish, Philippe Starck-designed hotel offers luxurious rooms, the Cabaret show at El Rojo Tango, and a variety of on-site dining options. Reserve a Room
- Palo Santo Hotel - A great mid-range option for families, Palo Santo Hotel is a green oasis in the heart of Palermo Hollywood. It offers spacious rooms, beautiful vertical garden, and a rooftop pool, perfect for families. Book Here
Practical Information for Visiting Buenos Aires:
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Buenos Aires is from March to May (Autumn) and from September to November (Spring). During these periods, the city enjoys a mild climate, and the colorful blooms are pleasing to the eye.
- Weather: Buenos Aires has a humid subtropical climate. Summer (December to February) can get quite hot, with temperatures hitting 30 °C (86 °F), while winters (June to August) are more temperate, with temperatures ranging from 8 °C to 15 °C (46 °F -59 °F).
- Currency: The official Argentine currency is the Argentine Peso (ARS). Credit cards are frequently accepted in most places, but having some cash handy is recommended, especially for markets and smaller family-run restaurants.
- Safety: Like many cities, it pays to stay vigilant and aware of pickpockets, especially in crowded or tourist areas. Avoid flashing expensive belongings, use reputable taxi companies, and don't wander into unfamiliar areas late at night alone.
- Transportation: Buenos Aires has a comprehensive public transport system which includes buses (colectivos), subway (subte), and trains (trenes). Taxis are also ubiquitous and relatively affordable, or you can rent a bike via the Eco Bici system.
Experience the melody of life in Buenos Aires—the majestic architecture, sultry tango, succulent steak, and the enlivening spirit that only this city offers. Buenos Aires invites you to a vacation you won't forget!