35 Best Things To Do In Buenos Aires

There are many fun things to do in Buenos Aires, and visiting Argentina without taking the time to properly explore Buenos Aires (or Baires, as the Porteños call it) would diminish your overall experience of the country.

One of my favorite cities in the world (second only to Tel Aviv), this is the beating heart of Argentina, not to mention its political, economic and cultural center. It’s as charming as the most beautiful European capitals (there’s a reason it’s called “the Paris of South America”), but it has that warm, welcoming vibe that only cities in South America have.

Here, you will find colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers, beautiful city parks, many museums, enormously large boulevards, and tiny cobbled alleys.

Curious to know more about Buenos Aires? Then continue reading this post as I take you through the best city in Argentina.

Top Things To Do In Buenos Aires

Go on a guided tour of Buenos Aires

One of the best things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina, if you have just arrived or don’t have much time in the city, is to join a guided tour. The best are usually bike or walking tours, as you get to see a lot of places in the city in a short time and get a proper feel for it.

I actually jumped on a bike almost as soon as I landed the first time I visited, and loved exploring the city this way!

During a bike tour, your local guide will share interesting facts about the Argentine capital. You will also visit the city’s most important landmarks: Plaza de Mayo, the Recoleta Cemetery, San Telmo, and Puerto Madero. Some tours also go to La Boca and El Caminito.

These are the tours I recommend:

Buenos Aires Bike Tours—You have the option of the north or south circuit. The north circuit goes to Palermo and Recoleta (this is the one I did when I first visited). The south tour goes to La Boca, San Telmo, and Plaza de Mayo.

Highlights of Buenos Aires—A great small group tour that is highly rated. It goes to all the most important places to visit in Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires By Night—This small group tour takes you to the main landmarks in Buenos Aires at night. You will see the famous Casa Rosada in Plaza de Mayo, Puerto Madero, San Telmo, and much more.

Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour—This is another great option for exploring the city in a short time. The bus follows an itinerary that includes all the main attractions in Buenos Aires. While moving, you will hear an audio guide describe what you are seeing. You can get on and off as you wish.

Explore the Microcentro

One of the top things to do in Buenos Aires is to explore its commercial heart.

The main street is Avenida Corrientes – probably one of the longest streets in town as it runs all the way from Puerto Madero to Chacarita, where you’ll find a lesser-known (yet interesting to explore) cemetery, the largest in Argentina. This large avenue is named after the city that first supported the country’s independence.  

Microcentro is also where you can see the famous Obelisco, which was built in 1936 to celebrate Pedro de Mendoza’s founding of Buenos Aires in 1536. It’s located on Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest street in town with a whopping 16 lanes.

Finally, here is the building of the Ministry of Health, which has a huge steel image of Eva Peron on both its north and south sides and the large BA sign decorated with flowers.

I recommend this Buenos Aires: North or South Buenos Aires Bike Tour if you want a guided tour of the microcenter. This activity has two main routes. The “North Circuit” includes the business district of Buenos Aires.

Spend some time in Plaza de Mayo

Not too far from Microcentro, Plaza de Mayo is another landmark in Buenos Aires you can’t miss. At the center of the square, the Pirámide de Mayo is the oldest national monument in the city, whose construction was ordered in 1811 to celebrate the Mayo Revolution.

But there’s more. This is the square where the mothers of the desaparecidos – the victims of the Argentinian dictatorship – meet regularly to demand justice for the victims of the regime and to protest against the violations of human rights committed by the dictatorship.

To this day, Plaza de Mayo is an incredibly important landmark and area for political movements. There are usually weekly peaceful protests around Plaza de Mayo and other events going on to garner attention and support.

Visit the Catedral Metropolitana and the Casa Rosada

Right in front of Plaza de Mayo, there are the beautiful Catedral Metropolitana and the Casa Rosada (literally “Pink House”). One of the symbols of Buenos Aires, the Casa Rosada is the seat of the Argentinian President and the political heart of the city.

Built in Italianate style in the mid-1800s on the site of a 16th-century fort, it is inside where you can spot 1933 murals by Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros. The garden often hosts interesting art exhibits, and during the summer, people enjoy eating their lunch in the park right outside.

The Metropolitan Cathedral was first established in the 16th century by the Spanish colonizers. Its Neoclassical façade wasn’t initiated until 1822.

The plain exterior is in sharp contrast with the rich interior, which is in the Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque styles. Inside are many pieces of art, an organ from 1871, and the tomb of Argentina’s national hero, José de San Martin.

Not far from the Cathedral, you’ll also spot the Manzana de las Luces (Block of Enlightenment), considered the city’s main center of learning. Here, you’ll find the Colegio Nacional de Buenos Aires and San Ignacio Church, the oldest church in the city.

Pass by Plaza San Martin

This is one of the city’s oldest squares and chances are you will pass by it at least once when in town. It’s where a battle against the British invasion took place in 1807. It’s named after General José de San Martin, who had a major role in the country’s fight for independence.

The surrounding park is also a popular picnic spot for tourists and locals alike. It’s a clean, relatively quiet, and relaxing piece of the city with interesting historical relevance tied to Argentinian independence.

There isn’t a whole lot to do in the square, but walking around, admiring the architecture, and venturing over to the park fills up some space in the afternoon.

Admire Palacio Barolo

Located in the Monserrat neighborhood near Congress, this building was designed by Italian architect Mario Palanti for businessman Barolo. It was inaugurated in 1923 and was then the tallest building in South America.

Make sure to observe the references to Dante’s Divine Comedy in the architecture, beginning with the division of the building into three sections – heaven, hell, and purgatory. The twin building is Palacio Salvo and it is one of the most notable buildings in Montevideo.

Visit El Zanjón de Granado

El Zanjón de Granado is located in San Telmo. It is a building from the 1830s with the most interesting story.

The owner bought it in the 1980s to turn it into a restaurant, but soon enough discovered that its underground was a series of tunnels and cisterns – it was later established that they had been built in the mid-18th century above a river tributary to fend for what later on became the city’s latest settlement.

You can only visit on guided tours offered by the museum. They usually offer daily tours at set times, including operations on the weekends and holidays. Make sure to check their tour schedule on the website before you plan your trip.

Make sure to also spot the Casa Minima of San Telmo – you’ll recognize it easily as it’s a truly narrow building!

Have a drink in one of Buenos Aires oldest bars

Opened in 1858 by a French immigrant, Café Tortoni is the oldest historic café in Buenos Aires, but certainly not the only one. Indeed, there are many other bare notables (cafés recognized as having historical significance by the local authorities) in the Argentine capital.

Café Tortoni is a great place for a drink, for a meal or just a merienda. I literally bumped into it during my latest trip to Buenos Aires last month, and decided to finally visit.

It was very busy with mostly tourists, and tango shows were offered (I didn’t see one). The food and drinks list is extensive – I had a glass of bubbly wine (it was local, not champagne) which interestingly came in a can!

In general, café notables are the perfect place for breakfast (eat a medialuna, the local version of a croissant, while sipping a submarino, Argentine hot chocolate), lunch, or to enjoy a drink—locals would have a sidra tirada (cider on tap) at lunch but quickly opt for a glass of wine later in the day.

Another bar notable (and my personal favorite) is El Federal in San Telmo. It first opened in 1864 and still has the original decor.

Finally, there’s La Biela, which used to be Borges and Casares’ (famous Argentine authors) favorite place in town. Their life-size statues remain to decorate the interior. You can order anything from coffee to a dulce de leche-stuffed crêpe.

Visit Recoleta Cemetery

Recoleta is the area of Buenos Aires where the wealthy locals moved after the yellow fever epidemic hit San Telmo in 1870. It is also home to the famous historic Cementerio de Recoleta (Recoleta Cemetery), where many famous Argentinians are buried—first and foremost, Evita Peron.

It’s a pleasant place to spend a couple of hours admiring the artwork of the tombs and petting the random cats that live there. 

I recommend this guided tour of Recoleta Cemetery, which includes visits to all the most notable tombs. While a guided tour isn’t necessary, you’ll learn a lot more about the fascinating history and story behind and within the cemetery.

On your way out, you can pop into the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar right next door, and if you happen to be there during the weekend, swing by the Feria de Recoleta – it’s a lovely market right by the cemetery where you can buy all sorts of knick-knacks.

Follow Evita’s trail

To learn more about Evita’s life and activities, you should also consider visiting the Evita Museum, located where once was a temporary home for ill-treated women and children called the Fundación Eva Perón.

Another place you should check out is Peron Peron, a restaurant located in Palermo, Hollywood, and run by Peronistas—supporters and fans of the prominent political figure Peron. Inside, there are photos of Evita and Juan Peron everywhere—but rather than feeling overwhelmed, you’ll feel entertained. The place is actually very cozy.

Every hour a song is played – the Peronistas anthem, and all locals sing it. It’s quite a show.

I recommend this Private Evita and Peronism Historical Tour of Buenos Aires. It will guide you through the history and activities of Evita and also take you to the Evita Museum.

Visit El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookshop

If you are looking for more unique things to do in Buenos Aires, head to this incredible bookshop located in Recoleta. Often referred to as the world’s most beautiful bookstore, you will quickly realize this ought to be true!

A master of 20th-century craftsmanship, the building was inaugurated as a theater in 1919 and became a bookstore-only at the beginning of the 21st century. Thanks to the great lighting, photography enthusiasts will have a blast here.

El Ateneo isn’t the only beautiful bookshop in Buenos Aires. During my explorations of the city, I came across La Librería de Ávila, close to Plaza de Mayo. It’s actually Buenos Aires’ oldest bookstore!

Marvel at the Floralis Genérica

Located in Plaza Naciones Unidas, this massive metal flower sculpture—a gift from artist Eduardo Catalano—became a symbol of the city. It was created in 2002 and placed at the center of a beautiful park.

The statue, which is 23 meters (more than 75 feet) tall, is designed so that the petals open every morning at 8:00 a.m. and close at sunset, so if you pass by at different times, you will have a different perspective.

Explore Puerto Madero

Puerto Madero is one of the coolest places to visit in Buenos Aires. This modern neighborhood was once the place where European immigrants would settle as they arrived in Argentina, and used to be a thriving trade harbor.

As trade decreased after WWII, the area fell into despair, but thanks to the efforts of the local authorities, it is now an up-and-coming area in the capital.

Puerto Madero is home to the wealthiest community and a place where locals enjoy running along the waterfront. There are excellent restaurants and pubs along the river and some interesting art galleries.

Walk across Puente de la Mujer (Women’s Bridge)

Women’s Bridge is a pedestrian bridge in Puerto Madero. Santiago Calatrava built it in 2001. It crosses over the old warehouses and ports from the 19th century.

It was named to honor women, and also to remain consistent with the architecture and names in Puerto Madera (all the streets were named after prominent women).

According to the artist, the bridge is supposed to symbolize two people doing the tango (which is very appropriate). The white mast is the man, and the curve of the bridge is the woman.

Visit Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve

One of the coolest things to do in Buenos Aires, and particularly family-friendly if you want to spend some time busy in outdoor activities, is visiting the Costanera Sur Reserva Ecologica, which – despite being located near the center of town – will give you a respite from the chaos.

Close to Puerto Madero (you can see the high-rise building from there), there are several walking trails, three lagoons, and lots of opportunities to admire wildlife and local flora. 

The area was declared a reserve in 1986 and recognized by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area in 2005.

Visit one or all the museums

When the weather is not good, one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires is visit a museum. The following ones are the best in town: 

MUSEO NACIONAL DE BELLAS ARTES—It has an impressive exhibit with paintings by Renoir, Monet, Picasso, and Gauguin, among others. There’s also plenty of local art and pieces of work that follow the history of art throughout the country.

MALBA—The Museum of Latin American Art is located in a beautiful modern building in the Palermo neighborhood. It has a collection of pieces by the most prominent contemporary and historical artists of Latin America, such as Frida Kahlo. There are occasional temporary exhibitions which are very interesting.

MUSEUM OF DECORATIVE ARTS OF QUINQUELA MARTIN—It’s located in what was once the house of the painter who gave it its name in the area of La Boca.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE CABILDO—Located inside the Cabildo, the 1610 palace that was the seat of the colonial government, this museum sheds light on what the city looked like in the 18th century. It also has an exhibit on Jesuit and colonial art.

MUSEO DE LA CASA DE GOBIERNO—This is an interesting and small museum located inside the Casa Rosada. Here, you can learn more about the history of Argentine presidents until 1966.

MUSEO HISTORICO NACIONAL—The National Historical Museum is located in San Telmo and has an exhibit of more than 50,000 artifacts related to the country’s history, including paintings by contemporary primitive painter Cándido López.

BERNARDINO RIVADAVIA NATURAL SCIENCES MUSEUM—Another museum located in San Telmo, it first opened in 1826, and it’s entirely dedicated to the flora and fauna you’ll spot in Argentina. An interesting addition if you intend to visit Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, and the region of Peninsula Valdes and Punta Tombo.

MUSEO DE ARTE HISPANOAMERICANO ISAAC FERNANDEZ BLANCO—Located in Recoleta, it has an interesting collection of colonial silver paintings, statues, and costumes.

MUSEO NACIONAL DE ARTE DECORATIVO—Located in the gorgeous Palacio Errázuriz in Recoleta, this museum first opened in 1911 and is a great place to visit for architecture enthusiasts. The exhibit includes a collection of French Impressionist and Spanish mannerist paintings, as well as antique furniture, tapestries, and decorations.

Take a street art tour of Palermo

Buenos Aires is thriving with street art. You will find murals pretty much anywhere in the city – San Telmo, Barracas (more about that in a bit) and Palermo are all great places to admire the many murals and with that learn more about the local culture and social strictures.

The best place for street art is Palermo Hollywood, and the best way to enjoy it is on a guided tour. The guide will explain the historical, social, and political reasons behind each mural, helping you better understand Argentinian history and way of life.

I recommend this Palermo: Graffiti and Street Art Guided Tour in English if you want to find all the best artistic spots and learn more about street art in Buenos Aires. The tour follows along Argentinian history and the political movements in the country as depicted by art and murals.

You should also read my post A Guide To Palermo Buenos Aires for more information about this unique “barrio”.

Hang out in Plaza Serrano

Plaza Serrano is in the heart of Palermo Hollywood and a nice place to hang out.

It’s a lovely, airy square surrounded by nice cafés, pubs, and lots of shops, and there is a market at weekends where you can buy souvenirs at a real steal, jewelry, accessories, and whatnot.

The area is packed with some of the trendy shops in town, and there are some fun places to grab a drink, too.

Here, you will find some of the best breweries in the city—there’s the always-present Patagonia chain, which can be found all over the country, as well as smaller breweries serving excellent beer.

Visit the Carlos Thays Botanical Gardens

Named after Buenos Aires’ important landscape architect and located in Palermo, near Plaza Italia, the Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays of Buenos Aires is an incredibly pleasant place to visit and get a break from the chaos of the city.

The gardens contain around 6,000 species of plants organized by geographic provenience. They are free to visit and open every day but Mondays.

If you happen to visit Buenos Aires in the spring months, and especially in November, you also should visit El Rosedal, part of Parque Tres de Febrero in Paseo.

Learn how to tango

Buenos Aires is (together with Montevideo) one of the birthplaces of tango, an incredibly sensual dance. Learning how to tango—or at least seeing a tango dance show—is one of the unique things to do in Buenos Aires.

There are many milongas in Buenos Aires—places where tango is danced. Some are so famous that they are more like theaters and even require paying a fee and advanced bookings—such as Café Tortoni, for example, where tango performer, singer, and actor Carlos Gardel was a regular.

Other good places to go for a tango show are Rojo Tango, La Viruta, Café Angelito, Salón Canning, and La Glorieta, an open-air milonga in Belgrano.

Keep your eyes out for smaller milongas scattered around town. Head to Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo on Sunday for something even more spontaneous and completely free. Dancers will pop up to entertain passersby.

If you’re a fan of tango, I highly recommend this Buenos Aires: Piazzolla Tango Show with Optional Dinner. The show takes place at Galería Güemes, one of the most luxurious theatres in the country. It pays tribute to Astor Piazzolla, an influential tango composer.

For a more immersive tango experience, I recommend booking this Buenos Aires Private Tango Lesson. During the one-hour lesson, you’ll learn some basic moves and enough to get out there on your own!

Attend Opera at Teatro Colón

For a different night out, attend an opera show at Teatro Colón, considered to be one of the best opera houses in the world by National Geographic. The theater first opened in 1857, but the current building replaced the original one in 1905 and was first opened in 1908.

Opera singers such as Luciano Pavarotti, Maria Callas, and Caruso all performed there!

If you just want to visit the theater, you can go on a guided tour. You can find more information about the guided tours, prices, times, and schedules on the Teatro Colón website.

Not far from Teatro Colon you will find Templo Libertad, the biggest synagogue in Argentina, reflecting the large Jewish community that lives in the city.

Go to La Boca

La Boca is one of the most popular places to visit in Buenos Aires. Known for the colorful and iconic Caminito, it’s also where the Bombonera, Boca Juniors impressive stadium, is located.

It’s one of those places you shouldn’t miss, but keep in mind that, aside from the Caminito and a few other streets that are packed with tourists, this tends to be a dodgy area—even locals will warn you to steer away from the non-touristy areas.

I recommend this La Boca Guided Walking Tour in English. It will show you around the “conventillos“—the colorful houses in the area—and take you to the Boca Juniors stadium (though tickets are not included).

Get off the beaten path in Barracas

Barracas is a barrio (neighborhood) of Buenos Aires where no tourists ever go. Located in the south of the city, along the Riachuelo River, the neighborhood was first founded in the 18th century. Its name comes from the word “barraca” which translates to shack in English.

The neighborhood became mostly Italian in the 20th century, when people moved here to work in the local factories. Thought to be a bit of a rough part of the city, Barracas is full of character and interesting things to see.

I visited on a guided bike tour where the highlight was Calle Lanin, a narrow cobblestone lane that thanks to the work of Marino Santa María became an open air museum. I had the chance of visiting his studio too during the bike tour, and it was interesting to learn about his vision and how he decorated the streets with his colorful mosaics.

I recommend this bike tour of Barracas and La Boca. It stops at some of the most iconic spots in La Boca and then continues further to the lesser known Barracas, including obviously Calle Lanin.

Watch a fútbol match at La Bombonera

People in Argentina take fútbol really seriously—and even more so in the city of Diego Armando Maradona and Lionel Messi. The best way to understand how important it is to them is to watch a game—best if it is live at the Bombonera, the famous stadium in La Boca, not far from El Caminito.

The vibe is incredibly lively here. For a real treat, try to get a ticket for the superclásico —Boca Juniors v. River Plate. It’s one of the top things to do in Buenos Aires.

If you aren’t in Buenos Aires during the championship, you can still do this Boca Juniors and River Plate Football Tour. It’s not as exciting as watching the game live, but it’s still a really interesting thing to do in Buenos Aires.

If your dates line up, you can also do this Buenos Aires: Football Soccer Match Game Day Experience. This group activity will take you all around the Stadium Neighborhood and let you watch the football match with a group of other people and a guide who can explain things as they come.

If you are a massive soccer fan, you can also go on this River Plate and Boca Juniors Museum Tour. This activity includes a tour of the stadium and the museum. It’s the perfect outing for any football fan.

Watch a polo match

One of the most popular things to do in Buenos Aires for locals is attending polo matches. For real!

Polo is one of the oldest organized sports in the world. It was brought to Argentina in the 19th centry by English immigrants. Polo quickly spread like fire across the country and is still a very beloved sport.

One reason it has performed so well is the overall “horse culture” in Argentina. Maybe it’s the terrain outside the cities, perfect for roaming wild horses, or just the rich history of Argentinian ranches and cowboys intertwined with horses.

Games usually take place between September and November at Campo Argentino de Polo. But there are other popular places to catch a game or practice yourself, including ranches outside of the city for this very purpose.

If you’re interested in this fast-paced sport, you can even take your own Polo Lessons from Buenos Aires. The lesson lasts for approximately three hours. You won’t be ready to go pro right after, but it’s an overall really fun experience and one of the most unique things to do in Buenos Aires.

Eat a good asado

Undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires is eat a proper asado, a mixed grill with several kinds of meat: beef, chicken, pork, and lamb are usually all present, and at times, also blood sausage or morcilla.

Granted, the best place to have a good asado is actually at a friend’s place. During my last trip, my friend invited me to his place in Pilar, about one hour out of Buenos Aires, and he grilled a killer asado). But if you don’t know locals, go to a bodegon – a local restaurant.

A good bodegon usually serves other traditional dishes, too, such as milanesa, the Argentine version of schnitzel, or provoleta, a delicious melted cheese served with herbs (more about these in a bit).

Check out my post A Guide To Food In Argentina for more local delicacies.

Gorge on steak

Steakhouses abound in Buenos Aires, and most of them claim to serve the best steak in town. I have tried a few places – a couple of bodegas and some upper-scale restaurants – and in my humble opinion, they were all good in a different way. The places mentioned below are my favorite steakhouses in town:

MADRE ROJAS – Located south of Villa Crespo, in Rojas, this restaurant is only known to locals who go there for the delicious steaks and the impressive wine list. The 400 gr bife de chorizo may seem large for a person, but you will want to have it all yourself!

DON JULIO—A once family-run parrilla (now more of a fancy place where the rich and famous go) with an extensive wine list, it’s one of the most famous places in Buenos Aires to have a good steak.

LA CABRERA—The most famous steakhouse in Buenos Aires is located in Palermo. It’s the kind of place you have to wait in line for or book well in advance, but it’s worth every penny.

LO DE JESUS—This is my personal favorite. It is more local than La Cabrera and slightly less expensive, but it has all the quality and an incredible wine list.

Join a food tour

One of the best ways to learn about the local culture—anywhere you visit—is through food. I have already told you about the asado and steaks in Buenos Aires, but there’s much more you should try.

First of all, you should try empanadas—a dough that looks a bit like bread and is filled with a variety of ingredients. They are the perfect quick lunch or snack (merienda). The classic empanada is filled with ham and cheese, but you can have it with chicken, beef, or a vegan version with lots of vegetables.

One of the best places to try empanadas is La Panaderia in San Telmo Market.

On the other end of the flavor spectrum are alfajores, cookies filled with dulce de leche—a very thick, sticky spread made with condensed milk and heaps of sugar.

But if you think that’s all there is, you are mistaken.

Another food you should try in Buenos Aires is fainà. It’s actually the same thing as the fainé you can find in Genoa (Italy) and even in Sardinia, an inheritance of the Genoese domination. It’s a dough made with chickpea flour that is smothered in olive oil and baked, and can be eaten plain or with a number of toppings.

There’s also Argentine pizza, which is not even remotely close to Italian pizza, or to New York style pizza: the crust is fairly thin, but what makes it special (or different, depending on points of view) is the insane amount of cheese Argentinians love to put on it.

You should also try milanesa: the concept is similar to schnitzel or (since many people in Argentina have Italian heritage) cotoletta alla milanese. It’s usually veal (but at times chicken) breaded and then fried. The Italian version is supposed to come with a bone, whereas the milanesa in Argentina doesn’t.

A proper food tour should also include provoleta: it’s provolone cheese grilled in a skillet, usually eaten plain or sometimes topped with herbs, onions or other toppings.

Finally, there’s gelato: ok, this is Italian really but once again the Italian heritage of Argentines is prevalent here, and there are some fabulous gelato shops all over Buenos Aires, especially in Palermo.

And if you want to to try Argentina’s favorite drink (other than wine, that is), there’s mate – a bitter infusion made of yerba mate. This is a cultural more than a culinary tradition in Argentina, so you have to try it at least once.

On my last visit, I took this half-day Palermo Soho food tour with Asado Adventures. Our excellent guide walked us through the neighborhoods, where he explained the history of Palermo and Buenos Aires, and we tried all the most popular foods, starting with medialunas for breakfast. We also visited the botanical gardens.

Spend a night at The Argentine Experience

If you want to learn a bit more about Argentinian culture in a fun, interactive way while eating delicious food, spending a night at The Argentine Experience is one of the most fun things to do in Buenos Aires.

The lovely hosts will introduce you to local sign language and basic slang, teach you how to prepare excellent empanadas, and order a steak to your liking. The best part? The learning experience all happens while you sip excellent wine.

I highly recommend The Argentine Experience Gastronomical Dinner when you visit Buenos Aires. The experience includes a delicious six-course meal that you learn about from start to finish, delicious wine, clear instructions, and other Argentine classics.

Go wine tasting

Argentines love their wine, and they sure make some excellent ones. The best is produced in the Mendoza and Cafayate regions, where you can visit the various vineyards and go on wine-tasting tours.

However, you can start tasting wine in Buenos Aires already! Many recently opened wine bars offer good wine-tasting experiences. My favorite is probably La Malbequeria in Palermo. For more guidance, you can also go on a wine-tasting tour.

I recommend this Premium Argentinian Wines and Malbec Tasting Experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina. You’ll try wines from Salta, Patagonia, and Mendoza and learn about the history of winemaking in Argentina and other interesting facts.

Argentina’s favorite after-meal drink is Fernet. The most popular cocktails are Fernet and Cola.

Get out of town in El Tigre

Buenos Aires can get overwhelming, especially in the summer months when the heat becomes unbearable. For this reason, one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires is to get out of town.

El Tigre, a lovely small city a quick train ride from Retiro Station, is perfect for a day trip. Once there, go on a boat tour around the river delta. Tigre Delta got its name from the many jaguars that roamed these lands (don’t worry, they’ve mostly retreated to more remote places with much fewer people around).

The town of Tigre is only about 30 km (18 miles) from the city), so it’s also a very easy day trip from Buenos Aires.

If you’d like to take a tour of El Tigre, I recommend this Tigre Delta Boat and Van Tour with Snacks. The tour includes roundtrip transportation, a cruise on the Rio de la Plata to Tigre, time in the riverside market, and stops at other historical attractions.

Check out my post 10 Fantastic Day Trips From Buenos Aires for more ideas on where to go out of town.

Experience the life of a gaucho

Gauchos are described as “nomadic and colorful horsemen” of Argentina. Their legacy and folklore are very similar to those of cowboys in the United States.

If you like horses and the idea of getting out of the city, one of the top things to do in Buenos Aires is go on a gaucho experience to fully experience rural life in one of the many working ranches in Argentina. The best place for that is the lovely San Antonio de Areco.

You’ll go riding, enjoy a delicious asado and lots of empanadas, music shows, and drink lots of wine in a gorgeous setting.

Alternatively, you can opt for your dia de campo (day in the countryside) with this Santa Susana Ranch Day Tour, BBQ, and Shows. This tour includes transportation from Buenos Aires, time at estancia (ranch) Santa Susana, a traditional Argentinian BBQ, and more. It’s a really fun outing and the best way to escape the hustle of the capital city.

Go on a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento

This small city can be reached by a quick (1 hour) ferry ride and makes for another great day trip. Walking around Colonia feels like stepping back in time.

Imagine beautiful cobbled alleys with flowers pouring outside gardens onto the streets, a gorgeous lighthouse with spectacular views over the Rio de la Plata, and vintage cars scattered around town. It’s no wonder that it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You can easily spend an entire day roaming the narrow cobblestone streets and admiring the unique architecture. It’s also a good place for souvenir shopping, photography, and to learn about the historical significance of the little city.

You can purchase Colonia Ferry Tickets with an Optional Tour in advance. This is a good combination because you can decide what you’d like to do. It’s easy to explore Colonia on your own, but it’s also nice to go with a guide who’ll show you around while explaining more of the history.

Make sure to read my posts 15 Great Things To Do In Colonia Del Sacramento Uruguay and The Best Things To Do In Uruguay for more inspiration on things to do and places to visit.

Shop at the Feria de San Telmo

One of the most fun things to do in Buenos Aires on a Sunday is visiting the Feria de San Telmo (San Telmo market). Once a posh area of town where the rich used to live, San Telmo changed after an epidemic of yellow fever in 1870, and the wealthy moved to Recoleta.

The market first opened in 1897 and has become an incredibly popular place to hang out. It is packed with artists and has a thriving cultural life. There is also a fantastic food market and another market where you can shop for souvenirs and more.

Keep your eyes out for pickpockets when exploring the market.

Make sure to also read my post A Guide To San Telmo, Buenos Aires: 8 Best Things To Do because it can be a little overwhelming if you don’t come prepared.

Another cool market is the Feria Artesanal de Palermo Viejo.

Spend your Sunday at Feria de Mataderos

Another cool thing to do in Buenos Aires on a Sunday is to go to the Feria de Mataderos.

It’s essentialy a weekly fair, exploding with color, culture, excitement, and so much fun. You will find it in the western borders of the city. The feria was founded 20 years ago in an area where slaughterhouses were located.

Go there to experience traditional dances and costumes, a nice open-air market, and delicious local street food.

The best way to the Feria de Mataderos is to hop on metro line E all the way to the western edge of the city and, once there, take a taxi.

Further Readings

Are you planning a trip to Argentina? Make sure to read my other posts:

• A Guide To The Greatest Things To Do In Argentina
• A Perfect Argentina Itinerary
• A Guide To The Most Fun Things To Do In Mendoza, Argentina
• 13 Fantastic Wineries In Mendoza
• A Complete Guide To Where To Stay In Buenos Aires
• The Best Way To Get From Ezeiza To Buenos Aires
• The Best Argentine Movies

Pin It For Later!