Prepare yourself for an unforgettable trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina. This vibrant city is known for its European architecture, passionate tango, and delectable steaks. Here’s a perfect four-day itinerary to help you experience the best of Buenos Aires, from its historic sites to its modern, cosmopolitan life.
Day 1: A Day of History and Culture
Start your first day in Buenos Aires with a visit to the Evita Museum. Located in the Palermo neighborhood, this museum offers a profound look into the life of one of Argentina’s most iconic political figures, Eva Perón, who served as both First Lady and President of Argentina. Stop and enjoy lunch on the patio of the Museo Evita Restaurante. If you are lucky, the neighborhood cat will greet you and ask for pets.
In the afternoon, head towards the Recoleta Cemetery, a city within a city, teeming with stories of the famous and influential figures buried here including Argentina’s beloved Evita. If you are visiting in the summer, you will want to switch and visit the Recoleta Cemetery early in the day as there is very little shade and it gets quite warm in the cemetery. Don’t forget your sunscreen in the summer months!
As the evening sets in, it’s time to immerse yourself in the city’s culture at La Ventana Tango Show, a quintessential Buenos Aires experience. Make a reservation in advance and enjoy the local cuisine whilst watching skilled tango dancers, accordion and piano players. Prepare to be amazed by mesmerizing melodies of a gaucho.
Day 2: Explore the Heart of Buenos Aires
Day two is dedicated to exploring the city’s political and cultural heart. Start your day at the Pink Palace, Plaza de Mayo, the political hub of Buenos Aires. Then, stroll along Florida Street, a bustling pedestrian street known for its shops and street performances. At Florida street, you will hear many vendors calling out “cambio”. They are offering you their service of exchanging currency. Keep in mind that you may not need to have Argentine pesos as most places in Buenos Aires accept either cards or American dollars.
After lunch, visit El Ateneo Grand Splendid, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. El Ateneo Grand Splendid was formerly an opera house and you can still feel the energy of its former performers. If you need an afternoon pick me up, have a coffee or snack at its in-house cafe, located on the former opera house stage. Cap off the day with dinner at Don Julio, but remember to make reservations far in advance as this popular steakhouse fills up quickly.
Day 3: A Day in Uruguay
On your third day, take a short ferry ride and spend the day in Colonia, Uruguay. Don’t forget to bring your passport! Enjoy the charming old town with its cobblestone streets, outdoor markets and vintage cars. Return to Buenos Aires in the evening and visit Teatro Colon, one of the most important opera houses in the world. Be sure to make your reservation in advance. Enjoy an opera, ballet or theater performance and marvel at the stunning architecture.
Day 4: A Day in the Delta
For the last day of your Buenos Aires adventure, take the public water taxi or rent a private boat and spend the day in Tigre, a charming town in the Delta. Enjoy lunch at Gato Blanco, a local favorite, known for its “owner”, a beautiful white cat! After spending the day on the water, head back to Buenos Aires for a relaxing evening. Dine at Cabaña las Lilas, known for its excellent steaks and wines. For vegetarians, their grilled provolone is the best in the biz! After dinner, take a stroll through Puerto Madero, the city’s modern waterfront district.
Weekend Market Tips
If you’re lucky enough to be in Buenos Aires on a weekend, make sure to visit the local markets. On Saturdays, the Recoleta Market is a must-visit for its artisanal crafts, handcrafted jewelry and street food. On Sundays, head to the San Telmo Market for antiques, vintage items, leather goods, authentic handmade crafts and local street performances. Be sure to bring cash as most vendors will not accept credit cards. Most vendors will accept American dollars so no need to change money.
Enjoy your stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina! This city is sure to charm you with its vibrant
culture, passionate tango, delicious food, and friendly locals. Safe travels!
