Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina, is a place bursting with life, color, and culture. From its rich history to its vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone in this bustling metropolis. Here’s a comprehensive one-week itinerary to help you make the most of your visit to this remarkable city.
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 Cabana 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.
Day 5: Local Art and Architecture
Start day five with a visit to the culturally rich and colorful neighborhood of La Boca. The first thing you will notice in La Boca is its brightly painted houses. Originally, the houses were painted using leftover paint from ships in the port. Remember that Buenos Aires is a port city. Be sure to pick up a painting from a local artist to remember your trip. The stadium of Boca Juniors, one of Argentina’s most famous soccer teams is also located in La Boca.
Although La Boca is a must for its history, culture and art, tourists must be aware of safety concerns. It’s advisable to stick to the well- traveled routes and to avoid visiting at night. In the afternoon, take a stroll and marvel at the water palace. The water palace is simply the headquarters of the city’s water supply. Why would I want to see that, you ask. Trust me, you have to see it for yourself. In the evening, enjoy a meal at Broccolino, an Italian restaurant known for their charming ambience. During peak tourist seasons, a reservation would be advisable.
Day 6: Local History and a Cultural Event
On day six, head to San Martin Plaza in the morning. Bring a book or people watch. This beautiful plaza features a statue dedicated to General San Martin, who was a key figure in Argentine and South America independence. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of Teatro Colon in the morning. You have already been there and enjoyed the magic of seeing a performance. Now it’s time to learn the history behind this elegant theater house.
Visit the website to see tour times. You will learn the history of its stunning architecture and will get to see different areas of the opera house. In the evening, check to see if there are any musicians performing at Luna Park or enjoy the take in the local sports culture if you are lucky enough to be visiting when River Plate has a home game.
Day 7: Palermo Parks
On the final day, start your morning with a visit to Floralis Generica, a very impressive and massive sculpture created by architect Eduardo Catalano. Its solar design allows the flower to open during the day and close at night. Spend the afternoon walking the grounds of Jardin Botanico Carlos Thays. This large garden located in the heart of Buenos Aires, offers its visitors the chance to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the botanical landscapes. In the evening, take another stroll around Puerto Madero. Take a tour of the Uruguay ship.
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 trip to Buenos Aires! It’s a city that’s sure to leave you enchanted with its energy, culture, and history. Safe travels!
