Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital, is a city of passion, where European-style architecture, tango music, and rich culinary traditions come together. Most tourists come to explore historic neighborhoods like San Telmo and La Boca, visit iconic spots like Plaza de Mayo and Recoleta Cemetery, and immerse themselves in tango culture. But Buenos Aires also impresses with its dynamic arts scene, leafy parks, and vibrant street life.

Buenos Aires is a city that skips along to a tango beat, serving up great and incredibly cheap food and drink along with a renowned nightlife and carnival scene. This is a city with a distinctly European, mainly Spanish feel, with its classic architecture, numerous museums and laid-back atmosphere. Recoleta is the cultural heart of the city and a plush suburb of museums, art galleries and a basilica.

The city’s charm lies in its blend of old and new, grand 19th-century buildings and cobblestone streets sit alongside modern galleries, buzzing cafés, and all-night milongas (tango dance halls). It’s a place where culture and nightlife pulse around the clock.

Top attractions include Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, Teatro Colón, Recoleta Cemetery, La Boca’s Caminito Street, and the MALBA art museum. Don’t miss a tango show or an evening wandering San Telmo’s antique markets and bars.

For lodging, Recoleta is elegant and central, Palermo offers a trendy vibe with lots of dining and nightlife, and San Telmo is great for history lovers. Buenos Aires has accommodations ranging from luxury hotels and boutique inns to hostels and affordable apartments.

Getting around is easy with the Subte (metro), buses, and taxis, all inexpensive. Walking is one of the best ways to explore, especially in compact neighborhoods, though traffic can be hectic.

Dining is a highlight, Argentina is famous for its beef, and you’ll find top-notch parrillas (steakhouses) everywhere. Italian and Spanish influences also shine. Nightlife starts late, with bars and clubs buzzing into the early hours. Shopping features leather goods, antiques, and local designer boutiques.

For many, a visit to Buenos Aires means a chance to feast on some of the best steak in the world and at ridiculously low prices. Restaurants and accommodation are more often than not fantastic value for money in the Argentine capital, where you can get a memorable dinner with locally produced red wine and a bed for the night for a fraction of the cost that you would pay in Europe or North America. The nightlife here is also worth checking out, but be aware that things can get very raucous and go on long after daybreak.

Buenos Aires is generally safe in tourist areas, but petty theft (especially pickpocketing) is common, stay alert. Some areas can feel sketchy at night, so it’s wise to stick to well-lit streets and reputable taxis.

Why Go to Buenos Aires?

• Tango & Culture: Watch or join in the city’s famous tango scene.

• Grand Architecture: Explore historic buildings, elegant boulevards, and plazas.

• Steak & Wine: Feast on world-class beef paired with Malbec wines.

• Lively Neighborhoods: Experience the unique character of San Telmo, Palermo, and La Boca.

• Arts & History: Visit museums, galleries, and iconic landmarks across the city.

Who Might Not Enjoy Buenos Aires?

• Visitors Sensitive to Noise: The city is lively and can be noisy late into the night.

• Travelers Avoiding Urban Grit: While beautiful, Buenos Aires can be rough around the edges.

• Those Expecting Pristine Cleanliness: Some areas deal with graffiti and occasional litter, part of the city’s urban feel.