The 22 Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires, Argentina for First-Time Visitors
There are so many fun things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina. If it’s your first time visiting Argentina, then you’re in for a treat, because this city has it all – gorgeous architecture, delicious food, great nightlife, and an endless amount of activities to enjoy.
From historic neighborhoods to late nights that stretch until sunrise, Buenos Aires has something for every type of traveler. You’ll hear tango music on street corners and smell traditional charcoal grills firing up well past dinner time.
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, you can never be bored in Buenos Aires. These 22 things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina are the exact experiences we share with all of our visitors, and the ones that you have to as well!
1. Take a Free Walking Tour
If you just arrived in Buenos Aires, it can be overwhelming. The city is full of iconic buildings and tons of history. Taking a tour is a great way to learn about the city and Argentinian history in general.
We personally love free walking tours because the guides are local and since they’re working on tips they usually make tours extra special. Just remember to bring cash on you! (It can be Argentinian pesos or USD).
2. Visit La Casa Rosada & the Microcentro
La Casa Rosada (aka the Pink House) is the equivalent of the White House. It’s the dead center of the city, and where you can see a lot of other iconic government buildings.
Most city tours start or end here, but if you decide to explore on your own then don’t miss this part of Buenos Aires.
👉🏻 Check out the painted bonnets on the floor and get a local to tell you the story of why this is such a significant piece of art that stands today.
3. Watch Tango
Tango was born here, and one of the top things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina is to catch a tango show.
There are several iconic ones right in the city center, and some of them include wine or a full dinner.
💸 If you’re tight on your budget you can also watch free tango shows at the restaurants in Caminito!
4. Eat at San Telmo Market
San Telmo is one of our favorite neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, and their market is a bustling foodie paradise.
The center has dozens of places to eat and savor a variety of flavors from both Argentina and around the world. There are also plenty of shops inside, and you can find everything from handmade leather garments to dulce de leche products.
Sunday is the most popular day, when you can really see the market in full action. If you prefer a quieter experience, we recommend popping in during the week sometime.
5. Browse the “Ferias”
One of the best things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina is checking out the incredible arts and crafts from the locals.
There are various “ferias” in Buenos Aires – some of these markets like the one in Recoleta or Plaza Serrano happen weekly, while there are also various pop-up markets that you can enjoy each week.
The biggest feria goes from Casa Rosada all the way down to San Telmo. The entire street goes for blocks with over 100 different vendors!
6. Go to a Football Game
If you’re looking for some real excitement on your trip, then you need to add seeing a football match onto your Argentina itinerary.
Each game stadiums fill with passionate fans and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before – 90 minutes of locals screaming and chanting non-stop. The energy is contagious, and it’s really a unique experience.
Going to a football match is hands-down one of the most exhilarating things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina, so make sure to get your tickets early!
7. Hang Out at the Parks
While Buenos Aires is a big city, it also has plenty of green spaces to enjoy, especially in Palermo.
The botanical gardens are free and have beautiful architecture, while the Japanese gardens add a foreign touch to the city’s green spaces. Our personal favorite is el Rosedal, where you can rent boats in the lake or bar hop under the train tracks.
Visiting the green spaces of the city is one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina if you’re looking for a relaxing atmosphere away from the typical chaos of the city center.
8. Take an Empanada Making Class
Empanadas are one of the most popular foods in Argentina, and they’re the go-to snack for get-togethers.
But empanadas are really special in Argentina, because they have regional recipes and specific folding styles for each filling.
Taking an empanada-making class allows you to learn to about the different techniques, as well as share a delicious meal with other tourists.
9. Enjoy a Traditional Asado
Argentinians have some of the best meat in the world, and they take great pride in their barbecues. They aren’t a 1-2 hour get-together – they’re a full day experience with family and friends with endless amounts of meat and wine.
Enjoying an asado is one of the best Argentinian experiences you can have, and right in Buenos Aires you can sign up for one that locals set up for tourists to enjoy together.
10. Visit Caminito in La Boca
Caminito is one of the most Instagrammable places in Buenos Aires, and it’s absolutely one of the top highlights of the city.
Once a poor neighborhood of Italian immigrants, this slice of La Boca is now a colorful place where you can enjoy vibrant facades, tons of history, and one of our favorite restaurants in Buenos Aires.
🚨 Caminito is perfectly safe, but the surrounding neighborhood of La Boca is not. Please stay within the limits of Caminito and visit only when it’s light out.
11. Explore the Museums
Exploring the museums is one of the most essential things to do in Buenos Aires Argentina, especially if you want to understand the city beyond just the pretty architecture.
From the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes to MALBA, the city offers everything from classical art to vibrant modern exhibits. Many museums are affordable or free, making it easy to add culture to your Buenos Aires itinerary without over-planning.
🍴 Many of the museums in Buenos Aires have excellent cafes to enjoy with outdoor seating!
12. Discover the Speakeasies
Other than New York City, Buenos Aires is one of our favorite cities for speakeasies. There are various ones to check out across, especially in the neighborhood of Palermo. They have that epic NYC underground vibe, with a bit of a lower price tag 😉.
13. Walk Around Puerto Madero & Cross Puente de la Mujer
Puerto Madero is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. It’s upscale, trendy, and sits along the river. Puente de la Mujer (Women’s Bridge) connects the two sides, and cool bars and restaurants line the riverfront. It’s just minutes away La Casa Rosada, and is also near the ecological reserve, which sits behind it.
14. Watch a Show
There is a such a great variety of shows in Buenos Aires. While most tourists stick to Tango, you can also check out other cool experiences like candlelight concerts, blind dinners, or classical performances at Teatro Colon.
There is an endless amount of entertainment in this city, and catching a show is definitely one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina for a classy night out.
15. Visit Recoleta Cemetery
Visiting Recoleta Cemetery is one of the most fascinating things to do in Buenos Aires Argentina. This historic cemetery actually feels more like an open-air museum, with elaborate mausoleums, narrow walkways, and famous figures like Eva Perón buried inside. It’s a unique way to learn about Argentinian history while exploring one of the city’s most elegant neighborhoods.
16. Tour the Iconic Buildings
Buenos Aires is famous for its architecture, and seeing the city’s most iconic buildings is an absolute must. Landmarks like Teatro Colón, El Congreso, and Palacio Barolo showcase the city’s strong European influence, and are stunning on the outside, but super interesting to also explore on the inside.
Many of the city’s most iconic buildings allow visitors in for guided tours, and they’re an absolute must to get a real glimpse into Argentina’s past. Not only that, a few of them have rooftops you can visit!
17. Check Out the Street Art
Buenos Aires is full of vibrant murals, and some of the most colorful and memorable are scattered across Palermo. We recommend heading to Palermo Soho for our favorite murals, which are nearby Plaza Serrano (a must-visit square with a weekend market and lively bar scene).
18. Visit the Second Biggest Book Store in the World
One of the top things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina is to visit Ateneo Splendid. Often ranked as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, it’s located inside a former theater, and still features balconies, ornate ceilings, and a stage that has been turned into a small cafe.
If you’re a reader, this is an absolute must, and even if you aren’t, the bookstore is simply stunning to walk around.
19. Have Pizza at Guerrin
Argentina has its own style of pizza – thick and overflowing with cheese. Trying a slice is a must, especially the fugazetta, which is one of the most traditional foods in Argentina.
Located on Corrientes, Guerrin is an iconic pizzeria that has been around for decades. What started out as a simple spot for locals to pass by and quickly have a slice has now expanded into a multi-room establishment that fills up any day of the week.
20. Take a Picture at the Obelisk
The Obelisk is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Buenos Aires, sitting smack dab in the middle of South America’s widest highway. Located in the city center, it often serves as a backdrop for celebrations and major events, and is also a popular stop for a photo. It’s a quick stop, but one that is still essential for first-time visitors.
21. Enjoy the Nightlife
If you’re young and full of energy, then one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires is to enjoy the nightlife. Dinners start late, bars get busy after midnight, and clubs often stay open until sunrise. Whether you prefer cocktail bars, live music, or clubs, the city offers endless options after dark.
22. Take a Trip to Tigre
Sitting just north of the city, Tigre is the perfect little getaway from Buenos Aires. Just a train ride away, this delta is known for boat rides, riverside homes, and weekend markets. It’s an easy escape and a nice contrast to the busy city streets, especially in the summertime when you can enjoy the beach clubs and water sports.
So are you ready to explore all of the incredible things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina? We hope you enjoy our city in every way possible. There truly is something for every type of traveler, and if you need help, then we’re here to create a customized itinerary for you and your group.
