Some cities you visit. Others you fall in love with. Buenos Aires was the latter. Argentina was our gateway to South America, the first of many incredible adventures across the continent. With international travel still relatively new to us, Buenos Aires was one of the first foreign cities to truly sweep us off our feet.
And honestly, what's not to love? Intoxicating, passionate, and bursting with energy, Buenos Aires captivated us from the moment we arrived. Its bustling streets were alive with tango dancers, street performers, and colorful markets. Add in stunning European-inspired architecture, incredible food and wine, and a favorable exchange rate that our younger, budget-conscious selves especially appreciated, and we were hooked.
Often called the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires blends European elegance with Latin American passion. It's a city that truly has it all, and one that sparked our love affair with South America.
From colorful neighborhoods to sizzling tango performances, here are our favorite things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina!
The Striking Floralis Genérica, a Giant Steel Flower and One of Buenos Aires’ Most Iconic Landmarks
1. Get Lost in San Telmo's Markets and Cobblestone Streets
An Art Lover’s Dream at San Telmo’s Market
One of the oldest and most charming neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, San Telmo comes alive every Sunday with its famous antiques market. The bustling streets surrounding Plaza Dorrego are filled with antique stalls, street performers, souvenir vendors, and tango dancers. Within hours of arriving in Buenos Aires, we found ourselves captivated by our first street tango performance. It was love at first sight, and the absolute best introduction to the fiery dance that we were so lucky to experience throughout our trip.
2. Experience the Passion of an Argentine Tango Show
Tantalizing Tango at La Ventana
Sultry, seductive, and sensual, tango is woven into the very fabric of Buenos Aires. While you'll encounter dancers throughout the city, attending a traditional tango show is an absolute must.
We spent an evening at El Viejo Almacén, one of the city's oldest tango venues. Our experience included dinner, drinks, and a spectacular performance featuring talented dancers and a live orchestra. Touristy? Absolutely. Worth it? Every minute! We were so enamored with tango that we couldn't resist booking a second performance at La Ventana. Both shows were fantastic, but if we had to pick a favorite, El Viejo Almacén gets our vote!
We were so enamored with tango that we even signed up for lessons when we returned home. Let's just say it's MUCH harder than it looks. We'll stick to drinking wine and watching the professionals!
3. Indulge in Argentine Steak and Malbec
Argentina is world-famous for two things: incredible beef and exceptional Malbec wine. And Buenos Aires is the perfect place to indulge in both! From traditional parrillas (steakhouses) to upscale restaurants, the city takes its steak seriously. Whether you order a juicy bife de chorizo (sirloin steak) or ojo de bife (ribeye), pair it with a bold glass of Argentine Malbec for the ultimate culinary experience.
Now, I have a confession to make. When we visited Buenos Aires, I was a pescatarian and much more of a white wine drinker. I know, I know. A tragedy if I’ve ever know one. These days, red wine is my drink of choice, and if I could, I'd happily eat steak every single day of the week. Clearly, I visited Argentina during the wrong chapter of my culinary life.
Don't be like me. Be like T! Eat the steak. Drink the Malbec. Order another glass. Visiting Argentina without indulging in its famous beef and red wine is like going to Italy and skipping the pasta and gelato. Practically criminal!
If there's one reason I need to return to Argentina, it's to make up for this serious lapse in judgment. Preferably with a perfectly grilled steak and a very large glass of Malbec in hand.
4. Explore the Hauntingly Beautiful Recoleta Cemetery
One of Buenos Aires' most fascinating attractions, Recoleta Cemetery is anything but an ordinary burial ground. With its elaborate marble mausoleums, intricate sculptures, and grand tombs, this sprawling cemetery feels more like an open-air museum than a final resting place. Among its most famous residents is Eva Perón (Evita), Argentina's beloved and controversial former First Lady. Wander through the maze of narrow pathways and admire the remarkable architecture while discovering the stories of some of Argentina's most influential figures.
5. Wander the Colorful Streets of La Boca
A Kaleidoscope of Color Along the Vibrant Streets of La Boca, Buenos Aires
With its brightly painted buildings, lively streets, and passionate tango dancers, La Boca is one of Buenos Aires' most colorful and recognizable neighborhoods. The famous pedestrian street, Caminito, is lined with vibrant buildings, local artists, souvenir shops, and outdoor tango performances. Yes, it's touristy, but the neighborhood's infectious energy and colorful charm make it well worth a visit.
6. Marvel at the Magnificent Teatro Colón
Considered one of the world's premier opera houses, Teatro Colón is renowned for its extraordinary acoustics and breathtaking architecture. With its ornate balconies, lavish interiors, and grand auditorium, the theater is nothing short of spectacular. We saw a ballet performance here, and the experience was truly magnificent. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend seeing a show here. It's an unforgettable way to spend an evening in Buenos Aires.
7. Indulge in Hot Chocolate at Historic Café Tortoni
Making Friends at Café Tortoni
A Buenos Aires institution dating back to 1858, Café Tortoni is an absolute must-visit. With its old-world charm, elegant interiors, and rich history, this legendary café is the perfect place to soak up a little of the city's café culture. Stop in for a meal, enjoy a coffee, or, better yet, order the hot chocolate!
We had what can only be described as the richest, most decadent hot chocolate of our lives. Thick, velvety, and practically a dessert in a cup, it was pure chocolate heaven. More than 20 years later, T and I STILL talk about it. Trust us, don't leave Buenos Aires without a visit to Café Tortoni!
8. Discover the History of Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada
Pretty In Pink: Casa Rosada
At the heart of Buenos Aires lies Plaza de Mayo, the city's historic main square. Surrounded by impressive architecture and historic landmarks, the plaza has been the center of political demonstrations, celebrations, and pivotal moments in Argentine history for centuries.
The square's most recognizable landmark is Casa Rosada (the Pink House), Argentina's iconic pink presidential palace. Its famous balcony is where Eva Perón, famously known as Evita, addressed enormous crowds of supporters. The plaza is also known for the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, who began gathering here in 1977 to demand answers about their children who disappeared during Argentina's military dictatorship.
Whether you're a history buff or simply appreciate beautiful architecture, Plaza de Mayo offers a fascinating glimpse into Argentina's complex and compelling past.
9. Café-Hop and Explore Palermo Soho
A Colorful Stroll Through Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires’ Trendy, Art-filled Neighborhood
Trendy, eclectic, and bursting with energy, Palermo Soho is one of Buenos Aires' coolest neighborhoods. With its tree-lined streets, colorful street art, independent boutiques, and buzzing cafés, it's the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon wandering without much of an agenda. Browse the quirky shops, grab a coffee at a sidewalk café, and soak up the neighborhood's laid-back vibe. Come evening, Palermo Soho transforms into one of the city's liveliest dining and nightlife destinations, with fantastic restaurants, cocktail bars, and plenty of fantastic people-watching opportunities.
10.Take a Day Trip to Charming Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Cobblestone Streets and Timeless Colonial Charm in Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
Just across the Río de la Plata from Buenos Aires lies the charming colonial town of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, an easy ferry ride away and a wonderful opportunity to add another country to your travels! This UNESCO World Heritage Site feels worlds away from the bustling streets of Buenos Aires, with its cobblestone lanes, colorful historic buildings, quaint cafés, and picturesque waterfront. We loved spending the day wandering the historic quarter, exploring its charming streets, and soaking up the town's laid-back atmosphere before catching the ferry back to Argentina. A full day for sure, but also an easy and rewarding one, too.
These Two Kids Had NO Idea How Many Adventures Awaited!
More than 20 years later, T and I still look back on our time in Buenos Aires with such fond memories. We were younger, relatively new to international travel, and had no idea just how many incredible adventures were ahead of us. But Buenos Aires opened our eyes to the magic of South America and left us wanting more. Since then, we've explored so much more of this beautiful continent, but there's something about that first trip we'll never forget. And now that I've finally come to my senses about steak and Malbec, I think a return visit is long overdue!