Laura Pattara | 14 March 2025
Buenos Aires is one of South America’s most captivating capitals, offering an irresistible mix of lively culture, world-class shopping, historic landmarks, and exquisite culinary experiences. It’s an absolute paradise for foodies, shoppers, and history buffs, and an ideal springboard for adventures throughout the continent.
Including a few extra days to soak up the Highlights of Buenos Aires at the start of a journey through Argentina is just the pickle to spice up your travel life!
Here are the top things to do in one of South America’s most colourful capitals.
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1. Stroll Through the Historic Microcentro
2. Explore San Telmo’s Cobblestone Streets
3. Experience the Passion of Football at La Bombonera
4. Discover Tango, Buenos Aires’ Lifeblood
5. Relish an Asado Dinner Experience at Fogón
6. Pay Homage to the Dead at La Recoleta
7. Catch the Sunset at Puerto Madero
8. Embrace Gaucho Culture on a Ranch Day Trip
9. Admire Palermo’s Street Art
11. How to Get to Buenos Aires from Australia/New Zealand
Explore the Downtown of Buenos Aires. See all the trips to Argentina.
The downtown district is home to some of Buenos Aires’ most iconic landmarks. Start at Plaza de Mayo, historically the social and political heart of the country. The square is flanked by architectural highlights like the Casa Rosada - the presidential palace from where Eva Perón addressed her adoring nation throughout much of the 1940s. On the north-western end is the famed Metropolitan Cathedral, with its Neoclassical façade and ornate interiors. And opposite that is the former town hall, now a national museum dedicated to the May Revolution of 1810 and the country's transition to an independent republic.
Continue walking in a westerly direction and you'll hit Avenida 9 Julio, the city's main artery and reputed widest avenue in the world. It is exceptionally grand and home to the Obelisco, a towering and ever-present symbol of Argentine pride. Don't miss the Teatro Colón, one of the world's most celebrated opera houses – take a guided tour for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into its opulent halls. For deeper insight into Argentina’s past, spend a couple of contemplative hours at the Museum of National History.
Microcentro is a historical titan, but there aren't many things to do after dark (and not many shopping options either), so you may want to pick a hotel in one of the more happening suburbs.
Feel the spirit of old streets in San Telmo with our trips to Argentina.
San Telmo is where Buenos Aires’ history comes alive. This charming district brims with colonial architecture, antique markets, and some of the city's most atmospheric tango bars. Visit on a Sunday to experience the famous San Telmo Market, where you can shop for handmade goods and sample delicious street food. Base yourself here if you love nothing more than to be right in the thick of things.
Discover the culture of Argentina.
Football isn’t just a sport in Buenos Aires; it’s a religion. Catching a Boca Juniors match at the famed La Bombonera Stadium (home turf of world-famous Boca Juniors) is a thrilling cultural experience and one of the best things to do in town. The electric atmosphere will leave you awestruck even if you're not a huge football fan. Head to the La Boca hood to soak up the sight of one of the most famous football stadiums on the planet and squeeze in a side-visit to Caminito, the most colourful ‘alley’ in the city and one of its most photographed highlights.
Explore trips to Argentina.
No trip to Buenos Aires is complete without embracing its most famous cultural export: tango. Whether you’re watching lifelong dancers glide across the floor or daring to learn the steps yourself, tango captures the city’s soul like nothing else. Catch a tango & dinner show at one of the city’s restaurants, or head to a milonga instead. Milongas are tango-dancing gatherings held in various spots around the city. Usually, they are open-air, free of charge, and incredibly authentic. If you're keen to learn, plenty of places offer lessons to the confidently uninhibited.
Don’t be shy! When are you ever going to get this chance again?
Feast on the most delicious specialities of Argentina.
For a quintessential Argentine culinary adventure, immerse yourself in an Asado dinner experience at Fogón. Unlike traditional barbecues, this intimate, closed-door dining event reimagines the Buenos Aires grilling tradition with a modern, gourmet twist.
Start your evening with a cocktail and empanadas, then savour local specialities like provoleta, seasonal vegetables, and steak served three ways. Each course is thoughtfully paired with boutique Argentine wines. Rub shoulders with some of the most renowned chefs in Buenos Aires as you sit around the parrilla and witness the magic of grill cooking up close. You won’t find a better way to spend a delectable, immersive, and unforgettable evening in Buenos Aires.
Include La Recoleta to your itinerary in Argentina.
Often dubbed the most “beautiful” cemetery in the world, La Recoleta is an open-air museum showcasing ornate mausoleums dating the length of Argentina’s storied past. This prestigious cemetery is the final resting place of figures like Eva Perón, Nobel laureates, actors, politicians, and even Napoleon’s (illegitimate) granddaughter. They are all housed in elaborately designed vaults, some of which are heritage-listed.
Grab a map to navigate its five–hectare labyrinth of paths (or join one of our Buenos Aires walking tours) and uncover the stories behind its famous residents.
Outside the gates, the Recoleta neighbourhood is a playground of culture and luxury, with chic boutiques, lush parks, and enticing cafés. Spend the day exploring this sophisticated barrio that perfectly fuses old and new.
Enjoy the skyscraper view in Argentina.
The revitalised Puerto Madero district is a sleek and modern addition to the Buenos Aires landscape. Its waterfront promenade is perfect for a sunset stroll, with spectacular views of the city’s skyline and the iconic Puente de la Mujer Bridge.
Dine at one of the upscale restaurants that line the docks, where fresh fish and fine wine are orders of the day. There's a palpable divide between modern Puerto Madero and its older neighbours but that can add to its charm – it's a lovely area to explore for a few hours.
Experience the wilderness of Argentina on our trips.
Escape the bustle of Buenos Aires and spend a day at an estancia (ranch) to get a taste of the authentic gaucho culture. These immersive tours offer a thrilling look at rural life, where you can watch a traditional gaucho performance, or explore the countryside on horseback with a knowledgeable guide.
The highlight, naturally, is the legendary Argentine BBQ: a parrillada of juicy steaks, sausages, and other local meats, all grilled to perfection and paired with generous servings of Malbec. Come soak up the culture and enjoy a delicious local meal –the perfect way to experience Argentina's wild side in true gaucho style.
Enjoy amazing views of Palermo city during the trip in Argentina.
Palermo is Buenos Aires’ trendiest barrio and a captivating canvas for urban creativity. A street art walking tour will lead you past colourful murals and graffiti that transform the city’s walls into open-air galleries. Each piece tells a story, reflecting the city’s social and political turmoil – head here with a local guide to make the most of your visit.
Beyond its art, Palermo is a paradise for foodies and shoppers. Pop into one of its trendy cafés, browse chic boutiques, or unwind in a lush, manicured park. Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood are the epicentres of this bohemian district, offering endless options for exploration—combined, they are the best areas to stay in Buenos Aires.
Visit UNESCO protected sites of Argentina.
A quick ferry ride across the Río de la Plata will take you to Colonia del Sacramento, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Uruguay. This charming town is a lovely step back in time, with its cobblestone streets, classic architecture, and vintage cars. It makes for the perfect day trip from Buenos Aires. Spend a full day enjoying Colonia's laid-back vibe, or take your excursion up a notch with a 3-day stopover from Buenos Aires to take in the highlights of Colonia and Montevideo.
Getting to Buenos Aires from Australia or New Zealand is straightforward, with several convenient options. Major airlines like Qantas and LATAM offer routes from Australia and New Zealand connecting through Santiago (Chile).
From Santiago, it’s a quick 2-hour flight to reach Buenos Aires.
Once in Buenos Aires, you’ll land at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), the city’s main gateway, only about 40 minutes from the heart of the action.
Buenos Aires is the capital city by which all others should be measured. It is both a fantastic springboard for a multi-country tour of South America and a brilliant destination in itself.
Contact our Destination Specialists for more info and help planning a personalised, bespoke tour starting from Buenos Aires.
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Premium itineraries carefully crafted by destination experts. Take in the very best of South America and Central America, with highly-rated hotels and exclusive authentic experiences.
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