Argentina’s capital, long considered the Paris of South America, has a rich history in its own right. From popular attractions to little-known gems, there are a million and one sights to see in this metropolis, which, just like its inhabitants, never sleeps. Read on for the ten best things to do and see in Buenos Aires.
La Boca, home of beloved local football team Boca Juniors, is a neighborhood bursting with life and color, particularly on its most famous road, El Caminito. Peek into the myriad shops selling blue and yellow Boca Juniors apparel as well as sky-blue and white Argentina national team jerseys –generally emblazoned with the names and numbers of legends like Maradona and Messi – and admire the brightly hued houses nearby (don’t veer off the main roads here, though; the area is rough around the edges).
From clothing to antique housewares and souvenirs to artisanal crafts, San Telmo’s outdoor weekend feria has it all. Nibble on an empanada or an alfajoras you peruse the wares at the market’s assortment of stalls. San Telmo is the oldest barrio, or neighbourhood, in Buenos Aires, and its cobblestoned streets are ringed with beautiful old homes and churches as well as contemporary art spaces and cafés.
MALBA, or the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires, is Argentina’s premier contemporary art museum, featuring pieces by iconic Latino artists including Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera as well as lesser-known local talents. Set aside a couple of hours to explore this sprawling art wonderland, and come away with an improved knowledge of the Latin-American art scene of the past century.
Argentina is known for its love of polo, and visitors to the country during the prime playing season, September to November, are in luck: November sees the Argentinean Open occur at the Campo Argentino de Polo in the swanky area of Palermo; viewing a high-level polo match is quite the experience.
Grab coffee at a historic hangout
Cafe
Swing by the legendary Café La Biela for a café con lechejust like Argentinian literary heroes Borges and Casares used to – note the life-size statues of the two authors sitting at their preferred table. With impeccable service and old-school style, this legendary cafe remains a Buenos Aires institution.
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Get immersed in nature
Martin SC Photo / Shutterstock
The Reserva Ecólogica Costanera Sur is a lush and verdant stretch of nature in the middle of the city, offering trails for walking, running and cycling, four lakes, as well as more than 200 types of birds and other wildlife. Whether you’re into bird-watching, exercising, or simply enjoying a bit of sunshine, take some time out to relax in this nature reserve.
Learn about politics in Microcentro
Building
Buenos Aires’ downtown area is home to La Casa Rosada, the official presidential residence, which is a wonder in pink opulence. After taking in the view of the building, and its splendidly-dressed guards, take a walk around Plaza de Mayo, where demonstrations and protests frequently occur. Visitors on a Thursday will see the Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, who have been stalwarts on the plaza since the Dirty War of the 1970s.
Go tango dancing
Bar
When in Argentina, try out tango dancing, or at least watch the professionals. While undoubtedly a touristy experience, the tango show at Bar Sur in San Telmo features top-notch dancing and a small, cozy venue, making the entire experience feel authentic and intimate.
Have a night out in Palermo
Architectural Landmark
Don’t miss Crobar, a boliche or nightclub located under a railway bridge in Palermo, which brings in all sorts of big-name international DJs, or head to Niceto Club, which hosts an iconic Thursday night event comprising everything from techno music to cabaret to break-dancers. Don’t try to show up to a nightclub before at least 2am, though – they’ll be empty until then.
If your first thought is, “oh no, not a cemetery!” – hold on. The Recoleta Cemetery is something quite distinctive. A maze of early 20th century tombs that stand above ground in tiny little stone houses or miniature churches, the cemetery holds an astonishing 6,400 statues, many of which were hand-carved and brought over from Italy. Supposedly, it’s haunted. Also, Evita Peron is buried here. Visitor information can be found here.
The fine arts museum Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is a must-see because it contains the largest public art collection in Latin America. It also boasts a surprisingly robust collection of European impressionists. If the visit leaves you hungry for more art, check out this list of the best museums in the city.
Palacio Barolo is a mammoth work of architecture located in Buenos Aires’ historic city center. Based on Dante’s Divine Comedy and built by an Italian immigrant, the 1923 building’s rooftop (accessed by tour only) gives you an incredible panoramic view of the city. There’s also a lighthouse viewable all the way in Uruguay. The palace is exactly 100 meters (330 feet) high, one meter for each of the 100 cantos in the Divine Comedy. Classy!
You’re in a new hemisphere, so you should definitely check out the celestial change-up with a visit to the Jetsons-style Planetarium in Palermo. Currently closed for reconstruction, the space museum offers video tours of the night sky and other astrological events.
Sports fans can’t come to Buenos Aires without visiting Maradona’s old stomping grounds. The Estadio Alberto J. Armando, home to the Boca Juniors team, is nicknamed the Chocolate Box (La Bombonera) for its distinctive size and shape. A tour of the stadium comes with a visit to the adjoining Museo de la Pasión Boquense, or The Museum of the Passion For All Things Boca, which is located in the neighborhood of La Boca.
Buenos Aires’ gorgeous opera house is just as grand – if not more so – on the inside. It’s well worth catching a show here, or just taking a guided tour to get a peek inside. The tour will also give you a deeper understanding of Teatro Colón’s historic role as the leading cultural icon of the city.
Maddy is in her second year reading English at the University of St Andrews. Born and bred in Washington, DC, she retains an affinity for political intrigue, urban green space, and Ethiopian cuisine despite newly appreciating the British traditions of queueing, apologising, and Wimbledon. Maddy's freelance writing has been published in media such as Matador Network and Thistle Magazine as well as in St Andrews-based publications. She'll travel anywhere, just give her a moment to lace up her Adidas.
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