15 Must-Visit Attractions in Buenos Aires
Contributor
Buenos Aires is not a slow-paced city. In fact, it’s all too easy to get swept up in the constant whirl of events popping up and suddenly find you haven’t even seen its most important landmarks! So here’s Culture Trip’s list of must-see attractions in Buenos Aires that will inspire you to make them a priority.
Recoleta Cemetery
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.
Recoleta Cemetery, Junín 1760, Buenos Aires, Argentina, +54 11 4803 1594
The Costanera
Buenos Aires’ ecological reserve, the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve (Costanera for short), offers a flora-filled walk along the river that, depending on the time of year, can be full of butterflies. As you walk you will be looking out at a river, not a sea, although from a distance it does look like the sea. No crashing waves, just tranquil shores and cool plants. If you’re big into nature, try to ignore the skyscrapers in the background of the 865-acre reserve, or simply start planning your trip to Patagonia. There are numerous food stands around the Costanera praised by locals, so don’t be shy and try a choripán. Find more information on visiting the ecological reserve here.
El Caminito
El Caminito
El Caminito is a colorful street museum in the historically Italian stronghold of La Boca. Meaning little street, the brightly-painted walkway is a lesson in the life and history of the early immigrant Italian community in Argentina. What began as an independent collaboration between artist Benito Quinquela Martín and the local community in the 1950s is now a major tourist attraction showcasing the work of numerous local artists. More information is available here.
National Museum of Fine Arts
Building, Museum
The Sunday fair in San Telmo
Market
The Sunday fair in San Telmo
The flea market in San Telmo in Buenos Aires © Gary Yim / Shutterstock | © Gary Yim / Shutterstock
The Sunday Fair in San Telmo is always packed for a reason: it’s tons of fun! Brimming with antiques, vintage clothing, handmade craft items, local artists, tango musicians and street food, the market lasts most of the day in the city’s cosmopolitan San Telmo neighborhood. Whether you’re souvenir hunting or just looking to soak in some local color, the Sunday fair is a must-go. Directions, hours and other information can be found here.
San Telmo Sunday Fair, Defensa 1098, Buenos Aires, Argentina, +55 11 3181 5188
Palacio Barolo
Building
Polo match
Polo is a hugely popular sport in Argentina. Matches tend to sell out quickly, in which case your other option is Argentina Polo Day. Their events – full day, half-day or nighttime – involve a polo match, lectures on the history of polo in the country, empanadas, and wine. Pretty Argentine! Check it out here.
The Water Company Palace
Museum
An imposing brick edifice taking up an entire city block, the water company palace in Buenos Aires is one of the most striking buildings in the city. Completed in 1894, the 300,000 bricks making up the Palacio de Aguas Corrientes were brought over over from Britain. The palace is located in the city’s elegant Recoleta neighborhood. More information and tour details are available here.
The Planetarium
Building, Museum
Manzana de las Luces
Archaeological site, Building, Church, School, University
The Rose Garden in Palermo Park
Park
Chinatown
Chinatown
The Chinese community first started arriving in Argentina en masse in the 1980s, and since settled in various areas, the most notable being the northern Chinatown neighborhood. Barrio Chino, as it is called, starts with a large decorative arch, which you walk through to find several streets filled with shops and Asian restaurants. If you’re looking for a little something different to do, Barrio Chino is the place for you. More information is available here.
La Bombonera
Stadium
Teatro Colón
Building, Concert Hall, Opera House, Theater
Take a bus tour and see it all
Buenos Aires’ hop-on, hop-off tourist bus will take in many of the sights mentioned here. So if you’re too busy drinking wine and going to asados to do everything on this list individually, hop on the bus for a sweet sight-seeing afternoon.
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