Unusual Things To Do In Buenos Aires On Your South American Trip

You’ve already been browsing for books at Teatro Gran Splendid, seen a tango show in San Telmo, checked out some graves at Recoleta and gone on a tour of Teatro Colón, so what’s next? Buenos Aires has a number of weird and wonderful lesser-known attractions that appeal to a different kind of traveler. Check out the top five.

Dine at a puerta cerrada (closed doors)

There are plenty of top-quality steakhouses serving up unbelievably succulent beef all throughout Buenos Aires, but did you know the best food in the city is actually behind ‘closed doors’? Puerta cerrada is a type of secret restaurant held in a private home, offering five-star degustation menus by some of the city’s best chefs in an intimate setting. Extremely popular with foodies, puerta cerradais a great way to meet new people while wining and dining the evening away. Ask for recommendations, or check out Casa Felix.

1. Visit Santa Tierra

Amusement Park

On the other end of the spectrum, this rather strange and kitschy religious theme park just outside of Buenos Aires is a recreation of Jerusalem that narrates the life of Jesus through animatronics. There’s a carousel ride of manger animals, a Nativity light show, a reenactment of the Last Supper and plenty of dioramas and displays. The main attraction is a 60-foot (18-meter) fiberglass Jesus statue that resurrects every hour on the hour. Amen.

Go on a Man Tour

2. Learn about where we poop at the Museo del Agua y de la Historia Sanitaria

Museum

Housed in a magnificent 19th-century palace is the quirky Museo del Agua y de la Historia Sanitaria (Water and Sanitation History Museum), which displays a fascinating collection of toilets, faucets, bidets and other sanitary-related artefacts. The palace itself was built as a water pumping station and still plays an important role in providing water to the people of Buenos Aires so that they can cook, clean and bathe.

Try a speed dating language exchange

It’s not technically speed dating, though it could be if the conversation runs smoothly enough. Spanglish Exchange is a regular event that pairs native Spanish and English speakers together in a Palermo bar to practice their language skills. Each language is spoken for five minutes before switching to the other for five minutes, allowing both parties equal time to hone their skills. After the 10 minutes is up, participants rotate onto a new partner. It’s a great way to practice a language and meet new people at the same time.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.