Cobblestone streets lead to rows of colorful houses, restaurants with tango performances, romantic bridges and well-maintained parks in Buenos Aires. The city is full of old buildings with classic architecture from the 16th century to the mid-20th century, many of which are heavily influenced by the Europeans who migrated there during that time. All in all, it’s a city brimming with places that look amazing through a lens.
Palermo
Rosedal Palermo
Park
The Rosedal is a century-old promenade with rose gardens – hence the name – and a vast array of statues surrounding a lake. The park has a bridge known as the Lover’s Bridge, which is rumored to protect a couple’s love if a ritual is performed. Both lovers must hold hands and step on the first step at the same time, right foot first. They must then slowly walk to the middle of the bridge and kiss.
Galileo Galilei Planetarium
Building, Museum
Not far from the Rosedal is the Planetarium, known for its sci-fi architecture that resembles a UFO. It was built in the ’60s and now hosts projections of the stars and planets inside. Make sure you stay until dusk for a great shot of the illuminated dome.
Japanese Garden
Park
Also built in the ’60s, the Japanese Garden was inaugurated to coincide with a visit by the 125th Japanese emperor, Akihito. If a word had to be chosen to describe the gardens, it would be harmonious. A diverse selection of plants, koi fish and Japanese bridges and sculptures make this one of the best places to fill up your feed with amazing pictures.
Botanical Garden
Building, Park
With more than 6,000 species of trees and plants, the Botanical Garden of Buenos Aires is a truly unique eden in the middle of the city. Here you can walk among the trees and explore the rich and diverse native flora from Argentina. The garden also has an exquisite collection of sculptures and an English-style house that almost resembles a castle. It was designed by Charles Thays, who also designed Rosedal Palmero.
Pasaje Bollini
Architectural Landmark
This historic street used to house immigrants from the early-20th century. Surrounded by a booming neighborhood, the original cobblestones of the passageway persist to this day. With exquisite light during the day and subtle street lamps during the night, this one makes for good low-light imagery.
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Puerto Madero
Puente de la Mujer
Bridge, Architectural Landmark
This rotating bridge in one of the most exclusive parts of Buenos Aires was inaugurated in 2001 and has become one of the most famous landmarks of Puerto Madero. This one is great for wide shots with either morning or sunset light.
Downtown
Obelisco and the BA sign
Building
The Obelisco of Buenos Aires is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city and probably all of Argentina. The tall, skinny tower was built almost a hundred years ago and restored in 2005. Just a few steps away, a large plant-covered sign that reads “BA” makes for the perfect “Look, I’m in Buenos Aires!” picture.
Colón Theatre
Building, Concert Hall, Opera House, Theater
This Belle Époque theatre has been compared with the Palais Garnier in Paris. It has exceptional acoustics and a gargantuan staircase and foyer area, adorned with mosaic floors and fine ironwork. It even has an octagonal crystal dome. It looks spectacular during the day and is impeccably illuminated at night.
Palermo Soho
Plazoleta Julio Cortázar
Park
Plaza Cortázar (formerly Plaza Serrano) is surrounded by some of the hippest bars, restaurants and a thriving night scene, but it is also a perfect place for a quiet stroll on the surrounding streets. There you can find many examples of local street art, boutique fashion stores and even historic buildings. A craft fair opens during the weekend. The three passageways surrounding Plaza Cortázar – Soria, Russel and Santa Rosa – are perfect for pictures. With cobblestones and low buildings flanked by amazing street art, there’s no way a photo taken on these streets doesn’t end up in a tsunami of likes!
Chacarita
La Chacarita cemetery
Cemetery
Although less aristocratic than the Recoleta Cemetery, this one is the largest in Argentina and has a rich architectonic trove of tombs and sculptures that lack nothing compared to its highborn counterpart. Here you will find the tomb of Carlos Gardel, the most famous Argentine tango singer, among others. A reproduction of Michelangelo’s Pietà is located at the entrance. Also, this cemetery has a system of underground galleries with gardens and passages. There’s not another cemetery like this one in the world.
La Boca
Caminito
Architectural Landmark
If you ever saw an extremely colorful picture of Buenos Aires, most likely it was taken here. Caminito is a sort of street museum that comprises colorful painted houses that were typical of the immigrants that populated La Boca towards the end of the 19th century. It was largely neglected for many decades until the 1950s when local artist Benito Quinquela Martín decided to use the buildings as his canvas. Restaurants along the street offer tango shows where you can capture some action shots of dancers.
Monserrat
Palacio Barolo, Buenos Aires
Building
Palacio Barolo was designed by an Italian architect drawing inspiration from the Divine Comedy by Dante. It was inaugurated in 1923 and for a decade was the tallest building in South America. From here you can capture astonishing shots of the city, with the National Congress just a few blocks away. Make sure you visit the tower during clear weather for the best views.