Why Is Buenos Aires Worth Visiting?
Buenos Aires is worth visiting for so many reasons:
- Firstly, it’s the capital and is the hub for all other travel throughout the country. So to get to Iguazu Falls or Patagonia, you have to start here.
- It’s referred to as the ‘Paris of South America’ and mixed European charm with South American passion.
- Whilst the country is in a huge recession, the ‘blue dollar’ exchange rate means tourists can exchange American dollars at a much better rate and enjoy a cheaper trip
These are just some of the many reasons why I love visiting Buenos Aires.
For the rest of the list that includes world-class steak and wine, passionate football games and vibrant nightlife, keep scrolling.
14 Great Reasons To Visit Buenos Aires
1. Buenos Aires Is Known As The 'Paris Of South America'
Buenos Aires is often compared to a European capital, and for good reason.
The city’s stunning architecture, wide boulevards, and charming neighbourhoods feel strikingly similar to Europe, making it feel like a distant cousin of Paris or Barcelona.
A free walking tour around Centro is the best way to start getting to know this city.
Buenos Aires Free Walks offer a free 2–3-hour walking tour that takes you from Plaza de Mayo (pictured below) to Casa Rosada – the presidential palace.
I loved this tour as I learnt so much about the history of the country.
2. The Blue Rate Will Make Your Money Go Further
Argentina has been facing high inflation for many years, with rates reaching over 100% in recent years.
Many Argentinians have turned to the black market to purchase US dollars as a store of value.
Travellers can also take advantage of this black market rate known as the ‘blue rate’.
As of January 2024, you could get around 1000 pesos to the dollar.
Argentina travel prices are some of the lowest in the world now.
Here are some tips to make the most of it:
- Bring cash in dollars when you first arrive, Make sure you bring $100 bills as you’ll get a better rate for these
- Find a ‘cambio’ on Calle Florida and change up your dollars into pesos for double the rate.
- Once you run out of cash, use Western Union to transfer yourself dollars and then take it out in pesos. You’ll get a rate close to the blue dollar
- Use a good currency card like Monzo or Revolut who give you close to the blue rate
Visiting Buenos Aires is one of the highlights of a trip to Argentina. But there’s so much more to see in this incredible country.
To see how to combine Buenos Aires into a three-week or one-month itinerary that covers the entire country, head to one of the post below:
3. Watch The Best Tango Dancers In The World
No trip to Buenos Aires would be complete without experiencing the sensuous rhythms of the tango.
La Ventana, one of the city’s premier tango venues, promises an unforgettable evening filled with passionate dance performances and soul-stirring music.
Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the world of tango and witness the moves that have become synonymous with Argentina.
Or if you are interested in learning, La Vitura in Palermo is the best place to try.
This is one of Buenos Aires’ most renowned milongas (tango dance venues).
This establishment attracts top talent from the local tango scene.
However, for those who are new to tango, they offer classes tailored to six different levels of experience. So, if you’re a tango newcomer, there’s no need to feel self-conscious.
If you are thinking of planning a long stay in Argentina and South America, then seeing an extended backpacking itinerary is essential to help you plan your trip. Check out the post below to help you plan your next trip:
4. Top Quality Hostels
Milhouse is also famous across Argentina and South America and known as being one of the best party hostels on the continent.
This hostel can host hundreds of guests and they are always organising events to keep the huge crowd of backpackers entertained.
They host in-house DJs, tonnes of themed party nights and get you discount on selected nightclub events in BA.
However, some of the best nights will be on drinking on the rooftop as the staff work away on an asado (Argentinian barbeque), whilst bringing round jugs of wine to keep your cup refilled.
Then at the late hours of the morning, finally heading out to a club to carry on until the early hours of the morning.
Milhouse is one of my favourite party hostels in South America. For a full list of the others, check out the post below:
5. Unreal Steakhouses and Argentinian Asado
Argentina is renowned for serving some of the finest steaks in the world, and Buenos Aires is no exception.
For an authentic Argentine steakhouse experience, head to Don Julio, where succulent cuts of meat are cooked to perfection.
Savouring a mouthwatering steak alongside a quality Malbec is a memory you won’t soon forget.
Another big recommendation of mine is an asado experience.
An Argentinian asado (barbeque) is a must if you’re a meat lover.
I booked this one which was hosted on a rooftop in Palermo. It was me and a friend and 4 other travellers, and we sat around drinking wine and trying different barbequed meats.
PATAGONIA...
is a must visit for travelers visiting Argentina. Check out these posts to help you plan a hassle-free trip:
6. World Class Wine
Wine enthusiasts will find Buenos Aires to be a paradise for their taste buds, offering a chance to savour some of the finest vintages from across the country.
There are two regions that produce high quality wine, Mendoza and Cafayate. Look out for Trapiche wines which come from Mendoza and Piattelli wines which come from Cafayate.
Make sure you explore the city’s wine bars and indulge in exquisite Argentine wines, particularly Malbec.
Here are some of my favourites:
- Pain et Vin: A cozy wine bar with an extensive selection of Argentine wines and delectable cheese and charcuterie platters.
- Bar du Marché: Known for its rustic charm and a menu that pairs exquisite wines with French-inspired cuisine, offering an authentic and upscale wine and dine experience.
- Wine O’Clock: A trendy and vibrant wine bar that caters to both novice and seasoned wine enthusiasts.
Or book a wine tasting tour for a guided experience instead.
Mendoza is the perfect place to visit for wine lovers. For more information on Mendoza including 8 great reasons why you should visit, head to the post below:
7. The Colourful 'La Boca' Neighbourhood
La Boca is famous for its vibrant, colourful buildings that line the streets.
This is the place where tango was born as a result of the bohemian and artistic culture of the immigrants.
The neighbourhood’s houses, known as “conventillos,” are painted in an array of bold colours, creating a visually striking and Instagram-worthy backdrop.
The most famous street for this colourful architecture is Caminito, a pedestrianized street lined with brightly painted buildings, art displays, and tango performances.
Buenos Aires Free Walks offer a 2 hour walking tour for $10, or you can visit yourself.
8. Atmospheric Football Matches
If you love soccer (or as it’s properly named in the UK – football), then going to a match in Buenos Aires is a must.
Whilst in La Boca, you can visit the iconic La Bombonera stadium to witness the famous stadium of Boca Juniors.
The Superclásico, pitting Boca Juniors against River Plate, is perhaps the most famous and intense rivalry in the world of soccer. The atmosphere in the stadium during this match is electric, making it an unforgettable experience for any fan.
The league typically begins in August and runs through to May.
Foreigners can’t get tickets to Boca Junior games anymore but you can go to any other games.
Check out the tour company below which will organise it for you:
Are you struggling to work out how many days you need in Argentina overall? Head to the post below to see a selection of itineraries that can help you:
9. Wander The Trendy Neighbourhood Of Palermo
One of the best things to do in Buenos Aires is spend leisurely afternoons in Buenos Aires’ trendy neighbourhood of Palermo.
It’s known for its fashionable boutiques, cafes, and street art.
You can wander around and explore its unique shops and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many charming cafes.
I recommend Cuervo Cafe for great brunch options.
After some food, enjoy a tranquil afternoon stroll through the green expanses of Bosques De Palermo, a beautiful park that’s home to picturesque lakes and gardens.
Also, the bars in Palermo are perfect for an evening drink:
- Bar 878: Bar 878 is an intimate and stylish speakeasy-style bar that specializes in craft cocktails. It’s known for its extensive cocktail menu, knowledgeable bartenders, and a cozy ambiance.
- Frank’s Bar: Frank’s Bar is a hidden gem, often requiring a secret password to enter, giving it an authentic speakeasy feel. Once inside, you’ll discover a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere with jazz music and a diverse cocktail menu.
10. Quick Getaways To The Beautiful Iguazu Falls
Buenos Aires serves as an excellent gateway to some of Argentina’s natural wonders, including the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls.
These breath-taking falls are made up of 275 individual cascades, which stretch over 2 miles and create a stunning natural barrier between Argentina and Brazil.
A short flight from the city will transport you to this UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can witness the sheer power and beauty of one of the world’s most remarkable waterfalls.
The 2-hour flight to Iguazu Falls means it can easily be visited in one or two days as a brief escape from the city.
To see how to combine a few days in Buenos Aires alongside a trip to Iguazu or Mendoza, check out the selection of itineraries in the post below:
11. Snack On Empanadas And Alfajores
Alongside a good steak and a bottle of wine, there are two other food items you need to try whilst in Buenos Aires: empanadas and alfajores.
Empanadas are savoury pastries filled with beef, pork or chicken mixed in a sweet, slightly spicy sauce. They’re more of a snack than a main meal but my god they are addictive and you can end up eating 3 or 4 at a time.
Alfajores are traditional Argentinean desserts. They can only be described as a ‘sandwich cookie’ withsweet filling in the middle such as dulce de leche.
You can buy them almost anywhere but if you want to go a step further then try this cooking class and make them yourself:
If you want to combine a trip to Chile alongside Argentina, then there are several ways to do this with a simple border crossing. The three itineraries in the post below can help you cross the borders a 3 different points in Argentina to see Chile:
12. Recoleta Cemetery
Buenos Aires Free Walks have a Recoleta tour that starts at 10.30 AM and lasts 3 hours if you prefer a structured day.
Or if you prefer to wander, there’s so many weird and wonderful buildings to check out in Recoleta. Wander around Plaza Francia, dip into the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and check out the Floralis Generica.
My favourite is El Ateneo Grand Splendid – one of the most beautiful bookstores I’ve seen set in an old opera house.
The cemetery is a must visit. This is where the most famous Argentinian people from history and politics can be found; the tomb of Eva Peron being the main sight.
It costs $3768 ARS (as of November 2023). You won’t learn much visiting by yourself though so if you want a more informative tour.
This top rated company offer a tour for $10 which is the cheapest I’ve found.
After a wander around the cemetery, head across to one of the bars opposite the exit – either Buller Brewing or Temple.
If it’s late enough, they should have opened the rooftop up and you’ll be able to enjoy a drink in the sun and see the cemetery from a different perspective.
13. The Gateway To Patagonia
For adventurers seeking to explore the untamed natural beauty of Patagonia, Buenos Aires serves as the ideal gateway.
From the city, you can book flights to any Patagonian destination that takes your fancy.
Here are my favourites:
- Bariloche, the lake district region of Patagonia, is only a 2-hour flight away. Here you can go skiing, hike in the Andes or kayak among the lakes surrounding the town.
- El Calafate is a 3 hour flight away and the town where you can visit Perito Moreno Glacier
- El Chalten is considered the trekking capital of Argentine Patagonia, as it offers access to some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes in the region.
14. San Telmo Market
San Telmo is one of Buenos Aires oldest neighbourhoods.
You can spend your morning exploring the bustling San Telmo Market, where you can shop for antiques, handmade crafts, vintage clothing, and try local street food delights.
Come at the weekend for the antique market to be in full swing.
This isn’t just any old market full of cheap items bought in bulk. Each stall seems to have a unique selection of antiques that are worth something.
If you have an eye for this sort of thing, then you’ll be in heaven.
Or if you wanted a guide, this tour costs $10 and runs on Sundays
Did you know Argentina has its very own Salt Flat and Rainbow Mountain. These are two of the best sights in the country, hidden away in the north and well worth a visit. Check out these posts for more:
“Joe turned our fragmented ideas into a seamless itinerary. His expert advice saved us time, money, and stress – making our time in Argentina unforgettable”
Sam & Amy – 1 Month In Argentina
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo!
I help travellers like you plan custom Argentina trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
How Many Days Do You Need In Buenos Aires?
I would personally recommend a minimum of 5 days in Buenos Aires to see its best sights and get a feel for the city.
Here’s what I would recommend if you were unsure of how many days to spend in Buenos Aires:
- 3 Days in Buenos Aires – Excluding your arrival day, 3 full days is ideal for seeing the three best neighbourhoods – Palermo, Recoleta and Centro/San Telmo.
- 5 days in Buenos Aires – This option is perfect for exploring at a relaxed pace and diving deeper into the culture. You can split the above 3 days into five and see Palermo, Recoleta, Centro, San Telmo and La Boca all on different days.
- 7 Days in Buenos Aires – A week is essential if you want to immerse yourself fully and take day trips outside to explore beyond Buenos Aires.
See how you can do all the amazing things Buenos Aires has to offer with these expertly curated 3, 5 and 7 day itineraries:
Where To Stay In Buenos Aires
I recommend staying in two areas in Buenos Aires – Recoleta or Palermo.
- Recoleta is more central and has better transport links. There’s also lots of great restaurants and cafes.
- Palermo is where most of the nice bars, clubs, restaurants, and cafes are.
If you want to party and meet lots of other backpackers then Milhouse Hostel is a good pick, which is just south of Recoleta.
There are lots of great Airbnbs in Palermo or if you’re looking to meet other backpackers then Selina is another good hostel but can be pricey compared to others.
Is Palermo Or Recoleta Better To Stay In?
I personally prefer Palermo.
It’s a lot calmer and there’s so many great cafes, restaurants and bars to check out. You could spend weeks there and not visit them all.
The only downside is it’s further away from all the other areas. It’s about a 30-40 minute cab from Palermo to San Telmo.
Recoleta is still a nice area but it’s much more built up.
There’s more high rise buildings, busy roads and more people in general. It’s like to equivalent of central London or New York in my opinion.
Argentina Itineraries
How many days do you need in Argentina? Whether it’s 7 days, 3 weeks or 1 month, I’ve created pre-made itineraries to suit every schedule and traveler.
Check out these posts to help you plan a hassle-free trip:
“We ended up with a better itinerary than anything a travel agent suggested – and without the expensive price tag!
Maeve & Martin – 3 Weeks In Argentina
Planning a trip to Argentina?
Are you struggling with any of this?
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spent hours researching… and still feeling lost
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo!
I help travellers like you plan custom Argentina trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
Argentina FAQ's
Here’s a list of frequently asked questions about Argentina:
Do I Need Travel Insurance For Argentina?
Yes, you 100% need travel insurance when visiting Argentina or anywhere in South America.
You need to protect yourself against any potential medical issues that could occur whilst away.
SafetyWing is my go to company when looking for travel medical insurance. They focus on long-term travelers, digital nomads, and remote workers.
SafetyWing covers medical emergencies, travel delays, and lost baggage, but it’s geared towards those who travel for extended periods or live abroad.
What's The Best SIM card for Argentina?
I don’t recommend buying a physical SIM card for Argentina. It’s much easier to download an e-SIM instead.
An e-SIM is a digital SIM card that can be downloaded to your phone via an app. All you do is download the app, pay for the data and you’ll have data in no time.
My preferred e-SIM company is Airalo
How Do You Get Around Argentina?
Buses will be the cheapest way of getting around, but due to the large distances needed to travel, many of these will be overnight buses.
For example, a bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza takes around 15 hours with prices starting at around $50.
Here are some average bus times:
- Buenos Aires > Iguazu – 17h
- Buenos Aires > Mendoza – 15h
- Buenos Aires > Salta – 21h
- Buenos Aires > Bariloche – 22h
Due to the price and time, I always recommend looking at flights first. If you book early enough, you’ll be able to find return flights for roughIy the same price as the bus and save yourself a lot of time.
For shorter journeys (1-6 hours), the bus will be the better option. For example, if you are travelling around the northwest (Salta region), buses are super cheap.
I always use Busbud to check times and find the best prices:
Are Flights Cheap In Argentina?
Flying is one of the easiest ways to travel around Argentina. Return flights can be cheap if booked in advance, and they will save you a lot of time.
Here are some average flight times:
- Buenos Aires > Iguazu – 1h 50m
- Buenos Aires > Mendoza – 1h 55m
- Buenos Aires > Bariloche – 2h 15m
- Buenos Aires > El Calafate – 3h 20m
- Buenos Aires > Ushuaia – 3h 30m
I always use Way Away Plus to find the cheapest flights and you get cashback every time you book!
What's The Best Backpack For Argentina?
I would recommend taking between 50-70L for your big backpack and 30-40L for a day pack when travelling Argentina.
The extra space in your big backpack will be for your hiking boots and other warm weather gear when you aren’t wearing it. Your day pack will be for your tech such as a laptop and other important items you want to keep safe such as a camera, passport, money etc.
Here are my current backpacks that I use to travel Argentina:
Best Beginner Backpack For Argentina
Osprey are the best brand when it comes to backpacks.
In my opinion, the best beginner backpack is the Osprey Farpoint 50-70L.
It’s reasonably priced, comfortable and has a good amount of space. It’s perfect for first time backpackers visiting Argentina.
It also comes with a 15L detachable day pack which saves you having to buy a separate one.
If you want a wheeled hybrid, then the Sojourn is a great option. They have three different size options from 60-80L.
Best Daypack For Argentina
My go-to daypack is the North Face Router.
It has a 40-liter capacity, is water-repellent, and can fit laptops up to 17”.
For a 40L backpack with loads of compartments and storage, this is such a great price.
If you want something cheaper, you will have to go a bit smaller. The North Face Borealis is 30L and has a similar layout.
What Should I Pack For Argentina?
You need to pack warm and cold weather clothes for Argentina.
In the summer (Dec-March), Buenos Aires and the north will reach averages of 30°C (86°F). I was walking around Buenos Aires in a vest, shorts and sandals!
When you travel to Patagonia, it will get colder as you are so far south. So even if it’s summer, it will still get cold at night. Also, the weather is erratic and it can rain at any moment.
Therefore, you’ll need warm layers and a windbreaker. You’ll also need hiking boots if you want to complete any of the popular treks.
Here’s are some of my key clothing items to recently took to Argentina:
Warm Midlayer Fleece
This is an essential piece of kit for hiking but also for keeping you warm in the evenings.
Invest wisely in one of these as the more efficient it is, the warmer you will be.
I go with R1 Zip-Neck from Patagonia.
Top tip: this is last seasons item now so you should be able to pick this up cheaper in the sales at places like REI
Waterproof Windbreaker
A waterproof is essential when trekking in the Andes to deal with the biting winds and rapidly changing weather.
I like to use the Patagonia TorrentShell 3L.
Its lightweight, warm and packable. The jacket self-stuffs into one of the handwarmer pockets with carabiner clip-in loop.
Waterproof Hiking Boots
Hiking boots are a must if you want to do any trekking in Argentina.
And fully waterproof and ankle high are essential for trekking in the Andes.
I wore a pair of these hiking some of the best trails in the world in Patagonia and they didn’t let me down!
I went into my local Mountain Warehouse and picked up a pair of these and they haven’t let me down since.
