A Weekend in Buenos Aires

Exploring Buenos Aires is a simply must-do activity for those who love cosmopolitan cities, sophisticated culture, exquisite wine, and delicious food. If you are travelling through South America and will make only a brief stop in the Argentine capital, these tips can help you discover the true essence of this vintage wonderland in 36 adventure packed hours.

Buenos Aires is a city designed for long walks in the beautiful urban parks / Photo by Daytours4u

A Cultural Friday

Argentina in the largest wine producer in Latin America, and so to get your weekend started, it makes sense to begin with a glass of the national red. Take the opportunity to enrich your stay in Buenos Aires and learn all about the country’s different varieties of grape, particularly those that give life to the polished delights of Malbec and Torrontés. A fabulous option is the Anuva Wines Wine Tasting excursion which can be booked for 6pm in the beautiful neighbourhood of Palermo.

The night will still be young when you leave the tasting, so head to the Obelisco and take a walk down Avenida Corrientes to enjoy the classic Buenos Aires Friday night cultural scene: Theatre. Along this iconic avenue you will find an endless array of entertainment in such renowned establishments as Multiteatro, the San Martin Cultural Centre, and the historic National Theatre. Together they offer a wide range of schedules – the latest performances open between 10 and 11pm.

An alternative option would be to dance the night away at an all-inclusive Milonga Experience, where you can try out some tango moves and enjoy a sumptuous three-course Argentinian dinner. Dare to dance with the best.

The wine tasting will make your senses travel to the exquisite vineyards of Argentina / Image Source

An Adventurous Saturday

If you are an early riser and enjoy the thrill of adrenaline pumping extreme sports, start your Saturday with a Tandem Skydiving jump. Ascend into the skies to around 3,000 metres, plunge yourself out of the plane, and then free fall through the air for 35 exhilarating seconds. Once the instructor pulls the parachute, you will have a 6 to 8-minute gentle descent that will allow you to admire some simply breathtaking vistas of Buenos Aires province.

Another option for your Saturday morning is to take a tour of the city’s world-renowned football stadiums to better understand the unrivalled passion that locals have for the ‘beautiful game.’ Visit La Bombonera (Boca Juniors) and El Monumental (River Plate) to soak in the history of each club – even when there is no game, the energy and vibrancy are palpable.

The beauty of Buenos Aires is best viewed from the sky / Image Source

Now, if a thrilling skydiving excursion or enlightening football tour does not appeal, you probably have a penchant for the arts – a facet of culture that characterises bohemian Buenos Aires. Don some comfortable walking shoes and head out for a trip around the city’s cutting-edge galleries and museums. Admire 11,000 masterpieces at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, learn about the life and work of Argentine icon Eva Peron in the Evita Museum, immerse yourself in South American history at the Museo de Arte Hispanoamericano, and understand the rich Argentine heritage with a look at the collection of the Museo de la Inmigración.

At this point in the day, you might be hankering for some lunch. Fortunately, Buenos Aires offers some of the best dining on the continent – the choice is so varied that you will not know where to start. To save you the trouble, we suggest a Gastronomic Tour where you can enjoy some exquisite appetisers, a delightful main course, and some fine desserts, all accompanied by a selection of traditional wines.

After this heavenly lunch, it’s time to take it easy. If Friday was Milonga, then a classic porteño Saturday is all about tango. You have probably heard much about how sensual and passionate this dance is, but to experience it in person is unparalleled. Some of the best tango shows in town can be enjoyed at Café de los Angelitos, Piazzolla Tango or Señor Tango.

A Buenos Aires tango show is something not be missed / Photo by Daytours4u

An Outdoor Sunday

Your final day has arrived, but don’t rest up. Take a tour to Tigre and escape the hustle and bustle. On this excursion north outside the city, you will discover beautiful landscapes, the vast Parana River, and a collection of alluring Delta islands. Visit the Puerto de los Frutos and simply enjoy the astonishing natural beauty that Tigre has to offer.

Tigre is an excellent destination to complete your weekend / Photo by Daytours4u

If you prefer to stay in the heart of Capital Federal, get your camera out and uncover the city on foot. Marvel at the architectural ingenuity of Teatro Colón, wander through Plaza de Mayo, gaze at the country’s truly unique government house (Casa Rosada), visit the striking Metropolitan Cathedral, and stroll down the modern neighbourhood of Puerto Madero. If you have time and the energy, add the Recoleta district to your itinerary and pass by the bohemian artisanal fair, the truly mesmerising Cemetery, and the popular Cultural Centre.

A third option for your Sunday is a trip to the markets of San Telmo and Matadero for an opportunity to buy some souvenirs and try a traditional lunch. Finish your weekend by dipping in and out of classic Buenos Aires coffee shops recognised for their cultural and historical importance – places where great politicians and ideological movements were formed and where the city’s most distinguished poets, writers, and intellectuals found inspiration.

Take a walk around La Boca and discover the neighbourhood's social projects / Photo by Daytours4u

Alternative Activities

To delve deeper into Argentine culture and Buenos Aires society, bsas4u offers numerous activities that enable travellers to uncover the reality of life in the city, as told by the local residents. A number of sustainable tourism activities are available: meet the wonderfully talented artisans and craftsmen who have helped shape the style of the city, take a tour of the varying social projects in La Boca, or roll up your sleeves and volunteer for a day in an underprivileged community.

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By: Keilma Rojas, freelance journalist and travel writer for Daytours4u / Translated by Simon Hall