Things to do in Buenos Aires: 5 Day Itinerary

Strapped for time in the capital? We’ll tell you how to make the most of your stay here! Below is a list of things to do in Buenos Aires over a five day period.

Day 1: Explore the delights of Palermo

After stepping off the plane, you’re probably feeling fairly weary and don’t want to do anything too strenuous with your first day in Buenos Aires. A great place to start is the trendy neighbourhood of Palermo with its vast array of shops, restaurants, plazas and bars. Spend the morning exploring this delightful barrio, admiring the cobbled streets and beautiful buildings, perhaps doing a spot of shopping or sitting back in one of the elegant cafés and watching the world go by. In the afternoon, you can take a relaxing stroll in the Palermo Bosques, an idyllic setting complete with rose gardens, groves and lakes. [caption id="attachment_2581" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The lively neighbourhood of Palermo / source[/caption] Sample an authentic Argentinian meal in the evening by frequenting one of the many high-quality parillas that Palermo has to offer. You can try your first bife de chorizo, accompanied by a large glass of fine Malbec wine, which is no doubt all you need to top off a perfect first day in the capital! [caption id="attachment_2577" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Bife de chorizo: we challenge you to resist all this / source[/caption]

Day 2: Delve into Porteño culture in the Microcentro

Wake up bright and early on your second day for a morning walk along Avenida de Mayo, the avenue connecting the National Congress Palace with the Casa Rosada (Pink House). This 10-block stretch is home to many famous buildings and beautiful, historical architecture that reflects the European influence on the city. You can’t miss out on visiting Café Tortoni, Argentina’s oldest and most famous café, where you can treat yourself to mouth-watering churros and hot chocolate - mmm. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="540"] The view down Avenida de Mayo / source[/caption] In the afternoon, why not pay a visit to Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires’ most important political landmark, which is home to the Cabildo, the original seat of city government, as well as the Pink House. We’d then advise you to take a rest in preparation for a tango dinner show in one of the spectacular tango houses in the microcentre, such as Tango Porteño or Piazzolla Tango. [caption id="attachment_2582" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Plaza de Mayo and the Pink House / source[/caption]

Day 3: See a colourful side to the city in La Boca

Waking up so early might be a little more challenging after all the wine you’ll inevitably have consumed during your tango dinner show, but when you do eventually make it out of bed, hop on a local bus to the traditional neighbourhood of La Boca. Begin your day with a walk along El Caminito, meaning ‘little walkway’, which is lined with brightly coloured buildings and original works of art. You will also find an outdoor market, where local artists sell their goods and tango dancers show off their moves. If you're a football fan, be sure to pay a visit to La Bombonera Stadium too, for this is the home stadium of Buenos Aires’ most talked about football team: Boca Juniors. [caption id="attachment_2583" align="aligncenter" width="640"] El Caminito: the colourful 'little walkway' / source[/caption] Next you can head to waterfront neighbourhood Puerto Madero which, although it is only about 5km from La Boca, is a complete contrast, with its modern skyscraper buildings, chic bars and luxury feel. If you're feeling indulgent, you can splash out on dinner in one of the swanky restaurants, but be warned that they're not cheap; it may be best just to settle for a cocktail instead! [caption id="attachment_2584" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The swanky neighbourhood of Puerto Madero / source[/caption]

Day 4: Escape the city with a day trip to Tigre

If the city is starting to get a bit much for you, a day trip to Tigre is the perfect way to escape it all and return to Buenos Aires feeling refreshed and revived. Take the train from Belgrano, which may be slow but fortunately only takes an hour to arrive in the Buenos Aires Province, then make the Puerto de Frutos your first port of call. This old fruit port is now a crafts fair located by the riverside, where local artists exhibit products made from natural resources found in the area. [caption id="attachment_2586" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The Puerto de Frutos in Tigre / source[/caption] After visiting the Puerto de Frutos, you can take a stroll round the town’s scenic centre then enjoy a boat ride, whereby you can explore the beautiful delta islands, which offer peaceful getaways and small riverside restaurants such as the delightful Matilda Cocina Casera. [caption id="attachment_2587" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The beautiful Tigre Delta islands / source[/caption]

Day 5: Make the most of free Sundays!

Sundays are all about San Telmo, Buenos Aires’ oldest neighbourhood, where you can spend the entire day browsing the artisan’s market and enjoying the free entertainment, which includes live music, street performance and dance. Plaza Dorrego becomes an open air milonga in the afternoons, where you can watch tango dancers of all different levels perform in the square while enjoying a coffee in one of the many surrounding cafés. As well as this, there are a number of impressive antiques shops and a semi-permanent antiques fair, which sell many interesting antique items. [caption id="attachment_2588" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Shopping for antiques in bustling San Telmo / source[/caption] Nearby opera house Teatro Colón hosts a series of free concerts every first and last Sunday of the month, which are known as Domingos de Camara (Chamber Sundays). If you happen to be in Buenos Aires on one of these days, you’d be a fool not to take advantage of one of these concerts, which are put on by renowned Argentinian chamber groups in Teatro Colón’s main hall. You can pick up your free tickets from the previous Friday through to two hours before the performance of your choice, but be aware that only two can be handed out per person due to the theatre’s limited capacity. Learn more about how to buy your tickets. All that will be left to do at the end of these five days is plan the perfect itinerary for your next destination! For more things to do in Buenos Aires, or to book tours and activities, visit our website.

By Camilla Day