Top 10 Places to Visit in Buenos Aires
In this article we present you the Top 10 of the best places to visit in Buenos Aires where you can find everything you need to know to have the best experience in the Argentine capital. Tango, football, architecture, navigation, city tours, culture and much more are waiting for you, don't miss it!
1- PALERMO
Enjoy Palermo, full of bars, restaurants and cafés / Photo: Argentina4u
Top tourist destination Palermo is the largest and trendiest neighbourhood for sightseeing in Buenos Aires, as well as being one of the best for finding accommodation in the city. You can take your pick from furnished apartments, hostels, hotels or apart-hotels, all of which vary in style and price. Palermo is a lively but safe part of Buenos Aires with plenty of things to do, both day and night. You can find some of Buenos Aires' best restaurants, trendy designer stores, lively pubs, bars and clubs here. Palermo has various subdivisions including Palermo Soho, aptly named after Soho in New York City, and Palermo Hollywood, where all the TV, radio and film companies have their studios.
Palermo top tourist landmarks:
- Plaza Serrano
Restaurants and pubs surround this lively plaza, while craftsmen and urban designers market their goods on the weekends.
Location: At the intersection of Borges 1600 - Honduras 4700 - Serrano 1500.
- Botanic Garden
This beautifully maintained garden and National Monument is almost 170 years old and is carefully designed with more than 5,000 plant species, beautiful sculptures and winter-houses.
Location: Plaza Italia, Santa Fe 3900, Las Heras 4000.
- Bosques de Palermo
The park and its surrounding area is one of the top places to visit in Buenos Aires. Decorated with rose gardens, groves and lakes, it is the perfect place to enjoy as part of a Buenos Aires city tour. From the park´s north-eastern side, you can reach Rio de la Plata and its beautiful waterfront promenade, Costanera Norte
Location: Avenida Sarmiento, Avenida del Libertador 3500 to 5000, Avenida Costanera Rafael Obligado.
Travel Tips in Palermo:
Street Art Walking Tour in Bike
2- PUERTO MADERO
Puerto Madero is known for its modern skyscrapers / Photo: Argentina4u
This waterfront neighbourhood of Buenos Aires is the most modern part of the city. With towering glass skyscrapers, elegant restaurants and chic nightclubs, Puerto Madero is enjoyed by the wealthy and the trendy. It is a young neighbourhood that came out of the largest urbanization project in Buenos Aires’ history. In 1993, the city government remodelled the old docks that were part of the port, creating the opportunity for a new development in the city; a safe, beautiful area for leisure and luxury living. Puerto Madero is nowadays considered the most important business centre and also one of the must-see tourist attractions of Buenos Aires.
Puerto Madero top tourist landmarks:
- Puente de la Mujer
Translated as Woman´s Bridge, this contemporary landmark footbridge designed by the famous Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava catches your eye immediately. A white wing shoots up from the footpath of the bridge. To some locals, the Puente de la Mujer resembles a woman dancing tango.
Location: Puerto Madero Dock 3.
- Ecological Reserve
Behind the modern architectural extravagance of Puerto Madero you can see the Costanera Sur, which hinges on the Ecological Reserve. It’s a delightfully tranquil hideaway, so if you need a few hours of peace and quiet on your trip to Buenos Aires, this is the place to go to escape all the hustle and bustle. As well as admiring stunning flora and fauna, you can partake in a selection of outdoor activities such as walking or biking along the trails that lead to Rio de la Plata.
Location: Tristan Achaval Rodriguez Avenue 1500.
Travel Tips in Puerto Madero:
Panoramic sailing trip on Rio de la Plata
3- LA BOCA
La Boca is known for its colourful houses / Photo: Argentina4u
A wonderfully colourful neighbourhood right next to the old port of Buenos Aires, La Boca is synonymous with both tango and football. With its multi-coloured houses and taverns, the neighbourhood maintains its tango tradition, football passion, and Italian roots. Today it is one of the most important cultural centres and tourist attractions in Buenos Aires. Take a walking tour, watch a soccer game at the famous boca stadium or attend a local tango show.
La Boca top tourist landmarks:
- Caminito
Named after a famous tango song composed by the renowned singer Carlos Gardel, Caminito - or little walkway - is an open air tango museum and arts market. Its cobbled streets, brightly coloured houses and original artwork throughout the neighbourhood are an unusual sight – something you won’t see anywhere else in the world. Traditional restaurants feature live tango shows in Buenos Aires where dancers and musicians show off their talent. A visit to Caminito cannot be left out of your trip to Buenos Aires.
Location: Avenida Pedro de Mendoza 1800.
- Boca Juniors Stadium
The colourful blue and yellow Boca Juniors Stadium is a one of the most famous landmarks in Buenos Aires and attracts thousands of Argentines and foreigners alike. At a football game in Buenos Aires, you can feel the sheer passion and incredible devotion the Boca fans have for their team. If you're a football fan you really can’t miss out on the chance to experience Argentina football live. Get tickets the easy way and book a football tour here in order to experience the Argentine passion up close.
An interesting fact: the stadium is called La Bombonera because of its shape, which resembles a box of chocolates!
Location: Brandsen Street 800.
Travel Tips in La Boca:
San Telmo and La Boca Walking Tour
4- SAN TELMO
Visit San Telmo on a Sunday to discover a world of antiquities / Photo: Argentina4u
The oldest residential neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, San Telmo exudes a special historical vibe. As one of the most important centres during the 19th century, San Telmo has preserved many of Buenos Aires’ architectural landmarks, museums, antique shops and old churches that nowadays serve as a backdrop for business, cultural events and day to day activities. San Telmo is a great place to wander around on a Sunday afternoon. Enjoy the artisan's market, do some sightseeing and have lunch or coffee at one of the stunning cafés notables. Without a doubt highly ranked on the Buenos Aires top ten, San Telmo is one of the best places in Buenos Aires to really get an insight into Argentine culture.
San Telmo top tourist landmarks:
- Plaza Dorrego
In the heart of historic San Telmo, Plaza Dorrego offers one of the most authentic experiences for tourists and Porteños alike, boasting original colonial structures and designs. Throughout the weekend, the central square fills with the stunning San Telmo crafts and antiques market. On Sunday afternoon, the plaza transforms into an open air milonga, where experts and amateurs couple up to dance tango on the cobbled square.
Location: Between Defensa and Humberto Primero Streets.
Travel tips in San Telmo
San Telmo and Mataderos Market Tour
Classic Buenos Aires City Tour
5- MICROCENTRO
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The Obelisk: downtown principal character / Photo: Argentina4u
Buses, taxis, and people whizz along the narrow streets and sidewalks of this frenetic "microcentre" which is generally at its liveliest during business hours. Located east of Avenida 9 de Julio - the world's widest avenue - the Microcentro is filled with businesses, bank headquarters, international corporate offices, and governmental institutions. On Fridays, the businessmen take off their ties as they swig pints of beer in one of the many Irish pubs and taverns located in the area.
Microcentro top tourist landmarks:
- Florida Street
An elegant pedestrian street, Florida street starts at Avenida de Mayo and goes on for less than a mile (1km) until the beautiful Plaza San Martin in Retiro. Surrounded by shopping malls such as Galerias Pacifico with brand name stores, leather and souvenir stores. Florida Street is an interesting place to observe Buenos Aires' fast-paced activity and to enjoy some shopping in Buenos Aires.
Location: Florida Street begins at Avenida de Mayo running up to Santa Fe 600.
- Avenida de Mayo
This major avenue connects Plaza de Mayo and Plaza Congreso along a 10-block stretch of European neoclassical and art nouveau structures that reflect the European influence on the city. Named after the 1810 May Revolution, the street houses historical treasures such as Café Tortoni and is seen as the cultural centre of Buenos Aires.
Location: Avenida de Mayo, from 500 until 1400.
- 9 de Julio Avenue & the Obelisk
You cannot miss the incredible view from Avenida 9 de Julio, the widest avenue in the world. The Obelisco stands elegantly at the junction of 9 de Julio and Corrientes. From here, you can enjoy a walk by day or night to see many of Buenos Aires' famous tourist landmarks such as the Colon Theatre, the French Embassy and a row of sculptures and monuments on the sidewalks.
Location: Avenida 9 de Julio from 1300 to 500.
Travel tips in Microcentro:
Historic Downtown Walking Tour
6- PLAZA DE MAYO
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The Casa Rosada, located at the Plaza de Mayo, is a symbol of Argentenian government / Photo: Argentina4u
It has become the most important political landmark of Buenos Aires since the Independence of Argentina was declared in 1810. People with different political ideologies gather here in massive political demonstrations like those organized by Evita Peron or by the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo. Plaza de Mayo is also home to important local and national government houses such as the Casa Rosada (Presidential House), the Cabildo (which was the Government House during the colonial period) and the Metropolitan Cathedral, among other magnificent buildings.
Location: between Hipólito Yrigoyen 300, Rivadavia 300, Balcarce and Bolívar streets.
Travel Tips in Plaza de Mayo:
City Tour Porteño neighbourhood
Political Tour: Traces of Buenos Aires
City Tour classic with navigation
7- RECOLETA
The Cemetery of Recoleta is surprising with its huge tombs and large halls / Foto: Argentina4u
A classy residential and commercial district complete with French-style buildings and art nouveau constructions, Recoleta is one of the most expensive and elegant neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires and amongst the most popular for tourists. Its central square, Plaza Francia, is surrounded by coffee shops, restaurants and other touristic landmarks like the Del Pilar Church, the Palais de Glace and the University of Buenos Aires Law Faculty, beside which stands the famous Floralis Genérica - an immense steel statue in the shape of a flower, whose petals open and close depending on the time of the day. Every weekend, exciting cultural activities and colourful craft markets take place. You can also enjoy exclusive high-end shopping with international designer brand names.
Recoleta top tourist landmarks:
- Cementerio de la Recoleta
More than just a cemetery, this world famous Buenos Aires landmark is a museum of art that dates back to the year 1800. In the Recoleta Cemetery lie the remains of the most influential and important personalities in Argentine history, including the populist Eva Peron. Its marble mausoleums are dedicated to entire families and their descendants and are adorned with sculptures and other extravagant monuments which reflect the opulence of Argentine high society.
Location: Junin Street 1700
- Centro Cultural Recoleta
This building was donated to the city by the Franciscans in 1716. Since its renovation in 1980, it has operated as a Cultural Centre and one of the most popular entertainment venues in the city.
Location: Junin Street 1930.
Travel tips in Recoleta:
8- CONGRESO
Don't miss the opportunity to visit the Congress in Buenos Aires / Foto: Argentina4u
The magnificent grey stone building, Palacio del Congreso has an imposing and awe-inspiring presence in this neighbourhood which the locals commonly refer to as "Congreso". It is a middle-class area with strong commercial activity that gives you a taste of the real Buenos Aires. The Plaza Congreso, adorned with several monuments and sculptures, is the second most important political venue for Argentines. Many protests either begin or end at the Congreso because it is connected to Plaza de Mayo via ten blocks of Avenida de Mayo. Argentines love to protest and are very involved and committed to their politics, so you will undoubtedly run into into one or two during your stay in Buenos Aires.
Congress top tourist landmarks:
- Congress Palace
Its impressive construction makes this palace one of Buenos Aires’ architectural highlights. Built in the late 1900´s, El Congreso faces the Plaza Congreso, an immense park with monuments and sculptures which creates a peaceful area within the busy downtown area.
Location: Entre Rios/ Callao Avenue and Rivadavia Avenue 1700.
- Avenida Corrientes
One of the city's main avenues, Avenida Corrientes intersects with Avenida 9 de Julio and the Obelisco before continuing into downtown Buenos Aires. Corrientes holds a strong cultural relevance for the Porteños, with its huge variety of theatres, and has unofficially become the Broadway of Buenos Aires. It is also home to many tango houses, excellent libraries (many with a selection of literature in different languages) and Italian pizzerias that continue to serve the city's residents late into the night. Read our guide on things to do on Avenida Corrientes.
Location: Callao Avenue 400, Intersection with Corrientes Avenue at 1700 until 800.
Travel tips in Congreso:
Political Tour: Traces of Buenos Aires
Historical Cafés of Buenos Aires
9- BELGRANO
Belgrano neighbourhood is basically residential and has got lots of visual curiosities / Photo: Argentina4u
A residential neighbourhood in the north of Buenos Aires, Belgrano offers both a peaceful oasis and commercial energy. The upper middle-classes enjoy living among the quiet, leafy streets and shopping along the busy Avenida Cabildo lined with shops, boutiques and corner cafes.
Belgrano top tourist landmarks:
- Plaza Belgrano
The central plaza in the neighbourhood, Plaza Belgrano, is situated next to the Belgrano Cathedral popularly known as "La Redonda" or the "the Round One" because of its circular shape, along with the Enrique Larreta Museum of Spanish Art, the Yrurtia House Museum and the Sarmiento Museum. The plaza is an important meeting place for artists who set up crafts stands on the weekends.
Location: Juramento Street 2200.
- China Town:
Chinatown (Barrio Chino) accommodates diverse Asian ethnicities, including the first Taiwanese immigrants, who were followed by the Chinese, Korean and Japanese, who moved there in the middle of the 1980´s. The area has continued to preserve its Asian culture over time and includes an array of grocery stores and restaurants. Enjoying delicious sushi or exploring the Chinese supermarkets full or rare delicacies has to be amongst your top things to do in Buenos Aires.
Location: Juramento 1600 and Arribeños 2100 intersection.
Travel tips in Belgrano:
Hop-On Hop-Off Buenos Aires Bus
10- TIGRE
Really close to Buenos Aires, Tigre has many charms / Photo: Argentina4u
Located just 17.5 miles (28 km) north of Buenos Aires Centre, this beautiful and colourful town is located on the shore of the exotic Parana Delta. It’s a short train ride away and is a great place to visit on a Tigre full day tour or even a half-day tour, if you're short of time. Tigre’s outdoor activities vary from taking a tour through the stunning islands of the Tigre Delta, walking around the charming town, or going for a ride on the rollercoaster at the Parque de la Costa amusement park. Getting to Tigre is very simple, you just have to take the Buenos Aires Railway (the Mitre Line), which departs regularly from Retiro and, after 40 minutes of travel through Buenos Aires’s northern suburbs, you will arrive in Tigre.
Tigre top tourist landmarks:
- Tigre Art Museum:
Originally built as a Social Club for the Argentine aristocratic society, the Tigre Art Museum has become an important meeting place for the rich and the famous. The beautiful structure stands on the Lujan River shore at the end of the Paseo Victorica, where you can participate in many outdoor activities.
- Puerto de Frutos:
If you’re lucky enough to visit Tigre during your stay in Buenos Aires you cannot miss out on seeing this beautiful market. Tigre was a main fruit and vegetable port many years ago, and now the Puerto de Frutos is a crafts market that draws local artists to exhibit their unique art pieces made from natural resources from the area.
Travel tips in Tigre:
Adventure Delta Island Day Trip
With this complete guide you will no longer have any doubts about why you should visit Buenos Aires, the capital of Buenos Aires assures you will be left breathless and with Argentina4u you will be able to do it even easier!
By: Team Content of Daytours4u.
