Buenos Aires Itinerary: 3 Beautiful Days in Argentina’s Cosmopolitan Capital

Looking to spend a few days in Buenos Aires but aren’t sure how to organize your itinerary? Are you a busy traveler who wants a fast-paced and walkable adventure?

Well, this Buenos Aires itinerary is for you!

Buenos Aires is both the capital and largest city of Argentina and is situated on the eastern shore of the Rio de La Plata. Considered the Paris of South America, Buenos Aires boasts stunning European-style architecture with wide boulevards and a vibrant cultural scene. Learn about incredible neighborhoods such as Palermo, Recoleta, San Nicolás, Monsterrat, La Boca, and San Telmo.

3 days is a perfect amount of time to get a sense of the unique charm that the different neighborhoods have to offer. In this Buenos Aires itinerary, we will explore the passionate and rhythmic dance of Tango, marvel at the historical buildings, and deep dive into Buenos Aires’ culinary delights. From Paris-esque boulevards to sprawling green parks, Buenos Aires has something for everyone. Time to get a sampler platter of Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital.

Table of Contents

Day 1: Palermo and Recoleta Neighborhoods

 

We are starting today’s exploration of Buenos Aires in the city’s largest neighborhood: Palermo. From the high-end quarter of Palermo Chico to the trendy streets of Palermo Soho and the clubs of Palermo Hollywood, this neighborhood is filled to the brim with things to do, eat, and see.

(1) Jardín Japonés

It’s always a good idea to start your first day in a new city wandering around a park. I don’t know about you, but a tranquil start is a perfect way to get over jet lag and ease into your new destination. The Jardín Japonés, which is Spanish for Japanese Garden, is a public space that costs about 95 Argentine pesos to enter. The garden was erected in 1967 as part of a joint project between the Japanese Embassy and the Argentine government.

Try to avoid the Jardín Japonés during the weekend because it will be packed with families and groups having picnics. The best part of the garden is relaxing and wandering at your own pace, and crowds usually subside on weekday mornings. The entire space is pretty small, and it will take about 30 to 45 minutes to admire the bridges, ponds, and population of koi fish.

(2) Ecoparque

Right across the street from the Jardín Japonés is the Buenos Aires Ecoparque. I don’t hear nearly enough people talking about this unique park! My friend and I stumbled upon it quite accidentally and were thrilled to see animals wandering around (albeit quite surprised).

Ecoparque is the site of the Buenos Aires Zoo, which officially shut its doors in 2016. Now, the park dedicates itself to conservation and houses animals such as capybaras, tapirs, and monkeys. The best part is that a group of Patagonian mara runs around freely. If you don’t know what that is, and we didn’t either, check out the photo below of this fun-looking rodent. Entrance to the park is free, so even if you aren’t a fan of traditional zoos, the Ecoparque is worth a walk-through.

(3) Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

After our exploration of Palermo, we are moving on to another famous neighborhood: Recoleta. This walkable area has a ton of Paris-style townhouses and beautiful avenues. Count how many times I say Paris in this Buenos Aires itinerary! To begin your tour of Recoleta, check out the Museum Nacional de Bellas Artes, a museum that houses more than 12,000 art pieces. From sculptures to textiles to watercolor paintings, you could lose yourself in the galleries that feature mostly pre-Columbine and colonial Argentine art. This museum even has a branch in Patagonia!

If you are an art museum lover, definitely continue your tour and check out the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires, or MALBA. MALBA is the centerpiece of contemporary art in Latin America, and it’s great to have one centrally located in Buenos Aires.

(4) Recoleta Cemetery

Next, head over to the Recoleta Cemetery, easily one of the most famous cemeteries in the entire world. Established in 1822, Recoleta Cemetery is the final resting place for a few prominent Argentine figures, most notably, Eva Perón, the Former First Lady of Argentina.

The cemetery portrays different architectural styles and elaborate mausoleums, making the walk-through feel like you are in a tiny city. The passageways between the tombs are narrow and provide a backdrop for beautiful photos. In 2013, CNN listed Recoleta Cemetery among the top 10 most beautiful cemeteries in the world, sprawling over 5.5 acres in urban Buenos Aires.

(5) Attend a Soccer Match

Attending an Argentine soccer match is most definitely not for the faint of heart, but if you’re looking for something incredibly unique to add to your Buenos Aires itinerary, I would suggest going to a football (soccer!) game in the city. Buenos Aires is famous for having blood made out of soccer balls, and their games are chaotic, unpredictable, and a ton of fun. Toss all your ideas of sitting calmly in your chair out the window, because you’ll be on your feet the whole evening and probably get a few beers spilled on you as well.

Boca Junior, River Plate, and San Lorenzo are the three main teams in the city, and it’s not uncommon to see locals feuding over their respective loyalties.

I am by no means an expert on getting tickets or even experiencing soccer in Buenos Aires, so I suggest checking out this comprehensive guide by Goal.com called Soccer Cities’ ultimate guide to the authentic Buenos Aires football experience.

Day 2: San Nicolás and Montserrat Neighborhoods

 

During our second day in Buenos Aires, we are exploring the San Nicolás and Montserrat neighborhoods. These iconic areas hold a ton of historical significance as they are situated in the heart of the city and are part of Buenos Aires’ central business district. On one hand, Montserrat is well-known for its cultural heritage and historical landmarks, while San Nicolás is home to a lively nightlife scene.  Both neighborhoods have good theatre and entertainment districts as well as lush green spaces, shopping, and commerce options. Given the prime location of these zones, you will find that they are accessible via public transportation no matter where you’re staying in the city.

(6) Obelisco

The Obelisco, or Obelisk in English, is an iconic symbol of Buenos Aires. As a born and raised Washington, DC girl, I chuckle a little bit because it certainly looks like the Washington Monument. Rest assured, I got a lot of photos of my friend trying to touch the point. Ah, just like being home.

Of course, the Buenos Aires Obelisk has a completely different history than the one in Washington, DC – namely, it stands in the Plaza de la República at the intersection of two important avenues: Corrientes and 9 de julio. Built in 1936, the Obelisk is a great landmark to locate yourself within the bustling city. It is also the viewpoint of 9 de julio, one of the widest avenues in the world with a whopping 16 lanes.

(7) Teatro Colón

Teatro Colón is one of the most beautiful and well-known theaters in the entire world. For just 1,800 Argentine pesos, the purchase of a general admission ticket will grant you access to wander the ornate halls and view the amphitheater. You don’t need to take time out of your day to see an actual performance, as the true beauty is in the decorative interior of the Teatro Colón. The theatre even offers guided tours of the hall, where knowledgeable guides will deep-dive the historical significance behind the theatre and its subsequent halls. If taking a tour isn’t your pace, it’s still worth walking past the outside of Teatro Colón for its beautiful façade.

(8) The Ateneo Grand Splendid

I know that you just saw the amphitheater of a beautiful performing arts hall but start to wander towards El Ateneo Grand Splendid. It first began as a theatre in 1919, then converted into a cinema, but in the present day, it’s a bookstore! The book selection is quite normal, with Spanish books that you can find in any regular bookstore, but it’s a fantastic place to visit as El Ateneo Grand Splendid still has its original ceilings, ornate theater boxes, balconies with detailed trimmings, and dark red stage curtains.

(9) Palacio Barolo

You might be sick of these historical building recommendations, but if you aren’t, check out Palacio Barolo, a building that is, in fact, not a palace. Palacio Barolo offers tours but is equally stunning from the outside. It’s a landmark office building that became famous as Buenos Aires’ tallest building for more than a decade until the Kavanagh building dethroned it in 1936. 

The interior of Palacio Barolo is unique, with a central hall in the lobby including nine archways, each representing the nine circles of hell from Dante’s Inferno. The highest level demonstrating heaven is at an observation deck offering 360-degree views of Buenos Aires, and the tallest point of the building is still a working lighthouse. Sure, Palacio Barolo is not a real palace, but the thought put into the architecture makes it a true wonder.

(10) Watch a Tango Show

This would not be a Buenos Aires itinerary without the mention of a tango show. Buenos Aires is the birthplace and the capital of tango (considered to be the world’s most romantic dance!). It is incredibly fun to watch and seeing the show brings out chills.

La Boca, a working-class neighborhood that we’re going to visit tomorrow in this itinerary, is the birthplace of tango. La Boca was the home to many immigrants, leading to a mixture of various African, European, and Latin American influences in the dance.

The majority of shows offer a three-course dinner followed by a one-and-a-half-hour tango show. While I certainly don’t have authority on the topic of tango, check out this comprehensive list of the Best Tango Shows in Buenos Aires by Sol Salute.

Day 3: La Boca and San Telmo Neighborhoods

 

(11) La Boca

La Boca is one of Buenos Aires’ most popular neighborhoods with a history as a working-class area. It is home to the Boca soccer team and as we discussed above, is where the tango dance was born! Boca means mouth in Spanish as this neighborhood was literally once the mouth of Buenos Aires, located within the zone which used to be the city’s biggest port area. La Boca is now well-known for its colorful buildings and flocks of tourists coming to snap photos of the street art.

Now, I don’t see nearly enough blogs warning visitors about La Boca. Yes, it’s a popular destination that you should visit. However (and I cannot stress this enough) – please be very careful when you are walking through La Boca neighborhood. While plenty of tourists hang around the area of El Caminito and feel safe, I would highly suggest that you do not wander out of that general zone. Please consider taking a bus to and from El Caminito and avoid exploring the surrounding neighborhood. Remember that this is still a working-class neighborhood that deserves respect, and locals still call La Boca home. It is best not to snap photos of run-down buildings with your flashy camera. I made this mistake at the time of visiting and wish to spread some words of caution to other visitors.

(12) El Caminito

That being said, feel free to check out El Caminito, mentioned above, which has become famous because of the colorful street and buildings. It makes a cool spot to take photos and has become a landmark street museum. You will certainly encounter lots of crowds and tourists, but it’s worth seeing how that part of the neighborhood has come to life and supports the local artists.

Benito Quinquela Martín, La Boca’s most famous artist, used a 1926 tango song that tells of a lost love as inspiration to create El Caminito in 1955. You may even be lucky enough to catch a tango performance on the street.

(13) San Telmo Market

From El Caminito, take a bus up to San Telmo Market. This fantastic large indoor market opened in 1897, and while the stalls themselves have since been renovated, the structure of the market remains the same. Come to San Telmo Market for food as well as antiques, crafts, and any souvenirs that you may want to take back home. Locals say that the Coffee Town stall has some of the best coffee in the entire city! San Telmo market is open all 7 days of the week although some specific stalls may only be open on the weekends.

(14) Casa Rosada

In the United States, we have the White House. In Buenos Aires, we have la Casa Rosada, or the pink house. La Casa Rosada is in the Plaza de Mayo, a gorgeous square, and is the seat of the Argentine government and the current president’s office. It will be of no surprise that the house was adeptly named after its rose pink façade. A theory states that the building is pink because the contractors mixed white paint with bovine blood, a fairly common practice in the 19^th century.

Tours of the interior are offered for free but don’t forget to bring your passport. La Casa Rosada holds a lot of historical significance, and most notably, the balcony is where Juan and Evita Perón would address the Argentine population during the late 1940s and early 1950s.

(15) Go to a Parrilla Restaurant

It’s not a trip to Argentina without trying parrilla, unless of course, you are vegetarian. Parrilla is an Argentine dish that comes with an assortment of different meats. You receive a platter that has steak, sausages, ribs, and a few delectable dipping sauces. Most parrilla also comes with a side salad, grilled vegetables, or potatoes. A parrilla restaurant resembles a steakhouse, but their atmosphere can range anywhere from a white-cloth establishment to a small grill on the sidewalk. We greatly enjoyed Parrilla Peña, a family-style restaurant that was bustling on a Tuesday night at 10 pm.  

Always listen to the waiters, as they know exactly how much food you should order for your group. My friend and I were a little ambitious and ended up rolling our way back home after an empathetic “Buena suerte, chicas” from the man sitting next to us. As a rule, do not order your meat well done. Argentines take this as an insult and would much rather prepare you a juicy steak than a charred sirloin. And of course, Argentines eat late! Restaurants will be empty at 8 pm, and some don’t even open until 9. Eat a big lunch to hold you until dinnertime because parrilla is a must-add to your Buenos Aires itinerary.

Special: Day 4: Day Trip to Montevideo, Uruguay

 

As a special 4th day in Buenos Aires, I would suggest taking a day trip over to Montevideo, Uruguay if you are up for another adventure in a new country. The ferry ride is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes which makes it a super quick and comfortable day trip. Wander the streets of Uruguay’s beautiful capital, and if you are interested in a relaxing pace, Montevideo has stunning white sand beaches. For a lot more information than this tiny paragraph, and items to add to your Buenos Aires itinerary, check out our most recent post called Buenos Aires to Montevideo Ferry: Day-Trip Itinerary and Things to Know.

Where to Stay in Buenos Aires

 

Don’t worry if you are overwhelmed by all of the Buenos Aires’ neighborhoods that we touched on in this itinerary. This section will help clear up some of the best hotel locations and neighborhoods to stay in during your visit. Note: I do not get any affiliate sales for these hotel recommendations. I just like to point out some of the best options to help you plan your travels!

• Puerto Madero

Puerto Madero is a popular option for those who are looking for a luxury experience. It is the revamped dockside neighborhood of Buenos Aires which houses high-value apartments and expensive hotels. Puerto Madero offers a great view of the sea and is home to the Constanera Sur Ecological Reserve of the city, a great place for a morning jog or stroll. It should be noted that the neighborhood is a bit more out of the way than some of the more centrally-located areas. Furthermore, if you are planning on taking a day trip to Montevideo, the ferry terminal is located in Puerto Madero. Popular hotel options include Hotel Madero, Hilton Buenos Aires, Faena Hotel Buenos Aires, and Alvear Icon Hotel.

• Palermo

As mentioned earlier, Palermo is the largest neighborhood of Buenos Aires which means that you can get a good feel for the city by staying in that area. Palermo Hollywood is the nightlife heartbeat of the city, so stay in this area if you want to party until sunrise. For a more chic and trendy vibe, check out Palermo Soho. Top options include Ilum Experience Home, Miravida Soho Hotel & Wine Bar, and Duque Hotel Boutique & Spa.

• Recoleta

Recoleta is the neighborhood best known for Parisian-style houses and upscale real estate. Recoleta is a great base camp for all of your sightseeing needs as it is centrally located. The top 5 best hotels in this area are Palladio Hotel Buenos Aires – MGallery, Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, Alvear Palace Hotel, Melia Recoleta Plaza, and Mio Buenos Aires.

• San Telmo

Finally, San Telmo is perfect for budget travelers and backpackers. The neighborhood is well-located and historic, with more of a boho feel. The hostels and hotels are going to be a bit smaller but a lot cheaper. Some popular options are Patios de San Telmo, Loft Osteria by Sagardi, and Anselmo Buenos Aires by Hilton.

For more specific information on lodging, hotel options, and neighborhood choices in Buenos Aires, check out this fantastic guide on Where to Stay in Buenos Aires (Best Areas & Places in 2023) by Travel Lemming.

Food You Must Try in Buenos Aires

If you’re already stuffed from reading the section on parrilla, you might want to make more space for the next few items. May I suggest a digestive? Here are five food items that you need to add to your Buenos Aires itinerary!

1. Alfajores

Alfajores are one of the most beloved sweet treats in South America, and Argentina cannot get enough of them. Alfajores are made up of two cookies sandwiched together with a sweet filling – most commonly dulce de leche – while the outer layer of cookies is coated in either chocolate, sugar, or coconut. They are popular to enjoy with coffee or as a dessert, and they are available to purchase at cafes or stores.

2. Sándwich de Miga

In Buenos Aires, you will see many people getting sándwiches de miga before the start of the work day. These sandwiches are quintessentially Argentine, made up of thin layers of crustless white bread filled with different ingredient combinations, usually containing ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. They are cut into triangle portions and are popular as either a light lunch or something to bring to a social gathering. You will even find that the stray dogs will beg for a bite out of your sandwich.

3. Parrilla (Steak Assortment)

We know you already read that whole mouth-watering section on parrilla. But if you happened to skip down here from the table of contents, know that steak makes Argentina, Argentina! The parrilla experience is truly necessary if you aren’t vegetarian, and parrilla restaurants will bring you some of the best meat you’ve ever tried. The vibrant atmosphere of these places makes the experience worth it, and there are a plethora of restaurants in Buenos Aires for every budget, from hole-in-the-wall places to upscale restaurants.

4. Empanadas

Most Hispanic and Latino cultures have some form of empanadas, and Argentina is no different. Empanadas are thin pastry shells filled with savory ingredients, most commonly ground beef, onions, eggs, olives, and spices. They are baked or fried until golden brown, making for a fantastic quick street food.

5. Mate

Getting invited to drink mate with Argentine locals is a big honor. Mate, also known as yerba mate, is a South American beverage most common in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and parts of Brazil. What makes mate so special is that you won’t find it at a café. It’s a social activity where people gather in a circle and pass around a gourd filled with the tea. You share the mate using a metal straw called a bombilla, so it’s more of a ritual than a drink. If you can get in with a group of locals or a host family, you know you’ve won in Argentina.

Mate is traditionally quite bitter, but each family has their own twist on the drink. My favorite is adding chunks of orange rind to the tea for a sweeter flavor. The bombilla will make sure that you don’t suck up any leaves or extra additives.

Best Free Walking Tours

 

If you have extra time in the city and would like to tack on a free walking tour to your Buenos Aires itinerary, I always find that walking tours are a great way to get to know the city from the locals who live there.

Buenos Aires Free Walks is a cool company that operates out of Trip Advisor. They are rated number 2 out of Tours and Activities in Buenos Aires, with an outstanding 6,000+ 5-star reviews. I am in no way affiliated with this company, but I am a big fan of walking tours in general, and I thought they did a fantastic job.

They have tours of a few different neighborhoods since Buenos Aires is far too large to explore in one 2-hour session. They offer tours of La Boca, Recoleta Cemetery, Palermo, and San Telmo. This particular company does charge $10 per person if booked via Trip Advisor, but there are other free options available if budget is of concern.

Safety Tips for Buenos Aires

 

Buenos Aires is a safe and fun city to visit in South America. I went as a teenage girl with another female friend of mine, and we never felt unsafe. Of course, we are very seasoned travelers, so we knew the basics. Always remember to keep expensive valuables out of sight, wear a bag that you can hold in front of you – and not a backpack that is behind you – don’t mindlessly take photos with your big camera on the street, and don’t wear flashy jewelry. 

The most important thing to note is that you have to be cautious and respectful as you are a tourist visiting someone’s hometown. Don’t be flashy, loud, or extravagant. Petty theft may be a problem in Buenos Aires, but you will never run into any serious issues or big crimes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buenos Aires

 

• Should I get a Sube Card?

Absolutely! Getting a Sube card for sightseeing in Buenos Aires is worth every penny! The subway (Subte) and bus systems are incredibly efficient and will take you to most sites that you are interested in visiting. While we organized this itinerary around neighborhoods that are walkable, the Sube card is a great idea to have the flexibility to stay in whichever neighborhood you’d like while still getting to places conveniently. The contactless smart card will let you pay for both the subway and buses and eliminate the need for cash.

• How many days should I spend in Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires is a beautiful gateway to Argentina as a whole. We recommend staying in the capital for at least three days to get a good sense of all of the different neighborhoods and the unique offerings they each have. Looking to stay in Argentina a bit longer? Head to the vineyards of Mendoza (and check out our guide on Mendoza, Argentina: Wine & Adventure in 3 Days) or South to the Patagonia area (no guides on that, yet!).

• How to spend 7 days in Buenos Aires?

It is certainly possible to spend seven days in Buenos Aires. While you only really need three days to get a good taste of the city, seven days will help you expand a bit more and explore neighborhoods that are further out. A great option includes the Tigre River Delta, located 45 minutes away from central Buenos Aires. For shorter visits to the city, it’s a better idea to stick to the more popular neighborhoods of La Boca, San Telmo, Recoleta, Palermo, and Montserrat. Since the bus and metro system is so efficient, it’s incredibly easy to get out to the outlying neighborhoods if you have the time to spend.

• Is Buenos Aires expensive for American tourists?

Buenos Aires, and Argentina as a whole, has a notoriously volatile economy. At the time of writing this itinerary in November 2023, Argentina is one of the cheapest places to visit in Latin America. However, keep an eye on the fluctuating economy before you finalize and book your trip.

• What are the best months in Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires is in the Southern Hemisphere, and therefore, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of fall and spring. In Buenos Aires, fall is between April and June while spring is between September and November. We visited in the winter (June through August) and found that it was chilly enough to wear a down coat. The summer months, on the other hand, can get incredibly hot while the shoulder seasons usually bring in milder temperatures and smaller crowds.

 

That is all for Buenos Aires! We hope you enjoyed this fast-paced and walkable Buenos Aires itinerary, and we hope that you can get a good taste of what Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital has to offer in just 3 days.  Looking to add more to your Argentine bucket list? Check out our general guides on South America, and feel free to explore our Mendoza, Argentina: Wine & Adventure in 3 Days blog! If you’re heading down South, don’t forget to check Perito Moreno Glacier. Hopefully, this blog will have a guide for Patagonia one day ?