AR
Buenos Aires
Argentina’s capital of grand avenues, tango, steakhouses and lively neighbourhoods on the River Plate
Argentina’s capital of grand avenues, tango, steakhouses and lively neighbourhoods on the River Plate
The city’s historic main square is home to the pink presidential palace, the Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the colonial Cabildo. It has been the stage for Argentina’s major political events.
Photo: Ben Tavener, CC BY 2.0
Opened in 1822, this walled city of marble mausoleums holds presidents, writers and Eva Perón. Foreign visitors pay an entry fee.
Ask for a map at the entrance.
Photo: Cmasi, CC BY-SA 4.0
Opened in 1908, the opera house is famous for its acoustics and ornate auditorium. Guided tours run daily, and tickets for performances can be good value.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0
The old port district is known for the brightly painted houses of Caminito and for La Bombonera, home of Boca Juniors football club.
Stay in the main tourist area and visit in daylight.
Photo: Sombra Inquieta, CC BY-SA 4.0
One of the oldest neighbourhoods, with cobbled streets, antique shops and tango bars. On Sundays, the Feria de San Telmo market fills Defensa Street.
Photo: Eugenio Hansen, OFS, CC BY-SA 4.0
Steak is the classic meal: try bife de chorizo or a mixed parrillada at a parrilla, with Malbec. Other favourites are empanadas, milanesa, pizza with thick cheese and ice cream (helado).
Dinner usually starts after 9pm. Mate tea and medialunas (croissants) are everyday staples.
Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) is about 35km south-west of the centre and handles most international flights. Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP), on the river close to Palermo, is used for domestic and some regional flights.
The city has a metro (Subte), buses and ride-hailing apps. Ferries cross the River Plate to Uruguay. Citizens of the EU, the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit Argentina without a visa for up to 90 days. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check current rules before you travel.
Argentina uses the peso (ARS), which has been very volatile, so prices here are given in US dollars as a guide. Foreign cards are widely accepted and usually get a market-based exchange rate; carry some cash for small purchases.
Prices change quickly with inflation and the exchange rate.
Centre, barrios and tango.
Walk from Plaza de Mayo along Avenida de Mayo to the Congress, then tour the Teatro Colón.
Visit Recoleta Cemetery and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, then spend the evening in Palermo.
Explore San Telmo (on a Sunday for the market) and La Boca, and see a tango show.
Watch bags and phones on the Subte and in busy areas.
Restaurants fill from 9pm onwards.
Foreign cards usually get a fair rate; ask before paying cash.
Milongas (tango dance halls) welcome watchers as well as dancers.
Quick answers for planning time in Buenos Aires.
Most international flights use Ezeiza (EZE); Aeroparque (AEP) handles domestic and some regional flights.
Many nationalities, including EU, UK, US and Canadian citizens, can visit visa-free for up to 90 days.
No, foreign visitors pay an entry fee.
On Sundays along Defensa Street.
March to May and September to November.
Spanish is the main language; English is less common outside tourist areas.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Argentina travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.