Explore Buenos Aires: 10 Best Things to Do & More

Buenos Aires Attractions Map

10 Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires

1. Explore San Telmo Sunday Fair ♥️ Must See

If you happen to be in Buenos Aires on a Sunday, one thing you absolutely should not miss is the famous San Telmo Sunday Fair, one of the liveliest and most enjoyable experiences in the city. Honestly, it was my favorite thing to do out of all.

Every Sunday, the historic streets of San Telmo transform into a massive open-air market filled with antiques, handmade crafts, street food, live music, tango performances, and all kinds of random treasures you can buy as souvenirs.

The main market stretches along Defensa Street for several blocks, and honestly, the atmosphere alone makes it worth visiting. There are so many people on the street, with musicians performing folk music, artists selling paintings, and locals and tourists all wandering through the neighborhood together. It's probably one of the largest and liveliest open-air markets in South America, if I dare say so!

If you have been following me on Instagram (which you definitely should!), you probably know that I have been dabbling in home decoration over the past year or so, and this market was an absolute godsend!

One of my favorite things to do here was simply getting lost in the side streets and exploring the smaller alleys branching off from the main market. Before I knew it, I had bought a bunch of paintings, posters, and beautiful hand-painted fileteado pieces, a traditional Argentine art style known for its stylized lines, floral patterns, decorative lettering, and climbing plants that you can really only find here in Argentina. I mean, I HAD to bring some of that home!

I highly recommend arriving before noon if you want to explore the market before it gets too crowded. That said, the busiest hours in the afternoon are also when the atmosphere becomes the most lively and energetic. If you enjoy photography, street culture, and people-watching, this is easily one of the best places in Buenos Aires for that.

The San Telmo Sunday Fair is free to visit and usually runs from around 10 AM until the evening every Sunday.

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2. Visit San Telmo Market 🥘 Place to Eat

If you are not here on a Sunday, do not sweat! You can still get some of the market atmosphere and feel, although in a more confined space at San Telmo Market, one of the oldest markets in the city located in the San Telmo neighborhood, and the best part is it opens every day from 9 AM to 8 PM.

The moment you step inside, you will immediately notice the market's beautiful old iron structure and vintage charm. It feels much more local and authentic compared to some of the more touristy attractions around the city, especially if you visit outside the busiest Sunday market hours.

One of the best things to do here is simply wander around and snack your way through the market. You will find everything from empanadas and choripán to fresh pasta, specialty coffee, desserts, and local wines. There are also several antique stalls and quirky little shops hidden between the restaurants and food vendors.

I also ended up buying an old vintage magazine sheet that I plan to frame and turn into a poster. I know, I definitely have a problem when it comes to buying souvenirs for home decor 😅! I can't help it! It's not like I'll be visiting these places often! 🤣 There are plenty of shops here to keep you occupied for an hour or two, and if shopping is not your thing, you can always stop by for lunch while exploring San Telmo.

3. Hang Out at Plaza Dorrego

While exploring San Telmo, you will also come across Plaza Dorrego, one of my favorite squares in Buenos Aires. The plaza itself is relatively small and not particularly flashy when it comes to decorations, but it is the people and atmosphere that make the place so special.

If you visit on a weekend evening, you will often find local performers dancing tango right in the square for everyone to enjoy. Tips are appreciated, of course, but if you want to experience authentic tango without paying for an expensive tango show, this is one of the best places in the city to do it. The atmosphere here at night, especially on weekends, is incredibly lively and full of energy, so be sure to stop by if you are in the area.

During the day on Sundays, the entire square transforms into an antique flea market filled with local shops and stalls selling all kinds of vintage items, from glassware and old cameras to vinyl records and antiques. I had an absolute blast digging through piles of old treasures trying to find hidden gems.

Outside of the weekends, the square becomes much quieter, offering a completely different atmosphere that is also worth experiencing. Since the plaza is surrounded by restaurants and cafes, it is a great place to grab a coffee and enjoy a peaceful, relaxing afternoon that you would never get here on busy weekends. That is exactly why I love this square so much. It can feel completely different depending on the day and time you visit.

4. Stroll Around Plaza de Mayo

No visit to Buenos Aires would be complete without stopping by the historic Plaza de Mayo, the political and historical heart of Argentina. Surrounded by some of the city’s most important landmarks, if there is a place I recommend you first start exploring when you arrive in Buenos Aires for the first time, it's this plaza.

The most recognizable building here is the famous pink-colored Casa Rosada, the presidential palace of Argentina. Many important political speeches, demonstrations, and historic events have taken place here throughout the country's history.

On the other side of the square, you will also find the impressive Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral, the main Catholic church of the city and the former church of Pope Francis before he became pope. Be sure to step inside while you are here, as the interior is just as impressive as the exterior.

I recommend spending around 30 minutes to an hour exploring the plaza and the surrounding area, especially if it is your first time visiting Buenos Aires. While you are here, be sure to also stop by the nearby Museo Nacional del Cabildo, which we will discuss next.

5. Learn a Bit of History at Museo Nacional del Cabildo 🏛️ Best Museum

Located right next to Plaza de Mayo, the historic Museo Nacional del Cabildo is one of the most important colonial-era landmarks in Buenos Aires. Originally built during the Spanish colonial period, the Cabildo once served as the city council and played a key role in Argentina’s May Revolution and eventual independence.

Today, the building has been transformed into a museum where you can learn more about the early history of Buenos Aires and Argentina through exhibits featuring old documents, artifacts, paintings, furniture, and historical displays. Even if you are not a huge history buff, the architecture alone makes the place worth visiting.

One thing I really liked about the museum was how peaceful it felt compared to the busy atmosphere outside in Plaza de Mayo. The interior courtyards and colonial-style hallways give you a glimpse into what Buenos Aires might have looked like centuries ago before becoming the massive modern city it is today.

The museum is relatively small, so you can comfortably explore it in around 30 to 45 minutes. Best of all, entry is usually free, making it an easy and worthwhile stop while exploring the historic center of Buenos Aires. The museum is open daily from 10:30 AM to 6 PM except on Mondays and Tuesdays, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.

6. Admire the Beauty of Plaza del Congreso

Another impressive landmark worth visiting is Plaza del Congreso, a large public square located in front of the magnificent Argentine National Congress building. In the area, you will find grand architecture, wide boulevards, tons of monuments, and walking paths that weave the whole place together.

The highlight here is undoubtedly the Palacio del Congreso de la Nación Argentina, an enormous neoclassical building topped with the iconic massive green dome that dominates the skyline. The architecture is quite a sight to behold and honestly reminded me of some of the grand government buildings you would normally expect to see in Europe.

The square itself is a nice place to walk around for a bit, although you may notice quite a few homeless people in the area. In my experience, they generally do not bother tourists much, so it should feel relatively safe during the day. That said, I would avoid walking around here alone late at night, as the area becomes much quieter and less lively compared to daytime.

7. See a Tango Show 👍 Must Do

No trip to Buenos Aires would be complete without experiencing tango, the passionate dance and music style that originated right here in Argentina. Whether you watch a professional performance or stumble upon couples dancing in public squares, you have to see it with your own eyes while you are here.

There are plenty of ways to experience tango in Buenos Aires. If you want the full theatrical experience with live music, dramatic performances, and dinner included, you can book one of the many professional tango shows around the city. Madero Tango comes highly recommended from my local friend, if you don't mind paying the entrance fee.

If you are looking for something that feels a little more authentic and local, I actually enjoyed watching tango performances around places like Plaza Dorrego even more. Seeing locals dance in the streets with random crowds gathering around them just felt much more intimate and personal in my opinion. There is usually a couple performing tango at Plaza Dorrego every weekend night, so be sure to stop by and check them out.

You can also catch free tango performances inside popular cafes like Café Tortoni, where dancers will occasionally perform for a few minutes while you enjoy your churros and coffee.

Visiting a "milonga" is also a great experience while you are here. It is essentially a social tango dance event where locals gather to dance late into the night. Even if you do not dance yourself, it can still be a really fun cultural experience to watch. La Catedral del Tango is a great place to check out if you want to experience a traditional milonga. Just keep in mind that things usually do not get started until well after midnight!

8. Check Out El Ateneo Grand Splendid Bookstore

If there is one bookstore you absolutely have to visit while here, it is the stunning El Ateneo Grand Splendid, often considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Housed inside a former theater dating back to 1919, the building has been beautifully preserved with its grand balconies, ornate decorations, red curtains, and magnificent painted ceiling still intact.

The moment you step inside, it honestly feels more like entering an opera house than a bookstore. The old theater stage has even been converted into a cafe where you can sit down with a coffee while admiring the incredible architecture around you.

Even if you are not much of a reader, El Ateneo is still absolutely worth visiting purely for the atmosphere and architecture alone. I found myself spending way more time here than I expected, simply wandering around the different floors and enjoying a cup of coffee while admiring all the stunning decorations inside.

The bookstore is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM except on Sundays, when it is open from 12 PM to 9 PM. Entry is completely free. If you want to experience the interior of a beautiful old theater without having to buy a ticket for a performance like at Teatro Colón, this is probably as close as it gets.

9. Explore Caminito

One of the most colorful and probably the most photographed places in the city is Caminito, a vibrant pedestrian street located in the historic neighborhood of La Boca. If you have seen photos or videos of brightly painted buildings and colorful street art from Buenos Aires on Instagram or TikTok, chances are they were taken right here.

The area was originally a working-class immigrant neighborhood, heavily influenced by Italian immigrants who settled here in the late 19th century. According to local stories, residents used leftover paint from the nearby shipyards to color their houses, which eventually gave the neighborhood its famous multicolored appearance.

These days, Caminito has become a lively tourist area packed with souvenir shops, local artists, cafes, and small museums where you can stroll around and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Even though it is definitely touristy, I still think it is worth visiting at least once, especially if it is your first time in Buenos Aires. I recommend setting aside around half a day to explore the area and wander through its colorful streets.

That said, keep in mind that La Boca can feel noticeably less safe compared to neighborhoods like Palermo or San Telmo. I recommend visiting during the daytime, staying within the main tourist areas, and avoiding wandering too far into the surrounding streets.

10. Stroll Along Puerto Madero

If you want to see a more modern side of the city, make your way over to Puerto Madero, the city’s redeveloped waterfront district filled with modern skyscrapers, upscale restaurants, riverside promenades, and trendy bars. Compared to the historic neighborhoods around the city center, Puerto Madero feels completely different with its sleek architecture and much cleaner, more modern atmosphere.

To get there, you can easily walk from San Telmo to Puerto Madero via the stunning Puente de la Mujer, a modern pedestrian bridge designed by famous architect Santiago Calatrava. The bridge has become one of the iconic symbols of modern Buenos Aires and is especially beautiful around sunset when the light reflects off the water and surrounding buildings.

The waterfront promenade is perfect for a nice stroll, especially in the late afternoon or evening when locals come out to jog, cycle, or enjoy dinner by the river. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes around the area if you are looking for a nice place to dine in Buenos Aires.

Personally, I enjoyed coming here around sunset and walking along the waterfront after spending the day exploring the older neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. The contrast between Puerto Madero and areas like San Telmo or La Boca is honestly pretty fascinating to see.

What to Eat & Drink in Buenos Aires?

1. Have Coffee and Churros at Café Tortoni

Café Tortoni is one of the oldest and likely one of the most popular cafes (among tourists) in Buenos Aires, which might initially seem like a bit of a turnoff, especially when you see the long lines outside the cafe, but trust me, it is absolutely worth the wait to see the inside.

The cafe was founded in the 19th century, and its interior, which you cannot really see from the outside, is absolutely stunning with its stained glass ceilings, wooden decor, and vintage furniture. They also serve delicious hot chocolate with churros, which I highly recommend trying.

To make the experience even better, there are occasionally free tango performances by local dancers, keeping you entertained while you enjoy your churros. My local friend actually took me here, and even though she warned me that it was touristy, she also said that every visitor should experience it at least once, and she was absolutely right. I was completely blown away by the place.

If possible, try to visit either early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the longest lines. The cafe is open daily from 8 AM to 9 PM, making it a great stop whether you are looking for breakfast, coffee, dessert, or simply a break from exploring the city.

2. Eat at La Poesía

For a lovely lunch spot in San Telmo, I recommend you check out La Poesía, another old historic cafe/restaurant opened in the 80s, with stunning vintage wooden furniture, old photographs, colorful tiled floors, and walls covered with memorabilia. It has such an old-time vibe that felt like I just traveled back in time.

The menu includes coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and traditional Argentine dishes, making it a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon coffee break. It's a little pricey, but you do get quite a big portion to match the price. I couldn't finish mine; it was so much!

If you are exploring San Telmo, this is honestly one of the nicest cafes to stop by and soak in the neighborhood’s historic atmosphere for a while. The cafe is open from 8 AM to 2 AM daily.

3. Drink and Enjoy Local Performances at El Boliche de Roberto

If you are looking for a nice place to hang out while enjoying traditional music, I highly recommend checking out El Boliche de Roberto, a small traditional bar located away from the more touristy areas of Buenos Aires. The place is famous for its spontaneous live tango and folk music performances by local artists, giving it a much more authentic and intimate atmosphere.

Drinks are relatively affordable, and the atmosphere becomes especially lively later in the evening. It can get quite crowded on weekends, so arriving a little earlier is usually a good idea if you want to grab a seat.

If you are looking for a polished tourist experience, this may not be the place for you. But if you want to experience something that feels genuinely local and unforgettable, El Boliche de Roberto is honestly one of the coolest nightlife spots I visited in Buenos Aires. The bar is open daily from 6:30 PM to 1:30 AM, although the place usually becomes much more lively from around 10 PM onward, so plan accordingly.

When to Visit Buenos Aires?

The best time to visit is during spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), when the weather is mild, the humidity is lower, and the city is at its most pleasant for walking around. There are also generally fewer tourists during these periods compared to the summer months.

If you can plan your visit accordingly, make sure to spend at least one Sunday in the city while the San Telmo Sunday Market is in full swing. It was easily one of my favorite experiences in Buenos Aires.

How to Get to Buenos Aires?

As the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires is one of the easiest cities in South America to reach thanks to its extensive international and domestic flight connections. The city is served by two main airports: Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza/EZE) for most international flights and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) for domestic and some regional flights.

If you are arriving internationally, you will most likely land at Ezeiza International Airport, located about 30–45 minutes from the city center depending on traffic. From the airport, you can reach the city by Uber, which is usually the easiest and most affordable option.

For finding flights, I would recommend browsing through Skyscanner or Expedia to find a cheap flight from where you live to Buenos Aires.

If you are already traveling around South America, Buenos Aires is also well connected by long-distance buses from neighboring countries like Chile, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, although travel times can be extremely long due to the size of the continent.

How to get Around Buenos Aires?

By Walking: If you stay around San Telmo or nearby neighborhoods, which I highly recommend, you should be able to walk to most attractions I listed in this guide. If not, you should be able to easily get around the city using the subway or Uber.

By Subway: One of the cheapest ways to get around is by using the city’s subway system, locally known as the Subte. The network is fast, affordable, and connects many of the major tourist attractions and neighborhoods throughout the city. To use the subway, you can easily tap to pay with your credit card or use a SUBE card, which can be purchased and topped up at subway stations, kiosks, and convenience stores around the city.

By Uber: For the most convenient option, Uber is the way to go. They are generally affordable and way more transparent about pricing than the local taxis.

How many days to spend in Buenos Aires?

I recommend spending at least 4 to 5 days here if you want enough time to properly experience the city without rushing. Buenos Aires is not the kind of place where you simply check off landmarks and move on. The real charm of the city comes from wandering through its neighborhoods, relaxing in cafes, and exploring local markets. Take your time and immerse yourself in one of South America’s most vibrant cities!