Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, a city of whispers and wonders, offers an unparalleled mix of romantic charm and historical intrigue. The birthplace of tango and a witness to revolutions, this vibrant metropolis invites you to explore its timeless streets and soul-stirring landmarks. Here’s a three-day itinerary that ensures you experience the essence of Buenos Aires, with practical tips for tickets, transport, and dining along the way.
Day 1: Exploring the Historic Core
Tentative Agenda
9:00 – 10:30: Plaza de Mayo
10:30 – 11:30: Casa Rosada
11:30 – 12:00: Catedral Metropolitana
12:00 – 13:30: Lunch at Café Tortoni
14:00 – 15:30: San Telmo Market
15:30 – 17:00: El Zanjón de Granados
19:00 onwards: Dinner at La Brigada
Morning: The Heart of Revolution
Start at Plaza de Mayo, the city’s political and cultural epicenter since 1580. This square has borne witness to key historical events, from the May Revolution of 1810 to modern protests. It remains a gathering place for the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, who march every Thursday to demand justice for those who disappeared during the dictatorship.
The Casa Rosada, with its pink façade, houses Argentina’s presidential offices. Legend suggests the color represents a mix of the white of federalists and the red of unitarians. Its museum showcases artifacts from Argentine history. Book a free guided tour on their website.
Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00
Recommended time: 1 hour
Cost: Free
Website: www.casarosada.gob.ar
Nearby, the Catedral Metropolitana exudes grandeur with its neoclassical design. Step inside to pay homage to General San Martín, resting here in a marble mausoleum guarded by statues.
Opening hours: Daily, 9:00 to 19:00
Recommended time: 30 minutes
Cost: Free
Transport: Take Subte Line A to Plaza de Mayo station. A single ride costs 70 ARS (0.20 euros).
Lunch: Savor a classic meal at Café Tortoni, a historic spot known for its ornate interiors and traditional dishes. Try the empanadas or the milanesa napolitana with a submarino (hot chocolate).
Address: Avenida de Mayo 825
Opening hours: Daily, 8:00 to 0:00
Cost: 3,500 ARS per person (around 10 euros)
Afternoon: San Telmo’s Antique Charms
San Telmo’s cobblestone streets are filled with history and artistic flair.
The San Telmo Market, established in 1897, brims with antiques, artisanal goods, and street food. Enjoy a choripán from a local stall as you browse this bustling indoor market.
Opening hours: Daily, 10:00 to 20:00
Recommended time: 1.5 hours
Cost: Free
Next, delve into the city’s hidden history at El Zanjón de Granados. This network of underground tunnels, rediscovered in the 1980s, tells the story of Buenos Aires’ colonial past. Guided tours are available and highly recommended.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 to 16:00
Recommended time: 1.5 hours
Cost: 5,000 ARS (14 euros)
Website: www.elzanjon.com
Dinner: End your day at La Brigada, a traditional parrilla (grill) renowned for its flavorful steaks and vibrant atmosphere.
Address: Estados Unidos 465
Opening hours: Daily, 12:00 to 23:00
Cost: 6,000 ARS per person (17 euros)
Day 2: Art and Elegance
Tentative Agenda
9:00 – 10:30: Recoleta Cemetery
10:30 – 12:00: Centro Cultural Recoleta
12:00 – 13:30: Lunch at La Biela
14:00 – 15:30: Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
16:00 – 17:30: Floralis Genérica
19:00 onwards: Dinner at Don Julio
Morning: Recoleta – A Neighborhood of Sophistication
Begin at Recoleta Cemetery, a maze of ornate mausoleums where Argentina’s elite rest, including Eva Perón. Each tomb tells a story, from tragic love affairs to family feuds.
Opening hours: Daily, 7:00 to 17:30
Recommended time: 1.5 hours
Cost: 1,400 ARS (4 euros)
Nearby, the Centro Cultural Recoleta showcases contemporary art, performances, and workshops. The Floralis Genérica, a massive steel flower sculpture, is a short walk away and blooms with the sunrise.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday, 12:00 to 20:00, weekends 10:00 to 21:00
Recommended time: 1 hour
Cost: Free
Website: www.centroculturalrecoleta.org
Lunch: Relax at La Biela, a café with a terrace overlooking Recoleta Cemetery. Their traditional Argentine dishes pair perfectly with the view.
Address: Avenida Presidente Manuel Quintana 596
Opening hours: Daily, 8:00 to 0:00
Cost: 4,500 ARS per person (13 euros)
Afternoon: Buenos Aires’ Art Scene
The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes holds one of the most important art collections in Latin America, with works from masters like Goya, Monet, and Van Gogh.
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 to 20:00
Recommended time: 1.5 hours
Cost: Free
Website: www.bellasartes.gob.ar
Dinner: Visit Don Julio, a world-famous parrilla offering premium beef cuts. Arrive early or book in advance for a memorable dining experience.
Address: Guatemala 4691
Opening hours: Daily, 11:30 to 23:00
Cost: 8,000 ARS per person (22 euros)
Day 3: Colorful Culture and Modern Glamour
Tentative Agenda
9:00 – 10:30: Caminito in La Boca
10:30 – 12:00: La Bombonera Stadium
12:00 – 13:30: Lunch at El Obrero
14:00 – 15:30: Puerto Madero and Puente de la Mujer
15:30 – 17:00: Fragata Sarmiento
19:00 onwards: Dinner at Siga La Vaca
Morning: La Boca’s Artistic Spirit
Caminito, a vibrant street museum, features colorful houses and street tango performances. Its lively charm is a photographer’s dream.
Opening hours: Daily, 10:00 to 18:00
Recommended time: 1 hour
Cost: Free
Nearby, La Bombonera Stadium offers a glimpse into Argentina’s soccer passion. Take a guided tour to explore the museum and field.
Opening hours: Daily, 10:00 to 18:00
Recommended time: 1.5 hours
Cost: 4,500 ARS (12.50 euros)
Website: www.museoboquense.com
Lunch: Enjoy rustic charm at El Obrero, a traditional restaurant frequented by locals.
Address: Agustín Caffarena 64
Opening hours: Daily, 12:00 to 23:00
Cost: 4,000 ARS per person (11 euros)
Afternoon: Puerto Madero’s Modern Appeal
Walk along Puerto Madero’s riverside promenade, crossing the iconic Puente de la Mujer. Visit the historic Fragata Sarmiento, a naval ship turned museum.
Opening hours: Daily, 10:00 to 19:00
Recommended time: 1 hour
Cost: 1,200 ARS (3.50 euros)
Dinner: Indulge at Siga La Vaca, a popular buffet-style parrilla offering riverside views.
Address: Alicia Moreau de Justo 1714
Opening hours: Daily, 12:00 to 23:00
Cost: 7,000 ARS per person (19 euros)
Combined Pass Options
Consider purchasing a Buenos Aires Pass, which offers discounts for major attractions and hop-on-hop-off bus rides. Prices start at 18,000 ARS (50 euros) and can be booked online at www.buenosairespass.com.
For transport, get a SUBE card for metro, buses, and trains. Cards cost 490 ARS (1.40 euros) and can be recharged at kiosks. Each ride costs 70 ARS (0.20 euros).
Buenos Aires awaits with open arms, ready to enchant you with its timeless allure. Let its history, art, and passion take you on a journey you’ll never forget.