Getting started: About Buenos Aires
- Buenos Aires is one of the most populous cities in Latin America and the capital of Argentina.
- The city was founded twice; the first time in 1536 and again in 1580.
- Buenos Aires is distinguished by its wide avenues and vibrant cosmopolitan atmosphere.
- A graceful blend of traditional and modern neighborhoods, Buenos Aires offers both classical and avant-garde architecture.
- In addition to Spanish, which is the country’s official language, Italian, English, German and indigenous languages (Mapuche, Quechua) are spoken in the region.
Check out the Buenos Aires flights page to fly to the city where music fills the air and the tango shows are overflowing.
Places to visit in Buenos Aires
Teatro Colón
One of the most important opera houses in the world, Teatro Colón deserves a line in your list of places to visit in Buenos Aires. Upon entering the building, you’ll be struck by its magnificent architecture. Stay for a concert, opera or ballet, and you’ll be mesmerized by the extraordinary acoustics. A point of pride in Argentina, Teatro Colón has a total capacity of 2,478 seats. To learn more about the theater’s history, we recommend a visit to its library, featuring a collection of around 5,000 volumes.
National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes)
The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes was established in 1896 and features a noteworthy collection of almost 13,000 works, including those of Argentinean artists and pieces from other Latin American sculptors, painters and illustrators. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays between 11.00 – 20.00; Saturdays and Sundays between 10.00 – 20.00. It is closed on Mondays.
Malba, Museum of Latin American Art
If you are curious about Latin American art, add the Malba Museum to your list of places to visit in Buenos Aires. Originally known as the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires Malba, the museum features exhibitions, guided tours and a lively shop. You can visit the Malba Museum of Latin American Art between 12.00 – 20.00 on Thursdays and Mondays and between 11.00 – 20.00 on Wednesdays. It is closed on Tuesdays.
The Obelisk of Buenos Aires (Obelisco de Buenos Aires)
What the Maiden’s Tower is to Istanbul, and the Eiffel Tower to Paris, the Buenos Aires Obelisk is to Buenos Aires. A tribute to the fourth century of the city’s foundation, the 67.5-meter-high Buenos Aires Obelisk has been Buenos Aires’ most iconic landmark since 1936.
Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta)
Erected in 1822, Recoleta Cemetery is one of the first historical sites in Buenos Aires. The city’s first public cemetery, Recoleta includes mausoleums and more than 4,500 imposing vaults, standing out in the lists of places to visit in Buenos Aires. Many historical figures, from former presidents to writers, are buried here. The cemetery also illustrates the periods in which the city’s leading families competed to build pantheons, making it a place of high architectural as well as historical value.
Tres de Febrero Park (Parque Tres de Febrero)
For rest and relaxation, Tres de Febrero Park is Buenos Aires’ most popular green space. The 400-hectare park encompasses forests, lakes and hiking trails, and is a great place to spend the day; you can walk, picnic amid the lush green trees, or rent a small boat along the lake. The park’s rose garden houses thousands of roses, a perfect setting for botanical enthusiasts. For a temporary respite from the bustling city, add Tres de Febrero Park to your list of places to visit in Buenos Aires.
Jardin Japones
Opened in Febrero Park in 1967, the Jardin Japones is a traditional garden established by the Japanese community.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid Bookstore
Once a magnificent theater hosting plays, ballets and operas, El Ateneo Grand Splendid, opened in 2000 as a bookstore, has preserved many of the former theater’s original features and is subsequently one of the planet’s most beautiful bookstores. Its basement is dedicated to children’s books, while the upper floor hosts exhibitions and screenings. Get lost amid thousands of books while exploring the building, then have a coffee in the cafeteria set on the stage of the old performance space.
Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral
As the center of the Argentine Catholic Church, the cathedral is in a key area of the city and also functions as a museum. Standing out among the historical and religious buildings in the list of places to visit in Buenos Aires, the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral also draws attention architecturally. Due to its historical and architectural value, we recommend a visit to the cathedral while in Buenos Aires.
Galerías Pacífico
For shopping with a scenic backdrop, head to Galerías Pacífico. The structure’s architecture and impressive murals are complemented by the shops of leading brands. The building has an interesting story: It was erected in 1889 as a shopping center, but the Museo de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts) used it until 1940. Thus, Galerías Pacífico has always been a stellar architectural example and is considered a national historical monument. Lively, dynamic and vibrant, Galerías Pacífico attracts around 900,000 visitors every month – and is also one of the best places to discover the city’s gastronomy and culinary culture.
Transportation in Buenos Aires
Urban transportation in Buenos Aires
To travel via bus and metro in Buenos Aires, visitors can buy and top up rechargeable SUBE travel cards at the airport, or at stations or kiosks around the city. There is also a SUBE app, allowing you to carry out all transactions on your phone.
Most of the popular tourist attractions in the city are accessible by metro; running 24-7, buses are the most convenient way to get around the city. Trains are also used, especially when traveling to areas further away from the center. Buenos Aires has bicycle paths and, as well, yellow and black taxis are available.
Airport transportation in Buenos Aires
There are two airports in the city. Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) is on the southwest side of the city, about 31 km from the city center. Buses, airport transfer vehicles, shuttle services and taxis operate between the airport and the city center. Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport. The second airport, Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP), is just 8 km from the city center.
Dining in Buenos Aires
Home to many of the best restaurants in South America, Buenos Aires is one of the continent’s richest cities in terms of gastronomy. From upscale steakhouses to Mediterranean and Italian specialties, don’t return without experiencing the city’s incredible food. Standout local dishes include empanadas, a type of baked or fried turnover with a sweet or savory filling, common throughout South and Central America; and dulce de leche, made with sugar and milk. To cool down, visit one of the city’s many ice cream parlors.
Best times to visit Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is in the southern hemisphere. January is the hottest month on average while July is the coolest; summers are hot and rainy, and winters cold and windy. The months from October through April are the best time to visit the city.
