Why go to Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires feels like a European capital transplanted to South America, with broad avenues, ornate cafés and a nightlife that doesn't start until midnight.
Best time to visit Buenos Aires
March to May and September to November are ideal, with warm days and jacaranda trees blooming purple in November. Summer (December to February) is hot and humid. Winter is cool but rarely cold.
Top things to see
La Recoleta Cemetery
Ornate tombs, including Eva Perón's.
Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada
The political heart of Argentina.
Teatro Colón
Book a tour or a performance in one of the world's great opera houses.
La Boca and Caminito
Colourful houses near the Boca Juniors stadium.
MALBA
Latin American modern art.
San Telmo
Cobbled streets and the Sunday antiques fair.
Things to do in Buenos Aires
- Take a tango class and visit a milonga
- Watch a football match with a fan tour
- Cycle the Costanera Sur ecological reserve
- Day-trip to the Tigre delta by train
- Visit El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a bookshop in a theatre
Local experiences
- Share mate with locals
- Eat medialunas and café con leche in a historic café
- Dine after 9 pm, like everyone else
- Try a choripán at the Sunday fair
Where to eat in Buenos Aires
Dishes to try: asado, empanadas, milanesa, provoleta, dulce de leche, Malbec.
Don JulioParrilla
Palermo steakhouse with superb Argentine beef.
El Preferido de PalermoBodegón
Revived corner restaurant serving classic dishes.
Café TortoniCafé
Historic café on Avenida de Mayo since 1858.
Where to stay in Buenos Aires
Alvear Palace HotelLuxury
Recoleta's grand dame.
Faena HotelLuxury
Theatrical design in Puerto Madero.
Palacio Duhau - Park HyattLuxury
A restored palace with gardens.
Best areas to stay
Palermo
Restaurants, bars, parks.
Recoleta
Elegant and calm.
San Telmo
Historic and lively on weekends.
4 days in Buenos Aires
Day 1: The historic centre
Day 2: Recoleta and Palermo
Day 3: San Telmo and La Boca
Day 4: The Tigre delta
See the full day-by-day itinerary
Festivals and events
Carnival murgasFebruary
Neighbourhood troupes perform at weekends.
Tango BA Festival y MundialAugust
Tango festival and world championship.
La Noche de los MuseosNovember
Museums open free late into the night.
Getting around
The Subte (metro) and buses use the SUBE card. Taxis and ride-hailing are inexpensive. Many neighbourhoods are pleasant to walk.
Practical information
- Plug types
- C, I (guide)
- Voltage
- 220 V
- Emergency
- 911 (police), 107 (ambulance)
- Tap water
- Generally safe to drink
Tipping: About 10% in restaurants, left in cash. See our tipping guide.
Entry requirements depend on your nationality; check your government's travel advice and the destination's official immigration site before booking.
How much does it cost?
Approximate US dollar figures covering accommodation, food, local transport and sights; flights excluded.
Good to know
- Exchange rates can vary widely; check current options for card and cash
- Dinner is late, often 9:30 pm or later
- Keep phones out of sight on busy streets
- Tango shows for tourists differ from local milongas: try both
Buenos Aires travel FAQ
What is the best time to visit Buenos Aires?
The best months are usually Mar–May, Sep–Nov. March to May and September to November are ideal, with warm days and jacaranda trees blooming purple in November. Summer (December to February) is hot and humid. Winter is cool but rarely cold.
How many days do you need in Buenos Aires?
Plan on 4 days to see the highlights at a comfortable pace.
What currency is used in Buenos Aires?
The local currency is the Argentine peso (ARS). Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carry some cash for markets and small vendors.
How much does a trip to Buenos Aires cost per day?
Roughly US$55 per person per day on a budget, US$140 mid-range and US$500 or more for luxury, excluding flights. Prices vary by season.
What food should I try in Buenos Aires?
Local favourites include asado, empanadas, milanesa, provoleta, dulce de leche, Malbec.
What plug adapter do I need for Buenos Aires?
Buenos Aires uses plug type C, I at 220 V. Check whether your devices support this voltage.
Restaurants, hotels and prices change. Confirm opening times and book popular places ahead. Last reviewed October 2026.