
Visit Buenos Aires, Argentina
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‘What’s new, Buenos Aires?’ sings Eva Perón ― well, a theatrical incarnation of her ― in the musical Evita (banned in Argentina, but beloved on Broadway). It’s a fair question. This is a city in constant, exuberant flux. A place where businesses open and close every few months according to economic whims. A place where crowds gather weekly to protest outside the Casa Rosada (Argentina’s presidential seat). The ‘Paris of South America’ this is not, despite the moniker — it’s a full-blooded, many-sided, Latin American metropolis. With a few Parisian-looking, Belle Époque buildings.
Just walking down a street in Buenos Aires is an experience. You can duck into smoky cafes for a beer or espresso. You might see a couple conducting an argument as if they’re characters from a soap opera, or a taxi driver stopping to share maté (a native herbal drink) and pass the time of day with an acquaintance. Cars honk, people shout, music blares. Walk past a church and watch how everyone on a passing bus simultaneously crosses themselves ― more out of tradition, in truth, than Catholic devotion.
Buenos Aires can feel like many different cities overlapping. Haussmannian-style boulevards from the 1920s, when Buenos Aires looked to Europe for inspiration, sit alongside brutalist creations that sprung up during Argentina’s dictatorship. South of the city, the rickety, jauntily painted La Boca has traditionally been an immigrant area. Back in Buenos Aires proper, there’s the gentrified dockland area of Puerto Madero, where the city’s bright young things come to sample the latest shiny new bar or restaurant.
Meanwhile, in the many leafy parks, you’ll see games of fútbol as well as people stretching out and chatting and relaxing, or drinking maté together ― social interactions are the lifeblood of Porteños (the Argentine term for Buenos Aires’ residents).
The city’s food scene continues to flourish. Though there’s a strong, omnipresent Italian influence, asados (traditional grilled meat barbecues) are Buenos Aires’ chief culinary contribution. You can sample the best of them on a guided tour of locals-only, not-in-the-guidebooks parrillas (simple hole-in-the-wall restaurants serving asado).
Disclaimer: tango doesn’t erupt spontaneously in the street. But, to see the dance in action, you can watch a dedicated tango show, or ― even better ― visit a local milonga (dance hall). Go between 10pm and 2am (early bedtimes have yet to catch on in Buenos Aires) to see couples of all ages perform this impassioned art form. You can even join in.
As for Eva Perón ― well, she’s much more visible. Still very much regarded as the country’s patron saint by some Argentines, you can even see graffiti of a beatifically smiling Eva scrawled in traditionally working-class areas of the city. You can see her final resting place, Recoleta Cemetery, and learn more about her short, controversial life on a city tour, which you can read more about in our Argentina highlights guide.
Buenos Aires combines well with visiting a traditional estancia (a horse ranch or working cattle ranch), such as El Ombu, out in the pampas outside the city. Relaxing places to visit, as well as ideal for horse lovers, they’re a far cry from city life. Here are five reasons to stay in an estancia during your Argentina trip.
Best time to visit Buenos Aires
Spring (October to November) is a delightful time to experience Argentina’s capital: it’s not too warm, and the jacaranda trees are in bloom with their bright purple flowers.
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Suggested itineraries featuring Buenos Aires
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Buenos Aires, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Photos of Buenos Aires
Accommodation choices for Buenos Aires
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Buenos Aires. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Hotel Pulitzer
A smart, modern hotel with a convenient location in downtown Buenos Aires, just two blocks from Plaza San Martin.
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Palacio Duhau
Owned by the Park Hyatt group, the Palacio Duhau offers luxurious, comfortable accommodation and excellent fine dining in the heart of Buenos Aires.
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Alvear Palace
This hotel, generally regarded as the grandest in Buenos Aires, is located in the heart of Recoleta, the most refined quarter in Buenos Aires.
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Hotel Madero
A stylish option in our Buenos Aires hotel portfolio and well located for the restaurants of Puerto Madero and to get into San Telmo.
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Faena Hotel
Faena Hotel provides one of the capital’s most innovative and sophisticated accommodation options.
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Legado Mitico Buenos Aires
This is Buenos Aires boutique at its best; a small hotel decorated with a minimum of fuss and unmistakably Argentinian.
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Hub Porteno
One of Recoleta's boutique hotels, Hub Porteno offers 11 large and modern suites. An understated street entrance leads to an elegant restaurant (open to the public), and the hotel's beautiful living room.
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Hotel Nuss
Nuss Hotel was once a Spanish convent and now has 22 rooms decorated in a tasteful blend of the traditional and the modern, centered around the old cloister.
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Krista Hotel
This small hotel in Palermo is one of a few historical houses used as a hotel. Built in the early 20th century, the building was once home to the Peróns' personal doctor.
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Estancia El Ombu
The historical Estancia El Ombu de Areco is a wonderful place to relax, with comfortable rooms and delicious food.
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Estancia La Bamba
One of La Bamba's principal advantages is its setting. Only 123km out of Buenos Aires, this estancia is nevertheless in the midst of rolling Pampas countryside.
Ideas for experiencing Buenos Aires
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Buenos Aires, and which use the best local guides.
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El Querandi Tango Show El Querandi Tango Show
El Querandi Tango Show
You can experience Argentina’s home-grown dance, the tango, in an entertaining yet authentic way at this dinner show. The production tells the story of tango, from its humble roots to its worldwide fame, and includes many dexterous, gravity-defying routines.
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Parrilla Tour, Palermo Parrilla Tour, Palermo
Parrilla Tour, Palermo
Most visitors to Buenos Aires only dine at the most touristy parrillas published in guidebooks and sadly miss out on some of the city’s most delicious gems.
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