Best Places to Visit in Buenos Aires | Argentina

Buenos Aires is such a huge city with so much to see and do so I have prepared a blog where I highlight the best places to visit in Buenos Aires so you do not miss out on the most important parts of the city.

I spent a month in Buenos Aires and could list 100 things to see but I think it is better to look at the different neighborhoods in Buenos Aires where most of the important sites are concentrated.

I will cover:

• Centro

• Recoleta

• Retiro

• San Telmo

• La Boca

• Puerto Madero

• Palermo

• Tigre

Buenos Aires Centro

Buenos Aires Centro aka the Downtown is the heart of the city's political, commercial, and cultural life. It is a mix of historic colonial architecture and modern buildings. Centro is the birthplace of Buenos Aires as a city. It was here that Pedro de Mendoza founded the city in 1536.

The main things to see in Centro are:

• Plaza de Mayo – The political heart of Argentina, where historic protests and independence movements took place.

• Casa Rosada (The Pink House) – The presidential palace. Opposite it, you will also find Cabildo, a colonial-era building central to Argentina's independence, and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires, which is the main Catholic church in Buenos Aires.

• National Congress - A magnificent neoclassical building.

• Palacio Barolo – A stunning architectural masterpiece inspired by Dante’s "Divine Comedy".

• Avenida de Mayo – A historic avenue connecting all the above.

• Teatro Colón – A world-renowned opera house.

• Obelisco – An iconic monument and the main gathering point these days.

Recoleta

Recoleta is an elegant, upscale neighborhood filled with French-inspired architecture. It was developed in the 19th century as a retreat for wealthy families escaping yellow fever in San Telmo. French-style mansions and the iconic Recoleta Cemetery reflect the influence of European aristocracy. It also became a hub for intellectuals and artists over time.

The main things to see in Recoleta are:

• A big surprise to me - Recoleta Cemetery – It is an important one as it is the final resting place of Argentina's elite.

• Basilica Nuestra Señora del Pilar – A historic 18th-century colonial church, just in front of the cemetery. One of the city's oldest churches.

• Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes – Home to one of Latin America's most significant art collections.

• Biblioteca Nacional – The national library, symbolizing Argentina's literary and intellectual heritage.

• Plaza Francia – A picturesque park with artisan markets and stunning views of the area.

Retiro

Next to Recoleta, you will find Retiro which technically is an upscale neighborhood but I think it is mostly significant due to the Retiro Train Station and the area around it. The train station is lovely to visit and outside you will find a Monumental Clock Tower gifted by the British community in 1916.

In Retiro, you will also find a monument honoring the Argentinian soldiers who died in the Falklands War (Guerra de Malvinas) in 1982.

If you do decide to take a train from the Retiro Station to other places in Buenos Aires be careful about weekends, as sometimes trains do not go until the Retiro Station and you need to use other stations. Here is the official page where you can check any changes: Service Changes and News.

San Telmo

San Telmo is the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires and feels like a step back in time compared to modern areas. Known for its bohemian vibe and colonial charm it features cobblestone streets, antique markets, tango shows, and a rich artistic culture.

The main things to see in San Telmo are:

• San Telmo Market – A historic market offering antiques, food, and local crafts.

• Plaza Dorrego – The heart of San Telmo, known for its tango performances and Sunday antique fair.

• Pasaje Defensa – A charming colonial-style alley.

• El Zanjón de Granados – Underground tunnels revealing the city's colonial-era infrastructure.

• San Pedro Telmo Church – One of Buenos Aires' oldest churches.

• Street Art and Murals

I definitely recommend visiting San Telmo on Sunday as it is the day when this area truly comes alive.

La Boca

La Boca is a colorful, vibrant neighborhood tied to the city's immigrant and working-class history.  Its colorful buildings and raw, lively energy make it stand out from the polished neighborhoods.

La Boca was built by Italian immigrants, particularly Genoese, who arrived in the late 19th century seeking work at the port and settled near the Riachuelo River. The colorful houses, made from corrugated metal and wood, were painted with leftover ship paint as a practical and affordable solution, creating the vibrant aesthetic that defines the neighborhood today. This creative approach reflects the resourcefulness and cultural identity of the immigrant community, which also fostered La Boca's rich traditions of tango, art, and football.

The main things to see in La Boca are:

• Caminito – A vibrant street museum showcasing colorful houses, tango, and local art.

• Fundación PROA – A contemporary art center hosting cutting-edge exhibitions.

• Museo Benito Quinquela Martín – A museum celebrating the works of the famed local artist and his connection to La Boca's maritime heritage.

• Riachuelo River – A historic waterfront.

• La Bombonera – The iconic stadium of Boca Juniors, symbolizing Argentina's passion for football.

Puerto Madero

Puerto Madero is the newest and most modern area, developed along the city’s docks.

It is mostly known for its sleek skyscrapers, the iconic Puente de la Mujer, and luxury dining options. So this area is not so much about the sites but the vibe. If you want to see a little bit different and more modern side of Buenos Aires, Puerto Madero will be a great place where to take a stroll and have a lovely dinner.

It is also interesting to see how they transformed neglected industrial docks into a sleek, contemporary hub.

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Palermo

Once a rural area on the city’s outskirts, Palermo began to develop in the late 19th century when parks and boulevards were designed to emulate Paris. So from farmland Palermo evolved into the city’s green and cosmopolitan heart, blending nature with urban progress.

I personally the most love all the parks in the area. I love to walk around and just take it all in but there are a few cool places to visit:

• El Rosedal – A stunning rose garden in Bosques de Palermo (Palermo Woods).

• Ecoparque – A former zoo transformed into an ecological park focused on conservation and education.

• MALBA (Museum of Latin American Art)

• Japanese Gardens

• Galileo Galilei Planetarium

Palermo is also known to be a trendy area with boutique shops, cafes, and vibrant street art. The center of it all is Palermo Soho.

And Palermo is also one of the best areas in Buenos Aires for nightlife. The center of it is 'Palermo Hollywood'.

I think Palermo is the best area where to stay for the long term. I stayed here for a month and absolutely loved it. I loved the green oasis of parks and lakes and then just a 10-minute taxi ride away I am at the center of life and culture. More on the best areas where to stay in Buenos Aires read here: Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in Buenos Aires.

For several neighborhoods, you can find different free walking tours!

Tigre

As for the last one, I am mentioning Tigre just because it is farther away, a 1h train ride away. To get there you will need to take a train from the Retiro train station.

Tigre is a riverside escape from the city with a serene, natural atmosphere. Unlike the urban neighborhoods, it offers a peaceful, nature-filled retreat so will be a great option for those wanting to escape the busy city life for a bit.

The Delta waterways have historically served as crucial routes for trade and transport, later Tigre transformed into a popular leisure destination featuring rowing clubs and picturesque summer homes.

The main things to see in Tigre are:

• Tigre Delta – A network of scenic waterways perfect for boat tours.

• Puerto de Frutos – A bustling market offering crafts, furniture, and local goods.

• Tigre Art Museum – Showcasing Argentine art in an elegant riverside setting.

• Parque de la Costa – An amusement park.

Buenos Aires is truly one of the most amazing cities in South America I have been to. I hope this guide will help you plan your itinerary better. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires FAQ

How safe is Buenos Aires?

• Buenos Aires is one of the safest cities I have been to in South America. The city is very organized and clean. Throughout my 1 month in Buenos Aires, I never felt uneasy.

Does Uber work in Buenos Aires?

• Uber does work in Buenos Aires.

How many days do I need for Buenos Aires?

• I recommend allocating at least 3 days for Buenos Aires.

Which is the best area to stay in Buenos Aires?

• For short stays (1-3 days) I recommend staying in Centro or Recoleta. For a long-term stay, I recommend the Palermo neighborhood.