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Argentina

Buenos Aires

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South America Argentina Buenos Aires

Overview

Buenos Aires The guide was updated: 2024-04-05

The Argentinian capital, Buenos Aires, is a city like no other. It has a hint of a European feel but with a distinctly Latin American flavour. It is cosmopolitan yet autochthonous. Every street corner and narrow alleyway is teeming with art and culture, history and personality, tango, rock 'n' roll, and football. It is a city of museums, galleries, classical-style cafes, world-class steakhouses, antique markets, bookstores, and midnight strolls along the majestic River Plate.

Facts

Population:	City: 3 million porteños (2021 estimate) Metropolitan Area: 15.6 million
Currency:	Peso Argentino 1 ARS = 100 centavos
Hotels:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Emergency: 911 Police: 101 Fire: 100 Medical Emergencies: 107
Newspapers:	Buenos Aires Herald (English) — www.buenosairesherald.com Clarín — www.clarin.com La Nación — www.lanacion.com.ar
Website:	turismo.buenosaires.gob.ar
Opening hours:	Most shops open Mon–Fri 9am–8pm and Sat 9am–noon. Some shops also open on Sundays. Malls generally open daily 10am–10pm. Restaurants and bars stay open very late, opening at about 8pm and serving until well after midnight.
Tourist information:	Centro de Atención al Turista — Microcentro Florida 50, Buenos Aires Open daily 10am–5pm

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Section in Buenos Aires

It's difficult to fit everything there is to do in Buenos Aires into any itinerary, no matter how hard you try. Art-lovers will have plenty to enjoy at the world-class museums and theatres, shopaholics will splurge at the numerous markets selling everything from antiques to leather, fans of architecture can admire the art nouveau, art deco and neoclassical style buildings that dominate the different neighbourhoods, foodies will delight at the top-notch steakhouses and fusion restaurants, and the list goes on. It is above all, however, a city that begs to be walked, and wise travellers will take their time exploring broad avenues and narrow alleyways alike, taking in all they have to offer.

Plaza de Mayo

Plaza de Mayo

Surrounded by the Casa Rosada (the presidential office), the Cabildo (former seat of government during colonial times), the Banco de la Nación and the city's main cathedral, Plaza de Mayo is the very heart of Buenos Aires and civic life and thus where most of the city's rather frequent protests take place.

Casa Rosada

Casa Rosada

Centrally located on the Plaza de Mayo, the Casa Rosada (The Pink House) contains federal offices and was once the president's residence. The famous balcony where Eva Perón would speak is visible on the facade, but the interior can also be explored during free half-hour tours on weekends.

Cementerio de la Recoleta

Cementerio de la Recoleta

Everyone who is anyone in Argentina's history is likely to be found buried in Cementerio de la Recoleta. The seemingly endless rows of tombs and small mausoleums are the final resting places of former presidents, generals and historic figures, including the much beloved Eva Perón.

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes

Argentina's best and most important art museum houses impressive collections from some of the most celebrated names in both national and international art, including Cézanne, Solar, Picasso, Van Gogh, Degas and Rembrandt. The museum itself is beautiful and surrounded by the lovely greenery of the museum district.

Floralis Genérica

Floralis Genérica

What appears as a satellite dish or a radio telescope at first sight is actually a sculpture resembling a gigantic flower. Floralis Genérica has become a landmark in Buenos Aires' Plaza de las Naciones Unidas and was created and donated by Eduardo Catalano in 2002. Every morning, the 23 meters high petals open - moved by an electrical system. Supposedly, Floralis Genérica was the world's first mobile sculpture controlled by such a system. At sunset, the petals then close again, emitting a red glow from inside.

Puerto Madero

Puerto Madero

Once an important port and centre for European trade, Puerto Madero has been completely redeveloped into a busy daytime business district and a trendy nightspot full of classy restaurants, cool bars and tons of hip porteños strolling along the water enjoying the night air.

San Telmo

San Telmo

A more traditional, if a bit bohemian, part of town, San Telmo's cobblestone streets and colonial style houses are all about antique-hunting, people-watching and tango. The streets are lined with top-notch steakhouses and quaint shops where you can get lost for hours. Be sure to check out the Sunday market for great deals on some unique antiques.

La Boca

La Boca

Though it was once a busy shipyard where European immigrants settled after coming in search of work, this colourful and vibrant neighbourhood has developed into a fashionable centre for trendy galleries and boutiques. Tourists flock here to snap a shot of the colourful Caminito, where painted metal shacks reflect the area's past, and to pay a visit to one of football's most legendary stadiums.

La Bombonera Stadium

La Bombonera Stadium

The Bombonera Stadium is home to the Boca Junios football team, former club of the legendary Diego Armando Maradona, which boasts what is perhaps one of most passionate fan-bases in all of football. You can explore the club's history at the Museo de la Pasión Boquense, and if you're lucky enough, you might even be able to score some tickets to see the action live.

Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires

Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires

The Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires (MALBA) is one of the country's, and perhaps the continent's, premier art museums, boasting astonishing collections and temporary exhibitions. One of the main draws is the enormous 19th and 20th century Latin American exhibit, but be sure to check out the cinema and the wonderful gift shop, as well.

Teatro Colón

Teatro Colón

Often considered one of the top opera houses on the planet because of its acoustic quality, architectural magnificence and stunning beauty, Teatro Colón is perhaps the best place in Buenos Aires to enjoy some of the finer performance arts. The constantly changing program includes some of the world's best orchestras, operas and ballets.

Centro Cultural Borges

Centro Cultural Borges

This cultural centre, named after one of the country's best and most beloved authors, Jorge Luis Borges, hosts an astonishing variety of performances and exhibitions. From ballet and tango to experimental theatre and orchestras, indie films, photography and art expos, you are sure to find something interesting during your visit.

Feria de San Pedro Telmo

Feria de San Pedro Telmo

Every Sunday at Feria de San Pedro Telmo, in the heart of the San Telmo neighbourhood, a fascinating market takes place that covers the square and surrounding cobblestone streets with antiques and handicrafts, and the whole area bustles with life and music and eager shoppers searching for that rare find.

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