Welcome to Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America! This vibrant city pulses with passion, from the sultry rhythms of tango to the colorful street art adorning its walls.
From milongas where locals dance until dawn to world-class museums showcasing Latin American art, from grand theaters to hidden speakeasies, the city is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. So let’s dive into 25 unforgettable things to do in the city where tango was born.
Milonga at La Catedral
Step into the atmospheric La Catedral, a former warehouse turned tango club. This bohemian milonga offers classes for beginners and a chance to dance with locals late into the night.
Don’t worry if your steps aren’t perfect – the welcoming vibe here is all about enjoying the music and the moment.
Teatro Colón
Marvel at the opulence of one of the world’s greatest opera houses. The Teatro Colón’s acoustics are renowned, and its architecture is breathtaking.
Take a guided tour to learn about its history, or better yet, catch a performance to experience its magic firsthand.
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San Telmo Sunday Fair
Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of San Telmo on Sunday for its famous antique fair. As you browse vintage trinkets and local crafts, you’ll be serenaded by street musicians and might even catch impromptu tango performances.
It’s a perfect slice of porteño life.
MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires)
Immerse yourself in Latin American art at this world-class museum. MALBA’s collection includes works by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and local hero Xul Solar.
The building itself is a work of art, with its striking modern design contrasting with the city’s more classical architecture.
La Boca and Caminito
Explore the colorful neighborhood of La Boca, the birthplace of tango. The vibrant Caminito street is an open-air museum of sorts, with its brightly painted houses and tango dancers performing for passersby.
Just remember to stick to the main tourist areas, as some parts of La Boca can be unsafe.
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Recoleta Cemetery
Take a hauntingly beautiful walk through this city of the dead. Recoleta Cemetery is like no graveyard you’ve seen before, with its ornate mausoleums and sculptures.
Look out for Eva Perón’s family tomb, always adorned with fresh flowers from her admirers.
Casa Rosada
Stand on the balcony where Eva Perón addressed her adoring crowds at the iconic pink presidential palace. While you can’t go inside (it’s a working government building), the free museum next door offers insights into Argentina’s political history.
Don’t miss the giant murals in the nearby subway station.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
Lose yourself in one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. Housed in a former theater, El Ateneo Grand Splendid retains its ornate, frescoed ceilings and red stage curtains.
Grab a book and settle into one of the theater boxes turned reading nooks.
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Palermo Street Art Tour
Discover Buenos Aires’ vibrant street art scene on a guided tour through Palermo. The city is a canvas for talented local and international artists, with massive murals turning entire buildings into works of art.
Your guide will provide context about the artists and the stories behind their creations.
Tango Show at Café Tortoni
Experience a slice of Buenos Aires’ golden age at the historic Café Tortoni. This art nouveau gem has been a meeting place for intellectuals and artists since 1858.
Their nightly tango show offers a more intimate experience than the large commercial venues.
Feria de Mataderos
Venture off the tourist trail to this Sunday fair, celebrating gaucho culture. At Feria de Mataderos, you can watch traditional folk dances, sample regional cuisine, and even see gauchos showing off their horsemanship skills.
It’s a side of Argentine culture you won’t find in the city center.
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Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Explore Argentina’s largest public art collection at this free museum. The Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes houses works by European masters like Van Gogh and Rembrandt, as well as important Argentine artists.
Don’t miss the rooms dedicated to Benito Quinquela Martín’s colorful port scenes.
Carlos Gardel Museum
Pay homage to the king of tango at the Carlos Gardel Museum. Located in the house where the legendary singer lived with his mother, this small museum offers an intimate look at Gardel’s life and the early days of tango.
You might even hear some of his recordings playing as you explore.
Tango Lesson at DNI Tango
Learn to dance like a porteño at DNI Tango School. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to polish your technique, their patient instructors will have you dancing in no time.
Group and private lessons are available, and they often organize milonga outings for students.
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Teatro San Martín
Catch an avant-garde performance at this cultural powerhouse. Teatro San Martín is known for its innovative productions of theater, dance, and film.
Even if you don’t see a show, the building’s brutalist architecture is worth admiring.
Fundación Proa
Experience cutting-edge contemporary art at this modern gallery in La Boca. Fundación Proa hosts rotating exhibitions of international and Argentine artists.
After exploring the art, head to the rooftop cafe for stunning views of the old port.
Milonga at La Viruta
Dance until dawn at La Viruta, one of the city’s most popular milongas. This laid-back venue offers classes for all levels earlier in the evening, followed by dancing into the wee hours.
The crowd is a mix of locals and tourists, making it a great place to meet people.
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Evita Museum
Delve into the life of Argentina’s most famous first lady at the Evita Museum. Housed in a building that Eva Perón once used as a shelter for women and children, the museum tells her story through personal objects, photographs, and even some of her iconic dresses.
Palacio Barolo
Marvel at the Dante-inspired architecture of Palacio Barolo. This office building was designed as an architectural homage to the Divine Comedy, with floors representing hell, purgatory, and heaven.
Take a tour to learn about its symbolism and enjoy panoramic views from the lighthouse at the top.
Centro Cultural Kirchner
Explore this massive cultural center housed in the former central post office. The Centro Cultural Kirchner hosts free concerts, exhibitions, and performances across its many spaces.
The highlight is the giant ‘blue whale’ concert hall suspended within the building’s dome.
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Asado Experience
Dive into Argentina’s meat-loving culture with an asado experience. Many cooking schools and private chefs offer classes where you can learn to grill like a local, from selecting the cuts to achieving that perfect char.
It’s a delicious way to understand an important part of Argentine culture.
Jardín Japonés
Find a moment of zen in the heart of Palermo at the Japanese Gardens. This meticulously maintained park is a peaceful oasis in the bustling city.
Time your visit for spring to see the cherry blossoms in bloom.
Speakeasy Bar Hopping
Discover Buenos Aires’ thriving speakeasy scene. Hidden behind pizza shops, flower stores, and even subway stations, these clandestine bars offer creative cocktails in atmospheric settings.
Try to find Frank’s, Florería Atlántico, or Harrison Speakeasy for a night of mystery and great drinks.
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Tango Queer Milonga
Experience Buenos Aires’ inclusive side at a queer milonga. These LGBTQ+-friendly tango events break from traditional gender roles, allowing dancers to lead or follow regardless of gender.
La Marshall and Tango Queer are two popular options for a welcoming and fun night out.
Fileteado Workshop
Try your hand at Fileteado, the decorative art style unique to Buenos Aires. This colorful technique, often seen on signs and tango posters, is now recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
Several artists offer workshops where you can learn the basics and create your fileteado piece.
Plan Your Buenos Aires Adventure Today
From the passionate embrace of tango to the vibrant strokes of street art, from world-class museums to hidden cultural gems, Buenos Aires offers a feast for the senses and the soul. Each neighborhood tells a different story, each milonga moves to its rhythm, and every corner of the city pulses with an energy that’s uniquely porteño.
Whether you’re perfecting your tango steps, savoring a perfectly grilled steak, or losing yourself in the labyrinthine aisles of a historic bookstore, Buenos Aires invites you to be part of its ongoing cultural narrative.
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