Places / South America / Argentina
Buenos Aires
Visited in January 2016
At a glance
- Country
- Argentina
- Region
- Argentina
- Population
- 3.1 million
- Best time to go
- March to May, September to November
- Main airport
- Ezeiza International (EZE)
- Coordinates
- 34.61°S, 58.37°W
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Buenos Aires has grand boulevards and belle époque buildings that earn it the nickname 'Paris of South America', but it's unmistakably Argentine: passionate about tango, football and steak, and with dinner rarely before 10pm.
Each barrio (neighbourhood) has its own personality, from colourful La Boca to the cobbled streets of San Telmo and leafy Palermo.
Things to see
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Photo: Barcex, CC BY-SA 3.0 Recoleta Cemetery
A city of grand mausoleums, including the tomb of Eva Perón.
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Photo: Lars Curfs (Grashoofd), CC BY-SA 3.0 nl Plaza de Mayo and Casa Rosada
The historic square and the pink presidential palace.
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Photo: Hernán Piñera, CC BY-SA 2.0 La Boca and Caminito
Brightly painted houses and tango dancers, near the Boca Juniors stadium. Stay on the main streets.
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Photo: EEJCC, CC0 Teatro Colón
One of the world's great opera houses. Take a guided tour or see a performance.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Roberto Fiadone, CC BY-SA 3.0 El Ateneo Grand Splendid
A bookshop in a beautifully restored old theatre.
Things to do
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Photo: Manticora87, CC BY-SA 4.0 Tango show or lesson
Watch a professional show with dinner, or join a milonga (dance hall) for a lesson.
Find tours -
Photo: Jorge Láscar from Australia, CC BY 2.0 Sunday market in San Telmo
The Feria de San Telmo fills the old streets with antiques and street performers.
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Photo: Unknown photographer, Attribution Eat at a parrilla
An Argentine steakhouse, with a bottle of Malbec.
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Photo: ProtoplasmaKid, CC BY-SA 4.0 Football match
See Boca Juniors or River Plate for an unforgettable atmosphere. Go with a tour for tickets.
Find tours -
Photo: JGHowes, Attribution Day trip to Colonia del Sacramento
A UNESCO-listed old town in Uruguay, an hour away by ferry.
Find tours
Where to stay
Palermo
Leafy streets, parks, restaurants and nightlife. A favourite base.
Hotels in PalermoRecoleta
Elegant and safe, with grand buildings and museums.
Hotels in RecoletaSan Telmo
Historic and atmospheric, with tango bars and the Sunday market.
Hotels in San Telmo
Getting around
The Subte (underground) and buses are cheap and cover most areas; you'll need a SUBE card. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are good value. Watch your belongings in crowded places.
Ezeiza International is about 45 minutes from the centre by car. Most domestic flights and some regional ones use Aeroparque, close to Palermo.
When to go
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are warm and pleasant, and jacaranda trees bloom purple in November. Summer (December to February) is hot and humid, and many locals leave in January. Winters are mild.
Plan your trip to Buenos Aires
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.