The Ultimate Guide to Buenos Aires

With its wide, tree-lined boulevards and elegant European architecture, Buenos Aires often feels as though Paris or Madrid transported to the Southern Hemisphere. Yet, the Argentine capital has a soul all its own, one fueled by glasses of malbec, sizzling lomo steaks and the melodies of tango.

Whether your clients are stopping over before an Antarctic cruise or kicking off a larger Argentine adventure, here is how they can make the most of their time in Buenos Aires.

Major Sites and Attractions 

Most travelers find that Buenos Aires is best navigated neighborhood by neighborhood, each offering a distinct personality. A good place to start is in Centro, the historic heart of the city. It revolves around the Plaza de Mayo, the city’s political epicenter. Here, clients can view the Casa Rosada (the presidential palace), the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo, the city’s original town hall and now a free museum.  

A short walk away, past the city’s iconic Obelisco monument, lies the Teatro Colon. Even if travelers can't catch a performance, they can be wowed by the world-class opera house’s glitzy interiors on a guided tour.

To the south, the bohemian district of San Telmo is dotted with antique shops, unique boutiques and a fabulous food market hall. On Sunday, the streets around Plaza Dorrego burst to life with a weekly fair. For a deeper look at the city’s past, visit the El Zanjon de Granados, a fascinating underground site discovered in the 1980s and carefully restored ever since. Travelers can visit it on detailed guided tours, including a premium option that finishes with empanadas and malbec wine in a private cellar of the complex.

Famous for the brightly painted tenement houses of Caminito, La Boca pays tribute to the city's immigrant roots. This festive ambiance spills onto the adjacent streets, buzzing with lively cafes, tango dancers and odes to Argentina’s soccer legends. 

The refined Retiro and Recoleta districts are home to the city’s most prestigious hotels and the Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of local elites, most notably former first lady Eva (Evita) Peron. Delve further into her life and legacy at the nearby Evita Museum. 

The Puerto Madero, the city’s refurbished dockyards, is teeming with restaurants, perfect for a drink or a meal overlooking the water. For a more local vibe, take a 30-minute taxi ride from the center to Palermo. The sprawling district is filled with trendy boutiques, specialty coffee shops and some of the best restaurants in the city.

Tours, Experiences and Excursions

If clients would like some help discovering the city's history and culture, Signature Tours offers private small-group tours. The company’s expertise extends to special interests, including tours on Jewish heritage and Pope Francis, and it can also arrange shore trips and transfers.

Ideal for foodies, Rancho Food Tours offers a range of culinary tours and hands-on experiences, such as an empanada cooking class with an intro to Argentinian wines. Wine lovers should go to Pain et Vin, an exceptional wine bar in Palermo, where they can get wine flights or do wine and cheese tastings led by passionate sommeliers. Alternatively, they can learn some Argentinian recipes themselves or enjoy an annotated dinner at The Argentine Experience, created by the team behind the renowned Fogon Asado and led by trained chefs.

While street performers in La Boca offer a glimpse of tango, Secret Tango Society provides a more authentic, intimate atmosphere. Reminiscent of a 1940s social club, it offers early evening shows, a fantastic alternative to the mostly late-night shows at larger venues.

If your clients’ itinerary allows, there is a range of excursions they can take from Buenos Aires. Take a boat or train to the Tigre Delta, a serene network of islands and waterways just north of the city. Spend a day at a traditional ranch to experience Gaucho culture, complete with horseback riding and an asado meal. Wine fans might prefer to venture to Bodega Gamboa, the closest vineyard to the capital, and a convenient alternative to traveling all the way to Mendoza.

RELATED: A Wine Lover’s Guide to Mendoza, Argentina

Best Places to Eat

As one of South America’s culinary hotspots, Buenos Aires’ tantalizing food scene is essential to explore. Clients can grab a coffee or a classy lunch at Cafe Tortoni, the city’s oldest cafe, and sample Argentina’s famous deep-dish pizza or some empanadas at Guerrin, which has been in business since 1932. Or they can nibble their way around the food stands at the atmospheric San Telmo market.  

To savor Argentina’s renowned grilled meats, travelers should visit a parrilla, or a typical steakhouse. Some of the city’s best are Don Julio, which has one Michelin star, the more modern Fogon Asado, or the Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires’ Nuestro Secreto, found within a gorgeous garden.

For creative modern cuisine, there’s  Aramburu, the city’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant, and for innovative vegetarian dishes, there’s Chui, set within a lush urban jungle. On Monday and Tuesday nights, excellent food, wine and live jazz combine at the Palermo Wine Club.

Where To Stay 

Four Seasons Buenos Aires is the pinnacle of local luxury, blending an ornate 20th-century mansion with a sleek contemporary tower. Guests can enjoy its heated outdoor pool, world-class spa and top-tier dining.

The Marriott Buenos Aires Downtown is perfect for those who want to be in the center of the action. Steps from the Obelisco and Teatro Colon, it features a rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views.

For travelers looking for a charming option, there’s L’Adresse Hotel Boutique, a small boutique hotel within a restored mansion in San Telmo, and Home Hotel, an award-winning boutique hotel in Palermo Hollywood with 19 individually decorated rooms, a beautiful private garden, spa and bar.