Why Go?
Tango, a glass of full-bodied Malbec wine, and a tender bife de lomo steak are three must-try things for all visitors to Buenos Aires. But stay a little longer, dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover even more of what Argentina’s capital has to offer.
You’ll soon find yourself savouring café con leche y dos medialunas (coffee with milk and two croissants) for breakfast, exploring cutting-edge contemporary art galleries, and wishing you never had to leave.
(Photo Credit: Tanya Braaksma)
When to Go?
The southern hemisphere spring, October to December, and autumn, April to June, are the best seasons to visit Buenos Aires.
November sees the city’s Jacaranda trees in full, violet-coloured bloom and April brings the Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema, one of the most outstanding film festivals in the world, to the city.
How?
Ezeiza Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) is located 34 kilometres southwest of Buenos Aires and services international arrivals from Europe, Asia, and North America. It’s quite a trek into the city and you have the option of taking a public bus (cheap, but slow and not recommended), a shuttle bus (a cost-effective option for solo travellers), or a taxi service (the best choice for pairs or small groups).
Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) is a great alternative for domestic flights and those flights arriving from or departing to neighbouring countries. In light traffic it’s just 15 minutes to the city centre with a black and yellow taxi.
See
The neighbourhood of San Telmo is a welcoming combination of old, authentic, and unpretentious. The indoor San Telmo Market is open daily and is a delightful mixture of fresh fruit and vegetables stalls, local butchers, and vintage clothing, jewellery, and knick-knacks.
Plaza Dorrego hosts a Sunday antique fair with live music and is also a great spot to have an evening drink and watch tango being danced in the streets.
Everyone goes to the neighbourhood of La Boca to see the brightly painted houses on the pedestrian street Caminito, and you should too. La Boca is a rough-and-tumble neighbourhood though and not the kind of place you want to be after dark.
Fundación Proa, also in La Boca and open Tuesday to Sunday, exhibits innovative contemporary artists working in a variety of mediums. It also has a fantastic rooftop café.
The tombs of Cementario de la Recoleta mix baroque, art-deco, and neo-gothic styles into a stunningly beautiful 14-acre cemetery where many of Argentina’s elite are interred.
Eva Perón was much-loved by Argentines and played an important role in drawing attention to women’s suffrage and improving the lives of the poor. Learn more about her work and her wardrobe at Museo Evita.
Eat and Drink
Sample the best of Buenos Aires street food at Costanera Sur, where bondiola and choripan sizzle on every grill. While it’s open all week, it’s well worth a visit on Saturdays when additional vendors squeeze in between the established food trucks.
One of the best steaks to be had in Buenos Aires is at Gran Parrilla del Plata. This restaurant serves massive portions and is housed in a former butcher shop. If you hope to get a table, arrive early or make a reservation.
One can only eat so much steak and once you’ve had your fill, the tacos of La Fábrica del Taco make an excellent choice. The restaurant is bright and cheery and the sauce is muy picante!
878 is a former speakeasy which still gives off a slight clandestine vibe. The front door in unmarked but ring the bell and you’ll soon be sipping some of the best cocktails in Buenos Aires.
Sleep
Pamper yourself at San Telmo Luxury Suites, a little oasis in a very big city. Relax in the evening with a drink at their exclusive bar, Enrico’s Caffè, and drift off to sleep in your two-floor suite after making a choice from the pillow menu.
Vain Boutique Hotel is in the heart of the Palermo neighbourhood and each room, while featuring a different style, preserves the original architecture of the building.
If you plan on staying any length of time in Buenos Aires and would like to pinch your pesos, Airbnb offers an excellent and affordable choice of apartments all over the city. Just pick your favourite neighbourhood and go!
Here are additional options for where to stay in Buenos Aires.
Tanya is an avid traveller who is happiest when using her camera to discover what delights the world has to offer. She originates from Canada, currently makes her home in the Netherlands, and is on an everlasting journey to visit all corners of the world. 
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