Buenos Aires
South America · Argentina
Did you know?
- Local Spanish often gives 'll' a 'sh' sound.
- Caminito in La Boca is associated with tango.
- Eva Perón's tomb is in Recoleta Cemetery.
See also
Overview
Buenos Aires combines parks, belle époque architecture and intimate cafés. Its cosmopolitan nightlife adds an after-dark side to a cultural city break.
Languages: Guaraní, Spanish
Why go?
Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and one of Latin America's most culturally significant cities. It boasts beautiful parks, belle epoque architecture, big historical events, intimate cafes, and cosmopolitan nightlife. The city is an open and welcoming destination for an exceptional urban adventure.
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Getting in
Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) is the main gateway, about 30–45 minutes from downtown, with flights from the Americas and Europe. Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) handles domestic flights and is 20 minutes from downtown (taxi AR$160). Buses from Retiro bus station cover the whole country. Ferries from Buquebus, Seacat, and Colonia Express connect to Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay.
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Getting around
Public transport is good. The metro (Subte) reaches most tourist attractions. Bus routes are numerous but complex. Use the SUBE card for payments; it also works in other cities. The system offers discounts for connections within 2 hours. Most streets are one-way, and the city uses a grid system with block numbers.
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When to go
Buenos Aires has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold but mild; summers are hot and humid with thunderstorms. Spring and fall have changeable weather. The city can be visited year-round, but summer heat waves can be uncomfortable.
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Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from budget hostels and hotels to luxury. Centro (San Telmo) has budget options. The North area has high-end boutique hotels. There are many short-term rental apartments. Budget hotels with rooms from AR$55–75 per night can be found near Avenida de Mayo. Hostels are plentiful but book in advance on weekends.
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Food and drink
Argentine cuisine is centered on beef, but Italian food is pervasive. Palermo offers sushi, fusion, and vegetarian bistros. Cafes are popular, like Cafe Tortoni. Nightlife areas include Puerto Madero, Recoleta, Palermo SoHo, Palermo Hollywood, and San Telmo.
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Things to do
Must-see areas include Palermo for parks and gardens, La Boca for Caminito and tango, Recoleta Cemetery for Eva Perón's tomb, and the Remembrance Park. Puerto Madero offers river walks. Museums and tango shows are abundant.
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Safety
La Boca is best enjoyed during the day; avoid at night. Keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas like San Telmo market. Overall, Buenos Aires is relatively safe for a large city.
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Connectivity
Cafés, restaurants, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi network BA WiFi is available. Major mobile carriers Claro, Movistar, and Personal have good 4G coverage. Correo Argentino handles postal services.
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Budget
Budget accommodation starts from around AR$55–75 per night for a basic room. Street food and markets offer affordable eats. A daily backpacker budget might be around AR$1500–2500, but specific costs vary.
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Day trips
Popular day trips include Tigre (45 min train from Retiro), La Plata, Luján (cathedral and zoo), San Antonio de Areco, Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay (ferry), and Capilla del Señor.
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Etiquette
Porteños speak a distinctive Spanish where 'll' sounds like 'sh'. Learning some Argentine slang can be helpful. Same-sex marriage is legal and the city is LGBT-friendly.
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Go next
From Buenos Aires, you can continue to Montevideo, Colonia in Uruguay, Iguaçu Falls, or other Argentine destinations like Patagonia. Domestic flights from Aeroparque connect to many cities.
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Work
Employment is available for Spanish-speaking visitors, often as translators or English teachers. Tech companies also hire English-speaking or bilingual employees.
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Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Avenida de Mayo Budget Hotels
Side streets near Avenida de Mayo offer basic private rooms from AR$55–75 per night.
Recorded price: AR$55-75 per night
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
San Telmo Budget Hostels
Cluster of budget hostels in the historic San Telmo district, near many attractions.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Palermo Diverse Dining
Palermo offers restaurants from sushi to vegetarian bistros and traditional pizza.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Caminito, La Boca
Pedestrian street with arts, crafts, and tango dancers.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Recoleta Cemetery
Famous cemetery with ornate tombs, including Eva Perón's.
Recorded price: Free entry
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Confiteria Ideal
Ancient, authentic and full of character.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Feria Recoleta
All sorts of artisan products, from jewelry to shawls.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Feria de Anticuarios
has a nice atmosphere. It offers nearly 70 stands of antiques, from toys to books and stuff for your home.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi in cafes and hotels. Public BA Wi-Fi. 4G coverage from Claro, Movistar, Personal.
Culture
LGBT-friendly, tango culture prominent.
Health
Tap water is drinkable. Public hospitals offer free 24-hour emergency care.
Language
Spanish with distinctive pronunciation: 'll' sounds like 'sh'.
Money
Local currency is Argentine peso (ARS). SUBE card used for public transport. Credit cards accepted in many places.
Safety
La Boca should be avoided at night. Pickpocketing is a concern in crowded areas.
Transport
Subte and buses with SUBE card. Taxis from Aeroparque about AR$160.