Vibrancy At Its Finest: Buenos Aires To-Do List For First-Fimers

By 22 May, 2024

The exciting capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires is a sprawling metropolis rich in history, culture, and nature. It has plenty of things to offer its visitors, from fascinating tourist attractions to beautiful views and vibrant scenery. If you are in Buenos Aires for only a few days, you should check out our list of first-time things to do in this fascinating city. 

Explore The Recoleta Neighborhood

There is no way you can visit Buenos Aires and not pay your tribute to the Recoleta cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta). This is the astonishing historic cemetery from 1822. Other awe-inspiring Recoleta neighborhood landmarks are the National Museum of Art (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes), the Recoleta Cultural Center, and the statue of Floralis Genérica. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes next to the Recoleta cemetery houses a gorgeous mix of European and South American artwork. Here you can admire the works of Rembrandt, Picasso, Van Gogh, Degas, and Monet.

Adore The Barolo Palace (Palacio Barolo) 

The Barolo Palace is one of the city’s landmarks and architectural masterpieces. 

The Italian architect Mario Palanti got his inspiration from Dante’s Divine Comedy and designed a 100-meter tall building with floors symbolizing Heaven, Hell, and everything in between in 1923. At the top of Barolo Palace, there is a rooftop bar Salon 1923 where you can enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the city.

Check Out The May Square (Plaza de Mayo) 

A Buenos Aires itinerary would be incomplete without Plaza de Mayo. It is named after the Argentina May Revolution of 1810, which made Argentina independent from Spanish colonial rule. Plaza de Mayo was the place of the Mothers of May Square protest against the military dictatorship in the 1970s.

Take A Walk In La Boca Neighbourhood 

Take a stroll down La Boca, the eclectic and wildly colorful neighborhood southeast of the center of Buenos Aires. Today La Boca is the most vibrant and colorful part of the capital because of its street art performances and bursting El Caminito alley. Other highlights of La Boca include the cultural center Usina del Arte, Benito Quinquela Martín Museum, the Colon Theater Factory, and the famous soccer stadium La Bombonera. 

Wander San Telmo Neighbourhood 

A bohemian paradise and the oldest Buenos Aires neighborhood, the San Telmo has its intense charm. If you hit up San Telmo, you should definitely shop at the Sunday San Telmo market, learn European and Basque culture at the San Telmo Museum. Or why not roam around Plaza  Dorrego and kick back at Cafe Tortoni? The San Telmo market is more than a market, it is a street fair with tons of artwork, snacks, antiques, as well as street performances.

Enjoy The Natural Beauty Of Puerto Madero Neighbourhood

This waterfront district is today’s entertainment-rich quarter of Buenos Aires. The historic port harbors the beautiful Ecological Reserve (Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur) and the iconic Bridge of the Woman (Puente de la Mujer). 

Try  Local Foods And Beverages 

To visit the capital of Argentina without trying a juicy steak or delicious empanadas is a crime. In Buenos Aires, you should try empanadas, delicious bife de lomo, and ojo de bife steaks, as well as Argentinian favorites alfajores (cookie sandwiches), caramel dulce de leche, Malbec wine, and mate tea. 

Watch A Horse Race

Horsemanship is a crucial part of Argentinian culture. If you are a fan of horse betting at websites like BetLabel, then watch a horse race at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo or a horse polo match at Campo Argentino de Polo. 

Do you have more time to uncover the richness of Buenos Aires city culture? Since the city has many other things to offer, you should do these things to get the most out of your stay:

  1. Head to el Obelisco (the Obelisk), the city’s historical landmark. 
  2. Go to the English Tower (Torre Monumental). 
  3. Adore the artwork at the Museum of Latin American Art (MALBA), Museo de Arte Moderne (MAMBA), National Museum of Decorative Arts (Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo), and Art Center Fundación Proa. 
  4. Participate in a street art tour in the Palermo neighborhood. 
  5. Enjoy a break from the bustling city life at the Palermo parks. 
  6. Calm down in the Belgrano neighborhood. 
  7. Indulge in Chinese culture in local Chinatown (Barrio Chino). 
  8. Relax beside the Tigre delta. 
  9. Head to one of the tango shows or attend a local dance lesson in one of the authentic ‘milonga’ dance halls. 
  10. Let your children enjoy visiting the Zoo (Zoológico) and the Galileo Galilei Planetarium (Planetario Galileo Galilei) in Palermo.


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