Buenos Aires is much deeper than its tired cliche of the “Paris of South America.” There are lively sidewalk cafes, abundant Belle Epoque architecture, and tree-lined avenues leading to flower-filled city parks. But Buenos Aires would not be a vibrant capital city without the native Argentines and immigrant Portnos who call it home and make it unique Buenos Aires.
“The architecture of Buenos Aires is a living testament to the convergence of European and Latin American influences, creating a stunning cityscape. However, the people of Buenos Aires really set it apart. They are warm, bubbly, and have an infectivity for life that can be contagious, “Meri Calderon, founder and CEO of Kuoda Travel, a luxury tour operator in South America, told Travel + Leisure.
In Buenos Aires, locals have a deep passion for dance, tango, literature, art, and fashion.
Buenos Aires has everything from tasting delicious food to immersing yourself in art and history and exhilarating outdoor activities. The Delta, a hidden treasure that can only be reached by boat, has a magical appeal. And, of course, the city’s passionate heartbeat is tango, which beats through the streets and venues.” ‘Calderon said.
Paris never will.
Best Hotels & Resorts
Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires
Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires is the pride of the hotel chain. This luxury hotel is in the Belle Epoque Mansion, surrounded by immaculate gardens and the only outdoor pool nearby—an exquisite suite with a separate soaking tub and glass chandelier. The real action takes place at the polo bar Pony Line. Oh, Madonna lives here.
Faena Hotel Buenos Aires
Faena Hotel Buenos Aires(or Faena, as the locals call it) is the most exclusive hotel in Buenos Aires. It’s located in a converted warehouse, but thanks to Philippe Starck’s top-notch interior design, it has everything you’d expect from a high-end hotel – and more. Mr. Stark is known for his designs at Delano in South Beach and Mondrian in Los Angeles. Rooms with Arabic-marble bathrooms and hand-embroidered bedspreads are expected to be perforated with red details. This art-centric hotel even has a giant crown sculpture in its chic outdoor pool.
Alvear Palace Hotel
Since the hotel opened in 1932, the old-school luxury of the Alvear Palace Hotel has attracted presidents, Hollywood celebrities, and rock stars, and thanks to some recent updates, it continues to amaze anyone who can stay there.
Since the hotel opened in 1932, the old-school luxury of the Alvear Palace Hotel has attracted presidents, Hollywood celebrities, and rock stars, and thanks to some recent updates, it continues to amaze anyone who can stay there.
Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires
This neoclassical-style palace was built in 1934 as a private residence. It didn’t open to the public until 2006, when it was brought back to life after a significant $74 million renovation. “This hotel truly captures the city’s spirit in a historic and modern way. Not only is the Duhau Palace an actual historic palace with magnificent gardens and design, it is also home to a thriving art scene, “said T+L General Manager Elspeth Velten, who visited the Duhau Palace in October 2023.
Even after all the work, most of the original building’s details, including its distinctive red marble floors, remain. The second new building adds more rooms, suites, and amenities, including three restaurants, a bar, lush gardens, a spacious spa, and a private art collection.
When I visited, about a hundred hippie Portenos were celebrating an art opening in the hotel’s underground gallery, which was also home to the hotel’s bustling florist shop during the day. Coupled with a fantastic spa and an impressive plant-based restaurant (besides the hotel’s more traditional steakhouse), Palacio Duhau is the perfect addition to any time spent in this great capital city, “says Velten.
Home Hotel Buenos Aires
Ever imagine what it would be like to live like the most incredible artist in Argentina? Book a room at the Home Hotel, a chic boutique property in a former private mansion. Vintage 20th-century decor includes Scandinavian designs, vintage French wallpaper, and Eero Saarinen furniture. The outdoor pool is one of the best outdoor Spaces in the city, and jasmine and fruit trees provide scent and shade.
“During my spring stay, I couldn’t get enough of the hotel’s blooming grounds – we ate breakfast outside, drank coffee in the sun, and even sat by the pool with a bottle of wine on a hot afternoon,” Velten says. “The hotel has a garden atmosphere throughout. From our room, we had a beautiful view of the sprawling vines at the front of the building. Every time I walk into a modern-designed hall, I feel like I’m walking off the street into someone’s home.”
Best Things to Do
Recoleta Cemetery
Visiting Buenos Aires without paying homage to Eva Peron’s grave in the Cementerio de la Recoleta would be sacrilegious. Aside from Evita, strolling through this national historic landmark’s above-ground graves and religious symbols is an unforgettable experience.
Tango performance
Ok, so tango shows are very popular with tourists. But the Rojo tango show inside the sexy Faena Hotel is the right choice for tourism. It’s intimate and fun and might inspire you to take tango lessons or a trip to the local Milonga. Entertainment combines a multi-course dinner with braised Patagonian lamb and tree milk. Complimentary drinks include champagne and wine.
Look out at Caminito
Strolling through the historic and colorful Caminito (” The Path “in Spanish) is like visiting an outdoor art gallery. Supposedly, tango dancers and cheap souvenir vendors frequented art galleries. Along the sidewalk are colorful houses crowded with artists selling merchandise and performing tango and folk dances.
Stadium Alberto Armando (La Bombonera)
If you are a football fan (football), La Bombonera is a church. If you visit during the football season, you can watch Boca Juniors play. If not, visit the stadium’s dedicated museum, which showcases the club’s history and is under the grandstand.
Buenos Aires Museum of Latin American Art (MALBA)
If you had to choose one museum in Buenos Aires, it would be the MALBA. This modern building is famous for its permanent collection of works by renowned contemporary Latin American artists. Check out the works of Frida Kahlo, Fernando Botero, and Antonio Bernier. Talented curators also highlight local artists in seasonal exhibitions.
Best Shopping
Galería Patio del Liceo
This shop-filled building brings designers and artists together in one of the most fashionable art and design Spaces in Buenos Aires. These stores sell everything from essential clothing to antiques and one-of-a-kind works by artists. A lovely terrace cafe caters exclusively to Chico’s cafes and a constant stream of events and workshops that attract the city’s trendy artist community.
Jill Antiguedades
Since opening in Buenos Aires in 1973, this maze-like boutique has focused on vintage clothing and homeware from the early and middle of the last century. Gil Antiguedades is a collector’s dream, with everything from antique beaded necklaces and lace wedding dresses to rare vintage crystals and one-of-a-kind textiles.
Maydi
After years on the Parisian fashion scene working for brands such as Golden Goose, Maria Abdala Zolezzi(nicknamed “Maydi”) has returned to her native Argentina to launch her label. Maydi is a sustainable high-fashion knitwear brand that uses local materials and dyes. The choice of knitwear – for both men and women – is the best of wearable art.
1833, Recoleta
This perfume, Fueguia 1833 Patagonia, is an authentic Argentine sensory experience. The wonderful scent melody found in Fueguia 1833 was inspired by founder Julian Bedel’s travels throughout Patagonia and is a tribute to the indigenous communities of South America. Pro tip: Handmade candles make the perfect gift.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
Buenos Aires has a severe literary scene. Celebrate at El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a bookshop in the Grand Theatre built in 1919. This vast space is now filled with floor-to-ceiling books and ornate original installations. The former stage now houses a cafe.
Best restaurant
Dr. Sarkis
Sarkis is a family-style Armenian restaurant that is ideal for starting a night out. Small plates of juicy lamb, marinated eggplant, and flaky nut pastries arrive randomly, adding to the restaurant’s unique charm. Wandering belly dancing and coffee powder are great distractions for the class, and real Armenian coffee will keep you awake until the disco closes.
Casa Cavia Restaurant
La Cocina Restaurant is located within Casa Cavia, Palermo’s high-end retail and restaurant concept. In keeping with the creative atmosphere, La Cocina has an incredibly diverse and artistically seasonal food and cocktail menu. The interior alone is reason enough to visit. Inspired by 1920s cafes, it features white marble, brass, and antique mirrors while still fresh and airy. If you can’t make dinner reservations, caramelized milk baked goods for breakfast are just as good.
La Cabrera
La Cabrera is considered one of the best steakhouses in the world for many reasons, and great steaks are just one of them. In another scenario, the grill masterworks in a firebox filled with red-hot embers and a grill. La Cabrera is full of atmosphere.
According to Calderon, La Cabrera is a historic Argentine steakhouse known for its perfect rosemary-flavored steaks. Complemented by various delicious side dishes, La Cabrera has gained a well-deserved reputation among Palermo residents.
El Banco Rojo
You can only leave Buenos Aires by trying empanadas. While street food is widely available, finding an empanada with a good dough texture and a perfect filling can be difficult. El Banco Rojo offers both and Buenos Aires’ famous menu of burgers and tacos. Serve with an empanada and a bottle of Rubia craft beer. This trendy counter service place has a picnic table and stool seating.
Host bar
If you want to spend a glamorous evening in Recoleta, the President Bar is the place for you. From the music and lighting to the crew, every detail was carefully considered, and everything fell into place. The illuminated backlit bar, high ceilings, and hanging chandeliers evoke a classic era, adding to the bar’s old-world charm. The menu has everything from squid and empanadas to risotto and presidential burgers.
The best time to visit
The best times to visit Buenos Aires are spring and autumn. Remember that spring in the Southern Hemisphere is between September and December, and autumn is between April and June.
“Spring is undoubtedly my favorite season in Buenos Aires,” Calderon confirms. As the city awoke from its slumber, it became a lush oasis. The jacarandas are in full bloom, and the streets are lined with charming violets, creating an atmosphere of pure magic. Spring brings perfect weather in Buenos Aires – the sun shines, and the air is filled with intoxicating flowers.”
Spring and autumn may bring visitors a mild climate, blooming flowers, and sparse crowds. However, Buenos Aires is a vibrant metropolis with things to see and do all year round.
The Spanish First Division season runs from late January to early August, while Argentina’s La Triple Corona runs from late September to early December. The city also hosts an international Tango festival in mid-August.
Travel can be tricky during Semana Santa, the Holy Week of Easter, when Argentine residents visit family and attend religious services. Argentina is almost completely closed during this time.
How to get there
Buenos Aires is served by three airports: Ministro Pistarini International Airport in Ezeiza, Jorge Newbury Airport, known as Aeroparque (AEP), and El Palomar (EPA).
EZE is the largest and most used airport, especially for travelers from the United States, as there are many direct flights between the United States and Buenos Aires. It is about 20 miles (about 50 minutes) from EZE Airport to the city center.
The nearest airport to downtown Buenos Aires is AEP Airport. However, most flights are to and from neighboring South American countries or other airports within Argentina. The same goes for the EPA, which generally welcomes low-cost domestic flights.
Visit the community
Palermo
For most tourists, Palermo is the best place to visit. Plenty of attractions, including shady parks and tree-lined trails, will make even the most Americanized visitor feel right at home. According to Calderon, “Palermo is full of life, with an abundance of bars, restaurants, museums, parks and picturesque streets. That’s where you can find the pulse of the city.”
Recoleta
This neighborhood has a high-end feel, with luxury hotels and charming bars. However, it also serves as the cultural center of Buenos Aires, with ongoing concerts, art exhibitions, and local favorites. Calderon confirmed that Recoleta “exudes elegance and offers a glimpse into the magnificent architecture of Buenos Aires.”
Villa Crespo
If you are looking for nightlife and a funky atmosphere, Villa Crespo is the place for you. The neighborhood is centered around a former shoe factory with plenty of cafes and bars.
Saint Rob was with his sister, Jenna
The neighborhood is known for its Bohemian vibe, complemented by street murals and an ongoing pop-up art gallery. San Telmo Market, a large indoor market that opened in 1897 to serve the area’s immigrant population, is a must-see.
La Boca
This colorful neighborhood is known for its famous art walk, Caminito. But in reality, La Boca is an artistic mecca, with Spaces like Usina del Arte, a cultural center located in an old power plant. If you want to avoid the tourist riots in Caminito, head to Calle Suarez or Pinzon.
How to Get Around
If you plan to stay in town, renting a car is unnecessary. The city is walkable and has a great urban bike system, BA Ecobici, with more than 3,000 bikes spread throughout the city.
Metro: Buenos Aires also has a reliable and well-used metro system called Subte. Six lines connect business, tourist, and residential areas throughout the city, with trains leaving every 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the route. To ride the metro (or bus) in Buenos Aires, you’ll need a rechargeable metro card. For timetables, routes, and live updates, download the traffic app BA Como Llego.
Train: For modes of transportation for the tour, Calderon recommends “trenn de la Costa, a picturesque train tour that takes you on a fascinating tour of the charming suburbs of Buenos Aires, especially in the Northern District.”
Taxis: You’ll find over 40,000 licensed taxis and plenty of Ubers waiting to take you to your destination at any time of the day (or night). Calderon also suggests trying Cabify, a Latin American ride-sharing app out of Buenos Aires.
