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Getting ready to spend a few days in Buenos Aires? We’re here to help!
Buenos Aires is a big, sprawling city. With so much to cover, it can be hard to know how to get the best out of your time here, but that’s where we come in. After many visits to Argentina’s capital, we’ve put together a three-day itinerary that hits all of the highlights and ensures you’ll enjoy plenty of delicious food and immersive cultural experiences along the way.
We’ve got all of the info you’ll need on timing, transport, and logistics, as well as some safety tips so you can feel confident as you explore. Vamos!
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The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this Buenos Aires food tour through Palermo Soho! Jumping between top-rated spots for empanadas, steak, and even a Michelin Guide stop made the night unforgettable!
Check out the 5,600+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Itinerary Overview
Buenos Aires is pretty well-connected through its Subte (metro) system. Stations are spread out in some areas, but the Subte is a reliable way to travel between areas like Palermo, Recoleta, and San Telmo. It’s super cheap, too!
Meanwhile, buses cover almost every corner of Buenos Aires, and they run frequently. It can take a bit of time to get familiar with the routes, though. I mostly used ride-hailing apps like Uber and Didi in Buenos Aires, as they’re widely available and very affordable.
Although Buenos Aires is a large city, individual neighborhoods tend to be very walkable, especially areas like Palermo Hollywood and Palermo Soho. The city has a grid-like layout, so it’s quite easy to navigate, and it’s safe to walk around in most areas, especially during the day.
Day 1: Get to know Buenos Aires from a local’s perspective with a private city tour, then enjoy a refined lunch in Recoleta before spending the afternoon exploring its cultural highlights at your own pace. End the day with an immersive Palermo food tour that introduces you to the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
Day 2: Spend the day learning about Argentina’s rural traditions on a gaucho ranch, then have dinner in the upscale Puerto Madero district.
Day 3: Visit the beloved San Telmo Market and take some time to explore Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhood, then spend the afternoon exploring the colorful La Boca neighborhood. Then, wrap up your time in the city with an iconic tango show!
Day 1
Morning – Explore the city with a local expert
The best way to get to know Buenos Aires is with a local, which is why we love this top-rated private tour! It includes hotel pickup, so grab breakfast at or near your hotel, and then begin the tour at a time that suits you. We recommend booking it for 10 am at the latest so that you’ll finish up around 2 pm, just in time for a late lunch.
The tour begins at El Caminito, the most famous pedestrian street in the city! It runs through the colorful houses of La Boca, and you’re bound to see tango dancers here too, as this is the birthplace of Argentina’s famous dance.
From there, you’ll stop by the famous Bombonera stadium, home to the Boca Juniors, before making a quick visit to the San Telmo Market—don’t worry, there will be time to explore it properly later on. After that, the tour continues to Plaza de Mayo to see the Cathedral and the Casa Rosada, where Eva Perón delivered her iconic balcony speech.
You’ll also visit the renowned Recoleta Cemetery, where many notable Argentinians are laid to rest in elaborate mausoleums. The final highlight is El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a former opera house transformed into one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
In a big, sprawling city like Buenos Aires, it’s so worth opting for a private tour because you can cover more ground without feeling rushed. And thanks to having our guide’s undivided attention, we learned so much more!
Read THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Lunch – Jardín de Invierno
We’re exploring the elegant Recoleta neighborhood this afternoon, so head there for lunch today. Most of our hotel picks are just a short Uber or bus ride from Recoleta, but since this morning’s tour is private, you can always ask your driver to drop you off at today’s lunch spot, Jardín de Invierno.
This is a refined restaurant set inside the luxurious Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt. It’s housed inside a conservatory, so you’ve got lots of plant life and natural light. We think this is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch in the middle of an otherwise busy day of sightseeing!
The lunch menu here is focused on fresh salads and artisanal sandwiches, but there are pasta dishes available too if you fancy something a bit heartier. If you feel like a starter, I highly recommend the provoleta with garlic mushrooms. Provoleta is a thick slice of cheese that’s barbecued to make it crispy on the outside and melted on the inside—it’s so good!
Afternoon – Explore Recoleta
Recoleta is one of Buenos Aires’ most affluent neighborhoods, known for its Parisian-style architecture, leafy plazas, and the upscale boutiques along Alvear Avenue. This is a beautiful area to spend the afternoon exploring after lunch. You’ve already seen two of its major highlights—Recoleta Cemetery and El Ateneo Grand Splendid—on your sightseeing tour on day one, but here’s what else to get up to around here.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
This beautiful 18th-century church sits right next to the cemetery and is one of the oldest religious buildings in the city. Inside, you’ll find gilded altars and religious artwork, so it’s a great place to get a feel for Recoleta’s history.
Relax with a drink
If you want a break after sightseeing, there are plenty of spots nearby to enjoy a cold drink or a glass of wine. Personally, we like Buller Brewpub, which is right across from the cemetery and has a nice outdoor terrace where you can sit and enjoy a glass of local beer. Or, Temple Craft Recoleta is another great spot for a cold one, and it’s just around the corner.
Shopping on Alvear Avenue
Alvear Avenue is Recoleta’s most upscale shopping street. It’s lined with designer boutiques and big luxury names like Hermès and Montblanc. There are some very exclusive perfumeries here, too. And even if you’re not here to buy, it’s a nice street to just wander down and admire the architecture and glossy storefronts.
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
This national museum houses an impressive collection of Argentine and international art, ranging from classic European pieces to modern local works. It’s free to enter and a great place to spend an hour or two if you enjoy galleries.
Dinner/Evening – Taste your way through Buenos Aires
The food in Buenos Aires is amazing, but it helps if you know where to go! So tonight, head out on this local-led food tour, which takes you through the trendy Palermo Soho neighborhood, aka Buenos Aires’ foodie hub.
And this isn’t just any old food tour, either. It’s the highest-rated foodie experience in Buenos Aires, and therefore probably the whole of Argentina!
How long it takes you to get here will depend on where you end up in Recoleta, but you’re looking at about 10-15 minutes in an Uber or 25 minutes using the bus or subway. The tour lasts for 3.5 hours, so the 6:30 pm start time works perfectly.
Over the course of the night, you’ll try at least seven or eight dishes and drinks, ranging from empanadas and artisanal pizza to chorizo, steak, and wine. The guides also ensure that vegetarian and gluten-free options are available at every stop, as long as you let them know about your requirements in advance.
If you want to elevate the night even more, we definitely think it’s worth booking the premium option of this tour. It includes a stop at a Michelin Guide restaurant and a visit to one of the city’s legendary steakhouses. This is the more popular version of the tour, though, so book it sooner rather than later!
The evening will wrap up around 10 pm, and since we’ve got a full-day excursion tomorrow, we recommend heading straight back to your hotel to rest up.
Check out 5,500+ 5-star reviews and book this small group food tour here!
Related Read: For even more ways to explore the city with expert guides, take a look at my full roundup of the best sightseeing tours in Buenos Aires here.
Day 2
Morning/Afternoon – Experience the gaucho way of life
Argentina is famous for its gaucho (cowboy) culture, so visiting a ranch is a must-do! Whereas Buenos Aires is very urban, this full-day tour offers a glimpse into rural Argentine life.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel around 8:30 am and be dropped off again at around 5:30 pm, in time to freshen up before dinner. It should take just under two hours to reach your first stop in San Antonio de Areco, a small town that’s basically gaucho central. It was really atmospheric, and it felt so different from Buenos Aires!
We also love this tour because once you get to the ranch, you get to enjoy an asado. This is a traditional Argentine barbecue, which is an absolute must-try. This one is the real deal, with skirt steak, blood sausage, and offal on the menu. You don’t need to eat anything you’re not comfortable with, but this is a good chance to chow down like a local. Best of all, you get quite a lot of Malbec to wash it down with!
During your meal, the gauchos put on a show that includes dance, music, and horse whispering. I can honestly say I’ve never seen anything like the horse whispering show. It’s amazing to watch, and it feels very authentic rather than touristy.
This tour is an awesome cultural experience, but it’s also just a ton of fun—and the glowing reviews certainly attest to that. I actually did it for my birthday, and it was an awesome way to celebrate!
Book this tour here and get ready to dive into Argentina’s gaucho culture!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Dinner – Puerto Madero
Buenos Aires is known for its Parisian architecture and traditional cafes, but Puerto Madero is the exact opposite. It’s sleek, with lots of corporate skyscrapers, fancy restaurants, and luxury apartments. You passed through the area yesterday, but it’s pretty quiet during the day. At night, it’s a whole different story!
After freshening up at your hotel, call an Uber and go for dinner in this modern area. Here are our favorite spots to eat around here:
- Pizzeria Popular – This chic pizzeria is the perfect place to try Argentinian pizza, which is basically a thick-crust pizza with onions and tons and tons of cheese.
- Osaka – If you’re in the mood for sushi, this is the spot! However, do be aware that a lot of sushi in Buenos Aires features cream cheese, so double-check before ordering if that’s not your thing.
- Cabaña las Lilas – If you’re in the mood for steak, this place serves delicious meats as well as other asado classics like provoleta cheese and sweetbreads. It’s best to make a reservation here as it’s understandably popular!
Evening – Unwind by the river
After dinner, head down to the canals of Puerto Madero, which are very well-lit at night. There’s a wide boardwalk here that you can slowly wend your way along, and stop at a riverside bar for a glass of Malbec or perhaps an Aperol spritz—another favorite among porteños. Or for something a bit livelier, you can grab a drink at the Peñón del Águila floating bar, a brewery built onto a deck that’s right on the water!
Related Read: Want even more inspiration for your trip? Don’t miss my full guide to the best things to do in Buenos Aires here.
Day 3
Breakfast – San Telmo Market
San Telmo Market is probably the most famous market in Buenos Aires, and we definitely think that title is justified. It’s a must-visit when you’re here, so head here for breakfast this morning. The closest Subte station, San Juan, is about a 15-minute walk away, so we recommend jumping in an Uber to get here.
Once you arrive, there are plenty of stalls here where you can grab a coffee and a few medialunas (half-moon-shaped croissants that are popular breakfast fare in Buenos Aires). The market opens at 10 am, and we recommend getting there around that time because the market is pretty much always busy, especially at weekends.
Morning – Get to know San Telmo
- San Telmo is Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhood, and we love it for its Bohemian vibe! So after the market, take some time to wander around and check out its colonial houses and soak up the vibe. We’ve got a few ideas for what you can do around here, below!
- Visit Plaza Dorrego – This square is the heart of San Telmo, and there’s an antiques market here every Sunday. There are plenty of cafes dotted around, and you can often watch tango dancers practicing or performing here.
- Go wine tasting – San Telmo is home to lots of boutique wine bars, so head to one for a tasting! We love Tierra Mendocina, which is right in the San Telmo Market, and the 1853 Experience is really cute and cozy.
(Optional) Late morning
A late morning food tour is optional today. We already covered a food tour on day 1 of this itinerary, but the food scene in San Telmo is pretty different from what you’ll find in Palermo Soho. So if you’re keen to experience the city’s food scene to the fullest, you can book this food tour rather than having lunch at a restaurant today.
The tour starts at 11:30 am and lasts for 3.5 hours, so you’ll wrap up at about 5 pm. This will leave you with some free time after the tour, so you can explore the area for a while or head back to your hotel to freshen up before the tango show. Just note that dates for this tour can vary, so it’s worth planning ahead and booking early if it fits your schedule.
It begins in the famous Bar el Federal, which is one of the oldest in the city, and then takes you around San Telmo to try lots of traditional Argentine food. What we like about this tour is that it visits lots of hole-in-the-wall spots that only locals know about, and really old-school restaurants. It really shows you how to eat like a local—no wonder it has 700+ 5-star reviews.
Check availability and book this fun food tour here!
Lunch – Encuentro Nativo
Encuentro Nativo is right next to El Caminito, so it’s the perfect place to grab some food before getting started with this afternoon’s activities. This is an unpretentious spot that serves traditional Argentine comfort food in one of La Boca’s colorful buildings. These are replicas of the area’s original homes, which were fashioned out of leftover shipbuilding materials, so it’s pretty cool to have lunch in one!
Afternoon – Explore La Boca
La Boca is one of Buenos Aires’ most colorful and culturally rich neighborhoods. It’s easy enough to reach from San Telmo as long as you’re okay to walk. It takes about 25 minutes to get here on foot, and the route is perfectly safe during the day. Walking here also gives you a nice sense of how the old port districts connect.
If you’d rather not walk, it’s best to call an Uber, since there’s no Subte line that runs to La Boca, and the bus won’t take you all of the way either. Once you arrive, you’ll immediately notice how different this area feels from the rest of the city. This is where waves of immigrants from Europe and Asia first arrived in Argentina. It was a real melting pot of cultures, which led to the birth of tango!
The area was very poor, and the buildings here were famously constructed using leftover shipyard wood and metal, then painted with whatever colors were available at the docks. While it’s a fun area with a lot going on, it’s also a prime spot for pickpockets, so keep a close eye on your belongings as you explore.
El Caminito
This pedestrian street is the heart of La Boca, and it’s known for its brightly colored houses. As you wander along here, you’ll see lots of street performers and local artists selling their work, and probably some Boca Juniors memorabilia. It does feel busy and touristy here, but this open-air museum is still a must-see.
La Bombonera Football Stadium
You visited La Bombonera on your sightseeing tour on the first day of this itinerary, but if you’re a big football fan, then it’s worth coming back for another look. And if you’re in La Boca on game day, the pre-game party atmosphere is something you’ll never forget! If not, then you’ll be able to visit the Boca Juniors museum or book a stadium tour and go behind the scenes at this legendary venue.
Quinquela Museum of Fine Arts
This museum is named after Benito Quinquela Martín, one of Argentina’s most celebrated painters. He’s actually the guy who revived El Caminito and spearheaded the campaign to restore its homes and turn the area into an open-air museum after it was largely abandoned in the 1950s. His works capture the spirit of La Boca and depict what life in the area was like between the 1920s and 1960s.
Dinner/Evening – See a tango dinner show
There’s only one right way to finish off a trip to Buenos Aires, and that’s with a tango show! This is the birthplace of tango, after all. We recommend booking the same show that we went to, as we had such a great time, and it’s also easy to get to from La Boca, with a 12-minute Uber or a 20-minute bus ride.
Book the “dinner and show without transfer” option, since you probably won’t be at your hotel for pickup. Dinner starts at 7 pm and the show follows straight after. It lasts for about 3 hours in total, finishing up at around 10 pm.
And what a show you’re in for! We were mesmerized as we watched the tango performance. It’s a really intense and intricate dance, and it’s the kind of thing you really have to see for yourself to fully appreciate. It can be quite emotional in places! And as well as the tango, they performed a gaucho dance with boleadoras, which was one of the highlights of the show for us.
The food was amazing, too. We had juicy steaks and an indulgent dulce de leche dessert, as well as plenty of red wine, so this also makes for a very fitting final meal in Buenos Aires. Cheers!
Book this popular tango show here before it sells out!
Related Read: For even more unforgettable performances to choose from, check out my full guide to the best tango shows in Buenos Aires here.
Where to Stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Now that your itinerary in Buenos Aires is all set, you’ll want to find the right hotel to stay at! You don’t need to break the bank to stay here, but if you are searching for a luxurious getaway, you can find that too. Just note that places in Buenos Aires book up fast, so if you see availability for your travel dates, it’s best to reserve early. Here are my top picks for various price ranges.
Hilton Buenos Aires – $$$
You can’t beat the location with the riverside Hilton Buenos Aires. You’ll be within walking distance to downtown as well as the Playa Reserva Ecológica Buenos Aires. It’s also where you’ll board the boat on the Tigre Delta Cruise! There’s a rooftop pool to relax in or sit down for a meal or drink at the hotel’s restaurant or bar.
The service is exceptional, and the rooms are spacious. It’s a more expensive place to stay at $250-$1,000+ USD per night, but worth it if you’re looking for a five-star experience. So for the ultimate luxury in Buenos Aires, book your stay at the Hilton online here.
Grand Brizo Buenos Aires – $$
If you’re after a stylish mid‑range stay in the heart of Buenos Aires, Grand Brizo Buenos Aires hits the sweet spot. Located on Calle Cerrito—just a few blocks from the Obelisco and Teatro Colón—you’re within walking distance of the city’s best food, culture, and nightlife. The rooms are clean and modern, many with mini‑fridges and city views, and the service is always praised. Big bonuses include a killer rooftop pool, full gym, spa & wellness centre, and a lovely buffet breakfast.
At around $150–$300 USD per night, it’s the kind of hotel that gives you comfort and convenience without blowing your budget. Check availability and reserve your stay here!
Broadway Hotel & Suites – $
Located in the heart of Buenos Aires, the Broadway Hotel & Suites offers really spacious rooms at a great price. The swimming pool on the roof has amazing panoramic city views and a sun deck to soak up some rays. The rooms feature large windows, minimalistic art deco-type décor, and bathrooms with marble fittings.
You’ll also have plenty of choices for shopping and restaurants nearby. Plus, a junior suite here can start as low as $75 USD! To snag this awesome deal, I highly recommend you check availability and book online in advance.
For plenty more great accommodations, check out all the hotels listed for Buenos Aires here!
Related Read: For a deeper breakdown of the best neighborhoods and even more hotel picks, check out my full where to stay in Buenos Aires guide here.
Planning your Trip to Argentina
Accommodation in Argentina
Booking accommodation is one of the biggest aspects of your trip, and we should know as we stay in a new hotel up to 40 times per year! Funny enough, we make 99% of these bookings on one website and that’s Booking.com – and there are a few reasons why we use this site!
Number one is the website is easy to use and sorts accommodation options. That takes the stress out of planning which honestly still affects us and we do it more than not.
Second, is the price guarantee. We have literally booked a hotel months before and then 1 week out found it cheaper (we always do a quick search), and they’ll match that price from anyone’s website including the hotels!
And third, is the Genius loyalty program. If you make a certain amount of bookings per year you get a Genius discount. We are level-two geniuses because we make more than 5 a year. At participating hotels, we get things like free breakfast included, early check-in, and up to 15% off.
You can check out all their accommodation options throughout Argentina!
Renting a car in Argentina
We enjoyed a rental car for our second trip to Argentina when we traveled in Patagonia – and wow, what a way to travel! But the best part was that we only paid $40 USD per day for a 5-person sedan!
But how? Well, if you’re renting a car in Argentina, the cheapest company is Discover Cars. We often get questions from readers asking us if the website is fake because it seems too cheap! It’s a great website and the one we used for our rental.
If you do want to compare prices (and you should), do a quick search on Airport Car Rentals too. They’re another big competitor and each company often has its own deals to offer!
Tours in Argentina
We love booking online because we can check reviews of the tour and know exactly what to expect on the tour, such as the itinerary and inclusions. Sometimes the tours are pricier online than booking directly in person, but this is why we always book with Viator. If we happen to find the exact same tour for a lower price once we’re at the destination, Viator will actually refund the price difference!
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Thanks for reading!
If you’re craving a city packed with history, personality, and incredible food, Buenos Aires is going to win you over fast. This 3-day itinerary brings together everything that makes Argentina’s capital unforgettable—from colorful neighborhoods and gaucho traditions to market mornings, world-class meals, and nights filled with tango. We love how it mixes iconic sights with slower moments, so you can soak it all in without feeling rushed.
Before you take off, be sure to check out our other Argentina guides here for even more tips, tours, and itineraries to help you plan the perfect trip. And if you’re hungry for more, you’ll find a few related blogs below to keep the inspiration going!
4 BEST Gaucho Tours in Buenos Aires (Which One to Book!)
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Bariloche, Argentina: The Best 3-Day Itinerary
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Ushuaia, Argentina – The Best 3-Day Itinerary