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If you’re ready to explore the vibrant capital of Argentina, you’ve come to the right place!
Buenos Aires is such an awesome city full of endless history and culture. The only problem? It’s also HUGE. With so much to explore, it can be really difficult to know where to start.
As such, it’s a great idea to take a city tour on your first day or so. This way, you can learn about the culture and the many different neighborhoods that make up this Argentinian metropolis. We tried out a few of the different sightseeing tours here, and decided to break down the best options available so you can find the right one for you!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
Our top choice is this small group tour of Buenos Aires. We did it our first time in the city and absolutely loved it. We got to see all the best sights in just 3 hours, including Plaza de Mayo, the colorful La Boca neighborhood, and the fascinating Recoleta Cemetery.
Plus, our guide, Micaela, was really funny and told so many interesting stories about the city. Our group left with some invaluable (and entertaining!) insight into what life is like in modern-day Buenos Aires. By the end of the tour, I felt like I had learned a lot. I also had a much better idea of where else I wanted to visit while in the city.
What’s awesome is the tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel, so you don’t need to worry about logistics. You can also choose to be picked up around 9 am or 2 pm, making it easy to fit into your schedule. And for just $35 USD per person, it was a great deal – if you don’t believe me, just check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews here!
Book our favorite sightseeing tour here and enjoy FREE 24-hour cancellation!
The BEST Sightseeing Tours in Buenos Aires
1. Private City Tour of Buenos Aires
If you want more control over your schedule, we suggest this private tour of Buenos Aires. You can start the 4-hour tour pretty much any time of day, so it’s easy to fit into your itinerary. You can make up to 12 stops across the city – hitting all the top sights! Plus, it’s shockingly affordable at $149 USD per group of up to 4 people.
If you decide to see all 12 stops on this tour, your itinerary will be fairly jam-packed. However, if you don’t want to rush, you can customize it by spending more time at your favorite attractions. Perhaps you’ll want more time to soak up the atmosphere of La Boca’s colorful cobblestone alleyways or sample yummy food and craft beer at the San Telmo Market. It’s a private tour, so just say the word!
One exciting highlight of this tour is that you can visit the famous Ateneo Grand Splendid, which is a bookstore built inside a very opulent old theater. It’s enormous – in fact, it’s the second-largest bookstore in the entire world. There’s even a bar on the stage where you can sit and read.
We think that this tour is perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends who want to explore together (rather than join a big group tour). And if you’ve got 4 people, the private experience only costs about $37 USD each – talk about a great deal! If you need more convincing, just take a look at the hundreds of 5-star reviews here!
Book this comprehensive private tour online here!
2. Half-Day City Bike Tour
Buenos Aires is a very cyclist-friendly city with over 130 km (80 miles) of bike lanes, and this 4-hour tour allows you to easily explore on two wheels.
We started our biking journey at San Martin Square, where we met our fabulous guide Ignacio, and got our bikes and helmets. We cycled through the revamped Puerto Madero area, which feels totally different from the rest of the city. It’s right by the docks and the river and is home to lots of upscale restaurants and finance buildings. Then, we cycled through the Ecological Reserve, which is such a neat spot right in the middle of the concrete jungle!
And, of course, no city tour of Buenos Aires would be complete without a visit to La Boca (our favorite part of the city!). We had lots of time to explore the vibrant Caminito Street, before continuing on to the famous Bombonera Stadium, and the artsy San Telmo area, before heading back to Plaza San Martín again.
We think that this bike tour is such a fun way to see the eastern parts of the city! It really does showcase just how diverse and interesting Buenos Aires really is. And when we went, the streets were flat, and it was a beautiful sunny day – ideal for cycling, really.
Tours last about 4 hours and begin at either 9:30 am or 2 pm. At just $37 USD per person, we think it’s really good value for money! The price covers the bike, water, rain gear (if needed), and your expert guide. It’s important to note that this tour runs, even in light rain, this is why we love booking with Viator, because if the weather forecast is looking rough, you can cancel the tour up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund!
Explore the streets of Buenos Aires on this cycle tour here!
3. Buenos Aires Private City Tour by Car
This full-day private tour of Buenos Aires is perfect if you’re short on time! You’ll see all the important stuff, like the Plaza de Mayo, the Cathedral, and the famous Casado Rosa (where Evita addressed the nation). But my favorite part of this tour was spending time in some of the city’s coolest neighborhoods – and getting a feel for what porteño life is really like.
When we took this tour, there was plenty of time to walk through the bohemian San Telmo area, where you can visit the famous market. Just a warning, there are a couple of toy stores here that sell REALLY creepy dolls. Just ignore those and focus on the food!
At the market, Hierro San Telmo is the place to go if you’re in the mood for a steak. The smells wafting out of here were so mouthwatering even my vegetarian friend considered trying one. If you prefer beverages, try a local craft beer at Hoboken.
You’ll also hang out in the exclusive Palermo Chico neighborhood, with its cute boutiques and cafes. And for some greenery, you’ll visit Bosques de Palermo, which is basically Buenos Aires’ version of Manhattan’s Central Park.
We really like that this private tour gives you plenty of time and flexibility. You’ll have around 6 hours to experience the parts of the city that interest you the most. It covers all of the coolest areas as well as the historic highlights. Plus, when we went, our driver knew all the best shortcuts to save on driving time.
The price varies between $160-$240 USD per person, depending on group size. It includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, and there’s also an option to get transported to the airport after your tour. So if you have an evening flight and haven’t hit up all the sights, here’s your chance!
Pick your date and secure your spot online here!
Related Read: If you love exercise, there are plenty of great hikes in Argentina. Read more about one of our favorites, the Mount Fitz Roy Hike (Laguna de los Tres) here!
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.
4. Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus Tour
We love a good Hop-On Hop-Off Bus because you get all the convenience of a tour – but with the flexibility to explore at your own pace. In a big city like Buenos Aires, it’s also a great way to cover a lot of ground in a relatively short amount of time.
There are 20 different stops on the Buenos Aires Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus route. You’ll also pass by several major sights, like the Casa Rosada, Cafe Tortoni, and Plaza de Mayo. There is a ton of commentary along the way. So, even if you decide not to get off and explore each stop, you’ll still learn about its cultural significance.
I’d definitely check out the map when you book your tour and decide where you’d like to hop off. But honestly, with this Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Buenos Aires is your oyster! You can catch one of the amazing Buenos Aires tango shows at Tango Porteno, hang out and explore the cafes of trendy Palermo, walk the colorful streets of La Boca, or head to some art museums.
There is a ton to see in the city, so you can opt for a multi-day pass if you prefer. It’s $30 USD per person for a 24-hour pass, $36 USD for 48 hours, or $42 USD for 72 hours. You can take it at your own pace and explore the city bit by bit over several days. It runs daily from 9:40 am – 5:30 pm, with buses passing every 30-40 minutes.
Personally, I think this is an excellent way to see the city’s top attractions on a budget. The subway is cheaper, but it’s a hassle to navigate, and it can get super crowded. The hop-on hop-off bus is much more convenient, and you’ll learn a lot more this way, too!
Grab your ticket here for this Buenos Aires hop-on hop-off tour!
5. Palermo Walking Food Tour
Palermo is hands down the best area for eating and drinking in Buenos Aires. It’s home to so many cafes, bars, and restaurants that you could probably dine out every day for years (without ever going to the same place twice!). It’s hard to know where to begin, which is why I’d highly recommend a tour!
This walking food tour of Palermo goes to four different restaurants to sample lots of local foodie favorites. You’ll wash them down with Malbec and maybe even some Fernet, a classic Argentinian beverage that some say is an acquired taste (although personally, I quite like it!).
You’ll be accompanied by a local guide who will teach you all about Argentine cuisine and related traditions. I loved this tour and it was super interesting learning how the country’s food culture has grown and evolved over time.
Eating, drinking, and socializing is a very important part of life for Argentinians. As such, this tour gives you an authentic taste of local life. By the end, you’ll understand why dining out is such an important part of the Buenos Aires experience!
We loved this food tour because we generally try to eat and drink as much as possible when traveling, and this tour included 8 different dishes and drinks to try! There isn’t a ton of walking, and you’ll learn all about the highlights of the area as you walk from restaurant to restaurant.
There are multiple departure times throughout the day to easily fit this highly-rated tour into your itinerary (check out all of the glowing reviews here!). For $85 USD per person, we think it’s a great choice for anyone who loves food or socializing. Since you’ll be in a small group, it’s super easy to make new friends throughout the evening. And after your tour, the guide will even recommend some nearby bars to carry on the fun.
Check availability and book this tour online here!
6. Small-Group City Tour
Last but not least is our top choice! We loved this small-group tour because it was such a fantastic introduction to the city. The 3-hour tour felt very well-rounded, covering some of the best neighborhoods and top tourist sights with great commentary from our local guide.
We traveled around in a van with a very helpful guide who answered all my questions (and there were many!). She gave us a really interesting insight into life in the city. We learned about everything from the reasons behind the frequent protests in Plaza de Mayo to how yellow fever played a role in the development of the city’s wealthier neighborhoods.
We covered a lot of ground in just 3 hours. It also helped me to decide where I wanted to return to later on (Spoiler alert: La Boca was high on that list!). If I were you, I’d make some notes and pin locations on your map as you go!
I also really enjoyed visiting the beautiful Metropolitan Cathedral and learning more about the Casa Rosada. We also got to see a makeshift COVID memorial. This started after the government allowed public mourning for Maradona’s funeral, which was quite touching.
Overall, this is a fantastic option for getting to know Buenos Aires. The guide was super welcoming, and the small group setting made it easy to get to know other travelers. Everyone was very friendly, and we all chatted as we drove around.
This small-group tour costs only $35 USD per person, including roundtrip transportation from your central Buenos Aires accommodation. Morning tours pick up around 9 am, and afternoon tours pick up around 2 pm. There’s also an option to do a more comprehensive 5-hour long tour for $57 USD per person.
Secure your spot on our favorite Buenos Aires sightseeing tour here!
Related Read: If you’d prefer to get out of the city for a bit, these are the best day trips from Buenos Aires to choose from!
Why do a Sightseeing Tour in Buenos Aires
To get your bearings
When visiting a new city – especially one as vast as Buenos Aires – a tour can help you get your bearings. It sets you up nicely for the rest of your trip, whether you’re spending two or 3 days in Buenos Aires – or even several weeks! You’ll get a lay of the land and the local lifestyle. As such, you’ll be much more prepared for the rest of your time here.
Because Buenos Aires is HUGE
Plus, Buenos Aires is a really big city – we’re talking 48 different neighborhoods and 203 square kilometers (78.3 square miles). There’s a lot of ground to cover, and city tours often include transportation. So basically, you can travel all over the city in a single day!
Since the city is huge, it can be hard to know what to do and where to start. But with a tour, the itinerary is decided for you. There’s zero planning on your end, and you can rest assured they’ll take you to the top spots.
Because Buenos Aires is so unique!
Lastly, ask any local, and they’ll tell you that Buenos Aires is very different from the rest of the country. And while I highly recommend exploring other parts of Argentina, Buenos Aires deserves its own special tour.
In fact, it’s actually known as the Paris of South America because of its refined architecture, culture, and entertainment scene. There’s even a special name for people who live here: porteños (which means “people of the port”) because lots of people arrived here by boat.
Taking a tour of Buenos Aires can help you understand what makes this capital so different. A city tour will also give you a greater insight into Argentina’s history and help you appreciate its unique blend of influences. Overall, you’ll learn just how Buenos Aires was shaped into the charming and exciting city it is today.
Learn more about our top sightseeing tour in Buenos Aires here!
Other Activities to do While You’re in Buenos Aires
The Argentine Experience is just one of many fun things you can do in Buenos Aires. So if you’re looking for even more activities, check out some of my favorites below!
- See a tango show – Since Buenos Aires is where tango was born, you just know the tango shows in Buenos Aires are next level. But seriously, we were blown away by the dancers and the incredible meal as part of this House of Tango Show.
- Gran Café Tortoni – Gran Café Tortoni is one of the oldest cafes in the city and has even been named one of the most beautiful cafes in the world! This is the perfect place to grab a late-morning coffee or medialunas (mini croissants).
- Eat amazing food – One of the best meals I’ve EVER had was at The Argentine Experience in Buenos Aires. This was an interactive night out with a bit of cooking and a lot of eating. It was so much fun and you can book a spot online here to experience it too!
- Walk through the Botanical Gardens – The Botanical Gardens provide a beautiful natural refuge right in the Palermo neighborhood. Entry is free, and you’ll find an impressive array of flora, fauna, and butterflies. Right across the road, you’ll find the Ecoparque Zoologico, which no longer houses caged animals. Instead, you’ll spot free-range capybaras and peacocks in an open-air environment.
- Experience the gaucho lifestyle – Gauchos are Argentina’s cowboys and an integral part of the culture. To experience this firsthand, book a gaucho tour in Buenos Aires! You can head to the countryside on this Estancia Tour, which includes horseback riding, a barbecue feast, and stories from the gauchos themselves.
Where to Stay in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Now that you know the best things to do in Buenos Aires, 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. Here are my top picks for various price ranges.
Hilton Buenos Aires – $$$
You can’t beat the location with the riverside Hilton Buenos Aires. You’ll be within walking distance to downtown as well as the Playa Reserva Ecológica Buenos Aires. It’s also where you’ll board the boat on the Tigre Delta Cruise! There’s a rooftop pool to relax in or sit down for a meal or drink at the hotel’s restaurant or bar.
The service is exceptional, and the rooms are spacious. It’s a more expensive place to stay at $250-$350 USD per night, but worth it if you’re looking for a five-star experience. So for the ultimate luxury in Buenos Aires, book your stay at the Hilton online here.
Grand Brizo Buenos Aires – $$
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 – $250 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 be under $70 USD! To snag this awesome deal, I highly recommend you check availability and book online in advance.
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!
Buenos Aires is a huge, vibrant city with so much to explore. When you first arrive, I highly suggest taking a sightseeing tour. It definitely helped me get my bearings and plan the rest of my stay. And if you weren’t sure which to choose, I hope you’ve found one from this list!
If you want to learn more before planning your visit, read my blogs all about Argentina here. This country is just so diverse, with everything from mountains and glaciers to beautiful cities. To give you an idea, I’ve linked to a few articles below. Thanks for reading and safe travels!
10 Things to KNOW Before Booking a Tango Show in Buenos Aires
Ultimate Guide to Visiting Puerto Madryn, Argentina +10 BEST Things to do