Things to do in Buenos Aires
A one day itinerary to Buenos Aires's must see attractions
The capital of Argentina is a cosmopolitan city with a lot of cultural offerings. Spend your day visiting the beautiful Palermo district, the famous Recoleta Cemetery and the buzzing downtown shopping district, before savouring sumptuous Argentinean beef and treating yourself to a few tango lessons in the evening.Palermo
Head for the upmarket Palermo district in the eastern part of Buenos Aires and visit the Rosedal and Palermo’s Lake. Enjoy a relaxing morning strolling around the beautiful gardens or in a rented paddle boat on the lake, before moving on to the trendy neighbourhood of Palermo Viejo - offering charming cobblestone streets and numerous interesting shops.
Buenos Aires Zoo
Also located in the Palermo district, The Buenos Aires Zoo covers 18 hectares and contains 89 species of mammals, 49 species of reptiles and 175 species of birds. Boasting a total of over 2,500 different animal species, the institution’s goals are to conserve species, produce research and to educate the public.
La Biela Café
Head for the Recoleta district and find your way to La Biela Café – located near the renowned Recoleta Cemetery. Sit outside underneath the huge ancient rubber tree and have a leisurely, luxurious lunch before moving on to one of Buenos Aires’ main attractions.
Recoleta Cemetery
The elaborate Recoleta Cemetery tombs were built above ground because the bodies would float to the surface in the marshy land, and tombs that have fallen into disrepair are often not maintained - so be prepared to see a few coffins. The cemetery houses the crypts of some of the most important Argentine historical figures, including several presidents, scientists and the celebrated Eva Perón. Bring your camera and keep a look out for the calico cats haunting the cemetery.
National Fine Arts Museum
Close to the cemetery this top-notch museum brings home to you the fact that Buenos Aires was a rich part of the European mainstream for much of its history. Some well-known impressionists are represented, including a few magnificent Degas ballerinas.
MicroCentro
Head downtown to Florida and Lavalle Street – pedestrian streets featuring a variety of shops and shopping arcades selling leather goods, jewellery, books and souvenirs. San Telmo and all other attractions of Buenos Aires’ city centre are within walking distance, so spend your late afternoon exploring this area at your own pace. At the intersection of Florida and Lavalle Street there is often interesting street performances going on - especially at night. Head back to your hotel if you want to freshen up, or stay for dinner – savouring the best beef in the world or a perfect Italian pizza.
Tango
A trip to Buenos Aires is not complete without some sort of experience of the national dance of Argentina. Pick up a copy of the monthly magazine El Tangauta - the bible of everything Tango going on in Buenos Aires. Tango is best experienced in the Milongas – where you’ll find plenty of friendly locals more than willing to show you how to dance through the night.