Buenos Aires
Photo by Sebastian Cyrman on Unsplash
1 / 5Argentina · Capital city
Buenos Aires is Argentina's sprawling capital, a city of wide boulevards, stately European architecture, and a lively culture built on tango, literature, and long café evenings. With 572 hotels, from the classic Alvear Art to the bold Faena, there is plenty of choice for visitors who want to stay close to the action.
Known for: Culture · Architecture · Nightlife · Art & museums · Food
Plaza de Mayo
Av. Hipólito Yrigoyen s/n, C1087 Cdad. Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
(143,808 reviews)
The best time to visit is spring (October to November) or fall (March to April), when temperatures are mild and rain is moderate. Summer (December to February) is hot and humid, with frequent rain, while winter (June to August) is cool and drier, though nights can be chilly. For the most comfortable weather, aim for October or November, when days are warm and humidity is lower.
Recoleta suits first-timers with its elegant streets, museums, and cafes, near the Four Seasons and Sofitel. Palermo offers leafy parks, trendy bars, and restaurants, ideal for nightlife. Puerto Madero, with its waterfront and modern towers, fits those wanting a sleek stay, home to the Hilton and Faena. San Telmo, around Plaza Dorrego, appeals to history lovers with its antique markets and tango vibe.
Start at the Obelisk, the city's iconic landmark on 9 de Julio Avenue. Walk to Plaza de Mayo, the historic square surrounded by the Casa Rosada and the Cabildo. For green space, Tres de Febrero Park in Palermo is ideal for a stroll or boat ride. In San Telmo, Plaza Dorrego hosts the famous Sunday antiques fair. Palacio Barolo, a quirky tower with a Dante-inspired design, offers a unique perspective.
Full-day tours head to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay, a historic riverside town with cobblestone streets and a UNESCO-listed quarter. Gaucho ranch tours take you to an estancia in the pampas for a taste of rural life. A private tour with airfare goes to Iguazu Falls, the massive waterfall system on the border with Brazil. A wine tasting tour visits Bodega Gamboa in the nearby Mendoza region.
Plan 3 to 4 days for Buenos Aires. In that time, you can see the Obelisk, Plaza de Mayo, Palacio Barolo, and Plaza Dorrego, plus stroll through Tres de Febrero Park and Plaza General San Martín. If you want to add a day trip, like to Colonia del Sacramento or an estancia, set aside one extra day.