NatalieKnown as the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is the lively capital of Argentina. As soon as you hop off the plane, you will fall in love with the city’s European flair mixed with South American charm.
From Palermo, with its trendy bars and shops, to San Telmo, known for its bohemian vibes and antique markets, this Buenos Aires Two-day itinerary will give you a taste of this fabulous city.
Are you ready to tango in Buenos Aires? Here is a curated 2-day itinerary to help you experience the best of the big BA.
What is the best time to visit Buenos Aires?
The seasons are reversed in Argentina compared to the US because it’s in the Southern Hemisphere. So while the US and the northern hemisphere experience winter from December to February, Argentina experiences summer!
The best time to visit Buenos Aires (and Argentina in general) is from December to February. During these months, the city comes alive with festivals, outdoor concerts, and street life.
For mild temperatures, you’ll want to visit in the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May).
Where is the best place to stay in Buenos Aires?
There are four popular neighborhoods in Argentina for visitors: Palermo, Recoleta, San Telmo, and Puerto Madero.
- Palermo: Known for its trendy vibe. Palermo offers a mix of boutiques, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful parks. It’s divided into Palermo Soho (more food options) and Palermo Hollywood (more shopping options). If this was NYC, it would be SOHO.
- Recoleta: An upscale neighborhood famous for its architecture and where the iconic Recoleta Cemetery is located. The neighborhood offers a refined experience with upscale boutiques and cultural attractions like museums and art galleries. NYC comparison would be Upper East Side.
- San Telmo: This is a neighborhood that oozes bohemian charm. From its historic cobblestone streets and tango culture, it’s known for its antique shops, the San Telmo Market, and traditional tango clubs. NYC vibe would be Brooklyn.
Day 1: Explore Buenos Aires Historical Sites and Recoleta
Morning – Historical Sites and a Walking Tour
Wake up and grab an Uber to Plaza de Mayo, the city’s historic central square. While there, you can see the Casa Rosada, the pink presidential palace, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Next, get a coffee before joining a walking tour to get your bearings in the city. While there are a lot of tour companies you can choose from, we usually pick a free walking tour.
These tours are free, but you tip your guide at the end – we decided to do the Recoleta and Retiro Tour which was the perfect option for this itinerary.
This tour takes you through the wealthy Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires, starting with a visit to the iconic Teatro Colón opera house and continuing to landmarks like Templo Libertad, Plaza San Martín, and the mansions of Palacio San Martín and Palacio Paz.
The tour will end right at the Recoleta Cemetery which is where you’ll spend your afternoon.
Afternoon – Recoleta Cemetery and Speak Easy’s
After you’ve said goodbye to your tour – head over to the Recoleta Cemetery.
The cemetery’s intricate mausoleums and tombs showcase a wide range of architectural influences, including Gothic, Art Nouveau, and Neo-Classical.
Recoleta Cemetery’s biggest claim to fame is that it’s the final resting place of Eva Perón (Evita). Evita was the First Lady of Argentina and is known for her tireless advocacy for the rights of the working class and marginalized communities
You may be familiar with her from the 1996 Evita Movie starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas.
After you’ve finished checking out the cemetery, grab a drink at one of the most famous speak easy’s in Buenos Aires, Florería Atlántico.
Florería Atlántico is located in what looks like a quaint (but beautiful) flower shop, but after you open the freezer and walk down a set of stairs, you’ll find a stunning nautical-inspired bar. It’s also been named one of the best 50 bars in the world for multiple years in a row!
TIP: If your forgot to grab a reservation and Florería Atlántico is busy, grab a drink at Rotiseria Atlántico right next door (its owned by the same restaurant group and has some yummy drinks and food to hold you over while you wait for your table).
Evening – Steak Dinner in Palermo
Next stop, head to a right of passage in Buenos Aires, getting steak at Don Julio. This is the quintessential steak house in Buenos Aires and you will need to get reservations well in advance… but it is SO worth it.
If you want to continue your night after dinner, check out Tres Monos, another winner of the 50 Best Bars in the World just a a block or two away.
Day 2: Buenos Aires Bohemia and Tango
Morning – San Telmo Shopping and Eating
Start your second day in San Telmo, a bohemian neighborhood in Buenos Aires known for its historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and its famous market.
Make your first stop Plaza Dorrego, the heart of San Telmo. If its a Sunday, you can check out the popular Sunday market where tons of street vendors sell local crafts and artwork set up shop along the cobblestone road.
After head to the indoor to the San Telmo Market with food stalls, artisanal products, and local crafts.
Afternoon – Explore the colorful streets of La Boca
Next, make your way to La Boca. You can get to La Boca by cab or Uber – just as to go to Caminito.
La Boca used to be a working class port area where European immigrants, particularly Italians, settled. Today, La Boca is famous for its colorful houses, lively street art, and the iconic Caminito street.
While we were there we grabbed a bite to eat from a street vendor who set up shop with a grill outside of a bodega – some f the best food we had in Argentina.
Evening – Catch a Tango Show in Buenos Aires
I don’t think you can say you’ve been to Buenos Aires without seeing a Tango show. There are so many options to see authentic Tango in Buenos Aires.
We personally chose Rojo Tango. While it was on the pricer side (about $200USD per ticket) its the crème de la crème when it comes to Tango in Buenos Aires. Located inside the exclusive Faena Hotel, expect a moulin rouge style with red carpets, red drapes, and quaint tables for two to watch the show.
If you’re looking for a more casual tango experience I’d choose Bar Los Laureles, which has been around since the 1900s and is one of the most historcal tango bars in the city.
If you’re looking for a show similar to Rojo Tango without the sky-high price tag I would choose Piazolla Tango.
Conclusion
Buenos Aires is so worth seeing while you are in Argentina. This Itinerary will give you a taste of this amazing city, but there is so much more to see. Spending a few extra days will let you explore some of the amazing public parks, eating some fabulous empanadas or checking out some pretty cool speak easys.
After your time in Buenos Aires you can head out to Iguazu Falls to see the Niagara Falls of South America, drink some wine in Mendoza or even adventure in Patagonia.
Argentina offers so much fore everyone – I can’t recommend enough visiting this country.
