Location: Buenos Aires
Top Things to do in Buenos Aires
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Buenos Aires, Capital Federal District
The birthplace of the tango is, like the dance itself, captivating, seductive and bustling with excited energy. Atmospheric old neighborhoods are rife with romantic restaurants and thumping nightlife, and Buenos Aires' European heritage is evident in its architecture, boulevards and parks. Cafe Tortoni, the city's oldest bar, will transport you back to 1858, and the spectacular Teatro Colon impresses just as it did in 1908. Latin America's shopping capital offers the promise of premium retail therapy along its grand, wide boulevards.
Restaurants in Buenos Aires
1. Catedral Primada
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,255 reviews
This 1827 cathedral, a mixture of several architectural styles, houses the remains of Argentine Liberator General Jose de San Martin in a marble mausoleum.
Reviewed By 251wesleyc - Tucson, United States
AKA Catedral Metropolitano in some guidebooks. 8th Catholic Church to be built on this site -- consecrated in 1836. Greco-Roman style with 12 columns for the 12 apostles. The interior is much more impressive than the exterior (which looks more like a courthouse). Gorgeous main altar and multiple beautiful side chapels. Beautiful mosaic tile floors. Be sure to look for the masoleum holding the remains of General Jose de San Martin, the hero of Argentina's war for independence from Spain. A "must see" attraction located on the Plaza de Mayo near the Casa Rosada.
2. Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,839 reviews
There’s no fee to enter this fine museum housing significant works of the European masters from pre-Renaissance days to the present and a vast collection of 19th- and 20th-century Argentine sculptures and paintings.
Reviewed By westy54 - Sydney, Australia
This two storey classic building is full of treasures. On the ground floor there was room after room (24 in all) of Old Masters and Impressionists including Tintoretto, Titian, Pisano, Rembrandt, Reubens (x 2), Velazquez, Zurbaran, El Greco, Goya, Giordano, Sisley, Monet (x2), Manet, Renoir, Van Gough, Gauguin, Toulouse-Latrec, Degas (several of these) plus a good number of Rodin sculptures. Then there were the rooms of Argentinian painters whose names were, unfortunately, not previously known to me but the works by Pueyrredon, de Carcova, Lopez and others appealed. We did though encounter one act of total stupidity. They briefly closed off the room where there were a number of Degas paintings to hang from the ceiling a nondescript piece of modern art that covered a large part of the view of one of Degas’ paintings of dancers. Not sure who’s idea this was but it was certainly dumb. Of less appeal, however, were the modern art displays in the rooms on the first floor, mainly it appeared by Argentinian and other South American painters/artists. There was a special display in a large gallery at the back of the building of approximately 50 works by Jean Miro that were on loan from Madrid’s Reina Sofia. This was very good. Disappointingly there was no cafe, where you could have a coffee and take a break, or for that matter a shop. The latter is probably a wasted opportunity to recoup some costs.
3. Cemiterio de Recoleta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26,659 reviews
The most celebrated Argentineans, including Eva Peron and her family, are buried at this elaborate cemetery, where mausoleums replicate chapels, pyramids and Greek temples.
Reviewed By susanlJ3439QM
Likely best to do this with a local tour guide ( We used Class Adventure Travel who provided us with a guide named Santiago who was superb.). A private guide can customize according to your interests, can tell you about the various tombs....there are many very specific historical stories about those who are buried here and a local guide will be able to elaborate which makes it even more interesting. Early morning is better before the big tour buses arrive.
4. Calle Defensa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,536 reviews
Architectural landmarks in the city’s oldest neighborhood have been restored, and this revitalized area is distinctly artistic, with cafes, antique shops, cobblestone streets and lots of artists and dancers.
Reviewed By pnc87
Loved staying in this historic part of Buenos Aires. The Sunday flea market is amazing, the restaurants, wine bars, tango displays, pop-up music events, gorgeous 19th century architecture, cobblestone streets, art galleries, unique local designer shops, this place has it all. And it even had a few restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day which was a nice surprise.
5. Recoleta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21,652 reviews
This fashionable, upscale neighborhood is lined with cafes, boutiques and galleries and morphs into a street fair on weekends.
Reviewed By 58flavial - Buenos Aires, Argentina
This is a lovely place for walking on week days (on weekends is full of people) and visit the Recoleta's church, the Recoleta's cementery, the Fine Arts museum, have a "café" in La biela "Remarkable bar", go shopping in the elegant Alvear Avenue or Recoleta Mall or eating in a lot of restaurants.
6. Puerto Madero
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41,553 reviews
By day, this riverfront area is a booming business and shopping district and by night, a hip neighborhood with pricey restaurants and fashionable clubs.
Reviewed By Getaway756019
A place by the river where Nature meets the city, the Woman's Bridge, and a cute passage by the river to go for a stroll during the Summer, and get the breeze. Nice restaurants, ice cream places and gourmet stores around too. Don't miss it.
7. Parque 3 de Febrero
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,420 reviews
Reviewed By rgottesman - Acton, United States
We walked through this park en route to the Bosque (middle of the park) but never made it there. Once we saw the Lago (lake) with the boat rentals we simply had to stay and do some paddle boating. Up to that point, we saw walkers, joggers, and people sitting on the lawn. That alone makes this a great spot in central Buenos Aires. We rented a paddle boat suitable for 4 people, with a small roof. Cost was about 800AP ($12USD) for 30 minutes. Started out fun and fine, then the skies opened up with rain, and we simply got drenched! We finally paddled back and got out, with dozens of people taking shelter from the weather. I asked at the ticket booth if we can extend for another couple hours (as a joke) and we were told "they were closed" - at which time I presented out coupon receipt and with no further words she refunded me the entire 800. Very nice of them to do that! We would definitely come back if we find the time. Do try the boats on Lago Palermo there!
8. Centro Cultural Kirchner
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,011 reviews
The communications office of Buenos Aires, a scintillating example of the city's gorgeous architecture.
Reviewed By LaOsa_life - Munich, Germany
I visited this center several times for free concerts. They all have been high level quality and they were from classic to tango music! Never in my life I found a place like this anywhere.
9. Bosques de Palermo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,238 reviews
Open to the public since 1874, the Bosques de Palermo is the oldest park in Buenos Aires.
Reviewed By anagracielal2017 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
This place is the best to relax from the speed of the traffic, the sound of it and the crowded downtown. There are lots of beautiful trees, lakes with boats and ducks and gees, a hugh rose garden with many different species, an Spanish patio with original ceramics from Andalucia, a Planetarium recently upgraded, and a municipal golf link. So any tourist must visit Palermo !! Also nice statues, dont miss them. And an Art Museum and restaurants.
10. Lagos de Palermo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,248 reviews
Reviewed By irelleyoko - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Just like Bosques de Palermo, this helps you escape from the concrete jungle and enjoy some time with the nature.
