Location: Buenos Aires
Top Things to do in Buenos Aires
Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day 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. Teatro Colon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24,085 reviews
The Teatro Colon, in the City of Buenos Aires, is considered one of the best theaters in the world. Acknowledged for its acoustics and the artistic value of its construction, it turned 100 years in 2008.
Reviewed By CanadaPipa1 - Montreal, Canada
I walked into the Teatro Colón box office one morning and was able to book an English speaking guided tour within the hour. It cost $1000 pesos which was well worth the visit. Luckily, the group of this tour was relatively small, which made the visit a more intimate experience. The informative tour gradually led to the exquisite Concert Hall where we were seated in one of the main balconies which overlooked the stage and impressive auditorium. You could only imagine what it would be like to attend a concert, opera or ballet here. Given the time & opportunity, I would have gladly done this.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Museo Nacional De Arte Decorativo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,016 reviews
This grand mansion, a neoclassical masterpiece, has a fascinating collection of period furnishings, silver, sculptures, paintings and Zubov miniatures from Russia.
Reviewed By WImom - Fond du Lac, United States
This museum is free of charge and open from 12:30-19:00. Closed on Mondays. There is an English tour at 1:30 PM which we briefly took part in. This is a residence of a wealthy family, the Alvears, in Argentina. There are many beautiful antiques and paintings in a multi-story museum. Spent about an hour here.
5. Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,910 reviews
This not-for-profit art museum and cultural center first opened its doors in 2001 with the mission to promote contemporary Latin American artists.
Reviewed By lynnmD6309XP - Houston, United States
We saw the Arte Latinoamericano 1900-1970 exhibit. Colecion Malta. Very much enjoyed it. My husband and our two friends enjoyed the earlier pieces (chronological) of art more, whereas I enjoyed the art most from the middle to the end (1970). The later art was very contemporary and I love contemporary. Some of the artists I enjoyed the most were Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueoros, Antonio Berni, Claudio Tazzi, Romulo Maccio, Jorge de la Vega, Rogelio Polesello, Augusta Luis de Campos, Gregorio Vardanega, Yente, Roberto Matta, and Frida Khali (one piece). Many of these names were new to me, so I took note so I can study their works further on my own. The museum was busy, but pleasantly busy. Not so many people as to feel crowded, and most people were very respectful of your space when viewing a piece you wanted to spend more time with.
6. Fundacion Proa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,276 reviews
Fundación Proa is a contemporary art center known for its groundbreaking exhibits from world-famous vanguard artists such as Duchamp, Giacometti, Malevich or Ai WeiWei, to name a few. Proa is located in an Italian house from the 19th century, entirely refurbished including a modern glass façade, and just a few steps from Caminito, the city’s most famous street in the historic neighborhood of La Boca, home of tango and Boca Juniors football team. If you plan to visit us, make sure to check out Proa21, our brand new place dedicated to contemporary artistic experimentation and investigation, just one block away from the main building. CAFE PROA - THE BEST VIEW! You can also have something to eat and drink a glass of wine in our Café while you enjoy a panoramic view over the Riachuelo and the landmark Transbordador bridge. LIBRARY & SHOP Visit our shop and bookstore with a unique selection of objects from local designers, art publications and books from independent publishers.
Reviewed By maximilianoc31
This is an international class museum, located in La Boca neighborhood from Buenos Aires, near Bombonera Stadium. It has a modern and beatiful architecture. I also recommend going to the Cafe in the top floor.
7. 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.
8. Basilica de Nuestra Senora Del Pilar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,535 reviews
Argentine chapel built in the 1700s.
Reviewed By 58flavial - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Lovely church from the colonial times. Recently discovered some tunnels that join the main churches made to escape in case of invasion. I specially love the altar.
9. Centro Cultural Borges
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 833 reviews
Reviewed By louisa756 - Dallas, United States
This Argentine tango show is held inside the Borges Cultural Center (BCC) located inside the beautiful Galerias Pacifico shopping center in Buenos Aires. Theater type seats are basic, cushioned, and comfortable. Different performances of tango are scheduled for different days during the week. Three of us went to see Pasion de Tango show on a Tuesday evening. One of the few early tango shows in Buenos Aires central area so you can plan other activities such as wining and dining at other places. One purchases open-seating tickets at least one-hour before the show at their manned kiosk inside the BCC. Cost in Feb 2020 was only $900 Argentine Pesos. Cash only, no credit cards. Theatre is air-conditioned and kept at a comfortable temperature. Lighting is good. Sound is good. No photography or video recording of any kind is allowed during the performance. They sell DVDs after the show however, we never found them. The performance included a small live band which played quite well. The dancers performed historic Argentine tangos covering several periods and costume changes. A solo male singer serenaded the audience between dances. The entire show started early at 8 pm and ended at just over an hour. This allows finding dinner later at a dedicated restaurant. In summary, a great introduction to historic Argentine tangos with no frills (no drinks or food service to gouge patrons).
10. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales Bernardino Rivadavia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 978 reviews
Reviewed By Lisa0418
The museum was big and fun. A lot of big skeletons and cool foot prints of the dinosaurs. The bottom floor had dinosaurs and prehistoric mammals, along with some modern day birds and ocean creatures. In one room was rocks and minerals and another had an aquarium of fish. The museum was very cool, and I would visit it again.
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