Location: Recoleta
Top Things to do in Recoleta
Top 10 Things to do in Recoleta, 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. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Museo Participativo De Ciencias
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
At this museum, kids are encouraged to touch everything—from the science displays that explain how electricity, gravity and other marvels actually work. Here, it’s all about noisy, interactive fun.
6. Museo Xul Solar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed in NY Times article of BA, art of Argentine artist Xul Solar
7. Uru Recoleta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Leather factory- Taylor made
Reviewed By mcsc-squared - New York City, United States
We came upon Uru by chance and loved their leather jackets but all the floor samples we liked weren't sized right for us. They took our measurements and made 4 jackets in the color we liked, the style we wanted, and the grade of leather (3 in lamb, 1 in cow) in 24 hours and delivered to our hotel. Tomas, our salesperson was fantastic. Very patient and very helpful.
8. Palacio Pizzurno
9. Plaza Intendente Torcuato de Alvear
10. Gomero de la Recoleta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By rgottesman - Acton, United States
Just outside the famous Recoleta Cemetary is this massively huge old gum tree. So big many of its wide limbs are held up by several wooden and iron jack posts, often creatively installed (like Atlas holding up a limb). The park in which this tree sits is also very beautiful. You won't likely "see" the tree as you expect branches everywhere in a park like this. But take a closer look and you'll see it's actually ONE tree. No, we didn't come here to see the tree (we came to see the cemetery) but while waiting for the rest of our party we explored this park and were so amazed to find this ancient treasure right in the middle of everything.
