Argentina is one of the most popular destinations in South America, and for those who are flying in internationally, it's likely their flights will land in Buenos Aires. While sometimes, skipping a capital city to get out to the countryside is ideal, in the case of Buenos Aires, travelers could easily base their entire trip off of this bustling, vibrant, colorful city. For those who don't know where to start planning, here are 10 great things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
10 Eat Argentinian Barbecue
Argentinian barbecue is not the same type of barbecue one might expect in the US South, but rather, a classic way of grilling meats, most commonly beef, in Argentina. Better known as "Asado," which gets its origin from the Spanish word "asar," which means to grill. Visitors in Argentina will see "barbecue" or "Asado" restaurants all over the city of Buenos Aires, and though it can be hard to narrow down where to eat, some of the best spots are Estilo Campo Restaurante, Elena, and Don Julio.
9 Drink Malbec
Similarly to eating Asado as a literal requirement when visiting Buenos Aires, drinking Malbec (for those who indulge in alcohol) is a must. 75% of the world's Malbec is produced in Mendoza, Argentina, but those who don't have time to make it out to the wine regions, they'll have no problem finding Malbec on every menu in the city of Buenos Aires. There are plenty of wine bars and wine shops, and of course, at Duty-Free, travelers can take home a bottle of the good stuff.
8 Visit The Colorful Neighborhood Of La Boca
For those who want to feel like they're living in a cartoon painting, the colorful Buenos Aires neighborhood of La Boca is as close as it gets. It's located right by the water, and the streets are not only extremely colorful but overflowing with eateries, live music, street vendors, bars, cafés, shops, and museums. La Boca is known as the birthplace of the tango, so expect to see live dancing, even if stumbled upon accidentally. While La Boca is a notoriously beautiful neighborhood, it is not recommended to visit after midday, as locals advise that the neighborhood has a reputation for being unsafe at night.
7 Try Some Street Food
One of the best ways to get to know a new city or country is by diving into the cuisine. So much can be learned through the food: about the history, the local produce, the people, the technique, and the influence. A great way to ensure travelers try as much local food as possible is by indulging in some Latin American street food. In Buenos Aires, there's simply no shortage of it. Try empanadas filled with meats and queso, Choripán (arguably the most popular sandwich in Argentina, filled with grilled chorizo and salsa served on a French baguette), and of course, alfajores on the go are not to be missed.
6 Buy A Messi Jersey
Argentina is still reeling from its recent FIFA World Cup win, and no city is as excited about it as Buenos Aires. All over the city, Messi jerseys are sold by vendors trying to capitalize off of their recent win, and why shouldn't they? Give back to the locals, and join the celebration by purchasing a Messi jersey as a perfect, timely souvenir from a 2023 trip to Buenos Aires.
5 Visit The "Parisian" Neighborhood Of Recoleta
Buenos Aires has a reputation of being known as the "Little Paris" of South America. This is because, in the 1840s, many French immigrants came to Argentina, and their influence remains intact today. There are many French-style buildings and architecture that might make travelers scratch their heads and ask, "Is this Buenos Aires or Paris?" but no neighborhood transports visitors to the European nation as quickly as Recoleta. Take a stroll, and sip some Malbec (because Malbec, though primarily produced in Argentina, originated in France!).
4 Stroll Through San Telmo
San Telmo is a fun neighborhood in the heart of Buenos Aires. It has a bohemian vibe and is filled with street art, eateries, and late-night spots for food and drinks, and the streets are all cobblestone, giving it an old-time European feel. Much of the original architecture is preserved here, and there are several parks to walk through in the neighborhood, which sometimes have pop-up markets on the weekends. For those looking to stay in this popular neighborhood, Merit San Telmo is a great option.
3 Try Italian Food
"Why is there so much Italian food in Buenos Aires?" travelers might ask while they walk through the city and see signs on every corner for pizza, pasta, and gelato. Argentina has the second-largest number of Italian residents outside of Italy (Brazil is first) due to a heavy influx of immigration in the early 1900s. Names like Francesco, Enzo, Emilia, and more are common in Buenos Aires due to the Italian population. While Buenos Aires overall has an entirely different feel from Italy, the food might transport visitors to a café in Florence or Catania. Try milanesa, commonly found on most menus throughout the city, to see who does it better: Argentina or Italy!
2 Buy Dulce De Leche As Souvenirs
Food tends to be the theme of this list, but it's for good reason. The food in Buenos Aires is arguably the best in all of South America, so it's highly advised that travelers take full advantage of eating their way through this vibrant city. One might think dulce de leche is simply melted down sugar into a caramel-like spread, but in Buenos Aires, it's an addictive snack, even for those who don't have the biggest sweet tooth. Its creamy texture and sweet taste is simply irresistible, and dulce de leche shops are commonly found throughout the city. Buy a few small jars that are carry-on friendly to bring home to friends and family (or keep them).
1 Visit Teatro Colón
National Geographic released a list of the ten best opera houses in the world, and in that list is Buenos Aires' Teatro Colón. For those who can catch a show, it is absolutely worth it. For those who cannot, simply visit the opera house and take in its glorious architecture, or take a guided tour to learn why this opera house is so important.