I want to start by saying that, if this is going to be your first time visiting Buenos Aires, I am SO excited for you. You could easily spend weeks exploring the city, but 3 days in Buenos Aires is just enough to cover the essentials.
There’s nothing I love more than wandering the tree-lined streets, checking out the latest museum exhibits, and going to parrillas and coffee shops. Add to that the rich history of a capital city and the liveliness of its people – who dance the night away at milongas and clubs, and energize soccer stadiums and concert venues – and this is a trip you won’t soon forget.
There are so many incredible things to do in this city, that it’s going to be tough to fit it all in. I’ve included the must-dos for each day, as well as bonus stops for those of you that like jam-packed days.
If you happen to have an extra day or two in the city, I have some ideas on what yo could do. Whatever your travel style, I promise you’ll have the best time!
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- 3-Day Buenos Aires Itinerary Map (with bonus stops)
- Day 1: Exploring Buenos Aires’ Historic Sites and Architecture
- Day 2: San Telmo, La Boca & Soccer Fever
- Day 3: Culture & Relaxation in Recoleta
- What to do with extra time in Buenos Aires
- Where to stay in Buenos Aires
- FAQs on spending 3 Days in Buenos Aires
- Final Thoughts
- Related Reading
3-Day Buenos Aires Itinerary Map (with bonus stops)
This map includes includes all the sites, restaurants, and coffee shops in the itinerary. Use this is a cheat sheet while you are planning your trip!
Day 1: Exploring Buenos Aires’ Historic Sites and Architecture
Plaza de Mayo
Kick off your Buenos Aires adventure by diving into the city’s historic downtown. Start at Plaza de Mayo, the city’s main square, where you’ll find the iconic Casa Rosada (Pink House)—Argentina’s presidential palace.
The Casa Rosada houses the president’s office, but no president has lived there since President Sáenz Peña in 1914. Outside of Argentina, the palace is known as the backdrop to Madonna (as Evita Peron) singing “Don’t cry for me Argentina” in the movie Evita.
Around Plaza de Mayo you’ll find several other historic buildings. Across from the Casa Rosada is El Cabildo, the colonial government house originally built in 1610, which later became the site where the revolution for independence began.
El Cabildo has a free museum that’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:30 am to 6 pm and offers guided tours. From here you can also get a great view of the Casa Rosada.
If you’re not tired of historic buildings yet, you can also stop by the Buenos Aires’ Metropolitan Cathedral. While it was originally built in the 1500s, its current structure came to be in the 19th century.
The cathedral stands out for its neoclassical style, which resembles a greek temple more than a traditional catholic cathedral.
El Obelisco, Palacio Barolo & Colon Theater
Next, fuel up at the famous Café Tortoni, a classic Buenos Aires cafe that’s been around since 1858. Order a coffee, a medialuna (Argentine croissant), or a tostado (similar to a grilled cheese, usually with ham in it) while soaking up the old-world charm.
From there, walk down Avenida de Mayo towards Avenida 9 de Julio, which until recently was the widest avenue in the world. Here you’ll see two landmarks at a distance. The first, (to your right) is the Obelisco, the city’s most recognizable monument.
The second is a giant outline of Evita Peron’s profile on the side of the Ministerio de Salud building. If you’d like to get a closer look at either of these, head in that direction.
Next walk over to Palacio Barolo, a striking architectural gem inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy. You can take a guided tour – any day of the week except Tuesday – to learn about its quirky design and climb up to its lighthouse for a panoramic view of the city.
In the afternoon, treat yourself to a tour of the Teatro Colón, one of the world’s most beautiful opera houses. The guided tour is well worth it, even if you don’t catch a performance. Tours operate from 10 am to 4:45 pm daily.
Bonus: Calle Florida & Avenida Corrientes
Florida and Corrientes streets are pedestrian-only streets that are lined with shops and theaters respectively. Corrientes is also known for its many pizza shops: the tradition is to get a cheesy slice or two before watching a play. If you’d like a panoramic view of the city, go to Galeria Güemes.
For the evening, book a tango show or attend a milonga—you can’t leave Buenos Aires without experiencing its most famous dance!
Whether you choose a full dinner-and-show package or something more intimate, it’s a perfect way to end your first day in the city. El Querandi is a smaller venue and is focused on tango, while La Ventana includes traditional folk dances as well as tango.
If you’d like a more interactive experience, join a tango lesson and milonga. Milongas are the the social gatherings where local tango dancers meet up to to dance tandas well into the night.
Day 2: San Telmo, La Boca & Soccer Fever
San Telmo
Day two is all about getting a taste of Buenos Aires’ bohemian and working-class roots. Start in San Telmo, the city’s oldest neighborhood, known for its cobblestone streets, antiques, and quirky street art.
If you’re visiting on a Sunday, don’t miss the San Telmo market, where you’ll find everything from vintage treasures to tango performances right in the streets.
TIP: If you are going to be in Buenos Aires on a Sunday, I suggest you rearrange your itinerary so you can make it to the market that day.
San Telmo’s old-school charm flows into its cafes and restaurants, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a meal in a beautiful, historic setting. La Poesía is a cozy, traditional coffee shop that also serves small bites, while Bar El Federal offers classic Argentine dishes, making it a perfect spot for a quick, authentic lunch.
La Boca
Next, head over to La Boca, the colorful neighborhood famous for its vibrant murals and brightly painted houses along el Caminito. Walk along the streets and stop in the shops.
If you have the appetite for some untraditional museum time, Fundación PROA is a contamporary art museum that is geared toward cutting edge installations, exhibits and performing art.
The museum incorporates a combination of photography, design, experimental, and audio-visual arts and is open Wedneday through Sunday from 12pm to 7pm
This area consists of just a couple of blocks and is by far the most touristy part of Buenos Aires. I actually don’t think La Boca is a must, but if you really want to check out the colorful streets, then you should definitely go!
TIP: La Boca outside of the Caminito area is not considered a particularly safe neighborhood. If you go, stick to the tourist track!
La Boca is also home to La Bombonera (the chocolate box), the stadium of Boca Juniors, one of Argentina’s top soccer teams. The stadium is famous for its near vertical walls, acoustics, and world famous soccer stars that have played there, including Maradona.
You can visit Boca’ Juniors museum (Museo de la Pasión Boquense) any day of the week between 10 am and 6 pm.
But, if you have the chance, watching a soccer game here is an amazing experience far superior to visiting the museum during the day. That said, I think watching a soccer game anywhere in Buenos Aires is worthwhile, Argentina’s passionate fans fill every cancha (field or pitch) with electric energy.
To watch a game, you’ll need to go with a tour. Tickets are technically only available to club members to avoid clashes between rival teams, so you’ll be taken by a fan. These tours usually include transfers and a meal beforehand. .
Bonus: Puerto Madero
Wrap up your day with a walk along the waterfront in Puerto Madero. This area is known for its modern buildings and is a bit more touristy.
I think it’s still worth a stroll to see the famous Puente de la Mujer and have a drink in one of the many converted industrial buildings.
If you’re up for some nature, take a quick stroll through the Reserva Ecológica, an urban oasis with walking trails that give you a peaceful escape from the city.
Wrap up your ay by having a meal at one of the city’s many parrillas. High-end options include Don Julio and El Preferido de Palermo, but you will need reservations to go! Alternately, check out La Cabrera or any parrilla near you – it’s honestly hard to go wrong!
Day 3: Culture & Relaxation in Recoleta
Recoleta Cemetery and El Ateneo
On your final day, switch gears and explore the elegant neighborhood of Recoleta. Start with a visit to the Recoleta Cemetery, where you’ll find the mausoleums of famous Argentines, including Eva Perón.
TIP: Evita is buried with her family, so her tomb is under the name Duarte - if you follow the crowds, you’ll be sure to find it.
The elaborate tombs and sculptures make this more of an open-air art gallery than a graveyard, so its easy to spend an hour or two walking around.
The cemetery is no longer free to visit, but it is still worth going. Tickets are $16,000 ARS, about $13 USD, and can be bought at the cemetery or in advance here.
If you don’t mind a small detour, I recommend you walk a few extra blocks to El Ateneo Grand Splendid, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, located inside a converted theater. It’s a great place to relax, grab a coffee, and browse some books before wrapping up your Buenos Aires trip.
As you walk around Recoleta, keep an eye out for giant gomeros (rubber trees)! Some of these trees are hundreds of years old and can spread 50 meters (160ft) wide. There is a particular one called Gomero de la Recoleta you can stop by to make sure you don’t miss them, but it is a fairly crowded spot given its proximity to the Recoleta Cemetery.
Another worthwhile pit stop is Pasaje Suizo. It’s one of Buenos Aires’ many charming alleys. This one is particularly beautiful and has a few restaurants, including the fancy and well-regarded Aramburu.
Speaking of restaurants, there are plenty of great options in Recoleta. I recommend Jardin de Invierno for a semi-upscale lunch in a beautiful greenhouse, or El SanJuanino for a laid back traditional Argentine meal.
Art Museums
After lunch I recommend you visit at least one of two art museums: Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes or MALBA (Museum of Latin American Art). They’re both very manageable in size and can be visited in an hour or two each.
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is closest to the Recoleta cemetery, and houses masterpieces from both Argentine and international artists. MALBA, on the other hand, is geared toward modern and contemporary art and features an incredible collection of works from across the region.
Either after visiting the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes or on your way to the MALBA, stop by the Floralis Generica, a massive steel flower sculpture that opens and closes with the sunlight.
Bonus: Buenos Aires’ Parks
If you have time and the weather allows, unwind with a peaceful walk through the Japanese Gardens or El Rosedal. Pick up some pastries or snacks to have a little picnic, and enjoy the people watching. Buenos Aires’ many parks are one of the city’s best features!
What to do with extra time in Buenos Aires
If you have more than 3 days in Buenos Aires, or would like some alternate ideas, I highly recommend you spend some time exploring the Palermo neighborhood and do a day trip to El Tigre.
Explore Palermo
Palermo is the perfect place to slow down the pace, and simply walk, shop, and eat your way through town.
You can start with breakfast at some of the best coffee shops in Buenos Aires, including Vive Cafe and LAB Tostadores, just to name a few!
Read more: Guide to Buenos Aires’ Best Specialty Coffee Shops
The neighborhood also has incredible restaurants. From high-end parrillas like Don Julio and El Preferido de Palermo, incredible south Asian food at Gran Dabbang, and laid back lunch spots like Cucina Paradiso, the possibilities are basically endless.
Shopping is another popular activity in the neighborhood. There a lots of local stores throughout, including around Plaza Armenia and Plaza Serrano.
Plaza Serrano is also known for its weekend market, where vendors sell their handmade crafts and trinkets. Mercado de las Pulgas is huge flea market open all week long, and its a great place to find unique antiques and souvenirs!
As you walk around, don’t miss the murals scattered throughout! If you don’t want to miss these, a street art tour is a great option.
Take a day trip to El Tigre
Just an hour north of Buenos Aires, El Tigre is a perfect day trip to escape the city and experience a unique riverside town along the Paraná Delta. With charming boat rides, outdoor markets, and beautiful nature, El Tigre offers a slower pace and a completely different vibe from Buenos Aires.
El Tigre is easy to get to: the Mitre Line train gets you there in 50 minutes. Once there, you’ll visit the Puerto de Frutos, a market by the river where you can pick out crafts and other local goods.
Take a catamaran tour or rent a kayak or boat to explore the Delta at your pace. The boat will take you along the winding canals of the Paraná Delta, where you’ll pass houses on stilts, lush greenery, and locals paddling around in canoes.
Afterwards, walk along Paseo Victorica, the boardwalk along the river, until you reach the Museo de Arte Tigre. The museum is housed in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building. Even if you are not so interested in 19th and 20th century Argentinian art, its worth visiting for the architecture and gardens.
Where to stay in Buenos Aires
There is no shortage of accommodation options in Buenos Aires, so here are a few recommendations to get you started.
If you want to be close to all the main sights, I recommend you stay in Recoleta or San Telmo. These neighborhoods are safe, vibrant, and also have a good variety of dinning options.
If you’d like to stay in an area that has the greatest amount of restaurants and bars, but is still just 15 minutes from the action, I recommend Palermo Soho or Hollywood.
Recoleta
Hub Porteño | Hub Porteño is a stylish boutique hotel in Recoleta, known for its spacious rooms and personalized service, making it a cozy spot for a relaxed stay in Buenos Aires
Alvear Palace | If decadent, old-timey luxury is your thing, then you have to stay at this 5-star hotel in Recoleta.
Studio Apartment | This apartment has a really nice pool, a gym, hot tub, and fully equipped kitchen. It’s also very well located and boasts amazing views of the city!
San Telmo
L’Addresse Hôtel Boutique | This hotel blends modern style with classic charm, offering cozy rooms in a historic building. It’s a quiet, welcoming spot, perfect for soaking up the laid-back vibe of Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhood.
San Telmo 360 | This studio apartment is located right at the edge of the neighborhood, offering easy access to downtown and Puerto Madero. The apartment building has a pool and hot tub, gym, and 24-hour front desk.
Circus Hostel | Circus Hostel in San Telmo is a fun, budget-friendly spot with a cool vibe and a mix of private rooms and dorms. It’s a great place to meet other travelers, with a pool and chill common areas, all in the heart of Buenos Aires’ historic neighborhood.
Palermo Soho & Palermo Hollywood
Jardin Escondido | Jardín Escondido is a laid-back, charming boutique hotel tucked away in Palermo. With its lush garden, cozy vibe, and a prime spot near the neighborhood’s best bars and restaurants, it feels like a hidden retreat in the city.
Magnolia Hotel Boutique | Magnolia Hotel Boutique in Palermo is a cozy, stylish spot with a homey feel and lovely decor. It’s great for travelers looking to relax while being close to all the cool cafes and shops in the vibrant neighborhood.
Casa Caravan | Casa Caravan in Palermo offers a cool, relaxed vibe with stylish rooms and a social atmosphere, perfect for meeting fellow travelers. It has private and shared rooms and is an ideal base for exploring the city.
FAQs on spending 3 Days in Buenos Aires
I’ve written an entire guide on visiting Buenos Aires with all the logistics you need to travel there. Make sure you check it out to help with your trip planning.
Read more: Buenos Aires Travel 2024: a Local’s Guide
1. What’s the best time to visit Buenos Aires?
The best time to visit is during the spring (September to November) or fall (March to May), when the weather is mild and the city is full of life. Summers (December to February) can be hot and humid, while winters (June to August) are cooler but still pleasant.
2. How do I get around the city?
Buenos Aires has an extensive public transport system, including buses and the subway. Both are cheap and efficient. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber are also widely available.
Read more: How to Navigate Public Transportation in Buenos Aires Like a Local
3. Is Buenos Aires safe for tourists?
Yes, Buenos Aires is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular areas like Recoleta, Palermo, and San Telmo. However, like in any big city, be mindful of your belongings, avoid displaying valuables, and be cautious in less touristy areas, especially at night.
4. Do I need to speak Spanish to get by?
While it helps to know a few basic phrases, many people in tourist areas speak at least some English. Learning a few key phrases in Spanish can go a long way, though, and locals will appreciate the effort.
6. Can I drink the tap water in Buenos Aires?
Yes, tap water in Buenos Aires is safe to drink. Bottled water is also readily available if you prefer.
7. How much should I tip?
Tipping isn’t mandatory but is appreciated. In restaurants, it’s customary to leave a 10% tip. You can also tip taxi drivers by rounding up the fare or leaving small change.
8. What currency is used in Buenos Aires, and should I bring cash?
The currency in Buenos Aires is the Argentine peso (ARS). Many places accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases, taxis, and markets. Money in Argentina (including accessing cash) is very complicated, though. For more information, check out my full guide on navigating money in Argentina.
Final Thoughts
By the end of these three days, you’ll have soaked up Buenos Aires’ rich history, vibrant culture, and local flavor—and hopefully, you’ll already be planning your return!
Related Reading
Buenos Aires Travel 2024: a Local’s Guide
Navigating Money in Argentina: A Traveler’s Guide to Exchange Rates, Cash, and Credit Cards
Guide to Buenos Aires’ Best Specialty Coffee Shops
How to Navigate Public Transportation in Buenos Aires Like a Local
Vive café is my favorite!! Best coffee I’ve ever had
Right?! Those cappuccinos are amazing