Table of Contents
The Top 10 Best Things To Do In Buenos Aires, Argentina
Working out an itinerary of what to do in Buenos Aires can be overwhelming when there are so many cool activities and sightseeing in Buenos Aires. If you’re planning a trip for 4 days In Buenos Aires, then this is the 4-day itinerary activities for you. There are budget options for the backpacker as well as pricier activities for you guys enjoying a well-deserved vacation.
Buenos Aires is often described as being a European city in South America. The city is indeed beautiful and certain neighborhoods do have a Parisian feel or Madrid touch. However, there is so much more than beautiful architecture to this gigantic city of over 15 million inhabitants.
Do you want to spend your time sightseeing? Or would you prefer to immerse yourself in the Porteno culture, dining on steaks and sipping red wine?
Whatever your preferred travel style, these 4 days in Buenos Aires plan will have something to suit you.
Safety In Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is an extremely metropolitan city, and like any big city, there are safe parts and dangerous parts. Public transport is safe and easy to navigate but for late at night, try not to walk for extended distances instead use registered taxis or Uber. Keep your wits about you because pickpocketing is a big problem, so make sure you hide your documents in a secret compartment with a money belt.
4 days in Buenos Aires Itinerary
Day 1 Morning
Join A City Walking Tour
What city itinerary would be complete without walking tours in Buenos Aires? They are a great option to do on your first morning in any new destination to get to grips with your surroundings. And trust me, you’ll need all the help you can get to Buenos Aires, this city is ENORMOUS.
As Buenos Aires neighborhoods are so large, you’d be better off choosing a walking tour that covers one or two of the main neighborhoods. This way you can see everything you possibly can during your 4 days in Buenos Aires. You can always do another walking tour a different day to get to know more about the city, or even a Grafitti tour to try something different.
Most walking tours include a stop off for food, take your chance to try the famous Argentinian choripan drizzled in the delicious chimichurri.
Address
Free Walks Buenos Aires offers a daily free tour starting from a street corner near Teatro Colón
Operating Hours
Every day at 10 am
Entry Fee
No entry fee you pay in tips
Day 1 Afternoon
Visit the Japanese Gardens
If it’s a sunny day, then your afternoon activity for your first day has to be the Japanese Gardens.
Buenos Aires is home to the biggest Japanese gardens outside of Japan and it’s truly beautiful! Spend a few hours strolling around this tranquil heaven admiring the flowers and Koi Carp ponds.
They also have a restaurant on the grounds if you are craving some Sushi for an early evening dinner. I didn’t eat here but I heard mixed reviews, so let me know what you think?
You’ll probably be tired after your first day full of your Argentina Itinerary so head back to your accommodation or enjoy a cold beer at a local bar. If you’re after cheap drinks to start your night off, head to Sullivan’s Pub in Palermo for unlimited beer offers.
Insider tip
Address
Japanese Gardens, Av. Casares 2966, C1425 CABA
Operating Hours
Sunday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee
200 pesos
What to Expect in Buenos Aires
Day 2 Morning
San Telmo
Wake up bright and early on your second day and enjoy a delicious Porteno breakfast at the popular panaderia, La Rosa. Buenos Aires locals enjoy a light breakfast consisting of a pastry or two and of course, a strong coffee.
Once you’ve fueled up for the day, head to San Telmo. Famed for its rundown beauty, San Telmo was once a rich neighborhood. But, following an outbreak of disease, the rich migrated further north to The Recoleta and so poorer immigrants moved in to take over. The facades reflect the wealth that once was, making this neighborhood a perfect photoshoot opportunity!
Stroll down to the main square to drink a coffee while admiring the stunning performances put on by tango dancers. There are plenty of cool bars and vintage shops to enjoy in this shabby chic neighborhood.
There is also an inside market with lots of cool antiques and artisanal products. Head to La Fabrica Del Taco for an Argentinian spin on delicious tacos. A must-visit if you’re in the San Telmo neighborhood for the day.
Address
San Telmo Mercado, Humberto 1º 401, C1103 CABA
Operating Hours
Sunday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee
No entry fee
Day 2 Afternoon
Tango Lessons
San Telmo is said to be the birthplace of tango and you simply can’t visit Buenos Aires without trying your hand at Tango dancing. Make like the movies and spend your afternoon learning the basics of the most romantic dance in the world.
There are plenty of dance schools offering beginner classes to tourists or you can usually arrange through your hostel.
My recommendation for the best tango school in the whole of Buenos Aires has to be the DNI Dance School.
Located in the Almagro neighborhood, DNI Dance school is a well known Tango school. Their beginner class is perfect for anyone wanting a taster of Tango, no experience needed. There’s no need to worry if you don’t speak much Spanish as all classes are bilingual, with one teacher speaking Spanish and the other translating into English.
There is always a good mix of tourists and locals at the school, making it a great way to meet Argentinian people. If you are planning on staying a couple of weeks in Buenos Aires then it’s best to buy a packet of Tango classes to save money. This way you can tango for 4 days in Buenos Aires.
Address
DNI Dance School, Bulnes 1011, C1176 ABS, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Operating Hours
Monday To Saturday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fee
Classes cost from $160 pesos
Day 2 Evening
La Catedral
No list of the best things to do in Buenos Aires would be complete without a Tango Show. You can usually organize these through your hostel or hotel, and most packages include dinner and drink as well as the show making it a complete night out!
If you’re looking to save money then head to La Catedral for the budget option. Here you can dine while watching professional and skilled amateurs show off their moves. And, maybe, after a couple of glasses of red wine, you’ll be brave enough to try out your own tango steps!
Address
La Catedral, Sarmiento 4006, C1197 AAH
Operating Hours
Sunday To Saturday from 11:00 PM to 4:00 AM
Entry Fee
No entry fee
Day 3 Morning
Explore the Palermo Neighborhood
As most activities in Buenos Aires last until the early morning, you’ll probably be a little tired today. So, take it easy and wake up a bit later than normal before heading to the cool Palermo neighborhood for a morning stroll and breakfast in the gorgeous Cocu Boulangerie.
About 15 years ago, Palermo was christened an upcoming neighborhood and now it is a chic mecca of cute cafes and restaurants with hip clothing boutiques nestled in between.
If you want to be ahead of the crowds, head one neighborhood over to Almagro. According to my Porteno friends, Almagro is the next up and coming neighborhood in Buenos Aires. With a slightly grittier feel to it, this is where the cool kids are hanging out.
Address
Cocu Boulangerie, C1414DMF, Malabia 1510, 1414 Buenos Aires
Operating Hours
Monday To Saturday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Neighborhoods of Buenos Aires
Day 3 Afternoon
Recoleta Cemetery
Once you’ve overdosed on hipsters, check out Buenos Aires’ creepiest tourist attraction.
It might seem slightly odd that a city’s most well-known tourist attraction is a cemetery, but La Recoleta cemetery is definitely worth a visit.
The most important and wealthy Argentine families are buried here, and as a result, some of the tombs are as big as houses! Entry is free and there are free guided Recoleta tours on offer throughout the day available in English and Spanish.
Insider Tip
Address
La Recoleta Cemetery, Junín 1760, C1113 CABA
Operating Hours
Sunday To Saturday from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fee
No entry fee
Day 3 Evening
Night Out In Buenos Aires
The rumors are true, Portenos really do like to go out late. Nights out begin at midnight and don’t finish until 7 am! Experiencing a night out in Buenos Aires is a must-do while you are here. Head back to your accommodation to take a disco nap before you embark on your marathon of a night out.
Some well-known clubs to check out include the massive Terrazas del Este or Be warned though, an entry can be pricey to some ‘boliches’ depending on the night, so be sure to check beforehand.
Address
Terrazas Del Este, Av. Costanera Norte Rafael Obligado, Av. Sarmiento 2221, Buenos Aires
Operating Hours
Sunday To Saturday from 4:01 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee
Depends on the night, but from 200 pesos up
Day 4 Morning
La Boca Neighbourhood
You’ll no doubt be exhausted after trying to keep up with the locals, so keep things simple on your final day with only one activity and you can’t leave Buenos Aires without checking out the colorful La Boca neighborhood.
La Boca neighborhood is home to the world-famous Boca Juniors soccer stadium. And for the locals, supporting this soccer team isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life.
You can either do a self-guided tour or take a walking tour through the colorfully painted tin houses of La Boca and learn about the rich history of this immigrant neighborhood during your 4 days in Buenos Aires.
Insider Tip
Address
Club Atletico Boca Juniors, Brandsen 805, C1161 CABA
Steak And Red Wine At Parilla Pena
Enjoy your final night in style with a world-class Merlot and steak. In Buenos Aires, there are a million and one places to enjoy a perfectly grilled steak accompanied by a glass of Merlot.
Skip the crowds and do as the locals at one of the best grills in town: Parilla Pena. You’ll have the best steak of your life here at a local price. I was recommended the Bife Chorizo by a Porteno friend and was not disappointed! Parilla Pena is casual and not too expensive either, perfect for backpackers and vacationers alike.
Insider Tip
– Arrive early (8 pm) to make sure you get a table and watch out – the portion sizes are enormous!
Address
Parrilla Pena, Rodríguez Peña 682, C1020 CABA, Argentina
Operating Hours
Monday To Saturday from 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Where to Stay in Buenos Aires
Where To Stay In Palermo
Budget Option
A great location off one of the main Palermo squares and cheap rates.
Mid-Range Option
Meridiano Boutique Hostel
Although the hostel might class itself as a boutique, the prices aren’t too far out of reach for a backpacker without a too strict budget. A beautiful building with a great view of the Palermo neighborhood from the roof.
Luxury Option
A cross between a hotel and a hostel, catering for both travelers and business professionals. Infinito Hotel even has a jacuzzi on the stylish rooftop terrace.
Where To Stay Buenos Aires City Center
Budget Option
A no-frills hostel for the budget backpacker. However, you can bank on a good location and friendly atmosphere.
Mid-Range Option
Milhouse Hostel
Milhouse hostel is famous for being the party hostel in Buenos Aires, with a nightly party being held in the hostel bar until 2 am. Perfect for solo backpackers wanting to socialize and meet some fellow travelers to party with.
Luxury Option
Although the dorm beds here are a good price, their private rooms are a great choice for the flashpacker option. Set in a French-style house, it is also eco-friendly.
Booking.com
Where To Stay In San Telmo
Budget Option
With cheap dorm beds but a small capacity of just 25, the Garden House Hostel is a great place to meet other backpackers.
Mid-Range
Puerto Limon Hostel
A brand new hostel with a state of the art kitchen, a small pool, and most importantly, new mattresses! This is a top recommendation if you’ll be staying in San Telmo.
Luxury Option
Experience how the rich once lived by renting a luxury home in the heart of San Telmo! Probably best if you book this with friends as there are three gorgeous bedrooms to choose from.
Conclusion To 4 days in Buenos Aires Itinerary
Buenos Aires is a must-visit for any backpacker making their way to the bottom of South America.
At first glance, the city is a pristine architectural wonder reminding you of European cities. But, spend a couple of days here and you’ll soon start to feel the Latin culture permeating the city’s soul.
There is something for everyone to do in the sprawling metropolis of Buenos Aires. However, if you’re after a quiet break from 4 days in Buenos Aires then be sure to head to El Tigre. A pleasant suburban town an hour on the train and enjoy day tours from Buenos Aires down the Paraná Delta.
Guest Post by: Phoebe, blogger at YourGreenGrassProject.com
Phoebe Gill is a freelance SEO consultant and blogger who runs Your Green Grass Project, helping other women how to work remotely and live a nomadic lifestyle traveling the world.
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