Buenos Aires 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Buenos Aires

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at La Brigada (Arribeños 1365), a historic parrilla (steakhouse) that has been serving since 1871.
    • Visit the Plaza de Mayo and its surrounding landmarks: Casa Rosada, the Presidential Palace; Metropolitan Cathedral; and Cabildo, the old town hall.

  • Afternoon:

    • Head to the Puerto Madero district for a stroll along the modern docks and a lunch at La Mar (Dock Nº 6) if you’re into Peruvian-Japanese fusion cuisine.
    • Visit the modern art museum, MALBA (Av. Figueroa Alcorta 3445), to appreciate works by Frida Kahlo, Dalí, Warhol, and local artists.

  • Evening:

    • Enjoy a tango show at Café de los Angelitos (Gorriti 5860) or El Viejo Almacén (Dock Sud 1173).
    • Dine at a traditional Argentinian restaurant, such as Los Galeros (Humberto I 1429), for an authentic parrilla experience.

Day 2: La Boca and San Telmo

  • Morning:

    • Visit the colorful neighborhood of La Boca. Stroll along Caminito, admire the street art, and have lunch at a local parrilla.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the antique market in San Telmo. Don’t miss Plaza Dorrego, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while watching tango performances on Sundays.

  • Evening:

    • Dine at Elena (Defensa 1670), an upscale parrilla with a great wine list and ambiance.

Day 3: Recoleta and Palermo

  • Morning:

    • Visit the famous Recoleta Cemetery, where Eva Perón is buried. Afterward, explore the adjacent Jardín Botánico.
    • Dine at La Poesia (Arévalo 2364), a charming restaurant in Recoleta offering a variety of dishes.

  • Afternoon:

    • Head to Palermo and visit the beautiful gardens of Parque Tres de Febrero, home to the Planetarium and Rose Garden.
    • Explore the trendy shops, restaurants, and street art in Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood neighborhoods.

  • Evening:

    • Have dinner at Il Mercante (Arévalo 2061), an Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and excellent food.

Day 4: Day trip to Tigre and Delta

  • Morning:

    • Take a train from Retiro station to Tigre, a picturesque town on the Paraná Delta.
    • Rent a boat or water taxi to explore the islands and channels of the delta.

  • Afternoon:

    • Have lunch at a local restaurant in Tigre, such as El Palomar (Barranca del Tajo 162).
    • Return to Buenos Aires by train or boat and spend the evening exploring the trendy bars and restaurants in the Palermo neighborhood.

Day 5: Feria de Mataderos and Departure

  • Morning:

    • Visit the traditional Feria de Mataderos on a Sunday to experience Argentine gaucho culture, folk music, dance, and crafts.

  • Afternoon:

    • Have lunch at La Casa del Gaucho (Av. General Las Heras y Av. Roca) for an authentic asado (barbecue).
    • Depending on your flight time, you might want to explore the modern art gallery, Proa (Dock Nº 3), or do some last-minute shopping in downtown Buenos Aires before heading to the airport.

Things to Know:

  • Money: Argentina uses the Argentine Peso (ARS). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have cash on hand for smaller shops and street vendors.
  • Language: Spanish is the official language, but many people in tourist areas speak some English. Learning a few basic phrases can be helpful.
  • Transportation: The city has an extensive subway system (Subte) and bus network. Taxis are widely available, although they can sometimes be expensive. Uber is also popular and usually cheaper.
  • Tipping: It’s customary to leave a 10% tip in restaurants and for taxis.

Travel Tips:

  • Buenos Aires has four seasons, but the best time to visit is during spring (September–November) or fall (March–May).
  • Be prepared for long lines at popular tourist spots, especially on weekends.
  • Embrace Argentine culture and take a tango lesson or two while you’re there!