Buenos Aires is Argentina’s big, cosmopolitan capital city. Its center is the Plaza de Mayo, lined with stately 19th-century buildings including Casa Rosada, the iconic, balconied presidential palace. Other major attractions include Teatro Colón, a grand 1908 opera house with nearly 2,500 seats, and the modern MALBA museum, displaying Latin American art. ― Google
Population: 3.121 million (2022)
Elevation: 25 m
Area code: 011
Districts: 15
Established: 11 June 1580; 444 years ago (by Juan de Garay);
HDI (2021): 0.882 very high (1st)
ISO 3166 code: AR-B
Spring (Sept–Nov):
Ideal weather, blooming jacaranda trees, many outdoor events. A top choice.
Fall (Mar–May):
Mild temps, fewer crowds, and great for urban strolls and museums.
Summer (Dec–Feb):
Hot and humid, especially in January. Many locals leave the city.
Winter (June–Aug):
Cool and quieter, good for cultural travelers (museums, theaters).
📅 Best months overall: October–November and March–April.
International flights arrive at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE).
Domestic and regional flights often use Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) (closer to the city center).
Airport to City:
Taxi (35–60 mins)
Ride-hailing (Uber/Cabify)
Shuttle (Manuel Tienda León)
Plaza de Mayo & Casa Rosada
Historic heart of Argentina’s politics; see the iconic pink presidential palace.
La Boca & Caminito Street
Colorful buildings, street tango, and a taste of working-class immigrant heritage.
Recoleta Cemetery
Stunning mausoleums, including Eva Perón’s tomb, in one of the world's most famous cemeteries.
Teatro Colón
Lavish opera house with world-class performances and guided tours.
Palermo Parks & Botanical Garden
Green escape with rose gardens, lakes, and sculptures.
San Telmo
Bohemian neighborhood known for antiques, tango, and its Sunday fair.
Obelisco & Avenida 9 de Julio
Monumental icon on one of the world’s widest avenues.
Watch or take a tango class
Try a milonga (local dance hall) or a professional tango dinner show (e.g., El Querandí, Rojo Tango).
Join a fútbol match
Experience local passion at a Boca Juniors or River Plate game.
Stroll through Palermo Soho & Hollywood
Trendy boutiques, street art, and craft breweries.
Explore Museo de Arte Latinoamericano (MALBA)
Leading Latin American art museum.
Bike the Ecological Reserve (Reserva Ecológica)
Nature on the city’s edge with skyline views and birds.
Weekend Feria de Mataderos (if available)
Folk music, regional crafts, and gaucho culture.
Budget:
Milhouse Hostel – Great for young travelers and social vibes.
Circus Hostel – Modern, clean, pool in San Telmo.
Mid-Range:
Palo Santo Hotel – Eco-friendly and stylish in Palermo.
Fierro Hotel – Boutique, gourmet restaurant included.
Luxury:
Alvear Palace Hotel – Classic 5-star luxury in Recoleta.
Four Seasons – Lavish suites and an outdoor pool oasis.
Must-Try Dishes:
Asado (Argentine BBQ) – Try short ribs, chorizo, morcilla.
Empanadas – Beef, cheese, or ham-filled pastries.
Milanesa – Breaded meat cutlet, often with fries.
Provoleta – Grilled provolone with herbs.
Dulce de leche desserts – Found in alfajores, cakes, and ice cream.
Notable Restaurants:
Don Julio – Legendary parrilla (grill) in Palermo.
El Preferido de Palermo – Updated Argentine classics in a pink corner building.
Parrilla Peña – Local favorite, authentic no-frills steak.
Tegui – Contemporary fine dining (tasting menu).
El Sanjuanino – Great empanadas in Recoleta.
Cafés:
Historic Café Tortoni (est. 1858) for coffee and pastries in a classic setting.
Language: Spanish (Argentine accent known as “Rioplatense” with Italian influence).
People: Porteños (Buenos Aires locals) are stylish, opinionated, and expressive.
Customs:
Greet with a cheek kiss.
Late dining: dinner often starts after 9 PM.
Passionate about politics, football, and mate (herbal tea).
Tango Culture:
Born in the immigrant neighborhoods; still alive in dance halls and shows.
Cultural Events:
Tango Festival (Aug) – Performances and competitions.
Book Fair (Apr–May) – One of the largest in Latin America.
Lollapalooza Argentina (Mar) – Major music festival.