Buenos Aires Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Each neighbourhood, or barrio, of Buenos Aires has its own personality, from bohemian to grand.

• La Boca and Caminito — See the brightly painted houses and street tango in the old port district, home to the Boca Juniors football club.
• San Telmo — Browse the Sunday street fair and antique shops in one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods.
• Recoleta Cemetery — Wander among ornate mausoleums, including the tomb of Eva Perón.
• Teatro Colón — Tour or attend a performance at one of the world’s most acclaimed opera houses.
• Plaza de Mayo — Visit the historic square with the Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo.
• Palermo parks — Relax in the green spaces of Bosques de Palermo, the Rose Garden and the Japanese Garden.
• Tango show or milonga — Watch a professional show or join locals at a traditional dance hall.

Buenos Aires has a humid subtropical climate with seasons opposite to the northern hemisphere. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are the most pleasant times to visit, with mild temperatures ideal for walking and outdoor cafés, and jacaranda trees blooming purple in late spring.

Summer (December to February) is hot and humid, and many residents leave the city in January, so some places are quieter. Winter (June to August) is cool and sometimes grey but rarely freezing, and the cultural calendar of theatre, music and tango remains busy all year round.

Ministro Pistarini International Airport, usually called Ezeiza, lies about 35 kilometres south-west of central Buenos Aires. The drive to the centre typically takes 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic. Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, much closer to the centre, handles mostly domestic and regional flights.

Official taxis and pre-booked remises (private cars) can be arranged at desks in the arrivals area, and ride-hailing apps are also used. Airport shuttle buses run to central terminals in the city, from where you can continue by taxi.

Most visitors stay in the northern and central barrios, which are well connected and full of places to eat.

• Palermo — Ideal for food lovers and nightlife, with leafy streets, boutiques and parks.
• Recoleta — Elegant and central, suiting travellers who want classic architecture, museums and a calmer atmosphere.
• San Telmo — Perfect for those seeking character, tango and cobbled streets.
• Puerto Madero — Modern waterfront district with upscale hotels, popular with business travellers.

• Money: Exchange rates and payment options in Argentina can change quickly; check the latest situation before travel and carry a card plus some cash.
• Getting around: The Subte metro, city buses and taxis make it easy to move between barrios; a rechargeable transport card is needed for public transport.
• Dining times: Dinner usually starts late, often after 9 pm, and many restaurants are quiet earlier in the evening.
• Safety: Watch out for pickpockets in busy areas and on public transport, and keep phones out of sight on the street.
• Language: Spanish is spoken with a distinctive local accent; English is common in hotels and tourist areas.