W E L C O M E TO TH E
G O O D L I F E
I N
B U E N O S A I R E S
P L A N N I N G
It’s easy enough to catch the highlights in Buenos Aires, but there are levels of authenticity and identity to explore in this city which is so steeped in culinary heritage, art, and culture, which a great tour guide can make much easier to find.
You've got access to ours – enjoy.
While it might be tempting to base yourself in Buenos Aires’ downtown area, it’s louder, packed with traffic, and lacks a little of the historic charm that can be found in other areas of the city. We love San Telmo, which is the city’s oldest neighbourhood. Here you’ll find more of a bohemian vibe, with cobblestone streets, antique shops, and vibrant street art.
Palermo is also a good choice, with lively nightlife, cafes, contemporary art galleries, and pretty little boutique shops.
M U S E U M & S I T E B O O K I N G
For the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, entrance is free, but note that it is closed Mondays.
We suggest making a donation digitally on your way in, as a gesture. This is afterall the largest collection of Argentine art in the world, covering everything from the middle ages to the present day. The European collection covers Goya, Van Gogh, Toulouse Lautrec, and Paul Klee, amongst many others, and the temporary exhibitions are often stunning.
Colección de Arte Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat is open Thursdays through Sundays 12:00-20:00, and is ticketed. El Ateneo Grand Splendid – the world’s most beautiful bookstore – is open seven days per week, and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Don’t miss it.
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y P O I N T S
DAY I
We like to encourage you to take things at a leisurely pace in Buenos Aires, as that’s the way locals live. Start your first day with a visit to the Recoleta Cemetery – the final resting place of Argentine Nobel Prize winners, former presidents, and former first lady Eva Perón.
Afterwards, head to the nearby Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes and prepare yourself for a breathtaking walk through centuries of Argentinian & European classical beauty and stylistic masterpieces.
Lunchtime. Now is probably the time for a proper dose of rustic Argentinian cooking. We might recommend El Sanjuanino for traditional Argentine empanadas and Locro (from the native Quechua, a hearty squash stew).
If you are up for it, you could polish off this day with a quick stop at the Malba (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires) in Palermo, which is home to contemporary Latin American art from creators such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Generally two museums in a day is too many, but the proximity here does lead itself to a nice pairing.
For dinner, day one, you should probably consider a classic Argentinean steak, more or less an essential experience. While Don Julio is the obvious choice here, it’s also hard to argue with its excellence. Just know that there are others which can more than keep up.
DAY II
After yesterday’s art extravaganza, today can be a day to explore markets and get a bit of a neighbourhood feel for Buenos Aires.
Our expert guides can take you on a walk through Mercado de San Telmo, with some snacks along the way, and then a lunch near Plaza Dorrego to watch the local dancers. It’s then just a short walk to Calle Defensa to explore the antique stores and street art that give the area its unique identity.
For dinner, consider something lighter, or have at it again with another Argentinian steak if you fancy a repeat. There are many places which offer dinner & tango shows in a more structured setting, but to get a really authentic Buenos Aires experience, the secret is to go to a Milonga, a local dance.
Usually there will be a bit of instruction at the beginning before the floor opens up. The best news is that Argentine tango Milongas follow the same format most places in the world, so once you're familiar here, you can drop into a more local one, or one in Paris, for that matter.
And if that all seems a bit intimidating, there is always plenty of wine and chairs to watch the evening, and of course many other lovely old-world and contemporary bars around San Telmo in case you need a break. Bar Sur is a classic choice, and the oldest tango house in San Telmo, but try to get into the spirit of the thing rather that getting too worked up about anywhere in particular.
DAY III
Day three of your immersive visit to Buenos Aires begins with a leisurely stroll around Puerto Madero, one of the most modern and luxurious neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires.Here you find a vibrant ambience with a stunning promenade of restaurants, shops, and residential architecture.
Head to the Colección de Arte Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat to visit works from the likes of Pieter Bruegel II, William Turner, and acclaimed Argentine artist Prilidiano Pueyrredón.
Go for lunch, take a time out.
Afterwards, head to the historic Teatro Colón in Microcentro for a tour of this world-famous opera house. It’s well worth poking about in the Galería Güemes – an elegant, old-world shopping gallery. There’s a small cost to take the elevator to the top floor, but from here there is a stunning panorama lookout point which is well worth the effort.
Finish up with an elegant dinner, perhaps to see a bit more of what contemporary Argentine cooking is capable of. (Hint, as your guide as this is impressive). This can range from upscale comfort food dishes, to much more avant garde, depending on your tastes, while still being hugely reflective of the breadth and splendour of Argentine cuisine.
M E E T Y O U R G U I D E
All of our guides can offer you a spectacular experience. As each person has a slightly different look at the world, due to their own unique interests and specialties, we'd encourage you to read a few profiles.
