Things to do in BA
Buenos Aires Greatest Hits
Essentials for your first time in Buenos Aires!
Morning: Start in historic Plaza de Mayo for a look at the Casa Rosada and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Then, head to La Boca (watch yo' pockets here) -- a strikingly colorful neighborhood with street performers, tourist shops, and typical no frills Argentine dining. Midday: Grab lunch in the cobblestone streets of San Telmo. This is the oldest neighborhood in the city. Our favorite restaurant here is Napoles. Delicious italian food, cocktails, surrounded by antiques! You can explore Plaza Dorrego, which often has open air markets selling all sorts of knickknacks. Also check out el Pasaje de la Defensa, a neat open-air shopping experience. Other places to eat are: Fabrica del Taco, La Brigada (steak), and anywhere in the Mercado San Telmo. Afternoon: Head up to the Recoleta Cemetery (trust us!), where prominent Argentinian figures are resting, including Carla's namesake -- Evita Peron. This is not your average cemetery! It is a mini city of mausoleums that are extremely unique. We recommend a tour (offered in English!), which you can book in advance. Then, stroll around Recoleta, which is one of the most beautiful residential areas of the city. Recoleta is Buenos Aires at its most elegant, with grand European-style architecture, leafy plazas, and café terraces. Evening: Enjoy traditional Argentinian parrilla at Don Julio or La Cabrera. Get a reservation in advance! Remember, argentinians eat dinner quite late (starting ~9 PM).
Culture Day
For those interested in arts, history, and BA culture
Morning: Visit the Eva Peron Museum in Palermo. Evita is one of the most famous figures in Argentine history, and this museum is the best way to understand why people still feel so strongly about her. Next, take a pass down Avenida 9 de Julio to see the giant steel murals of Evita covering the sides of a government building, and the Obelisco. Midday: Grab a medialuna and a cortado at Cafe Tortoni or Cafe La Biela, two iconic and historic cafes often riddled with argentinian politicians and important figures. Then, check out any of BA's amazing museums. We recommend MALBA or El Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. Afternoon: Tour the Teatro Colón, one of the world's great opera houses, with its horseshoe-shaped hall, marble details, and renowned acoustics. Tours are offered in English!. From there, walk to the Plaza de Mayo to see the Casa Rosada and Metropolitan Cathedral. Other ideas: Stop by the Ateneo Grand Splendid, a stunning bookstore in a former opera house, or consider visiting the home of Carlos Gardel, which is now a museum in Abasto. Evening: Finally, a Buenos Aires cultural experience would be incomplete without a Tango show. Book ahead and plan for a late night! A couple of our favorites are Esquina Carlos Gardel, a classic, high-production experience, and Café Tortoni, which is more atmospheric and affordable. For dinner, you can try Guerrin for pizza on the iconic Avenida Corrientes.
Carla and Noah's Perfect Day
Tried and true.
Morning: Buenos Aires is a slow start city, so don't rush to get out and about. Take a stroll or a jog in the Bosques de Palermo, a HUGE park with lakes, trails, art installations, and cafes nearby. You can even pop in to the Jardin Japones, a japanese garden right by the park. On your way home, grab a dozen medialunas to-go from La Nueva San Agustin. Not the cutest place to sit down, but the pastries are the best in the city. Midday: Grab empanadas from literally anywhere and/or sandwich de miga from Caren, a teeny but mighty traditional confiteria. Take these to a picnic in the Parque Las Heras or the Parque Republica de Chile. Bonus points if you bring some beers and a deck of cards, in typical Carla/Noah fashion. Afternoon: Make your way to Palermo! Palermo Soho has cobblestone streets lined with fun shops and trendy/hipster cafes. Stop by Todo Mate for a mate souvenir, Paul French Gallery for a coffee and a look at the coolest furniture store in the city, and maybe an afternoon beer at the breweries around the Plaza Inmigrantes de Armenia. If you're still hungry, get a milanesa at El Preferido. Evening: For dinner, if you want to stay in Palermo try Niño Gordo (asian food) or Don Julio (steak). If ya wanna keep drinking, try Tres Monos Bar, which has a great rooftop. If you'd like to try classic Argentine "fugazzeta" pizza, go to El Cuartito which is closer to downtown. Night Cap: Take a taxi to the Floreria Atlantico, a speakeasy in a flower shop!