3 Days in Buenos Aires, Argentina: The Best Things To Do

3 Days in Buenos Aires…the perfect addition to any South America itinerary. Find out what to do with your 3 days here to plan the perfect time in the Argentinian capital.

Updated: New and improved design recommendations, restaurants, and hotels

You’ll often hear Buenos Aires called the “Paris of South America” — and once you step onto its grand boulevards lined with neo-classical mansions and bustling cafés, it’s easy to see why. But there’s far more to Argentina’s capital than European elegance.

Buenos Aires is a beautiful contradiction: a place where baroque facades stand beside brutalist concrete, where a Spinetta mural shares the same block as a centuries-old church, and where a bookstore can feel just as sacred as a cathedral.

I lived in South America for six years, just two hours away in Santiago, Chile, and during that time, I found myself pulled back to Buenos Aires again and again. It’s a city I know well — a sprawling labyrinth you never really want to leave, where every corner seems to hum with poetry, punk spirit, and a deep love of life.

Buenos Aires is all about atmosphere. It’s a city best experienced by diving in headfirst: getting lost among its leafy streets, lingering over medialunas and cortados, learning to live at the rhythm of the locals.

Whether you’re hoping to dig into Argentina’s rich culture, dance tango until dawn, cheer at a fútbol match, or simply eat your weight in pizza and empanadas, Buenos Aires has a way of pulling you into its orbit — and making you wish you had more time.

Here’s my guide to the top things to do for a perfect three days in Buenos Aires, designed to get you fully soaked in the city’s vibrant energy and rubbing shoulders with the locals who make it so unforgettable.

*This ‘3 days in Buenos Aires’ post contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top quality content for free.

Best Time to Visit Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is actually a great city to visit throughout the year however, the most popular are spring (Sept-Dec) and autumn (March-June).

The weather at these times is relatively warm and ideal for walking around and exploring a city, however, March and April can be fairly wet.

Summers in Buenos Aires are very hot and humid with temperatures often exceeding 35°C/95°F and also wet.

Winters are dry and chilly, yet not as cold as you might think, so if you don’t mind exploring a city in temperatures of about 5-15°C/40-60°F, winter might be a great time for you to visit.

How Many Days Do You Need in Buenos Aires?

Three days is a solid amount of time to get a feel for Buenos Aires — enough to check off the main neighborhoods, experience the local food scene, and maybe even squeeze in a tango show or a fútbol game. You’ll hit the highlights like Recoleta, San Telmo, and Palermo without feeling like you’re sprinting through the city.

If you have four or five days, even better. With a little more time, you can explore at a more relaxed pace — think museum visits, long lunches at classic parrillas, and wandering lesser-known spots like Chacarita or Villa Crespo.

Buenos Aires is a city that reveals itself the longer you stay, and a few extra days will let you experience more of its day-to-day energy instead of just the tourist hotspots.

Bottom line: Three days is enough for a great first visit. If you can stretch it to four or five, you’ll get a deeper, more local experience.

Where to Stay in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has no shortage of incredible places to stay, from cozy Airbnb apartments tucked into leafy side streets to lavish, 18th-century-inspired hotels that feel like stepping into a different era. There’s truly something for every budget here, making it one of the more affordable major cities to enjoy over a three-day visit.

When it comes to choosing where to stay, you’ll want to stick to the neighborhoods that offer the best blend of atmosphere, convenience, and safety. My top picks are Palermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood, San Telmo, Puerto Madero, and Recoleta.

These areas are consistently popular with travelers — and for good reason. They’re packed with cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and cultural sights, all layered into vibrant, walkable streets.

On the flip side, I’d personally steer clear of Centro and La Boca when it comes to accommodations. Centro is the city’s commercial heart — practical for a meeting, maybe, but it lacks the buzz and charm you’ll find in neighborhoods like Palermo or San Telmo.

As for La Boca, it’s a fascinating place to visit during the day — you have to see the colorful streets of Caminito — but it’s not the safest area after dark. If you’ll be coming and going in the evenings, it’s better to base yourself somewhere with a livelier, safer nighttime scene.

Here are some of my favourite places to stay in Buenos Aires:

Home Hotel– If you’re looking for a stylish stay in Palermo Hollywood, Home Hotel is a longtime favorite. With its retro-modern design, lush garden pool, and buzzy restaurant and bar, it feels like the kind of place you check into for a night — and end up wishing you never had to leave.

Casa Lucia – Set in the elegant Retiro neighborhood, Casa Lucía is a chic, design-forward hotel blending old-world Buenos Aires glamour with modern luxury. It’s a must-stay.

BE Jardin Escondido – Once Francis Ford Coppola’s Buenos Aires hideout, this intimate Palermo Soho hotel charms with its leafy garden, cozy rooms, and cinematic vibe. It’s the place to stay in the city for travelers in the know.

Hotel Madero Buenos Aires– If you’re after modern functional simplicity, then this is the perfect choice for you. Located in the happening, new neighbourhood of Puerto Madero with so many new restaurants on your doorstep, this is a great place to stay if you’re here for the nightlife. There’s also a pool, excellent breakfast, bar and wine cellar- you won’t run out of things to do here.

Ara Homes Buenos Aires – for those looking for a home away from home, Ara Homes rents small apartments perfect for couples or families wanting to do Buenos Aires their way. All the apartments are modern, stylishly furnished with plenty of natural tones, there’s all you need to be self-sufficient during your stay. It’s a great option for long-term travellers too.

For more great deals on hotels in Buenos Aires check the box below:

Where to Eat in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a city that takes its food seriously — and once you sit down for your first steak, slice of fugazzeta (Argentinian cheese and onion pizza), or bite of a buttery medialuna, you’ll understand why. Eating here isn’t just about filling up; it’s about leaning into the culture, one plate at a time.

Of course, you can’t talk about Buenos Aires without mentioning beef — Argentina’s legendary steaks are practically a rite of passage, best enjoyed at a classic parrilla (steakhouse) alongside a generous pour of Malbec.

But there’s so much more to the city’s culinary scene than grilled meats. Think homemade pastas that nod to the city’s Italian roots, empanadas stuffed with savory goodness, and milanesas (breaded meats) bigger than the plate they’re served on. And let’s not even get started on helado (gelato) — it’s not just good here; it’s an art form.

Whether you’re after a sleek fine dining spot, a buzzing neighborhood café, or a tiny hole-in-the-wall that locals swear by, Buenos Aires delivers at every turn. Here’s where to eat — and what not to miss — during your three days in the city.

Restaurants

Parrilla Peña – Parrilla Peña is a no-frills, old-school steakhouse in Buenos Aires, beloved for its perfectly grilled meats, complimentary empanadas, and authentic local vibe.​ An absolute must.

Don Julio – A world-renowned parrilla in Palermo, Don Julio is famed for its expertly grilled steaks, extensive Argentine wine selection, and warm, attentive service, making it a must-visit for meat lovers.

El Cuartito – El Cuartito is a beloved Buenos Aires institution, serving up thick, cheesy slices like the iconic fugazzetta since 1934, all in a no-frills, memorabilia-covered setting that oozes local charm.

Casa Cavia – Housed in a restored 1920s mansion in Palermo Chico, Casa Cavia blends fine dining, craft cocktails, a bookstore, and a flower shop into one beautifully curated cultural experience.

El Preferido de Palermo – Housed in a charming pink corner building, this revitalized bodegón offers traditional Argentine dishes like sirloin milanesa and house-made charcuterie, blending nostalgia with contemporary flair.

Cantina Rondinella – a cherished Chacarita institution since 1991, offers generous portions of classic Italian-Argentine fare—think handmade pastas, hearty milanesas, and seafood.

Cafes & Bars

Punto Café – a cozy spot in San Telmo known for its specialty coffee and homemade pastries, especially their standout croissants (medialunas).

Oli Café – A cozy spot in Palermo, Oli Café serves up Mediterranean-inspired dishes, fresh pastries, and specialty coffee in a relaxed, minimalist setting

Salón 1923 – Perched atop the iconic Palacio Barolo, Salón 1923 offers a 1920s-inspired rooftop experience with sweeping views over Buenos Aires, classic cocktails, and vintage ambiance.

Acuario Bar – Easily the most unique and beautiful bar in BA. A stylish newcomer in Buenos Aires’ Microcentro, blending natural wines, inventive cocktails, and modern design within the historic Casa Bonet building.

Mamita Bar – Top spot for evening drinks, live music, and dancing. I’ve had so many fun nights here.

3 Days in Buenos Aires: The Best Things to Do

With three days in Buenos Aires, I recommend saving all these fantastic spots to your Google Maps, then spending each day diving into a different neighborhood — exploring, wandering, and soaking it all in at your own pace.

Recoleta Cemetery

If it’s your first time in Buenos Aires, you won’t want to miss this extraordinary cemetery.

La Recoleta Cemetery is a city within a city, and it’s not just a graveyard. This is the city of the dead for Argentina’s rich and famous and it’s just immense.

It’s easy to get lost in this vast space of huge catacombs, mausoleums, crypts, sarcophagi, and coffins with elaborately carved angels on top. There are headstones taller than you could possibly imagine and obelisks every now and again.

This cemetery inspires opulence and gives a glimpse at Buenos Aires and into its history and patronage.

Make sure not to miss the burial places of a few of Argentina’s most famous political figures. Eva Peron, probably the most iconic, for example, is buried here.

It’s quite easy to find her grave using the directory at the main gate of Recoleta Cemetery.

Palermo Viejo & Palermo Soho

These two neighbourhoods that exist side by side are the Soho of Buenos Aires.

They are chic places to be with cool boutiques, showcasing the best in local fashion and design.

You’ll find delicious cafes ideal for that perfect cortado, restaurants, and hip bars on every corner.

It’s a great neighbourhood to stroll around in, get a cocktail in the evening, and just people watch.

I’d highly recommend staying in this part of town during your 3 days in Buenos Aires but if you’re not, don’t miss spending the afternoon and evening here.

El Ateneo Gran Splendid

This is one branch of an Argentinian bookstore, but it’s so much more than that.

This comes close to being the grandest and most spectacular bookstore setting ever. It is over 100 years old and originally started as a theatre which later converted into a cinema and later still, a bookstore.

The old theatre seating area now houses thousands of books on pretty much every topic imaginable.

Even if you don’t plan on buying anything (the English language section is pretty limited), you can still come in and enjoy the splendour and opulence of this grand setting. It’s one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires for those who love culture and bookstores in particular.

Read more: Vegan Argentina | Being Vegan in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Beyond

Watch a Tango Show or Dance It

Tango is to Argentina what salsa is to Colombia and a tango show is a must while in BA for a truly Argentine experience.

Tango dancing got its roots in the port of Buenos Aires and it’s the typical porteños dance. There are many different shows catering to all different budgets.

You can expect to see many different couples dancing solo and as a group. Some shows also include dinner, but I found that the dinner wasn’t really worth the money, especially if you’re plant-based. Go to the show with a drink instead…

…Or if you’re feeling adventurous and want to really get involved, head to a milonga. A milonga is a place where local people go to dance the tango, and there are many authentic ones in the city, depending on the day of the week. 

Some better milongas are La Glorieta, La Catedral Club, and Salón Channing. It’s best to check local listings when in Buenos Aires as they tend to move around.

Casa Rosada and Plaza de Mayo

Plaza de Mayo and Avenida de Mayo, leading up to it is the centre of Argentinian politics. This area is full of huge colonial, classical-style buildings and gives it its European feel.

From Baroque style wrought-iron balconies to classical columns, arches and friezes, this part of Buenos Aires impress both historically and architecturally.

Here you can check out the Casa Rosada, the government’s office, painted an unusual pink colour as well as Plaza de Mayo, on which you’ll find protest banners, graffiti and graphic artwork.

On Avenida de Mayo, among all the classical style buildings, you’ll also find the grand Palacio Barolo, an eclectic office building that now houses a language school and other local businesses. Head up to the rooftop to Salon 1923 for a drink with a view.

Make sure to also check out Banco de Londres y América del Sur Headquarters just around the corner. This building, designed by Clorindo Testa, the father of brutalism in Argentina, and SEPRA, is a striking example of Brutalist architecture, featuring bold concrete forms and innovative structural design that redefined traditional bank architecture.

It’s particularly famous for its unusual architecture, particularly the rounded balconies.

Traveling beyond Buenos Aires? Check out Top Things To Do in Bariloche, Argentina

San Telmo Market

San Telmo is where Buenos Aires was born — a neighborhood of centuries-old houses, narrow alleys, and tiled patios that still hums with life today. It’s also home to the city’s most famous Sunday event: the San Telmo Market.

Every Sunday, Defensa Street and the surrounding area burst into a lively maze of stalls selling everything from handmade jewelry and mate cups to antique books, vintage coins, and just about every knick-knack you can imagine. Wandering the market is one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires.

Even if you’re not in a shopping mood, wandering the market is half the fun — chatting with friendly vendors, catching live music on the corners, and ducking into quirky cafés for a drink and some top-tier people-watching.

Make sure to stop by Calvaresi Antiquariato, a three-floor treasure trove of decorative arts, or its contemporary sister space just down the street, which regularly hosts cutting-edge exhibitions.

If you can, plan your visit around a Sunday. The market runs roughly from 10 AM to 4 PM, and it’s one of the best ways to dive headfirst into Buenos Aires’ old soul.

Visit a Museum

Buenos Aires is full of some great museums that showcase Argentinian and South American art throughout the centuries as well as having temporary exhibitions on loan from elsewhere.

If you are feeling a bit cultural why not pop into one? Here are the three I would recommend:

MALBA ( Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires) is a contemporary museum full of works from the 19th and 20th Centuries with hits by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Wilfredo Lam, among others. A great place to kill an hour or two.

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes. ( National Museum of Fine Arts ) This is a splendid museum with works from antiquity, and from the 12th century onwards as well as Latin art and Asian art.

The permanent collection is free, and it’s vast and engaging. I went on a rainy day, and it was the perfect indoor thing to do.

I’d also recommend a visit to the National Museum of Decorative Arts. It offers a glimpse into Argentina’s aristocratic past through its opulent rooms and extensive collection of European and Oriental art. The museum features over 4,000 objects, including paintings by El Greco and Manet, sculptures, tapestries, and exquisite decorative pieces from the 16th to 20th centuries.

Explore La Boca

La Boca is probably one of the most iconic barrios of Buenos Aires due to its vibrantly painted houses and the La Bombonera stadium, home to La Boca Juniors.

Although a bit touristy this neighbourhood is great for taking pictures, watching tango dancers in the street and seeing artists at work in the Caminito street.

Check out La Bombonera stadium, one of Argentinas most famous with a fanatical fanbase. If you plan on taking photos here, make sure to visit early in the morning before tour groups arrive as it can get very busy.

Also, have a peek into Fundación Proa. It’s a contemporary art center showcasing cutting-edge exhibitions by global artists like Ai Weiwei and Louise Bourgeois. Housed in a restored 19th-century mansion with a modern glass façade, it features exhibition halls, a multimedia auditorium, and a rooftop café offering panoramic views of the Riachuelo River.

Stroll Through the Botanical Gardens

The botanical gardens are one of the best green spaces in the city and the perfect place to relax in the middle of the hustle and bustle.

The gardens are located in Palermo, just near Plaza Italia and the entrance is free. Inside you’ll find a few fountains, a butterfly hall, a greenhouse and an herb garden.

It’s not the most amazing botanical garden I’ve ever been to but it’s an awesome place for a picnic. Bring some snacks, relax and get away from it all. 

If you’re more interested in Japanese Gardens then the gorgeous Jardin Japones is just a stone’s throw away from the Botanical Gardens.

Drink Mate

Pronounced mah-tay, this is the unofficial drink of Argentina that Argentinian’s simply can’t do without.

It’s made from yerba mate- a herb that is crushed just like loose tea. It’s put into a gourd and hot water is poured on top. You then drink it through a metal straw.

Typically Argentians all have their own gourds, straws and thermos which they take everywhere so mate isn’t something you’ll regularly see on a cafe menu but if you do come across it, make sure to give it a try- it has a strong bitter taste.

Visit Plaza Dorrego

When in San Telmo, make sure not to miss this influential and historical square.

San Telmo used to be the largest residential area in Buenos Aires during the 19th Century meaning this square was a focal point for dance, communication and arts through the years.

Nowadays, you’ll find many people out and about here, dancing the tango, performing street arts surrounded by many bars and cafes full of residents and tourists alike.

Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve

Just steps from the sleek towers of Puerto Madero, the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve offers a tranquil escape into nature.

Spanning 350 hectares along the Río de la Plata, this urban oasis is home to over 2,000 species of flora and fauna, including more than 300 bird species.

With 10 kilometers of trails winding through wetlands, grasslands, and native forests, it’s a favorite spot for walking, cycling, and birdwatching. Open Tuesday to Sunday, the reserve provides a peaceful retreat amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.

Obelisk & Corrientes Avenue

The bustling Avenida Corrientes is the street that never sleeps in Buenos Aires’ city center.

It passes through many historic neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, such as Microcentro and the financial district and you’ll definitely come across it at some point in your stay.

On it, you’ll find many shops, theatres, pubs and bars, and of course the famous Obelisco in front of which are the Insta-famous BA letters. You’ve found your Insta location! 

Make sure to also visit 9 de Julio, the gigantic avenue that crosses Corrientes Avenue at the famous Obelisk. It’s one of the largest avenues in the world and here you’ll find many stores, business and shaded walkways.

The avenue is lined with jacaranda trees, so if you visit during the spring when they are in full bloom don’t miss this avenue turn pink.

Eat Empanadas

If you’ve been travelling around South America for a while, you’ll know that empanadas are a big deal and in Buenos Aires, it’s no different.

No 3 days in Buenos Aires are complete without trying them. Although veggie or vegan empanadas are hard to find in such a meat-predominant country, they do exist. 

La Cocina Empanaderia is a superb place to grab an empanada to go and they do have a few veggie options.

Relax at Bosques de Palermo

Directly translating to Palermo Forest, this is one of the best green spaces in Buenos Aires full of lakes, rose gardens, and many different species of trees.

It’s one of the best places to relax in green space in Buenos Aires, and at weekends it’s filled with playing children and families catch up with each other. As its name suggests, you’ll find it right in the heart of Palermo.

Take a Free Yoga Class

You might want to make some time for yoga and exercise during your 3 days in Buenos Aires. You may have already heard about free yoga classes going on around many cities worldwide and the movement is strong here too.

Why not take a free yoga class in the evening in a park? You can stretch out those aching legs, meet some locals and get some exercise, all for free.

Check out this Facebook group for all the details. (It does help to speak a little Spanish) Yoga Gratis en Buenos Aires

Teatro Colón

This theatre is one of the city’s most prominent landmarks and rightfully so. It looks like something that belongs in Paris rather than Latin America. It’s one of the most spectacular theatres in the world and one of the best things to do in Buenos Aires.

Many are in awe of the beauty of this theatre, both inside and outside. Built in 1889 and occupying a whole city block, this theatre is more than impressive.

The world’s finest ballet, operas, and orchestras drop in regularly when on tour.

The theatre offers guided tours when there isn’t anything on and if the doors are open you can always go in a have a look but you’ll need to book a guided tour to see past the main corridor.

Watch a Football Match

If you can squeeze it in on your last day then make sure to make the effort to see a soccer game.

Argentinians are absolutely balmy about football so what better way to experience the local culture than to join in!

Argentina’s two biggest teams are La Boca (Diego Maradona’s ex-team) and River Plate and if you can’t get a ticket to see a game at their stadiums then head to a local bar or pub where things will definitely get wild and passionate.

Eat Pizza

No 3 day Buenos Aires itinerary is really complete without pizza. With over 62% of Argentinians having some Italian roots, pizza here is a staple.

Argentinians take pizza as seriously as their football and there are many top-notch pizza joints in town. Pizza here is more of the thick-crust, cheesy variety rather than the original Italian thin crust.

The best establishments seem to be El Cuartito and De Rossa Pizzeria. If in doubt, just head to Avenida Corrientes where around the Obelisco there are many great pizza places.

Make sure to try Argentina’s most famous pizza La Fugazzeta- a stuffed cheese pizza with onion.

Top Tips for Visiting Buenos Aires

↠ Buenos Aires is a huge city. In fact, some 17 million people call it home. If you want to get around easily and cheaply, get a SUBE card, a top-up card that will get you rides on the subway and bus system.

You can buy it and top it up at any metro station or kiosk, and go- it really is the best way to get around the city.

↠ Buenos Aires is generally a safe city but there are still areas you don’t want to go to. Avoid La Boca at night and take a taxi if you plan on coming back to your hotel late at night.

↠ Uber works in Buenos Aires, and it’s one of the best ways to get around the city.

↠ 3 days in Buenos Aires is the perfect amount to see the whole city but if you do have more time make sure to head across the river ( Rio de la Plata ) to the beautiful Colonia de Sacramento in Uruguay or to Le Tigre, a riverside town perfect for a day trip outside of Buenos Aires

What did you get up to during your 3 days in Buenos Aires? Got any more great recommendations? Let me know below.

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