It’s hard to describe Buenos Aires to someone who has never been. Only here can you experience the passion of football, the rhythm of tango, the flavors of delicious Argentinian food, and that perfect mix of Latin American flair and European elegance, all in one place.
Argentina’s capital is big, bold, and bursting with energy, which is something evident as soon as you come from Buenos Airport to the city center. To really get a feel for it, you’ll want to spend a few days exploring, starting with these amazing things to see in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Explore Caminito
If you’ve been searching for the top things to see in Buenos Aires, you’ll have likely come across photos of Caminito during your research. This colorful pocket of the city in La Boca draws hundreds of visitors every day for its fabulous street murals and parties.
As you wander around Camito, you’ll witness an open-air gallery of creative artwork, with loud tango music playing and local painters showcasing some of their finest work. You’ll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the area, many of which sell football memorabilia celebrating Argentinian legends like Maradona and Messi.
Eat Your Way Around Mercado San Telmo
After exploring Caminito, you can take the short way to the historic Mercado San Telmo, a famed indoor street food market and one of the main things to do in Buenos Aires. Come and try all sorts of traditional Argentinian grub, whether it’s a crispy serving of empanadas or an asado feast whipped up right in front of your eyes.
Open since 1987, the layout remains largely the same to this day, with ornate metal framing and bustling stalls scattered right through. If you happen to have some space left after all the savory bites, don’t forget to sample some dulce de leche, a caramelized confection that comes in all kinds of forms, from cartons of spread to alfajores.
Experience One of the World’s Most Beautiful Bookstores, El Ateneo Grand Splendid
There’s a real elegance to Buenos Aires that can be found in all of its attractions, but none more than El Ateneo Grand Splendid, often hailed as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Once a grand theater, it still retains much of its original layout, with exquisite details like detailed frescoes and curtains originally used to unveil the stage.
Fast forward to today, rows of bookcases now line the former theater, with approximately 12,000 titles on sale. With multiple levels to explore, it’s easy to get stuck here all day reading while soaking up the romantic atmosphere, adding to the list of popular things to do and see in Buenos Aires.
Get Lost in Recoleta Cemetery
When visiting Buenos Aires, the historical sites you can check out are endless, but none are as iconic as Recoleta Cemetery. After arriving here in a Buenos Airport taxi, you’ll step into a winding maze of marble tombs and elaborate mausoleums, blending architectural styles like Art Deco and Neo-Gothic.
It’s easy to see why people compare Recoleta Cemetery to a museum, as more than 90 graves are marked as national monuments, and iconic names like the Paz family and Rufina Cambaceres are buried here. Just be aware that, unlike other cemeteries where you can normally enter for free, this one does have an entry fee.
Walk Around Plaza de Mayo
Sticking with historical sites in Buenos Aires, next, you’re going to make your way to Plaza de Mayo, the city’s oldest public square, and the political center of the capital. Having earned its name from Argentina’s revolution, this has been the setting for many key events in the country’s history, like the May Revolution.
Nowadays, Plaza de Mayo is a busy area and one of the standout things to see in Argentina and Buenos Aires. It attracts both tourists and locals alike, with many shops and restaurants around, as well as notable attractions like the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Watch a Tango Show
A tango show is the main thing to see in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This intimate dance style was born here, with daily performances happening every evening all over the city. You’ll be treated to a true spectacle of passion and movement while enjoying a flavorful Argentinian feast, usually a succulent cut of beef paired with fine wine, before the show begins.
In terms of where to actually watch a tango show, the options are endless. Some of the most popular places are Piazzolla Tango, El Querandi Tango, and Rojo Tango. Each offers something a little different, so make sure to do your research and find a package that suits you.
Don’t Miss These Things to See and Do in Buenos Aires
There you go, you’ve learned about all the best things to see in Buenos Aires. We’ve covered all bases with this list. Whether you want to watch some high-energy tango, check out some historical attractions, or enjoy some traditional Argentinian fare, it’s all here in BA.
Frequently asked questions
What is Buenos Aires best known for? 
The cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires is known for many things, including tango, nightlife, and sports, as it’s home to the famous football team Boca Juniors.
What is the number one place to visit in Buenos Aires?
In Buenos Aires, the things to do and see are plentiful, but the number one place to visit is Plaza de Mayo, the political heart of the city and the site of many defining events in Argentina’s history.
What is the number one tourist attraction in Buenos Aires?
The number one tourist attraction in Buenos Aires is Recoleta Cemetery, as it holds the tombs of many important people, such as Rufina Cambaceres, as well as over 90 graves that are national monuments.
Where is the best place to see the tango in Buenos Aires?
If you want to see tango in Buenos Aires, there are plenty of places to catch a show, but Piazzolla Tango is especially popular for its extravagant performances and elegant setting, held in a beautiful theater that dates back to 1915.
What are the must-see places in Buenos Aires?
When it comes to Buenos Aires’s things to see, you’ll be spoiled for choice, but some you can’t afford to miss include the colorful area of Caminito, the tombs of Recoleta Cemetery, and Mercado San Telmo for all the yummy food.
