19 Compelling Reasons to Explore Buenos Aires

Amazing Steak

Argentinians are passionate about their beef, which is evident from the generous prime cuts served at the country's parrillas (steakhouses). However, don’t expect the waiter to simply place a steak knife and sauce next to your dish. Porteños love to dress their medium-cooked ojo de bife (rib eye) or vacio (flank steak) with vibrant salsas like criolla, made from tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers of various colors, or chimichurri, a zesty mix of olive oil, garlic, oregano, and parsley. For a true taste of Argentinian culture, settle into a table at Don Julio in Palermo Viejo and try the entraña (skirt steak).

El Ateneo Grand Splendid

At the dawn of the 21st century, the 1,050-seat Teatro Grand Splendid, which opened in 1919 and was inspired by the grand opera houses of Europe, underwent a transformation. It has since been dubbed "the world's most beautiful bookstore." Annually, it attracts around a million visitors. Here, amidst opulent balconies, marble columns, and the original ceiling fresco, you'll discover over 200,000 titles (primarily in Spanish), alongside thousands of DVDs, CDs, and vinyl records, as well as a coffee shop and live piano music on the same stage where tango legend Carlos Gardel once graced the boards.

A Vibrant Cafe Culture

No trip to Buenos Aires is complete without a visit to one of its classic cafes, which embody the city's reputation as a literary capital. Bar El Federal, a beloved spot in San Telmo since 1864, features window seats perfect for people-watching while you enjoy tapas. In Palermo, the salmon-hued El Preferido de Palermo pays homage to its previous life as a grocery store and a favorite haunt of Jorge Luis Borges, who lived just across the street, with its hanging hams and shelves filled with canned goods.

Hidden Bars

At Frank's in Palermo Hollywood, eager patrons must know the secret password to access a shadowy corridor that leads to a telephone booth at the end. When the phone rings, guests answer and enter a 4-digit code, which reveals a chic bar where cocktails are meticulously crafted, though somewhat pricey. At Isabel in the fashionable Palermo Soho, seating is limited, so it’s wise to get on the guest list.

Boutique Luxury Accommodations

Chic choices are plentiful for trendy travelers seeking more than the typical chain experience. Legado Mítico in Palermo Soho features 11 uniquely themed rooms inspired by notable figures in Argentine culture, such as Victoria Ocampo, Jose Hernandez, Benito Quinquela Martín, and José de San Martín.

The Art of Tango

This passionate dance is as integral to Argentina's culture as fútbol and gauchos. Don't miss your chance to catch a performance and perhaps pick up a few steps in the birthplace of tango. For the best experience, head to milongas (dance halls) and make sure to reserve your seats ahead of time. We recommend La Catedral, a straightforward venue in Almagro perfect for newcomers, and La Viruta Tango de Solanas in Palermo, where the festivities continue late into the night.

Cutting-edge Coffee

While many classic cafes seem to cling to tradition, venturing off the typical tourist trail can lead you to inventive coffee experiences. In the Mercado San Telmo, surrounded by spices and retro toys, you'll find Coffee Town — a tribute to Central American coffee by former journalist José Vales, featuring beans from Colombia, Brazil, and his native country. Over in the upscale Belgrano neighborhood, All Saints Cafe serves a wonderfully bold Colombian espresso.

Malbec

It’s astonishing to think there was a time when Argentina was off the radar for wine enthusiasts. Yet, it was only about 25 years ago that the country emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing wine exporters, particularly known for its Malbec. Mendoza, located near the breathtaking Andes Mountains, stands as Argentina’s premier wine region, making it a perfect spot for a two- or three-day getaway. In the meantime, enjoy a glass of red with your meal in Buenos Aires — you won't be disappointed.

Farinelli

At this beloved Palermo eatery, the bright, all-white decor complements a seasonal menu that lets diners customize their meals like a picnic. Each day, you’ll find a variety of sandwiches and nutritious salads, including options like quinoa tossed with cherry tomatoes.

Exceptional Design

While Brazilian Modern design often steals the spotlight, Buenos Aires firmly establishes itself as a powerhouse in contemporary design. The annual Feria Puro Diseño stands as the city's premier design fair, where many of Argentina's most talented creators present their innovative works to collectors and retailers from around the globe.

Fashion Week

Every year, fashion enthusiasts converge at BA's Fashion Week. It's a showcase of creativity, with each designer bringing a unique flair. Previous editions featured Augustina Dubié's "Mundo Ordinario" (Ordinary World) collection, which celebrated empowered women through reimagined classics like trench coats and denim jackets. Meanwhile, Marcelo Giacobbe's collection, inspired by El Bosco's "The Garden of Earthly Delights," presented garments that seemed to float gracefully over the body.

Bar de Cao

You might not think to venture down Avenida Independencia, a vibrant street bustling with shops and cafes in San Cristóbal. However, Bar de Cao, established in 1915, is definitely worth your time. With its vintage wooden cabinets, original marble counter, and beautifully etched glass windows, it offers a nostalgic atmosphere. The ambiance is incredibly relaxed, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a café con leche and linger a while.

Casa Rosada

This historic mansion located in Plaza de Mayo — currently housing Argentina’s national government and presidential office — is a delight for visitors. According to legend, the building was painted with cow's blood to prevent the paint from peeling. Another tale claims the color symbolizes the red and white of Argentina's two founding political parties. From a second-floor balcony, First Lady Eva Perón famously addressed hundreds of thousands of supporters during her husband’s presidency from 1946 to 1952. Nowadays, curious tourists can enjoy free guided tours on weekends.

Recoleta Cemetery

Established in 1822, this intricate cemetery is a visual marvel, featuring nearly 4,700 stunning mausoleums crafted by some of the city’s most celebrated architects and sculptors. Over 90 of these artistic works are recognized as national historical monuments. The Duarte family vault, which is the final resting place of Eva Perón, draws many visitors, but also keep an eye out for the Art Nouveau tomb of Rufina Cambaceres, where a white-marble statue depicts the tragic teenager, poised as if she is about to open the vault's iron door.

Graffiti Mundo

The vibrant street art in Buenos Aires tells a compelling story about the city, and Graffiti Mundo is an organization devoted to celebrating and preserving the culture of Porteño street art. You can join a street tour of Colegiales and Palermo Hollywood to experience the movement as it unfolds, along with insights into the city's history of street expression. They also offer private tours that explore the most colorful and art-laden neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, often including stops at local galleries. Be sure to secure your spot online ahead of time.

Teatro Colón

This historic opera house, established in 1908, is a stunning architectural masterpiece featuring a lavish salon that echoes the grandeur of Versailles, a horseshoe-shaped auditorium celebrated for its exceptional acoustics, and design elements that showcase Italian and French influences from its original architects. After taking approximately 20 years to complete, the venue underwent a major refurbishment from 2006 to 2010. If tickets happen to be sold out — which is likely, given that renowned artists like Caruso, Pavarotti, and Carreras have graced the stage — consider taking a guided tour or attending a rehearsal instead.

Jardín Botánico de la Ciudad

Designed by landscape architect Julio Carlos Thays, this enchanting garden opened its gates in 1898. Home to over 1,000 species of trees and plants, alongside reproductions of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, it features a visitor center resembling an English castle, providing a serene escape from the lively atmosphere surrounding Plaza Italia.

Bebop Club

Indulge in jazz, blues, funk, and soul at this minimalist music venue located beneath a restaurant and wine bar. Just a couple of blocks from Plaza Serrano in Palermo Soho, the club offers an exceptional selection of cocktails and light bites, along with an exciting lineup of performances. On Saturdays, you might catch singer Delfina Oliver delivering renditions of Gershwin and Porter classics, while Fridays often showcase international talents like trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis or pianist Tomoko Ohno.

Latin American Art

Regarded as one of the premier art museums in South America, the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA) is a must-visit. Showcasing Argentine pioneers like Antonio Berni and Luis Felipe Noé, alongside icons such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, the collection promises to leave a lasting impression.