5 Compelling Reasons to Visit Buenos Aires Beyond Steak and Wine

Explore Argentina for its wine, mountains, lakes, music, and tango. But while in Buenos Aires, venture beyond the standard tourist spots. During my trip in April 2024, this vibrant city quickly became my favorite destination (alongside Mendoza and Salta) due to its rich beauty, history, and delectable desserts. Here are some suggestions to experience more than the typical in B.A.

Admire the stunning architecture

As you wander through the city, you'll encounter a vibrant mix of architectural styles reflecting over 300 years of Argentine history: the European Renaissance-inspired Teatro Colón opera house, the Belle Époque Villa Ocampo museum, the colonial-style National Museum of the Cabildo and the May Revolution, the neoclassical National Congress, and the art nouveau Palacio Barolo, which features numerous allusions to Dante’s Divine Comedy, along with the art deco Kavanagh Building. Even a simple stroll through neighborhoods like Colegiales, Recoleta, or Retiro will showcase a rich tapestry of design influences.

Seek out Beaux-Arts apartment buildings adorned with intricate wrought-iron balconies and corner shops boasting delightful art deco details. Don’t miss the green door of the city’s narrowest house, Casa Minima, dating back to 1820; at just two and a half meters wide, it's believed to represent the small homes granted to freed enslaved people by their former owners after slavery was abolished in Argentina in the mid-1800s.

Find inspiration in the street art

While the architecture of Buenos Aires serves as an urban museum reflecting the many facets of Argentina's history, the city's walls transform into galleries that resonate with the current emotions of its inhabitants. Almost everywhere you look, you’ll discover something intriguing, but the neighborhoods of Colegiales and Palermo Hollywood host a remarkable array of artwork. I embark on street art tours in nearly every city I visit (from Toronto to Ulaanbaatar), and the one in Buenos Aires organized by the nonprofit Graffiti Mundo was exceptional. This organization has played a key role in fostering and creating urban art, and our guide skillfully led us off the usual path to witness works ranging from poignant (“memory tiles” in the Palermo pavement honoring the 30,000 people who were “disappeared” during the military dictatorship from 1976 to 1983) to whimsical (like a giant cartoon cat peeking through a slice of toast).

Embark on a pizza and ice cream tasting adventure

While many rave about the steak in Argentina—and rightly so—I’d encourage you to also indulge in two other culinary delights that Buenos Aires excels at: pizza and ice cream, both of which have roots in the Italian immigration wave that began in the 1880s. Gelato is deeply ingrained in local culture, with a shop on nearly every corner, many of which stay open late into the night.

The three major players in the gelato scene are Freddo, established in Recoleta in 1969 with locations throughout the city and abroad; Persicco, a beloved spot since 1931; and Volta, a newer venture (founded in 2002) by the family that originally created Freddo. Other must-try options include Obrador Florida (just a few blocks from the acclaimed Argentine restaurant El Preferido, perfect for a gelato dinner pairing), Lucciano’s (known for its creatively shaped ice cream pops), and Tufic (offering unique flavors like Turkish chocolate with figs and walnuts).

If you consult any hotel staff or Uber driver, you’ll receive even more insights and recommendations. You’ll quickly notice that dulce de leche reigns as the national flavor: Most ice cream shops boast multiple variations (classic, with chocolate, with coffee, with cinnamon, with extra caramel, with cookies). During my visit, I conducted a very scientific taste test of dulce de leche scoops, and my top picks were the classic versions from Freddo and Obrador Florida.

For pizza, don't miss Picsa, founded by Leo Azulay, a protégé of Francis Mallman, known for its exceptional sourdough crust. Two other famous pizzerias recommended by Dinogo contributor Katherine Gallardo, whose family hails from Buenos Aires, are Pizzería Güerrín, celebrated for its cheesy slices, and El Cuartito, a local institution that has been serving since 1934.

Explore bookstores that offer more than just books

Bookstores are an integral part of life in B.A. One afternoon, I noticed a line forming outside a shop that had closed for siesta—while two others stood just across the street. Stay alert as you stroll, because a shop that appears small and uninviting from the sidewalk may surprise you. Make sure to pop into each one you pass—they all hold delightful surprises.

In the inviting, library-like atmosphere of Eterna Cadencia (as shown), dark-wood shelves stretch from floor to ceiling, adorned with an elegant Old World chandelier hanging from the wood-paneled ceiling, while an outdoor café nestles in a lush courtyard. At night, Borges 1975 transforms into a bar and jazz club. Librería de Ávila holds the title of the city’s oldest bookstore, established in 1785. Meanwhile, El Ateneo Grand Splendid occupies a grand 1919 theater featuring a domed ceiling, bookshelves filling what was once the orchestra level and balconies, plus a café located on the former stage.

At the other end of the spectrum, Medio Pan is a compact 247-square-foot shop that feels surprisingly spacious; it includes a cozy reading nook and extra seating, with glass doors that double as bookshelves. There’s also a whimsical shop that brings literature to life: Knowhere Collectibles Café, which offers a fun atmosphere to explore. You’ll encounter a giant dementor from Harry Potter haunting the staircase and artwork inspired by Lord of the Rings. Don’t forget to visit the rooftop, where you can strike your best superhero pose next to the life-size Bat Signal or stand eye-to-eye with a T-Rex.

The selection of English-language books varies by store, but exploring these charming spaces, browsing the shelves, and admiring the different cover designs of your favorite books is always a pleasure.

Visit the library

As a library enthusiast, I make it a point to visit one whenever I travel. Bibliophiles, architecture lovers, and anyone in search of a peaceful retreat should definitely head to Argentina’s national library. This brutalist masterpiece appears to defy gravity, resembling a giant, square lollipop on a stick.

Constructed on the grounds where Juan Domingo and Eva Perón once lived (the mansion was demolished following his ousting in 1955), the library's design began in 1961, but construction only kicked off a decade later, with the official opening in 1992. If you’re curious about Eva’s burial site, you can stroll over to the nearby Recoleta Cemetery, a fascinating mini city filled with mausoleums. Inside the library, you’ll find stunning views from the fifth-floor reading room, alongside nearly a million books, maps, and recordings. Don’t forget to bring an ID for entry, or check their website for information on free guided tours.

Accommodation options

Hotel Casa Lucia debuted in early 2024 within a 20-story tower that once held the title of the tallest building in South America since its completion in 1929. Built by a shipping tycoon eager to keep an eye on his vessels in the harbor, its design draws inspiration from a lighthouse. Rooms on the upper floors offer views of the water, while the lobby bar, located beneath a glass roof in the now-covered plaza, boasts a drinks menu featuring over 400 varieties of Argentine wine.