How to spend three days in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires was a really great city to kickstart my Argentinian travels. It was one of my favorite capitals in South America, due to its pretty colonial architecture, delicious food and rich culture. It also has a secure feel to it. Capitals in South America tend to be crime-hubs, and several of the capitals left me feeling very uneasy, but not Buenos Aires. All in all it is a great city with a lot to offer. You can easily spend up to a week here, but for arguments sake, let’s say you only have one weekend, or three days. What should you prioritize? How should you split your days? What should you see? I’ll tell you everything you need to know to get the most out of those three days in Buenos Aires right here right now.
The capital can seem scarily big, but because all the major tourist sights can be divided into sections of the city, and there is a good metro-system in place, sightseeing the whole city can actually be done pretty easily, and you can see surprisingly many sights in a relatively short time. And before I take you on a virtual guide around the major sights of the city, let’s first get the basics over with.
Language: Spanish
Currency: Argentinian pesos
Tipping: Optional
Getting to Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, being a large capital, have an international airport, so there shouldn’t really be a problem finding a flight to the city. If you are coming from another city, either in Argentina, or from neighboring Chile or Brazil, the bus system in Argentina and South America is huge and very convenient. Therefore, there really shouldn’t be a problem catching a bus to the city either. If you are coming in from Uruguay you’re probably going to need to take a scenic ferry-ride, either from capital Montevideo or the smaller but quaint Colonia.
Getting around in Buenos Aires
Believe it or not, but Buenos Aires have a very easy public transport system, by the implementation of the Subte-card. This works on both buses and the metro-system, making it easy to get around. You buy a card, put in a certain amount of cash, and that’s it! Then you can use the money on the card to get from one place to another. In addition to this, taxis are plentiful and not horrendously expensive, so this is also a good option when you’re really tired of walking.
Best time of year to visit Buenos Aires
The best time of year to visit Buenos Aires would be in the springtime (September-December). It’s not too hot, and too cold; just perfect. The crowds are less, and the prices are down. Alternatively, autumn would also be nice (March-May).
Day 1: Palermo street art and salsa dancing
On your very first day in Buenos Aires, I want you to explore the quaint and hip district of Palermo, where there are a lot of really gorgeous street art, and a lot of great cafes and restaurants. In fact, I would urge you to take a guide street-art tour of the neighborhood, to make sure you are seeing the best of the best of the murals. These tours will guide you through the streets and present you with some really tremendous art work. You can actually use up a whole day in this neighborhood, as you should.
In the evening, you should get a taste of one of Argentina’s most vibrant, fun and proudest vibrant tradition; the tango-dance. It is their national dance, and essential to any trip to Argentina. There are several tour companies that offer you a whole evening of tango-dancing. First, you start off with a personal class. After the class, you enjoy a nice dinner while watching the professionals do their thing on a stage. There are also live shows that you can watch in different parts of the city.
Day 2: City landmarks
Today is all about exploring the grandest landmarks of the city. Buenos Aires was heavily influenced by European countries in their architecture, creating a colonial feel to the city. This makes for some very beautiful city-landmarks such as the Casa Rosada and the Teatro Colon. The Obelisco is also a grand landmark worth taking a look at. In addition to this, there is a book store called El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore, and it might just be the prettiest bookstore I ever did walk into, so it is definitely worth a trip. You can here grab your lunch in the book store, or at the famous Café Tortoni.
In the afternoon head up to the Recoleta Cemetery. It is maybe one of the most famous cemeteries in the world, and some great names have been buried there. It is essentially a grave yard for Argentina’s rich and famous. We’re talking prime ministers, nobel prize winners and even a granddaughter of Napelon. Cemeteries are usually dark and creepy, but not this one. It is grandiose and prided with sky-high crypts, decorated with marble figures of angels and guardians.
Today, have dinner at a traditional parilla, or in other words, a steakhouse. Have a nice, juicy piece of chorizo-steak and a tasteful glass of wine, really enjoying the best of Argentinian cuisine.
Day 3: Markets and football
Today is all about soaking up the Argentinian spirit and life. First, take a morning stroll at the neighborhoods La Boca and Caminito, that are known for their colorful houses. Then, go visit the San Telmo Mercado, and have lunch there. Walk around and give a taste to the different dishes that are made at every corner. After that, take a look at the skinniest house in all of Buenos Aires. It is kind of weird to imagine anyone living in there, but it makes for a great photo-op! Have dinner at the Banco Rojo which makes some of the best burgers in town.
For the evening entertainment go to a football-match. Argentinians are famous for their football, and have produced some of the best players in the whole world, such as Lionel Messi. They take their football very seriously, and it is really fun to sit in on a match and watching the passion they excude from the game. A must when visiting the city.
Alternative day-trip
If either one of these days doesn’t really tickle your fancy, or you have more days to spare, you can take either one of these day trips.
Guacho day tour
Argentinians are known for their beef, but also for their horses. And to be frank, have you actually been to Argentina if you haven’t ridden a horse, or tasted a traditional asado-barbeque? I don’t really think so. Well, when visiting a local Gaucho you can tick both of those boxes off. A gaucho is essentially a ranch where skilled horseman farm cattle, and you can go on a tour and get an idea of how the life as a gaucho is. You can take a ride with the horses, and in the evening enjoy a local barbeque called asado. It is a great way of experiencing a piece of traditional Argentinian culture up close.
Take a day trip to Uruguay
Because Buenos Aires shares a border with Uruguay, there are a multitude of ferries that goes from Buenos Aires to either Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, and Colonia, a more quiet and quaint city of Uruguay. It is a great way of ticking another country off your list, and Uruguay has some very pretty cities worth seeing.
So that’s it! That’s what three days in Buenos Aires should look like. You’re weekend will be packed with the very best of Argentinian culture, history, landmarks and traditions.
For more information, check out my article for a full guide to argentina here, which includes a guide to a suggested budget based on your specific travel-style, and the typical costs for the country.
