An Expat’s Guide to the Best Parks in Buenos Aires

The parks in Buenos Aires offer a much-needed escape from the bustling streets of vibrant urban life of the South American capital.

Buenos Aires, like many South American bigger cities, can quickly start to feel crowded and overwhelming. There are so many things to do in Buenos Aires and hidden gems to explore. The streets of Buenos Aires are always busy with people coming and going and cars driving.

One of the joys of discovering a new city is also to find those small tranquil escapes from the city and soak in the city’s unique culture and atmosphere.

The parks in Buenos Aires are perfect for exactly that; taking a break and enjoying nature in the middle of the city.

After seven years of living in Buenos Aires, I share what I find to be the best parks in Buenos Aires to disconnect and take a break from the city.

Some of the parks are located in the middle of the city. While other parks are a little bit further out and offer even more space and nature for you to enjoy.

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A Guide to the Best Parks and Green Spaces in Buenos Aires

The Historic Plaza San Martín Park

Plaza San Martín is a huge square and park located in the neighborhood of Retiro. It is one of the oldest parks in Buenos Aires.

The park stretches all the way from the Retiro Station to the Argentine Foreign Ministry, Cancillería, and the Defense Ministry, Círculo Militar.

Plaza San Martín is one of my favorite parks in Buenos Aires. Its central location, the massive trees that cover the surrounding streets, and the beautiful view from the top looking down at the English Clock Tower, Torre Monumental, is just magnificent.

You can easily combine a visit to the English Tower to experience Plaza San Martín from above first. The English Tower is one of the best viewpoints in Buenos Aires. And then hit down for a scroll through Plaza San Martín and explore the amazing buildings surrounding the park.

Location: Avenida Santa Fe & Avenida Maipu, Retiro

The Forests of Palermo and the Rosedal Garden

In the center of the popular neighborhood Palermo, you will find a massive park. Commonly it is known as Bosques de Palermo, or translated as “the Forests of Palermo”. However, the actual name is Parque 3 de Febrero (Park 3rd of February).

This park covers more than 370 hectares. It is one of the most popular places for porteños to escape their apartments and enjoy a walk, a maté in the sun, or some outdoor fitness.

The Bosques de Palermo features two large lakes, where you can rent a paddle boat to enjoy a fun time on the water. There is also a planetarium and a beautiful rose garden, known as El Rosedal.

In the rose garden, you can find more than 8,000 roses from 93 different species. As well as an Andalucian patio donated to Buenos Aires from the Spanish city of Seville (which, by the way, is one of my favorite cities in Spain).

Part of this huge park was designed by the same landscape architect, Charles Thays, who also designed Barrancas de Belgrano and the Botanical Garden.

The last part of the Bosques de Palermo ends with the Botanical Garden (read more below).

Location: Avenida Sarmiento & Avenida del Libertador, Palermo

Barrancas de Belgrano Park in Buenos Aires

Barrancas de Belgrano Park is located in the neighborhood of Belgrano in the northern part of Buenos Aires. The park creates a green spot for the inhabitants of the neighborhood to enjoy the sun on the green grass.

This beautiful park in Buenos Aires was designed in 1892 by French Carlos Thays, the same who designed some of Bosques de Palermo and the Botanical Gardens in Buenos Aires (read more below). The park features more than 60 species of trees, flowers, and other vegetation.

A truly hidden gem in Buenos Aires for most visitors is that in the evenings during the weekends, you can find people practicing tango on a small stage inside Barrancas de Belgrano. Check out my complete guide to hidden gems in Buenos Aires for more details!

Location: Av. Virrey Vértiz & Av. Juramento, Belgrano

Buenos Aires Botanic Garden, Carlos Thays

Buenos Aires Botanical Garden, or Jardin botánico as it is called in Spanish, is located in the heart of Palermo.

The garden occupies seven hectares of land just by Plaza Italia and two of the city’s most busy avenues: Avenida Santa Fe and Avenida Las Heras.

The garden features a collection of more than 6,000 species of plants and trees both outdoors and inside greenhouses.

In the center of the Botanical Garden, you will find an English-styled house. From time to time, it houses different types of art exhibitions. Throughout the garden, you will also find different sculptures.

The entrance to Buenos Aires Botanical Garden is free. Check out my ultimate guide to free things to do in Buenos Aires!

Opening hours:

• Tuesday through Friday, 8 am to 6.45 pm
• Saturday, Sunday, and Argentine holidays, 9.30 am to 6.45 pm
• Monday closed

Location: Avenida Santa Fe 3951, Palermo

Buenos Aires’ Natural Reserve, Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur

The Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, or simply Reserva Ecológica, is the largest green area in Buenos Aires. The reserve extends over 350 hectares of land with many lakes.

This huge reserve is just behind the popular high-end area, Puerto Madero. It stretches all the way to the river banks of Río de La Plata, the river that divides Argentina and Uruguay.

The reserve features the most extensive biodiversity within the city of Buenos Aires. You can experience everything from different birds, lizards, turtles, and many different species of trees and other vegetation. It is an ideal place for birdwatching.

Due to its large extension, it is ideal to rent a bike or do a bike tour to explore the reserve.

The entrance is free but it might be closed due to bad weather.

Location: Avenida Dr. Achaval Rodriguez 1550, Puerto Madero

The Children’s Park and Buenos Aires’ Urban Beach

An alternative park in Buenos Aires is the Children’s Park, or Parque de los Niños in Spanish.

The Children’s Park is located in the far northern corner of Buenos Aires up towards the limit of the Province of Buenos Aires and with a view over the river, Río de La Plata.

Inside the Children’s Park, you will also find Buenos Aires Urban Beach or in Spanish Playa Urbana. It is an artificial beach-like area with a lot of children’s playgrounds including some smaller water park activities. According to the City Government of Buenos Aires, it is the first urban beach to be created in Latin America.

We went once during the week. At that time, it was pretty empty and there weren’t many interesting things to do or see. There were only some vast areas with grass and no actual stand. But maybe if you go with kids it might be more fun.

It is completely free to visit; the entrance is free, and the sun chairs, and the water activities.

The Urban Beach is only open during the Argentine summer months (January through February).

Location: Parque de los Niños, General Paz & Avenida Cantilo,

Other Parks Worth Visiting in Buenos Aires

• Parque Las Heras
  Parque Las Heras is located in Palermo by the two main avenues of Avenida Las Heras and Avenida Coronel Díaz. It’s a favorite for dog owners in the neighborhood and porteños doing outdoor exercises.
  
• Parque Centenario
  Parque Centenario is a round-formed park located in the center of the neighborhood of Caballito. This park features a huge lark and a Museum of Natural Science.

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Have you visited any of these parks in Buenos Aires? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts and knowledge below!

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