Buenos Aires Travel Guide

Are you planning a trip to Buenos Aires? Find all my best travel guide to Buenos Aires to help plan your trip!

Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires is often called the Paris of South America because of its beautiful European-inspired architecture and large avenues.

The people of Buenos Aires, more commonly known as porteños, have a strongly European heritage since Argentina and Buenos Aires, in particular, received huge amount of European immigrants during the late 1880s and early 19th century.

You should visit Buenos Aires to experience the city’s beautiful and colorful cityscape, Argentinian tango, delicious Argentinian food, and the city’s hidden gems!

I’m all about getting under the skin of Buenos Aires for you to experience the unique sites and Argentinian culture in Buenos Aires!

Here’s what we are going to explore together in this complete Buenos Aires Travel Guide.
You can jump around in the sections as you like check out my additional Buenos Aires resources as you wish!

The Complete Buenos Aires Travel Guide
  1. Explore Buenos Aires in More Detail
  2. Where is Buenos Aires?
  3. What Language Do They Speak in Buenos Aires?
  4. How Long Do You Need in Buenos Aires?
  5. When is the Best Time to Visit Buenos Aires?
  6. Is Buenos Aires Safe for Tourists?
  7. What to Pack for Buenos Aires?
  8. Useful Apps to Download
  9. What Is the Best Way to Get to Buenos Aires?
  10. How Do You Get From the Airport to Buenos Aires?
  11. What to Do in Buenos Aires?
  12. Where to Stay in Buenos Aires?
  13. How to Exchange Money in Buenos Aires?
  14. What Food to Try in Buenos Aires?
  15. Walking in Buenos Aires
  16. Uber & Cabify in Buenos Aires
  17. Taxis in Buenos Aires
  18. Public Transportation in Buenos Aires

Discover Buenos Aires

Explore Buenos Aires in More Detail

Buenos Aires offers many fascinating things to do and exciting places to visit. Choose the type of Buenos Aires travel tips you are looking for below.

Buenos Aires Attractions

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Day Trips From Buenos Aires

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Buenos Aires Itineraries

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Are You Planning a Trip to Buenos Aires?

This is Your Detailed Buenos Aires Travel Guide From a Long-Term Expat!

Hola!

I’m Becci, a Danish long-term expat! I was supposed to stay in Buenos Aires 6 months but ended up living here 7 years!

This Buenos Aires Travel Guide is my compiled resource of everything I have learned over the years living in Buenos Aires!

Do you have a question? Reach out or connect with me on social media!

Getting to Know Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires At A Glance

Let’s start by getting to know some of the facts about Buenos Aires before diving into the details of this Buenos Aires travel guide.

Buenos Aires Facts

Population: 3.12 million
Official Language: Spanish with the special River Plate Spanish accent
Currency: Argentine Pesos (ARG)

Where is Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina. It is located on the southeastern coast of South America, facing the Atlantic Ocean and on the western shore by the Río de la Plata, bordering Uruguay. Río de la Plata translates as the “River of Silver”.

Buenos Aires is the most populated city in Argentina and is located in the northeastern corner of the country.

Buenos Aires Map

What Language Do They Speak in Buenos Aires?

In Argentina and Buenos Aires, people speak Spanish.

Spanish in Argentina has a unique accent and, at times, completely different vocabulary, compared to other Spanish-speaking countries.

Spanish in Buenos Aires is often referred to as Castellano Rioplatense or River Plate Spanish, referring to the fact that this Spanish is spoken in the region around the Rio de la Plata.

The locals of Buenos Aires are called porteños, and their Spanish accent is different from that in other parts of Argentina.

Should You Learn Some Spanish Before Visiting Buenos Aires?

Definitely, yes!

Before traveling to Buenos Aires and Argentina, it is very useful to brush off your Spanish or learn some basic Spanish expressions.

While you might find more people in Buenos Aires with some level of English, don’t count on being able to communicate in English with everybody.

A good way to prepare for your trip to Buenos Aires is by taking a few online Spanish classes at Italki.

Read more

Beginner Guide to Spanish in Argentina
Basic Greetings in Argentina
The Best of Lunfardo, Argentinian Slang

Before you Go

Planning Your Buenos Aires Trip

There are many things to consider when preparing your trip to Buenos Aires. In this section, I will explore some of the important things you need to know when you start to plan.

How Long Do You Need in Buenos Aires?

I strongly recommend spending, at least, three days in Buenos Aires!

Buenos Aires is quite a big city and if you’re relying on public transportation to get around it might add some additional waiting time to your Buenos Aires itinerary.

With three days in Buenos Aires, you have time to see the main attractions in the different neighborhoods and maybe even add a day trip to your itinerary.

Read more

Buenos Aires in One Day: A Complete 1-Day Itinerary
Buenos Aires 3-Days Itinerary
One Day Itinerary to Palermo
Day Trips From Buenos Aires

When is the Best Time to Visit Buenos Aires?

My favorite season to visit Buenos Aires is in the spring (October through November).

The seasons in Argentina are reversed compared to the U.S. and Europe because Argentina is located in the Southern Hemisphere.

In spring, the weather in Buenos Aires is neither too hot nor too cold. There are many sunny days without it being unbearably hot. Temperatures during the daytime lie around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). In November, the Jacarandas trees bloom all over Buenos Aires, leaving the city in a picturesque purple tone.

The fall (April through May) can also be very charming. The heat of summer is disappearing, and the first cold nights will paint the city’s many trees in different shades of orange and yellow.

The winters (June through September) are chilly, gray, and rainy. The weather is very unstable changing from sunny days to weeks of constant rain.

The summers (December through March) are warm and humid. During January, Buenos Aires turns into a ghost town. Many locals leave for summer vacation at the beaches down the Atlantic coast from Buenos Aires.

Is Buenos Aires Safe for Tourists?

Buenos Aires is relatively safe compared to larger cities like New York and London.

Stay aware of your surroundings when you walk around, and keep your phones and cameras in your bag when you are not using them.

In recent years, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and phone theft from locals and tourists, has been increasing.

The phenomenon is called motochorros – motorbike robbers – has become very common in Buenos Aires. The thieves drive by on their motorbikes searching for unattentive people standing with their phones.

When a victim is identified, they drive by and grab the phone or camera directly out of the victim’s hand. This can happen at any time of the day. While standing or walking on the street with your phone or when sitting inside a bus or a cab. 

Another common trick is for somebody to spill something on you from above (normally without you noticing). Then another person comes to help you out. While somebody else secretly takes the valuables out of your bag.

That being said, I lived many years in Buenos Aires without being robbed once. However, I did learn to be more aware of my surroundings when I walked around the city.

What to Pack for Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires is a very casual city, so pack jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers for your trip to Buenos Aires.

In the city center of Buenos Aires, you might find locals nicely dressed in suits and business wear, but that’s mostly because many local courts, public administration, and financial offices are located in Downtown Buenos Aires.

In the summer, the heater in Buenos Aires is warm and humid, so pack light with clothes that isn’t too tight – it will find a way to stick to your body anyway!

In the winter, Buenos Aires can become pretty chilly (not Danish cold winter at all!) so pack plenty of layers! A winter jacket and a sweater wouldn’t hurt.

Useful Apps to Download

When you are preparing your trip to Buenos Aires, there are a couple of apps that might help make your travel experience more smooth.

Consider downloading some of these apps onto your phone before arriving in Buenos Aires, so you don’t have to spend time downloading and setting them up when you are in Buenos Aires.

Best Apps for Buenos Aires Travel

Here is a list of some of my favorite apps to use on a trip to Buenos Aires!

WhatsApp – WhatsApp is the most essential app to have on your phone before you travel to Buenos Aires.

WhatsApp is a free messaging app that can be used for everything from texting to calling. Argentines use WhatsApp for almost everything — even my Argentine bank has a WhatsApp account!

WhatsApp is a great app to download for coordinating with tour guides, Airbnb hosts, and restaurant reservations! Many local companies even use WhatsApp for taking reservations!

Google Maps – Google Maps works very well in Buenos Aires for figuring out the itinerary for public transportation or looking up restaurant reviews.

Honestly, while living in Buenos Aires, Google Maps was the only map service I ever used. Google Maps might not be super precise with the arrival time of buses and subways in Buenos Aires, but none of the transportation apps are!

With Google Maps, you can download offline maps of cities or parts of cities before your trip to Buenos Aires, in case you don’t have internet when you arrive.

Cómo Llego & Moovit – If you are looking for alternatives to Google Maps for planning your visit to Buenos Aires, then download Cómo Llego and Moovit.

Cómo Llego, meaning “How do I arrive” in Spanish, is an app and online map for Buenos Aires. Cómo Llego is developed by the local city government in Buenos Aires, and works similarly to Google Maps but is a bit more buggy in my experience.

Moovit is an app focused on creating itineraries for public transportation in Buenos Aires. The great thing with Moovit is that it sends alerts when there are strikes or road blockages in the city (a very common problem in Buenos Aires).

Western Union – Western Union is the best app for money exchange for your Buenos Aires travel!

With Western Union, on your phone, you always have the current exchange and closest office at hand.

You can make transfers from your bank account at home to be picked up in cash at a Western Union office in Buenos Aires. It is always best not to transfer too larger amounts at the same time as the Western Union offices sometimes run out.

Uber & Cabify – Uber and Cabify are the most popular ride-sharing apps in Buenos Aires, and it is a great idea to download both before you travel to Buenos Aires.

Many porteños consider Uber and Cabify as safer alternatives to stopping a taxi on the street because it is harder for the driver to detour from the agreed route.

If your Spanish is a bit rusty, the ride-sharing apps are also a bit less intimidating to use because you put the address in the app yourself.

Google Translate – Google Translate is a great app to download on your phone before traveling to Buenos Aires if your Spanish is a bit rusty.

Even though Argentine Spanish is very different from other Spanish-speaking countries, you can come a long way with a little help from Google Translate.

Getting To Buenos Aires

Arriving to Buenos Aires

After planning for your trip to Buenos Aires, it is now time to book the flight tickets and make sure you arrive safely from the airport to Buenos Aires City.

In this section, we will look at what you need to know about getting to Buenos Aires.

What Is the Best Way to Get to Buenos Aires?

Most people visiting Buenos Aires will be arriving with a flight to one of Buenos Aires’ international airports: Aeropuerto Internacional Ezeiza (code: EZE) and Aeroparque Jorge Newberry (code: BUE).

The best way to find flight tickets is using Kiwi.com or Aerolineas Argentinas.

If you travel through South America and visit Chile, Brazil, Bolivia, or other parts of Argentina, you might be arriving in Buenos Aires by long-distance bus.

Most long-distance buses arrive at Buenos Aires’ Retiro bus station. The area around the Retiro bus station isn’t the nicest, so keep an eye out for your belongings. If possible, try to reserve an Uber or Cabify ride to get to your accommodation.

How Do You Get From the Airport to Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires has two international airports: Aeropuerto Internacional Ezeiza (code: EZE) and Aeroparque Jorge Newberry (code: BUE). 

Most international flights will arrive at the International Airport Ezeiza. Ezeiza is located around 20 miles (32 km) outside the city of Buenos Aires.

Aeroparque Jorge Newberry is located almost in the city by the river banks of Río de la Plata.

Shuttle Bus, Tienda León

Public transportation to both airports is poor. The cheaper option is to take a bus service, Tienda León, that works in both airports.

Tienda León will drop you off in the port area of Puerto Madero. From the Tienda León Terminal, you will most likely need to catch a local bus or the subway to get to your hotel or Airbnb.

Private Transfer to Buenos Aires City

A private transfer is the easiest and quickest way to get from either airport to your accommodation in Buenos Aires.

Remis
A remis is the Argentine word for a private car with a driver. A remis operates much like a taxi, but they are especially popular in Argentine towns and villages where taxis are less common. And somehow the remis business has also expanded to Buenos Aires.

I always used the remis service El Rápido Ezeiza whenever my family had to be picked up from the Ezeiza Airport. They answer very quickly on WhatsApp messages and the drivers have always been on time. You might experience that they only answer in Spanish.

Taxi
Taking a taxi might be a bit more expensive than using Tienda León. But you avoid having to manage public transportation from the Tienda León terminal to your accommodation with all your luggage.

Car-sharing Apps

Car-sharing apps like Uber and Cabify have become increasingly popular in Buenos Aires.

Most of them operate in a legal grey area. Around the airports in Buenos Aires, the drivers from these applications can have a hard time

The Sunday market, Feria de Mataderos, is the perfect spot for experiencing traditional Argentine gaucho culture firsthand.
The Sunday market, Feria de Mataderos, is the perfect spot for experiencing traditional Argentine gaucho culture firsthand.

When In Buenos Aires

Exploring Buenos Aires

There are plenty of places to explore and unique experiences to have once you have arrived in Buenos Aires.

In this section, we’ll look into what you need to know about exploring Buenos Aires!

What to Do in Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires offers something for every taste!

Do you want to spend your trip eating your way through delicious food or exploring historical landmarks? Buenos Aires has you covered!

Or do you prefer to wander around exploring Buenos Aires’ hidden gems and taking day trips off-the-beaten path? Buenos Aires has you covered!

Get more inspiration on what to do in Buenos Aires in some of my detailed Buenos Aires guides!

Read more

The 20 Most Popular Things to Do in Buenos Aires
The Best Hidden Gems in Buenos Aires
A Complete Guide to the Best Street Art in Buenos Aires
The Best Free Things to Do in Buenos Aires

Where to Stay in Buenos Aires?

Popular places to stay in Buenos Aires for travelers and expats are Palermo and Recoleta. 

Both neighborhoods, Palermo and Recoleta, are some of the safest areas in Buenos Aires and offer a good selection of restaurants and bars. I lived for close to two years in Palermo, and the neighborhood has a nice modern yet local vibe to it.

Recoleta has a bit more “old money” vibe and is a bit closer to many of the main attraction in Downtown Buenos Aires.

San Telmo is another popular option if you want to stay close to downtown Buenos Aires.

Even though it might seem tempting to stay in downtown Buenos Aires (known as Mircocentro by locals), I wouldn’t recommend it. Some parts of San Telmo and downtown Buenos Aires can be a bit sketchy, especially at night.

Airbnb is also widely used in Buenos Aires and is great for finding apartments if you are staying longer in Buenos Aires.

Find a Place to Stay in Buenos Aires

Use the map below to find a place to stay in Buenos Aires that suits your budget!

How to Exchange Money in Buenos Aires?

A topic that causes a lot of confusion among first-timers to Buenos Aires is Argentina’s currency exchange rate.

In Argentina, there are two currency exchange rates (actually, there are more, but let’s leave it at two for now!): an official exchange rate and an unofficial exchange rate.

The unofficial or black market exchange rate in Argentina, so often referred to as the “blue” exchange rate in Argentina.

The official exchange rate is the one offered by the local banks and an unofficial (also called “blue”) exchange rate is offered at the black currency market.
 
In 2019, the Argentine government placed restrictions on how many American dollars the Argentines can exchange a month. This has created a parallel exchange rate system in Argentina with a huge black market for currency exchange, especially for American dollars.

The safest option is to exchange your money using Western Union to avoid being scammed on the black market.

Recently, the Argentine government has lifted the restrictions on the type of exchange rate foreigners get when using their foreign credit cards in Argentina.

What Food to Try in Buenos Aires?

When in Buenos Aires don’t miss trying a traditional Argentine barbecue, called asado.

An Argentine asado consists of grilling a great variety of meats, such as beef, pork, and sausages (chorizo). Argentina is particularly famous for its high-quality beef, and there are different cuts in Argentina that you might not find elsewhere!

Empandadas, alfajores, dulce de leche, and Argentinian pizza are other popular foods to try when visiting Buenos Aires.

Check out these great restaurants and cafes in Buenos Aires for Argentine food!

Book a Food Experience in Buenos Aires

Currency Exchange in Argentina
Beautiful Local Parks and Secret Gardens to Visit in Buenos Aires

Getting Around Buenos Aires

How to Get Around Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires is a very well-connected city, and it is easy to get around Buenos Aires.

In this section, we will look at what you need to know about getting to Buenos Aires.

Walking in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a completely walkable city.

Many of the important landmarks in Buenos Aires, especially those in the city center, can be reached by walking.

Uber & Cabify in Buenos Aires

Uber and Cabify are widely used in Buenos Aires and are good alternatives to get from one point in the city to another.

Download the application to your phone, and you can order a car all over the city. Sometimes, you can experience issues with your foreign cards, so always be prepared with some cash.

Taxis in Buenos Aires

You can also use the many taxis to get around the city. Stop one on the street and tell them where you want to go.

Mind that many of the taxi drivers will not speak other than Spanish and will request payment in cash.

Public Transportation in Buenos Aires

Getting around in Buenos Aires with public transportation is extremely easy. Buenos Aires has a good public transportation system that includes the subway and many bus lines all around the city.

Get the SUBE Card

To use public transportation in Buenos Aires, you will first need a SUBE transportation card. SUBE stands for Sistema Único Boleto Electrónico, or translated: Single Electronic Ticketing System.

The SUBE card is a blue magnetic plastic card used for all types of public transportation in Buenos Aires. The SUBE card is the only form of payment accepted in public transportation – cash is no longer accepted.

You can buy and charge your SUBE card at the kiosks around Buenos Aires and at the ticket office (boletería in Spanish) at the subway stations.

Some subway stations have also got self-service machines for loading the SUBE. You place your SUBE card in a little holder, press “cargar saldo” (e.g. load balance), and give the machine the amount of pesos you want to load.

The Subway

The easiest way to get around Buenos Aires is with the subway, called el Subte.

There are six subway lines connecting most parts of Buenos Aires. Find your nearest subway station on the map, head there, scan your SUBE card, and you are ready to go!

The Public Buses

The local public buses in Buenos Aires reach almost anywhere in the city. When you get on the bus, you need to tell the bus driver on which street you want to get off for him to indicate the price on the SUBE system. Learn more about how to use the local buses in Buenos Aires.

The Trains

The trains in Buenos Aires connect the city with parts of the province of Buenos Aires. Most of the train lines run to the Retiro train station or the Plaza Consistucion train station.

If you are staying in the city of Buenos Aires, you will properly not need the trains. However, if you are interested in going on a day trip from Buenos Aires, the best way to get there will properly be with the train.

The Sunday market, Feria de Mataderos, is the perfect spot for experiencing traditional Argentine gaucho culture firsthand.

Buenos Aires Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions about Buenos Aires.

My Story with Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires holds a very special place in my heart!

I lived in Buenos Aires for 7 years from 2016 to 2023, and married into an Argentine family.

I have explored Buenos Aires extensively over the years and visited many of the popular tourist attractions many times.

Over the years, I started to get under the skin of Buenos Aires, its history and culture, and discovered some of the city’s best hidden gems.

I did my Master’s Degree in Latin American Politics and started my professional career in Argentina.

I started Becci Abroad to share some of all the insides I picked up about Buenos Aires with the rest of you.

Read More About Me

Hidden Gems in Buenos Aires

I love to explore hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences everywhere I go. Living for years in Buenos Aires allowed me to truly get under the skin of the city and explore its best kept secrets!

Let’s explore Buenos Aires best hidden gems together!

Unlock Buenos Aires hidden gems