One Day in Buenos Aires: An Expat’s Perfect One-Day Itinerary

Buenos Aires is a gateway to exploring Argentina’s many beautiful destinations and South America. With two international airports, you will likely fly into Buenos Aires before starting your Argentina adventure.

But what to do if you only have one day in Buenos Aires?

Then this post is for you! This isn’t your typical one-day itinerary to Buenos Aires with just a few quick stops! It’s a full guide to experiencing the highlights of Buenos Aires in the shortest amount of time.

I lived in Buenos Aires for seven years and explored Buenos Aires’ classic highlights and hidden gems extensively during this time.

There are so many things to do in Buenos Aires that I could easily fill your whole vacation with Buenos Aires activities.

But I do understand that you properly would like to see more of Argentina as well!

So, let’s dive into your perfect one-day itinerary to Buenos Aires with the most classic Buenos Aires attractions and landmarks!

An Expat’s One-Day Itinerary to Buenos Aires

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that at no additional cost to you, Becci Abroad will earn a commission if you purchase through one of those links. This helps to pay the bills and the maintenance of the site.

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Buenos Aires in One Day – Before You Go

This one-day itinerary to Buenos Aires is my suggestion for experiencing the best of Buenos Aires in the shortest amount of time.

Is one day in Buenos Aires enough?

Honestly, no, one day in Buenos Aires isn’t enough!

If you can extend your stay in Buenos Aires for a couple of days, I would strongly recommend this.

You can cover the main tourist spots in the old historical center of Buenos Aires in one day, but there are plenty of other places and neighborhoods to visit.

Buenos Aires is a large cosmopolitan capital city divided into several neighborhoods, known as barrios in Spanish.

The largest and most popular neighborhood outside the city center is called Palermo. You can easily spend one additional day in Palermo!

There are also several great museums and parks to visit in Buenos Aires to explore if you choose to stay longer.

Check out my list at the end of this post with recommendations on additional things to do in Buenos Aires not covered in this post.

Book a Guided Tour of Buenos Aires!

 

How to Get Around in Buenos Aires in One Day?

Most of the stops on this Buenos Aires one-day itinerary can be covered by walking.

I would strongly recommend doing as much walking as possible in Buenos Aires to really experience the city in the short amount of time you have in Argentina’s capital.

Buenos Aires has an easy-to-use public transport system with many subway lines and city buses covering the entire city. However, for the sake of time, I would recommend jumping on a quick cab ride when needed.

Taxi rides are easy to get by stopping a taxi on the street or ordering an Uber or Cabify through the app.

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What to Do in 24 Hours in Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires is known as the Paris of South America with its broad avenues and European-inspired architecture!

While there are plenty of things to do in Buenos Aires, I will focus on guiding you through the main attractions to cover in just one day in Buenos Aires!

Let’s explore the best of Argentina’s capital with this one-day itinerary to Buenos Aires!

Vamos!

Buenos Aires One-Day Itinerary Map

Check out all the stops on the Buenos Aires one-day itinerary. In the top right-hand corner, you can click on the full-screen icon and have the map open directly in your Google Maps app

Morning: Explore Buenos Aires’ Historical City Center

Buenos días, and welcome to your perfect one-day itinerary to Buenos Aires!

We’ll start the morning by exploring Buenos Aires’ historical city center. Among local porteños, Buenos Aires’ historical center is referred to as micro centro.

You can easily manage all the stops in the city center by walking. Use the map above and the directions to guide you through the best places to visit.

Instead of exploring Buenos Aires’ Historical City Center on your own, you can also sign up for a free guided tour of Buenos Aires City Center with Civitatis. The Civitatis Free Buenos Aires Walking tour starts at 11 am from Plaza de Mayo.

Get ready to explore the best of Buenos Aires in the shortest amount of time!

Safe Your Spot and Book Your Free Tour Here

Argentina’s Congress Building

Start your Buenos Aires one-day itinerary in front of Argentina’s National Congress in the heart of Buenos Aires.

The National Congress of Argentina, known in Spanish as Congreso de la Nación Argentina, serves as the legislative branch in Argentina.

The impressive neoclassic building houses both chambers of the Argentine Congress: the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.

The Congress building took more than half a century to build with construction work starting in 1898 and the official inauguration in 1906.

In front of the Congress building, you have the Congress Square, Plaza del Congreso.

Surrounding the Congress Square, you can admire several elegant historic buildings. One of the most striking is La Confitería del Molino, a captivating Art Nouveau edifice dating back to the early 1900s.

At the opposite end of the square from the Congress building you’ll find one of Buenos Aires’ most famous avenues; Avenida de Mayo.

Head towards the end of the Congress Square and make your way down Avenida de Mayo.

Avenida de Mayo

Avenida de Mayo is a historical avenue in Buenos Aires, stretching from Plaza del Congreso to Plaza de Mayo.

Along Avenida de Mayo, you’ll find an array of cafes, restaurants, and shops located in the avenue’s stunning buildings.

Avenida de Mayo translates to “May Avenue”, and is a reference to the May Revolution of 1810 where Argentina gained its independence from the Spanish Empire.

A popular place to visit on Avenida de Mayo is Café Tortoni, one of the oldest cafes in Buenos Aires.

Café Tortoni dates back to 1858, and used to be an important meeting spot for Argentine intellectuals, artists, and politicians.

Today, Café Tortoni is one of the most famous cafes and a popular tourist attraction in Buenos Aires.

If you want to get in you should come early as the place quickly fills up and there is a line to get. I have visited Café Tortoni once and honestly, didn’t think too much of it.

As you make your way down Avenida de Mayo from the Congress Square, make a quick stop at the Barolo Palace, one of Buenos Aires’ most iconic landmarks.

Barolo Palace

Barolo Palace is an impressive building in the heart of Buenos Aires, created with inspiration from Dante’s Divine Comedy.

The building’s design symbolizes the journey from Hell to Heaven.

The ground floor is enveloped in a dark and mystical ambiance, reflecting the poem’s depiction of Hell. As you ascend the interior gradually becomes lighter, culminating at the top floors where the lighthouse stands, representing Heaven.

The Barolo Palace, known in Spanish as Palacio Barolo, was designed by Italian architect Mario Palanti for local Argentine businessman Luigi Barolo.

The construction of the Barolo Palace began in 1919 and was completed in 1923. From its inauguration until 1936, it held the title of the tallest building in Buenos Aires and South America.

On the top floors of the Barolo Palace, you have a cafe and bar, called Salon 1923, offering an impressive panoramic view over Buenos Aires. Salon 1923 used to be open for breakfast but now only opens in the evenings for tapas and drinks from 7 pm.

You can sign up for guided tours of the Barolo Palace but for the sake of time, just make a quick stop at the entrance of this unique building.

Step out on Avenida de Mayo again and make the three blocks down to the intersection of Avenida de Mayo and Avenida 9 de Julio.

Location: Avenida de Mayo 1370, Buenos Aires

Avenida 9 de Julio

Avenida 9 de Julio in Buenos Aires is renowned for being the world’s widest avenue, and the busy avenue is one of Buenos Aires’ most prominent landmarks.

Avenida 9 de Julio, which translates to the “Avenue 9th of July”, is named after Argentina’s Independence Day.

In the middle of Avenida 9 de Julio, you’ll find a striking building featuring a massive silhouette of Argentina’s former first lady, Eva Perón.

There are actually two silhouettes of Eva Perón on Avenida 9 de Julio. One is facing north with exudes elegance, and another more commanding figure speaking into a microphone that faces south.

The story goes that the south-facing Eva Perón is rallying the working-class neighborhoods in the southern parts of Buenos Aires to advocate for their rights while the other gazes elegantly toward the affluent northern neighborhoods.

The Eva Perón-silhouettes are placed on the sides of Argentina’s e Ministry of Public Health.

Once you stand in the intersection of Avenida de Mayo and Avenida 9 de Julio, turn to the left on Avenida 9 de Julio, and walk toward another iconic landmark in Buenos Aires: El Obelisco.

El Obelisco

Few landmarks in Buenos Aires are as iconic as El Obelisco, or translated the Obelisk!

The impressive monument is strategically positioned at the junction of Avenida 9 de Julio and Avenida Corrientes, two of Buenos Aires’ most important avenues.

El Obelisco was built in 1936 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Buenos Aires’ founding and marks the site where the Argentine flag was first hoisted.

To get the best pictures of El Obelisco, head to the stairs making up a viewpoint on the street President Roque Sáenz Peña (it’s called Mirador del Obelisco in Google Maps).

Another great place to take photos of El Obelisco is the giant BA sign created with plants. The sign is located on the north-facing part of El Obelisco.

For special events such as Christmas, the Buenos Aires City Council dresses the BA sign up with Christmas decorations or other fun decorations.

At night, El Obelisco is lit in colors changing for special events and celebrations, including Christmas and New Year’s.

When Argentina won the 2022 World Cup, El Obelisco featured a light show cheering of the national team.

A bit further down Avenida 9 de Julio from El Obelisco, you have Buenos Aires’ iconic opera house, Teatro Colon.

From El Obelisco, turn away from Avenida 9 de Julio and walk down Avenida Corrientes.

Book a Guided Tour of Buenos Aires!

Avenida Corrientes

Avenida Corrientes is another of Buenos Aires’ most important avenues, connecting the historical center of Buenos Aires with the harbor side area, Puerto Madero.

Along Avenida Corrientes, you’ll find numerous restaurants, theaters, and bookshops. Avenida Corrientes is also popular referred to as Buenos Aires’ Broadway.

If you need a coffee break before continuing, make a stop at Confitería Ideal. Confitería Ideal is one of Buenos Aires’ most impressive traditional coffee houses, and definitely worth a stop for a quick coffee!

Continue down Avenida Corrientes and approach Plaza de Mayo until you reach the intersection of Avenida Corrientes and Calle Florida.

Florida Street

Florida Street is a bustling pedestrian shopping street in the heart of Buenos Aires.

Among locals, Florida is mostly known for its street vendors shouting “cambio, cambio, dollar, euro, cambio, cambio” at everybody passing by.

These street vendors belong to the illegal exchange offices, also called cuevas, which are very common in Buenos Aires.

My advice is to steer clear of exchanging money at the cuevas.

If you are planning on spending more time in Argentina, it is better to use Western Union and transfer money to yourself to pick up in a Western Union office.

From the intersection of Avenida Corrientes and Florida, head down Florida Street for three blocks until you reach the Güemes Gallery.

The Güemes Gallery’s Viewpoint

The Güemes Gallery, or Galería Güemes in Spanish, is a beautiful Art Nouveau-style shopping arcade built between 1913 and 1915.

Galería Güemes is a clear example of the strong inspiration and fascination for European architecture in Buenos Aires at the time.

While the shopping arcade is beautiful and worth a visit, the reason why we are stopping here is to visit one of the absolute best panoramic city views of Buenos Aires!

On the 16th floor of Güemes Gallery, you have one of Buenos Aires’ absolute best viewpoint, Mirador Galería Güemes.

The Güemes Gallery’s viewpoint is an outdoor viewing platform located within one of Buenos Aires’ iconic domes with a perfect view over the city center.

You access the viewpoint by taking the elevator in the Mitre Tower (Torre Mitre) inside the Güemes Gallery. Take the elevator to the 14th floor, where you have the ticket office. After buying your entrance, a short flight of stairs will lead you up to the dome’s top.

Although you may need to navigate a few steps to reach the summit, the breathtaking view is so rewarding!

The Güemes Gallery’s viewpoint is one of my favorite places in Buenos Aires with one of the most breathtaking views of Buenos Aires’ skyline!

After enjoying the views from Güemes Gallery’s viewpoint, head down to Florida Street again.

Continue one block down Florida Street until you reach the intersection of Florida and President Roque Sáenz Peña (the first big street you meet).

Make a turn at President Roque Sáenz Peña and walk for one block until you reach Plaza de Mayo.

Check the current entrance fee on the viewpoint’s website.

The opening hours of Güemes Gallery’s viewpoint:

• Monday to Friday: 10 am to 1 pm & 2 pm to 4:40 pm
• Closed on weekends

Location: Florida 165, ticket office on the 14th floor of the Mitre Tower

Plaza de Mayo

Plaza de Mayo is one of the most iconic places in Buenos Aires, and you simply cannot visit Buenos Aires without visiting Plaza de Mayo!

Plaza de Mayo, translated as “the May Square” is a historical square in the heart of Buenos Aires. The square is named in honor of the May Revolution of 1810 that led to Argentina’s independence from the Spanish Empire

Plaza de Mayo features many important buildings such as Buenos Aires Cathedral, the former Spanish town hall known as el Cabildo, the Argentine National Bank, and, of course, the most famous of them all: the Pink House!

For the best views of Plaza de Mayo and the Pink House, head to the town hall museum, Museo Histórico Nacional del Cabildo y la Revolución de Mayo.

On the ground around Plaza de Mayo, you will find small white painted scarfs. The white scarf is a symbol of the local civic organization, called Mothers of Plaza de Mayo or Madres de Plaza de Mayo in Spanish.

During the Argentine Dirty War in the 1970s, Plaza de Mayo gained global attention when a group of local women staged silent protests against the forced disappearances of their children and grandchildren by the Argentine military regime.

The Mothers of Plaza de Mayo is still a political organization in Argentina today, and might sometimes see affiliated with the organization standing on Plaza de Mayo.

The Pink House

The Pink House stands out as one of Buenos Aires’ most well-known and iconic attractions right at the center of Plaza de Mayo.

Even though you only have one day in Buenos Aires, you simply can’t see the Pink House in Buenos Aires!

The Pink House, also known as Casa Rosada in Spanish, is Argentina’s Presidential Palace, and functions as the executive office of Argentina’s president.

The Pink House has been pivotal in numerous historical events throughout Argentina’s history – including several former presidents escaping from the roof of Casa Rosada!?

Internationally, one of the more well-known moments in the Pink House’s history was when Eva Perón, the former First Lady, addressed a massive crowd gathered at Plaza de Mayo from its balcony. This scene was famously immortalized by Madonna’s portrayal of Evita in the movie “Evita” featuring the song “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina.”

Eva Perón remains a deeply polarizing figure in Argentine society. Eva Perón, also commonly known as Evita, was the wife of President Juan Domingo Perón during the transformative 1940s and 1950s in Argentina. The legacy of the Perón era is marked by complexities and conflicts that significantly shaped modern-day Argentina.

Even after earning a Master’s degree in Political Science focused on Latin America and Argentina, I’m still struggling to grasp all the aspects of Argentina’s political agenda.

The Pink House is closed to visitors during the week, but you can still enjoy the photo opportunity of the iconic building from the outside.

Location: Plaza de Mayo

Lunch in Buenos Aires

After exploring Plaza de Mayo and the Pink House, let’s grab some lunch!

I’ll leave you with two options depending on what you feel like!

Option 1: Menu Ejecutivo in Puerto Madero

For a proper big lunch at a local restaurant head to Puerto Madero, located just behind the Pink House and the Plaza de Mayo.

While Puerto Madero is known for its high-end dining options, at lunchtime many of the restaurants in Puerto Madero offer more budget-friendly options known as menú del día or menú ejecutivo.

The menú del día is a closed menu for a specific price, normally including a start, a main course, dessert or coffee, and a beverage.

The menu changes depending on the restaurant, the day, and even the season you are visiting. However, typically the menú del día will include some Argentine classics such as empanadas, ñoquis, pastel de papas (shepherd’s pie), pizza, or milanesas.

Milanesas are a beloved staple in Argentine cuisine, which can be either fried or baked breaded cuts of meat or chicken. Milanesas can also be served with tomato sauce and cheese, a variation known as milanesa napolitana.

Stroll around Puerto Madero’s many restaurants and check out their menú del día offerings.

Option 2: Budget Option at Green Eat

For a budget option with a great view over one of Buenos Aires’ most beautiful corners, head to Green Eat.

Green Eat is a local healthier alternative to classic fast food chains. They offer a variety of salads, wraps, coffee, and snacks.

Green Eat can be found in several places throughout Buenos Aires. But one of my favorite locations is the Green Eat on the corner of Florida Street and Mitre.

Right in front of the Green Eat, you have a monument for Roque Sáenz Peña, a. Behind the monument, you have some of Buenos Aires’ most iconic domes known as Edificio Miguel Bencich.

Choose your food, pay at the counter, and walk up to the last floor of Green Eat for the best view over this centric intersection in Buenos Aires.

If you choose the budget lunch option at Green Eat, head down to Puerto Madero for a look around!

Location: Green Eat, Florida 102, Buenos Aires

Puerto Madero

Puerto Madero is one of the few locations in Buenos Aires where you are reminded that the city is located right at the river banks for Rio de la Plata.

The area was established in 1882 as a segment of the Buenos Aires harbor but rapidly fell into neglect due to shallow waters.

Puerto Madero is a modern, upscale district with modern skyscrapers standing side by side with refurbished old brack packhouses.

The area is renowned for its mix of offices for international companies, luxury apartments, high-end restaurants, and local ice cream shops.

Puente de la Mujer

The centerpiece of Puerto Madero is Puente de la Mujer, translated as “the Woman Bridge”. The iconic bridge was inaugurated in 2001 and quickly became an important landmark for Buenos Aires.

Don’t miss out on a quick stroll across the Woman Bridge on your one day in Buenos Aires!

The form of Puente de la Mujer is inspired by the fluid grace of a tango dancer. When the bridge opens to allow ships to pass, the movement should mimic a woman’s dance movements in a tango.

I’ll leave it up to you to decide if you agree with this interpretation of the Woman Bridge in Puerto Madero.

Learn more about Puerto Madero with a free tour

Afternoon in Buenos Aires: San Telmo & La Boca

After visiting Puerto Madero, head back up to Plaza Mayo and get ready to spend the afternoon exploring Buenos Aires’ historical neighborhoods: San Telmo and La Boca.

The afternoon on our Buenos Aires one-day itinerary is filled with Buenos Aires’ historical neighborhoods – and a beautiful hidden gem!

San Telmo

Start the afternoon by exploring San Telmo, the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires featuring old colonial houses, charming cobblestone streets, and delightful antique shops.

From Plaza de Mayo head down Calle Defensa towards Plaza Dorrego to explore San Telmo’s charm! As you stroll through San Telmo, don’t miss the opportunity to browse through the local antique shops and small art galleries.

Less than one block from Plaza de Mayo, at Defensa 187, you have Buenos Aires’s City Museum, Buenos Aires Museo.

The museum is an interesting place to learn about Buenos Aires’ historical development – and don’t miss a visit to the museum’s rooftop terrace for a great view over the roofs and churches in San Telmo!

Head further down Defensa to the corner of Defensa and Chile, you’ll meet a sculpture of one of Argentina’s most beloved figures, Mafalda.

Mafalda is a fictional cartoon character created by Quino, representing a 6-year-old girl with a critical view of societal issues. This colorful sculpture has become a beloved icon, symbolizing the spirit of the neighborhood and Argentina. Don’t forget to snap a picture with Mafalda on your one day in Buenos Aires!

Across the street from the Mafalda sculpture, you’ll find La Casa del Dulce de Leche, a local shop selling nothing else than Argentina’s beloved Dulce de Leche caramel cream.

Make a stop at Casa del Dulce de Leche to buy an alfajor or a jar of dulce de leche.

Right next to Casa del Dulce de Leche, you have the Zanjón de Granados, a historic house featuring access to Buenos Aires’ historic water tunnels.

Zanjón de Granados can only be visited on a guided tour and since you are short on time with this one day in Buenos Aires, I would leave this one for another time.

Across the street from Zanjón de Granados, on Passage San Lorenzo, is Buenos Aires’ narrowest house, Casa Mínima. Make a photo stop at Casa Mínima and enjoy the atmosphere of San Telmo!

Two blocks further down on Calle Defensa, you’ll find the San Telmo Market, a local food market located in an old industrial hall.

Beyond its shopping and charming historical buildings, San Telmo is also famous for its tango culture. Two blocks down from the San Telmo Market you’ll find Plaza Dorrego, a popular place to enjoy street tango shows.

Especially on Sunday, Plaza Dorrego comes to life when the weekly San Telmo Market (Feria de San Telmo) fills San Telmo with artisan goods, street performances, and street food.

Even if your Buenos Aires one-day itinerary doesn’t coincide with Sunday, I wouldn’t miss exploring San Telmo and making a stop a Plaza Dorrego!

Coffee Break at Atis Bar

After wandering around San Telmo, make a stop for a well-deserved break at one of my favorite hidden gems in Buenos Aires: Atis Bar!

Atis Bar is a unique bar located inside an old Jesuit convent in the heart of San Telmo.

The owners have thoughtfully preserved the building’s original features of the convent, allowing guests the feeling of stepping back in time when visiting the bar.

When you enter, you are greeted by a narrow passage that leads into a charming Spanish-inspired home.

At the rear of the house, a staircase ascends to unveil a stunning multi-leveled patio. The patio is adorned with lush greenery, and the table of the creating a serene escape.

After the coffee break, head to one of Buenos Aires’ most well-known attractions: La Boca.

For getting to La Boca, I strongly recommend stopping a cab or ordering an Uber or Cabify.

La Boca is a quick cab ride from Atis Bar. And both for the sake of time and for the sake of safety, it is best to grab a cab. Parts of San Telmo and La Boca aren’t the best for walking around on your own.

Atis Bar Opening Hours:

• Sunday to Thursday: 10 am to 12 pm (midnight)
• Friday and Saturday: 10 am to 2 am

Location: Perú 1024, San Telmo

La Boca & Caminito Street

La Boca is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Buenos Aires with its brightly painted houses!

When you started to research for your trip to Buenos Aires, the photos of La Boca were most likely one of the first images you saw. However, the colorful streets of La Boca shown by travel agencies only represent a fraction of what is the La Boca neighborhood.

The iconic painted houses of La Boca sit at the heart of La Boca’s tourist hub surrounding Caminito Street, a quaint, cobblestone lane.

Buenos Aires’ local government has designated the area of La Boca as a street museum to showcase the area’s historical significance as the first home for a large influx of European immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The immigrants, often with limited means, established themselves in the tenement-style buildings, called conventillos, made from wood and metal sheets and painted with leftover ship paint.

Unfortunately, today, the abundance of souvenir shops, touristy and overpriced restaurants, and street performers posing for cheesy tango photos has made La Boca and Caminito Street gain the reputation of a bit of a tourist trap.

A part from the cobblestone lane of Caminito Street and around two blocks down on Garibaldi Street,

La Boca is also home to the famed football stadium, La Bombonera, associated with the local Boca Juniors football club.

During my seven years of living in Buenos Aires, I visited La Boca only twice. La Boca isn’t the place locals go to hang out, and it isn’t recommended to visit outside the tourist hub of Caminito Street as the surrounding area of La Boca isn’t the nicest neighborhood in Buenos Aires.

The brightly painted houses in La Boca are the most iconic image of Buenos Aires. And even though you only have one day in Buenos Aires, you kind of need to visit La Boca.

To learn more about the history of the area, I recommend signing up for a guided tour of La Boca.

Get Your Guide has a guided walking tour of La Boca starting at 11 am every day. You would need to change the structure of this Buenos one-day itinerary around a bit – or stay a day longer – to make it fit.

After exploring La Boca, stop a taxi (or order an Uber/Cabify) and head to the other part of Buenos Aires to experience the world’s most beautiful bookstore!

Sign up for a guided tour of La Boca

Evening in Buenos Aires: Books & Steaks

Before heading out to dinner, let’s make one little stop at one of the most unique places in Buenos Aires you shouldn’t miss on your Buenos Aires one-day itinerary!

The Bookshop Ateneo Grand Splendid

The Ateneo Grand Splendid stands out as Buenos Aires’ most extraordinary bookstore and is a must-visit – especially if you love books and glam!

National Geographic crowned Ateneo Grand Splendid the world’s most beautiful bookstore, and it is truly one of the most breathtaking bookstores I have ever visited!

The building that houses Ateneo Grand Splendid was originally constructed as a theater in the 1920s. However, the building underwent several transformations before becoming a bookstore in the early 2000s.

When Ateneo Grand Splendid opened as a bookstore, the essence of its theatrical past was preserved with its original features and decorations still intact.

With around 120,000 titles available, including literature in English!

Apart from the bookstore, Ateneo Grand Splendid also features a cafe and bar situated on the former stage. The offering of the bar isn’t very interesting and the service is generally slow and non-existing. However, it is a great experience to sit in the middle of this beautiful setting!

The Ateneo Grand Splendid bookstore is located on Avenida Santa Fe in Buenos Aires’ Recoleta neighborhood, and the entrance is free.

From Ateneo Grand Splendid, jump in for a quick cab ride to get dinner – or if you have time drop by the hotel to freshen up before heading out!

Location: Avenida Santa Fe 1860, Buenos Aires

Dinner in Buenos Aires

For dinner, to wrap up your one day in Buenos Aires, I have also prepared two options for you to choose from: the foodie option and the cultural option!

Option 1: Dinner at Fogón Asado

No visit to Buenos Aires without trying some of Argentina’s world-famous meat! While many places are offering classic Argentine asado (barbecue), Fogón Asado stands out as the perfect spot to end your one day in Buenos Aires!

Fogón Asado offers the classic Argentine parrilla (steakhouse) experience mixed with a contemporary flair and high-end dining.

The dining experience at Fogón Asado offers mouthwatering cuts of meat grilled over an open flame at a central grill in a communal dining atmosphere.

Fogón Asado was even mentioned in the 2024 edition of the Michelin Guide!

Location: Fogón Asado, Gorriti 3780, Palermo

Book your dinner at Fogón Asado here:

Option 2: Tango Show & Dinner

Buenos Aires is often called the birthplace of tango (even though there is an ongoing discussion with Montevideo in Uruguay about that!), so what better way to end one day in Buenos Aires than with a tango show?

Tango is said to have emerged in the late 19th century among the working-class European immigrants in Buenos Aires. Tango dance is known for its passionate and seductive moves, accompanied by nostalgic music and lyrics about love, homesickness, and desperation, reflecting the European immigrants’ situation in Argentina.

There are several tango venues in Buenos Aires. The evening typically begins with pick-up from your hotel and transport to the tango venue. The dinner will be served either before or during the tango show, depending on the venue you choose.

El Viejo Almacen is known as the oldest tango venue in Buenos Aires housed in a historical house in San Telmo.

El Viejo Almacen offers dinner with all-night drinks and free hotel transfer – a perfect way to smoothly end your Buenos Aires one-day itinerary!

Book your tango show here:

Buenas noches, Buenos Aires! I hope you have enjoyed your one day in Buenos Aires!

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Get the Most Out of One Day in Buenos Aires

To get the most out of your one day in Buenos Aires, here are some ideas for places to stay in Buenos Aires on your 1-day visit and top-rated guided tours to do in one day in Buenos Aires.

Hotels in Buenos Aires

Inspiration to unique places to stay for your Buenos Aires one-day itinerary.

Normally, I would not advise staying in the historical center of Buenos Aires close to Plaza de Mayo and the Argentine Congress because it isn’t the safest area at night.

However, since you only have one day in Buenos Aires, it can be beneficial and save you time to be close to the center.

Here are some recommendations on places to stay in Buenos Aires:

Hotel Tango de Mayo

With Hotel Tango de Mayo you don’t get a better location for exploring Buenos Aires in one day!

The hotel is located right in the center of Buenos Aires on the historical Avenida de Mayo and a stone-throw from Argentina’s Congress and right next to the Barolo Palace.

Everything in the Hotel Tango de Mayo is tango-themed; from the carpet on the floors to the paintings on the walls.

Hotel Tango de Mayo offers beautifully decorated rooms, a bar, and a rooftop bar overlooking Avenida de Mayo.

Hotel Tango de Mayo holds a very special place for me because my husband and I got married at their rooftop 🙂

Hotel Madero

Hotel Madero is a beautiful modern hotel located in heart of Puerto Madero, making it easy to easy downtown for your Buenos Aires one-day itinerary!

Hotel Madero offers spacious beautifully decorated rooms, a roof terrace overlooking Puerto Madero, and an indoor swimming pool

M Concept San Telmo

M Concept San Telmo is a beautiful boutique hotel located in Buenos Aires’ historical San Telmo neighborhood, close to all the city’s main attractions.

The hotel features modern comfortable rooms and a gorgeous courtyard at budget friendly prices!

M Concept San Telmo is a short 10-minute walk from Plaza de Mayo and Avenida de Mayo, and is a great option for a nice and affordable place to stay in Buenos Aires!

BA Stop Hotel House

BA Stop Hotel House is an affordable and chic option for staying in the heart of Buenos Aires!

The hotel offers comfortable rooms located in a unique historical house.

BA Stop Hotel House is a 7-minute walk from the historic Plaza de Mayo and 3 blocks from Argentina’s Congress, making it the perfect place to stay for your one day in Buenos Aires!

Find Mores Places to Stay in Buenos Aires

Use the map to search for accommodation that suits your budget!

More Things to Do in Buenos Aires

My Buenos Aires one-day itinerary has covered a selection of what I think are the best things to do in Buenos Aires if you are short on time to explore Argentina’s capital city.

However, there are still so many other places to visit and things to do in Buenos Aires! So, why not extend your stay in Buenos Aires for an additional day or two?

Here are some ideas for more things to do in Buenos Aires if you decide to stay longer:

• Recoleta Cemetery – The Recoleta Cemetery should be first on your list if you decide to extend your stay in Buenos Aires! This historical cemetery features more than 4,600 graves of wealthy Argentine families lined up one next to the other in the most impressive tombs and mausoleums. Join a guided tour to explore all the hidden gems and fascinating histories.
• Floralis Genérica – Floralis Genérica is a giant aluminum sculpture of a flower located in Recoleta, bringing a contemporary touch to the historic neighborhood.
• The Colón Theater – The Colon Theater is a renowned theater and opera house located in the heart of Buenos Aires right at Avenida 9 de Julio. Sign up for a guided tour or buy tickets to a performance in this impressive theater.
• The English Tower – The English Tower is a beautiful old clock tower donated to the City of Buenos Aires by the British community in Buenos Aires. The clock tower offers you one of the best viewpoints in Buenos Aires.
• MALBA Musem – The Museum of Latin American Art in Buenos Aires (MALBA) is a great place to visit for art lovers. The art museum features a large permanent collection of Latin American and Argentine art and changing exhibitions. 
• Street Art in Palermo – Palermo is Buenos Aires’ most trendy and popular neighborhood and the area also offers some of the best street art in Buenos Aires! Check out my complete Buenos Aires Street Art Guide and my Palermo one-day itinerary!
• Day Trip to the Tigre Delta – The Tigre Delta is known as the Venice of Buenos Aires, and the delta area located north of Buenos Aires is one of the most popular day trips from Buenos Aires.

Top-rated Tours to Do in One Day in Buenos Aires

Do you want to learn more about the history of Buenos Aires? Add a guided tour to your one-day itinerary of Buenos Aires!

With only one day in Buenos Aires, you will have to choose between one of these walking tours because most tours take place at the same time – and mostly in the morning!

Here are some of the top-rated tours and activities in Buenos Aires:

• Buenos Aires City Free Walking Tour (morning tour)
• Buenos Aires City Free Walking Tour (afternoon tour)
• Puerto Madero Free Walking Tour (afternoon tour)
• La Boca Free Walking Tour (morning tour)
• La Boca Guided Walking Tour (morning tour)
• Buenos Aires Layover Tour (full-day private tour)
• Buenos Aires One Day Guided Tour (full-day small group tour)

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Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Spending One Day in Buenos Aires?

Yes, it is worth spending one day in Buenos Aires!

Buenos Aires offers a gateway into understanding Argentina’s history and development. Dive into understanding the history of Buenos Aires on your one-day itinerary, and it will help you understand Argentina as well.

Even though, I can easily find a lot of interesting things for you to do in Buenos Aires, if one day is what you have time to spend in Buenos Aires than to it!

With this Buenos Aires one-day itinerary, I hope I have helped you to find some of the best things to do in Buenos Aires with limited time!

If one day is all you have to spend in Buenos Aires, do keep that one day in your Argentina itinerary!