When I first visited Buenos Aires during the winter of 2025, I knew immediately that I had to return. The city has such a distinct European feel, and I was curious to see how that atmosphere transformed during the height of the South American summer.
Returning in January 2026 was the best decision I could have made. The warmth of the sun really brings the local parks and outdoor cafes to life, making it the perfect time for long walks through the different neighbourhoods.
Whilst the sunshine adds a certain magic, the charm of this city shines through regardless of the season. Whether you are ducking into a historic bookshop to escape the heat or wandering through a misty street in San Telmo, you are bound to fall in love with it.
During my two visits to this beautiful city, here are the things I most enjoyed doing. I hope it will help to guide you when planning the things you want to do whilst visiting Buenos Aires!
Visit the museums
Buenos Aires is often called the Paris of the South, and the museum scene certainly lives up to that reputation. I spent a wonderful afternoon in the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, which houses an incredible collection of European and Argentine art.
If you prefer something more contemporary, MALBA is a must-visit for its striking architecture and Latin American masterpieces. It is located in a lovely part of the city, making it easy to pair with a stroll through the nearby parks.
Visit La Boca
No trip to Buenos Aires is complete without seeing the bright, multi-coloured houses of Caminito in La Boca. Whilst it is very touristy, the history of the Italian immigrants who settled here is fascinating. And it makes for some great photos!
If you can, try to catch a football match at the iconic La Bombonera stadium nearby. The passion of the fans is like nothing I have experienced before, with the whole area covered in the local football team’s colours.
Stroll through Recoleta Cemetery
It might sound slightly morbid to visit a graveyard, but Recoleta Cemetery is genuinely one of the most beautiful places in the city. The elaborate marble mausoleums are essentially miniature palaces, and it is the final resting place of Eva Perón.
I found it incredibly peaceful to wander through the narrow “streets” of this city of the dead. It feels a world away from the city life just outside the gates.
The cemetery reminds me of Highgate Cemetery in London (the home of Karl Marx’s grave), so if you enjoy that cemetery, you’ll love this one too!
Drink yerba mate in the park
One of my favourite things about Argentine culture is the ritual of drinking yerba mate. You will see locals everywhere with their thermals and mates, especially in the parks on a sunny afternoon.
I loved grabbing a spot on the grass in a few different parks across the city to people-watch whilst sipping on a matecito. It is a slow-paced tradition that really helps you sink into the local rhythm of life!
Here are some of my favourite parks to enjoy:
- Tres de Febrero
- Jardín Japonés
- Playa Reserva Ecológica Buenos Aires
If you’d like to learn more about the mate tradition in Argentina, then make sure to check out these tours:
Visit the historical centre
Plaza de Mayo is the heart of the city’s political history and home to the famous Casa Rosada. Standing in the square, you can get a really good feel of the mixed architecture of the city. I wouldn’t blame you if you felt like you had transported to Europe.
Just a short walk away is the Metropolitan Cathedral, which is stunningly ornate inside. The architecture in this part of the city is grand and imposing, reminding me so much of the streets of Madrid.
You may want to consider doing a tour of the centre so that you can learn about the history at the same time. I recommend the following tours through Viator:
Try the local cuisine
Whilst I can’t comment on the main cuisine and foods of Argentina (being a vegan traveller), I was blown away by how easy it is to find vegan versions of classic Argentine dishes here. From vegan steak houses (parrillas) to plant-based alfajores, you definitely won’t go hungry in this city.
You can find everything from vegan choripán to street-style panchos that taste just like the real thing. If you are a vegan traveller like me, I have put together a full vegan guide to Buenos Aires to help you find the best spots:
Get a book in El Ateneo
El Ateneo Grand Splendid is frequently cited as the most beautiful bookshop in the world, and it is easy to see why. It is housed inside a converted grand theatre, with the original frescoed ceilings and ornate carvings still intact.
The stage has even been turned into a cafe, so you can enjoy a coffee (and a vegan alfajor) whilst looking out over the rows of books. Even if you don’t speak Spanish, it is worth visiting just to soak in the incredible atmosphere.
Watch some tango
Tango is the soul of Buenos Aires, and you don’t have to look far to find it. You will often see professional dancers performing on the cobblestone streets of San Telmo or La Boca for tips.
For a more formal experience, you can book a dinner show at one of the many historic venues across the city. It is a dramatic and passionate dance that feels uniquely Argentine.
Enjoy the neighbourhoods
The best way to see the city is simply to get lost in its distinct neighbourhoods. I spent most of my time in Palermo, which is filled with trendy boutiques, street art, and some of the best vegan cafes (with a fair few spots serving up delicious oat flat whites, like Casa Dingo).
San Telmo offers a much more historic, bohemian vibe with its famous Sunday market and antique shops. Meanwhile, Recoleta feels very upscale and traditional, perfect for a long afternoon walk to admire the French-style architecture.
Exploring other areas in Latin America? Then make sure to check out my other guides:
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