I grew up listening to my dad’s stories about his time in Argentina in his early 20s. He lived in Buenos Aires for 2 years and absolutely loved every minute of it. I was lucky enough to visit this amazing city last year, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Fun fact: my parents moved to Buenos Aires in February last year and we spent 3 days soaking in the atmosphere and exploring like a local with my parents in hand. So, if you’re only passing through Buenos Aires for a few days, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Let me show you how to have a blast spending 3 days in Buenos Aires.
So are you ready to explore the wonders of Buenos Aires? You’re in luck because I’ve got you covered with all the juicy details! From the classic landmarks to the delicious local food and even hidden gems, I’ve got it all. You don’t miss out, so keep reading. Oh, and before you go, make sure to grab my handy-dandy printable Buenos Aires travel itinerary at the end of this post. Trust me, you won’t want to leave home without it!
Check Out These Travel Tips Before Visiting Buenos Aires
- WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BUENOS AIRES? So you’re thinking about visiting Buenos Aires, huh? Well, if you’re planning your trip during Jan-Feb, be prepared to SWEAT. It’s the hottest time of the year down there! But don’t worry, rumor has it that the best travel deals are available in April-June, when the weather starts to cool down a bit. We visited towards the end of fall (late October) and it was a delightfully pleasant time to check out the city.
- WHAT LANGUAGE DO THEY SPEAK IN ARGENTINA? Spanish
- WHAT CURRENCY DO THEY USE? Argentine Peso
- HOW DO I GET AROUND BUENOS AIRES? You’re in luck, because Buenos Aires is the only city in Argentina that has a subway system. You will need to pick up a SUBE travel card and these can be found at kiosks and tourist centers throughout the city. INSIDER TIP: rush hour is from 8 AM – 10 AM and 6 PM – 8 PM, so expect the subway to be more crowded than usual. If the subway is not the route you want to take, you can get around the city by bus, uber and taxis and there is a free bike share. To learn more about your transportation options, check out the Buenos Aires tourism page here.
- IS BUENOS AIRES SAFE? While I don’t want to rain on your parade, I do want to remind you that phone theft is unfortunately a common issue. But don’t worry, I have some tips on how to keep your phone safe! My top suggestion is to avoid using it on the streets if possible – unless, of course, you want to play a game of catch with a thief. Instead, pop into a shop or a cozy cafe to make your calls or scroll through social media. And if you’re exploring solo, make sure to be extra cautious at night.
Day 1 in Buenos Aires: Hidden Gems &World's Most Beautiful Spots
Oh boy, only 3 days in Buenos Aires? We’ve got some work to do, but don’t you worry one bit. I’ve got some sweet tourist spots that are totally worth the hype. On the first day, get ready to have your socks knocked off by some jaw-dropping sights. Did you know there’s a secret Japanese garden hiding in the middle of Buenos Aires or that the world’s most beautiful cemetery can be found here too?! So let’s start exploring!
Stroll Through the Buenos Aires Japanese Garden
I stumbled upon this secret spot that my parents told me about, and it surpassed my expectations. The locals kept telling me about these beautiful gardens, and I had to go see them for myself. And let me tell you, they were better than I thought they would be! The moment I stepped in, I felt like I was transported to a different world. The bridges and the pond were simply breathtaking. Plus, the Japanese sculptures and the mini oasis of bonsai trees were so relaxing and inspiring.
ADDRESS: Av. Casares 3450, C1425EWN C1425EWN, Buenos Aires, Argentina
HOURS: 10:00 AM – 6:45 PM
COST: 690 PESOS
HOW TO GET HERE? Located within the 3 de Febrero Park of Palermo. You will find the entrance by Avenida Berro on the corner of Avenida Casares. And if you are taking the subway, you will want to take Line D to the Plaza Italia Station. Details here.
Explore Recoleta Cemetery: World’s Most Beautiful Cemetery
Listen, if you’re going to spend 3 days in Buenos Aires and NOT visit the Recoleta Cemetery, you might as well not even go, am I right? I mean, this place is THE spot. Don’t let the fact that it’s a cemetery fool you – it’s been named the most beautiful one in the WORLD for a reason! And trust me, it’s not just because of the deceased. This place is like no other cemetery you’ve ever seen. We’re talking elaborate carvings, stately pillars (that are weirdly mini, but in a good way), and an overall magical vibe. It’s basically a must-visit attraction in Buenos Aires, especially considering it’s the final resting place for some of Argentina’s most famous figures. Don’t be basic – add it to your itinerary.
With over 6,400 graves to explore, you might want to grab a map at the entrance to ensure you don’t miss any hidden gems. If you really want to dive into the history and hear some spooky tales, you can book a walking tour with a guide who knows all the juicy details. And let me tell you, the tombs here are out of this world – we’re talking Greek temples, elaborate cathedrals, two story mausoleums and everything in between. You could easily spend hours exploring this cemetery – just don’t get too scared if you happen to run into a ghost or two.
ADDRESS: Junín 1760, C1113 CABA, Argentina
HOURS: The cemetery is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
COST: The cost of admission is $2,338 pesos. The price is subject to change based on inflation and other external factors.
HOW TO GET TO RECOLETA CEMETERY? If you are dependent on public transportation, Pueyrredón is the closest station. You can expect to walk about 20 minutes to the entrance of the cemetery. The easiest way to get here will be by taxi or rental car.
Bonus Spots Near Recoleta Cemetery
So you’ve conquered the beautiful Recoleta Cemetery and now you’re on the hunt for even more cool spots to discover? After all, 3 days in Buenos Aires goes by quick! Lucky for you, there are plenty of nearby treasures waiting to be explored! So let me show you what other hidden gems can be found nearby.
Stunning El Ateneo Grand Splendid
You’re about to witness some serious bookstore goals. Move over Beauty and the Beast, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is the new kid in town, sporting some major fairytale vibes. This place was once a functioning theater, and now, it’s transformed into a spectacular bookstore that welcomes over a million visitors a year. If that’s not impressive enough, National Geographic crowned it the world’s most beautiful bookstore in 2019! While most of the books here are in Spanish, you can still treat yourself to some coffee and live piano music, performed on the very stage where theater productions once took place. It’s like a real-life dreamland! And the good news, it’s free to visit!!
ADDRESS: Av. Sta. Fe 1860, C1123 CABA, Argentina
HOURS: Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 10 PM, Friday – Saturday, 9 AM – 12 AM and Sunday, 12 PM – 10 PM
COST: Free to visit
HOW TO GET TO EL ATENEO GRAND SPLENDID? This beautiful bookstore is easily accessible by the subway. The closest stations are Santa Fe (H line) and Callao (D line). Both lines will still require you to walk, but it will take you less than 10 minutes.
Do Some Shopping at Calle Florida
Are you in the mood for some shopping? Look no further than Calle Florida! This pedestrian street is bursting with cute shops. Back in the day, it was the go-to spot for retail therapy. Today, you can still find some popular shops like Falabella, Zara, Galeria Pacifico, and more. So if you’re looking to add some souvenirs to your suitcase, add Calle Florida to your itinerary.
Day 2 in Buenos Aires: Colorful Streets, Buildings and Gardens
You’re in for a real treat today, but I have to confess you will be doing A LOT of walking. I promise you it’s worth it, and will make your 3 days in Buenos Aires itinerary truly worth it. This day is jam packed with some of the most iconic spots in Buenos Aires. You will be exploring Buenos Aires most vibrant neighborhood, an enchanting theater, the President’s pink house and so much more!
Don’t Skip Buenos Aires’ Most Colorful Street
If you want to feel like you’ve stepped onto a rainbow you have to check out this spot in Buenos Aires! El Caminito is a bright little alley located in La Boca, a popular Italian immigrant neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Named after a 1926 tango song, this popular pedestrian walkway features an outdoor fair where artists sell their items and tango dancers prance along the sidewalk in between photo ops with tourists.
INSIDER TIPS:
- If you want to capture some photos without all the crowds, I recommend getting here before 11 am. But if you really want to catch all the action here, the markets open at 11 am.
- Because this is considered such a popular tourist destination, theft is very common here. Keep an eye on your belongings and your surroundings. Stick to the popular tourist areas, and do not visit at night. The area is considered unsafe.
This small street and tourist attraction is about to blow your mind! You see, between 1880 and 1930, a whopping 6 million foreign immigrants flocked to Argentina – yep, you heard that right, 6 million! And guess what? 50% of those immigrants were Italian, with many calling the port town of Genoa their home. So naturally, they made their way to the port of La Boca in Buenos Aires.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – what does this have to do with Caminito? A lot, my friend. You see, these Italian immigrants literally built this community using leftover shipyard material and painted it in the brightest hues you’ve ever seen – all with their trusty leftover paint from the port. Talk about resourceful! And now, their hard work has turned this community into one of the hottest tourist spots in Buenos Aires. Pretty cool, right?
COST: Free
DIRECTIONS: Located in the neighborhood of La Boca. You cannot access the area by subway, but you can take one of several buses here from downtown that will drop you off on the east side of Caminito. Perhaps the easiest way to get here is by cab though.
Check Out Buenos Aires Most Iconic Theater
Welcome to Teatro Colón! This iconic theater is STUNNING and absolutely worth a visit when exploring Buenos Aires. The only way to see the inside of this theater is to book a tour or purchase a concert ticket. Tickets to tour this place cost $12 and can be purchased online. We made the mistake of showing up to the theater day of for a tour and had to wait for our time slot for over 2 hours, so don’t make our mistake and book in advance!
ADDRESS: Cerrito 628, C1010AAN CABA, Argentina
HOURS: Guided tours are provided every day. They do provide tours in Spanish, Portuguese and English.
Monday – Friday: Tours are open from 10 AM to 4:45 PM, Saturday – Sunday: 11 AM t0 4:45 PM, CLOSED: May 1st, December 24th, 25th and 31st and January 1st
COST: 6,000 pesos (same cost in person or online), and free for children 7 years old or younger. You can purchase tickets here.
DURATION: A guided tour is required (unless you are going to watch a show in the theater in the evening) and it takes 50 minutes
DIRECTIONS: The closest stations to this theater is Tribunales and Carlos Pellegrini
Obelisco De Buenos Aires
Oh, you simply must visit the Obelisco when in the city! It’s one of the most iconic monuments around, standing tall at 67m above the beautiful Plaza de la República on bustling Av 9 de Julio. Erected in 1936 and is now considered a popular spot for celebrating major victories. Fans gather to sing, jump in unison and honk horns through the street. And it’s only minutes from Teatro Colón.
Wait Until You See The Casa Rosada
This beautiful pink building is the site of the presidential palace in Buenos Aires and is best known for its unique pink color. I mean just look at how cute it is! Rumor has it the building was painted pink to try and diffuse political tensions at the time. The Federals use red and the Unitarians use white combining to make the color pink. I’m just trying to picture how different the White House would look if it were painted purple!
And fun fact, this is not the official residence of the president.
ADDRESS: Balcarce 78, C1064 CABA, Argentina
COST: You can take a tour here in English or Spanish at no cost, but you must reserve a ticket through their website here. You need to reserve a place through the website here. Don’t forget to bring your passport!
HOURS: Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm (last entry at 5,30pm).
GUIDE ON HOW TO GET HERE: Casa Rosada is located in the heart of downtown Buenos Aires. The closest subway stop is Plaza de Mayo (Line A).
INSIDER TIP: It is the site of mass protests, so keep that in mind when visiting. When we stopped by they were preparing for a large protest.
Explore Buenos Aires’ Botanical Gardens Carlos Thays
Looking for a relaxing stroll surrounded by natural beauty? The jardín botánico is the perfect place for you! With its collection of over 6,000 species of trees and plants, ranging from native Argentinean varieties to species from all over the world, you’ll be able to discover something new at every turn.
And that’s not all: the gardens also feature several greenhouses (including a stunning art nouveau structure), a herbarium, and even a botanical library. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful sculptures and art exhibitions peppered throughout the grounds. This site is a true gem of Buenos Aires and a great way to wrap up day 2 of 3 days in Buenos Aires.
ADDRESS: C1425 Buenos Aires, Argentina
HOURS: Closed on Mondays, Tuesday – Thursday: 8 AM – 5:30 PM, Saturday-Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
COST: Free. You can even take a free guided tour in Spanish at 10.30am and 3.00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
DIRECTIONS: There are several ways to get to this park, and you can find all the options available here.
Day 3 in Buenos Aires: Trendy Neighborhoods and Shopping
We are ending your last day in Buenos Aires with a bang! I have planned a fun itinerary that includes exploring some of the coolest neighborhoods and checking out unique antique shops. I have also picked some spots that are perfect for those Instagram-worthy photos! Now let’s wrap up these 3 days in Buenos Aires shall we?
Treasure Hunting at Mercado De Las Pulgas
Are you ready to go on a treasure hunt? Then head over to the Mercado De Las Pulgas! With 150 stalls filled with everything from antique furniture to contemporary art, you’re sure to find something unique.
This market is the perfect blend of boho and design, so you can find both vintage and modern pieces. Score some gorgeous furniture, check out some stunning paintings, or pick up some funky jewelry – the possibilities are endless! And don’t forget the best part, there’s a free art gallery on the upper floor! So satisfy your inner pirate and uncover some hidden gems at Mercado De Las Pulgas.
ADDRESS: Alvarez Thomas Av. y Dorrego
HOURS: Open Tuesday – Sunday, 11 AM – 7 PM
COST: Free
DIRECTIONS: The Mitre line and Urquiza line. You can find more transit options here.
Palermo’s Coolest Instagrammable Murals
Guess what you can find down the street from Mercado de las Pulgas? Some super cool murals, that’s what! And you won’t want to miss the most awesome one of them all – the Frida Kahlo mural! It’s way up there at a towering 30 feet high and shows the legendary artist. Trust me, this is one mural you don’t wanna miss. So, head on over to Dorrego and Cabrera to get in on the action!
Do Some Shopping In The Trendy San Telmo Neighborhood
San Telmo is an amazing neighborhood to explore in Buenos Aires! The cobblestone streets are lined with open-air shops and street vendors, giving the area just the cutest little vibes. This is the perfect place to spend an afternoon and pick up some truly unique souvenirs. Be sure to take some time to explore the cool neighborhood and while you’re here make sure to stick around and catch a tango performance from the pros! You won’t be disappointed by the lively atmosphere and charming scenery of San Telmo.
Photogenic Spot in San Telmo: Solar De French
Want to add some color to your photos? Check out the Galería Solar de French! This spot is full of unique shops that offer some beautifully hand-crafted items. And let’s not forget the highlight of the place – the iconic umbrella ceiling! Don’t miss out on snapping some playful shots here!
HOURS: Most shops here are generally open from 11 AM – 5 PM. I would not recommend visiting at night though, it can be a tad unsafe for tourists.
COST: Free
DIRECTIONS: You have a few different options on how to get here. If traveling by metro, Metro lines A, B, C, D and E can take you here.
INSIDER TIP: Best day to visit is on a Sunday, because you will find even more shops set up on Calle Defensa and Plaza Dorrego selling items for even better prices!
Feel like you haven’t got your fill of 3 days in Buenos Aires and need some more inspiration for your trip? No worries. I’ve got all the juicy details and insider tips to make your trip even better. Fill out the form below and I’ll send you my top-secret itinerary straight to your inbox! Trust me, it’s a game changer and packed with bonus spots that aren’t even mentioned in this post.
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