Explore the vibrant city streets of Argentina capital with this comprehensive 5-days Buenos Aires itinerary! From the Presidential Palace to the cobblestone alleys of San Telmo, and the historic charm of Palacio Barolo, each day offers a new adventure. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of La Boca, with its colorful buildings and rich cultural heritage, before experiencing the world-class performances at Teatro Colón. Finally, discover the refined beauty of Recoleta, where elegant architecture and serene parks await. With a perfect blend of history, culture, and entertainment, this itinerary promises an unforgettable experience in Argentina’s capital city. This guide is based on our experience visiting Buenos Aires in November 2023. Enjoy!
5 days in Buenos Aires – Places Visited in the Itinerary:
Presidential Palace (Casa Rosada)
Plaza de Mayo
Pirámide de Mayo monument
Metropolitan Cathedral
Cabildo building
Plaza Dorrego (San Telmo)
San Telmo Market
Mafalda Statue
Museum of Modern Art
Palacio Barolo
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
National Congress building
La Boca neighborhood
Caminito street
Proa Foundation Museum
Boca Juniors Stadium
Teatro Colón
The Obelisk
Recoleta neighborhood
Palermo neighborhood
Japanese Garden
Recoleta Cemetery
Floralis Genérica sculpture
Recoleta Mall
Bosques de Palermo (Palermo Woods)
Buenos Aires Botanical Garden
Puerto Madero waterfront
About Buenos
Buenos Aires, Argentina’s lively capital, is bursting with energy and a mix of old-world charm and modern vibes. It’s often dubbed the “Paris of South America” for its grand streets and bustling atmosphere. But beyond its European feel, Buenos Aires has a distinct Latin American flavor seen in its passionate tango music, vibrant neighborhoods, and colorful festivals. From wandering through the historic streets of San Telmo to exploring the trendy shops of Palermo, each area offers something unique to discover. With its delicious food, vibrant art scene, and welcoming locals, Buenos Aires is an inviting city full of experiences waiting to be embraced.
Buenos Aires History
Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, has a rich history dating back to the 16th century when Spanish explorers first arrived in the region. Officially founded in 1580, it quickly evolved into a bustling trading hub. The city played a important role in Argentina’s quest for independence from Spain during the 1800s, marking a significant period known as the “Golden Age” of prosperity.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Buenos Aires experienced rapid growth fueled by waves of immigration from Europe. Immigrants shaped the city’s diverse cultural landscape, although it also faced challenges such as social inequality and political unrest.
Today, Buenos Aires stands as a dynamic metropolis, celebrated for its vibrant neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and lively atmosphere. It remains a favorite destination for both tourists and locals, offering a fascinating blend of history, culture, and modernity.
About this 5 day itinerary
This itinerary for Buenos Aires is all about exploring on foot, so get ready to move around a lot! You’ll be hopping from one neighborhood to another, taking in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this vibrant city. From checking out historic spots like Plaza de Mayo to wandering through colorful streets in La Boca, there’s plenty to see and do.
How to modify this itinerary : 2 days and more than 5 days in Buenos Aires
2 days in Buenos Aires
If you have only two days to explore Buenos Aires, I recommend combining the highlights from Day 1 and Day 3 of the itinerary. Start your first day by visiting the Presidential Palace and Plaza de Mayo in the morning, followed by a stroll through San Telmo in the afternoon. On the second day, delve into the cultural wonders of Palacio Barolo, El Ateneo, and La Boca, just like on Day 3 of the original plan.
5 days in Buenos Aires
For those with more than five days in Buenos Aires, consider adding a day trip to Uruguay. You can choose between visiting Montevideo or Colonia del Sacramento, both offering unique experiences. Explore the historic streets of Colonia or soak in the cultural richness of Montevideo. It’s a great opportunity to add some international flair to your Buenos Aires adventure!
How to get Around Buenos Aires
Getting around Buenos Aires is made easy by its excellent public transportation system, which is both convenient and affordable. You can opt for public buses or take the subway to move around the city quickly and efficiently. Moreover, ride-sharing services like Uber and taxis are readily accessible, providing a convenient alternative for transportation. Interestingly, while we initially intended to rely on the subway, we found that Uber was surprisingly inexpensive, so we used Uber instead.
Our experience in Buenos Aires
Our time in Buenos Aires was quite eventful. We had initially planned for four days of sightseeing, but on the second day, my phone was stolen while calling Uber in downtown. This unexpected incident took up most of our day as we dealt with filing a police report and sorting out a replacement phone. As a result, we felt rushed during the rest of our stay as we tried to see everything we had planned. Looking back, we realize that five days would have been better to explore Buenos Aires without feeling pressured. We also took a Day trip to Montevideo, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise. In hindsight, we wish we had spent more time in Bueno Aires
5 days in Buenos Aires Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Historic Buenos Aires
Morning
Start your day with a guided tour of the Presidential Palace (Casa Rosada) and its famous balcony where Eva Perón famously addressed the crowds. Then, take a stroll through Plaza de Mayo and admire the Pirámide de Mayo monument.
Afternoon
Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, located just across from the Presidential Palace, known for its impressive neoclassical façade and the tomb of General José de San Martín. Continue your exploration with a visit to the historic Cabildo building.
Evening
Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo, one of the oldest squares in Buenos Aires, lined with cafes, antique shops, and tango bars.
Day 2: San Telmo and Tango Experience
Morning
Explore the cobblestone streets and antique markets of San Telmo, one of Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhoods. Don’t miss the bustling San Telmo Market and the nearby Mafalda Statue.
Afternoon
Experience the passion of Argentine tango with a matinee tango show or take a tango lesson in one of the neighborhood’s many dance studios. Visit the nearby Museum of Modern Art.
Evening
Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of San Telmo, where you can find tango clubs, bars, and restaurants offering live music and traditional Argentine cuisine.
Day 3: Cultural Highlights and Colorful Streets- Palacio Barolo and La Boca
Morning
Begin your day with a tour of Palacio Barolo, an architectural gem inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, offering panoramic views of the city from its lighthouse. Then, explore the historic district of Monserrat.
Mid-morning
Explore El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a historic theater turned bookstore, known for its stunning architecture and vast collection of books. Visit the nearby National Congress building.
Afternoon
Discover the vibrant and colorful neighborhood of La Boca, famous for its brightly painted houses, street art, and the iconic Caminito street. Explore the Proa Foundation Museum and nearby Boca Juniors Stadium.
Evening
Enjoy dinner at a local parrilla (steakhouse) in La Boca, savoring delicious Argentine beef and local wines.
Day 4: Art and Culture
Morning
Take a guided tour of Teatro Colón, one of the world’s most renowned opera houses, admired for its stunning architecture and acoustics. Then, visit the nearby National Museum of Fine Arts.
Mid-morning
Explore Buenos Aires further with a city tour, visiting iconic landmarks such as Plaza de Mayo, the Obelisk, and the elegant neighborhoods of Recoleta and Palermo. Visit the National Museum of Decorative Arts.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon wandering through the leafy streets of Palermo, known for its trendy boutiques, cafes, and street art. Explore the Japanese Garden and the Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA).
Evening
Enjoy dinner at one of Palermo’s fashionable restaurants, offering a blend of Argentine and international cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the vibrant nightlife of Palermo Hollywood.
Day 5: Parks and Museums
Morning
Visit Recoleta Cemetery, where you can wander through the elaborate mausoleums and pay your respects to Eva Perón’s final resting place. Explore the nearby Recoleta Cultural Center and the National Museum of Fine Arts.
Mid-morning
Explore the nearby Recoleta Cultural Center, housed in a former convent, and discover contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events. Visit the nearby Floralis Genérica sculpture and the Recoleta Mall.
Afternoon
Relax in the lush greenery of Bosques de Palermo (Palermo Woods), the city’s largest park, where you can rent a paddleboat on the lake or visit the Rose Garden. Explore the Buenos Aires Botanical Garden.
Evening
Farewell dinner at one of Buenos Aires’ renowned restaurants, savoring Argentine delicacies and toasting to your unforgettable experiences in the vibrant capital. Take a nighttime stroll along Puerto Madero’s waterfront.
