How to Spend 1 Day in Buenos Aires

Even with just 24 hours in Buenos Aires, you can see a lot of Argentina’s capital city. From landmarks such as Casa Rosada, Evita’s famous balcony, to its main opera house, Teatro Colón, there’s much ground to cover in this cosmopolitan Latin American city (and nightlife options, too). Read on for our picks.

Morning: See the Central Sights

To see more of the city in a limited amount of time, join a guided tour, which also takes the hassle out of navigating an unfamiliar city. Travelers who want more flexibility opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Must-see landmarks include Casa Rosada, where Evita addressed the people from the balcony; Metropolitan Cathedral, the former church of Pope Francis, on Plaza de Mayo; the colourfully painted houses of Caminito Street in La Boca; and the opera house, Teatro Colón. Finish with a drive along Avenue 9 de Julio, the world’s widest boulevard, for a view of the Obelisk. Finally, head into historic San Telmo where you can stroll the cobblestone lanes and browse the street market (Sundays only). 

Afternoon: Explore Palermo and Recoleta

After tucking into a typical Argentina empanada lunch, spend the afternoon exploring Buenos Aires’ northern neighborhoods. Stroll around Recoleta Cemetery, where the grand mausoleums include Evita’s grave, and stop for a coffee at nearby Plaza Francia. Continue into Palermo, where you might visit the Botanic Gardens, MALBA art museum, or Evita Museum; alternatively, soak up the atmosphere on Plaza Italia or Plaza Serrano. At sunset, head to the Floralis Genérica statue—the flower sculpture closes its petals as the sun sets.

Night: Watch a Tango Show

Buenos Aires is the birthplace of Argentine tango, and a tango show is a quintessential visitor experience. Choose a show that includes a pre-show dinner or attend a dance class to learn tango basics for yourself. Sample the city’s legendary nightlife after the show, heading to the bars of Palermo Soho to sip cocktails with the locals or to Puerto Madero, known for its glamorous bars and nightclubs. For the best views, choose one overlooking the glittering waterfront and Puente de la Mujer bridge.