Skip to main content

Our Favorite Places in Buenos Aires

buenos aires
Often called the ‘Paris of the South’, Buenos Aires has become a go to destination again for great food, it’s warm weather during our frigid months (January is the hottest month of the year) and even it’s speakeasies. This sprawling metropolis strewn along the Rio de la Plata is one of the largest and most chaotic in the Americas, but its European soul and laid back attitude make it a covetable place to come to. Beyond the street tango and steak houses there is plenty to do and see, and although the city is made up of a daunting 46 different barrios, luckily only Recoleta, Palermo, San Telmo, La Boca and Puerto Madero are of principal interest.

PLAY

Related Videos
buenos ares travel, cementario de la recoleta, recoleta cemetery
Recoleto Cemetery

You’ll be hard pressed to find things not to do in ‘BA’: sporting fans can always catch a horse race at the 150 year old Hippodromo de Palermo or if you’re brave enough, get tickets to a Boca Junior soccer match at the Bombonera stadium.

boca junior soccer-match

Art aficionados head for the Fundacion Proa or the Malba, with its specialist collection of Latin American art from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries. Finally whizz through the Recoleta Cemetery for a sneak peek of the cities most famous deceased, including the resting place of the iconic Evita Peron.

SHOP 

san telmo flea market, buenos aires travel
San Telmo Flea Market Christian H augen

Argentina is known for their leather so shoes and boots are big sellers. Check out Guido for classic tailored moccasins and generally smart footwear or Casa De Las Botas where you can get riding boots made in a huge variety of leathers, gaucho style of course.

La Casa de Las Botas
La Casa de Las Botas

The oldest part of the capital, San Telmo, appropriately offers some of its best antique shopping – from Argentine crafts such as mate gourds to leather accessories to salvaged furniture. Go there on a Sunday for the famous flea market and bring a big bag.

EAT & DRINK

olsen, buenos aires
Olsen

One of the most buzzed about chefs in Latin American owns Aramburu (and it’s less expensive spot, Aramburu Bis) made famous for the fancy molecular gastronomy techniques. But don’t be fooled, the real star is the meat dishes like the bife de chorizo. Be it on the mezzanine or vine covered patio, Olsen (see above) is best for brunches, and much like Hotel Home, also takes inspiration from Scandinavia: a central fireplace, plywood furniture, smoked salmon, pickled herring and chilled vodka. The nondescript doorway on the graffiti plastered exterior of Tegui conceals the fancy dining room within. Although limited, the menu changes weekly and never bores, for example rabbit ravioli with peaches and charcoal mashed potatoes.

Admittedly tango isn’t for everyone so if you’d rather leave the passionate dancing to the more experienced locals then start your evening at the Gran Bar Danzon in Recoleta where their extensive wine bar and cocktail menu will have you spending more time there you originally planned, before heading onwards to the Niceto Club, slapped along a strip of ratty car repair shops, for a late, loud and exuberant night. If you are looking for that speakeasy world we spoke of, hop onto the Orient Express replica at The Bradley and enjoy their decadent house made cocktails. There is also Floreria Atlántico, which you enter through a refrigerator door.

SLEEP

hotel home, buenos aires, argentina
Hotel Home

Aside from the grand old luxury establishments, BA is lagging behind when in comes to decent, mid range hotels with a design conscience, but a favorite amongst picky foreigners is the Hotel Home, with its loungey vibe and Scandinavian inspired rooms, poolside garden and happening bar bang in the Palermo Hollywood area.

Faena Hotel
Faena Hotel

If you’re willing to splurge, and we mean seriously splurge then step into the wonderland that is the Philippe Stark designed Faena Hotel. Unicorn heads adorn the walls of the white baroque dining room and scarlet carpets cover rooms and temple like hallways. More easy going and affordable, the Hotel Pulitzer is just right for funky interiors and central location. The Hotel Mio is a super sleek and an ultra hushed welcome newcomer to the Recoleta neighborhood and a hit with oenophiles; owned by the Catena wine producing family it has free wine on tap and doors made from recycled oak wine barrels.

Editors' Recommendations

Here’s what to do in Bangkok if you’ve only got 48 hours
Make the most of your short visit to Bangkok
A bunch of Buddhas.

Clocking in at 10.7 million residents, Bangkok, Thailand, is an incredible, massive undertaking of a city. A seemingly endless sprawl of low-rise buildings punctuated by massive skyscrapers and tranquil temples, delicious food and bustling bars everywhere, there is an endless range of ways one could spend their days exploring what BKK has to offer. Sadly, most Thailand tourism consists of travelers who are only stopping by Bangkok for a couple of days on their way into or out of the country. So what is one to do when they only have 48 hours in Bangkok?

I’ve spent a lot of time in Bangkok, so I know its ins-and-outs well. One of the main challenges to experiencing the city in a short burst involves the sheer size of the place and the traffic that tends to inundate it, which makes it difficult to get anywhere fast unless it happens to be along a Sky Train route (more on that below). Thailand travel has decreased substantially since the pandemic, though, and this has noticeably diminished the traffic and crowds. In any case, it’s important to factor getting around into your plans. To that end, here’s a solid two-day itinerary.

Read more
These are the very best ski towns for foodies in America
Chasing fresh powder and a good meal? Here are the best ski towns for foodies in the US.
Matsuhisa Aspen restaurant.

As one year turns into the next, the snow tends to pile up in the higher elevations. Yes, we've entered peak ski season, which means it's time to dust off goggles, ready snowsuits, and hit the slopes. Chances are good that you'll work up quite the appetite while playing around in the powder, so you might as well eat well.

This ski season, do it right. Embrace apres ski culture, try out some new resorts and ski towns, and treat yourself to some of the amazing restaurants and eateries along the way. You'll refuel with the best dishes available, whether it's a seasonal cocktail, hearty dish, or some combination thereof.

Read more
Notes on soaking up the spirits of Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire
Our guide to finding the most beautiful views and tastiest drinks in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao
A cluster of private cabanas overlook Iguana Beach at Renaissance Island in Aruba.

When you think of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao — also known as the ABC Islands — what comes to mind? Perhaps you’re dreaming of palm-lined beaches and calm turquoise waters? Maybe you envision European-style towns and villages with lush tropical greenery? While you can find plenty of that throughout the ABC Islands, there’s plenty more beyond the typical “tourist traps.” And if you’ve always had an affinity for Caribbean cocktails, you’ll discover infinite possibilities with all sorts of tasty locally produced liquors. Whether you prefer a sweet, fruity drink to enjoy by the beach or a complex cocktail that easily rivals those of the buzziest big-city bars, here’s all you need to know about where to find the best spirit(s) of these enchanted islands.
First, let’s get reacquainted with the ABC Islands

If Americans know anything about Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, it's that that these islands are somewhere in the Caribbean and are part of the Netherlands. Indeed, the ABC Islands are surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, and they lie directly to the north of Venezuela. If you’re expecting largely the same experience as a trip to South Florida, the Bahamas, or the Virgin Islands at the ABC Islands, though, get ready for a very different kind of Caribbean trip down here.

Read more