Buenos Aires pulls you in with its mix of European elegance and Latin American edge - where French-style palaces, Belle Époque apartment buildings, and wide boulevards meet smoky asado and the sound of tango in the streets.
On our trip, we experienced the city through food, design, music, and local rituals -from seeing a heated rivalry football match to watching world-class tango in a velvet-lined cabaret.
We list 13 unique things to do in Buenos Aires, based on our favourite experiences in the city.
13 Fun Things to Do in Buenos Aires
1. Feel the rush of a rivalry football match
Argentinians live and breathe football. The packed stadiums, booming chants, and diehard fans make it one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Buenos Aires.
But as a tourist, it’s not as simple as buying a ticket online like you would in Europe or North America.
Tickets are usually reserved for locals or club members, so you’ll need to go through a reputable third party that takes care of everything - including getting you to and from the game.
We had seen some intense stories online about football crowds, but we never once felt unsafe.
We booked through LandingPadBA for a River Plate vs. Racing Club classico (rivalry game), and they were great. They sorted out the tickets, picked us up, and brought us right to our seats.
⭐ Read LandingPadBA's reviews.Just make sure to book early, especially if you’re aiming for a rivalry game - they sell out fast!
2. Feast like a local at an Argentinian asado
We were told more than once that asado (Argentinian BBQ) is like a religion - and we definitely got our fill.
Argentinians take their grilling seriously. This traditional barbecue is more than just a meal - it’s a full-day social event.
From steaks and sausages to pork and chicken, the grill starts sizzling in the early afternoon and doesn’t stop until late at night.
For a guaranteed, no-regrets steak in Buenos Aires, head to Don Julio, ranked the 10th best restaurant in the world in 2024. It’s a must when you’re in the city.
You may get lucky walking in at lunch, but dinner definitely calls for a reservation.
The portions are huge, so if you’re going to lunch and having wine, don’t expect to do much sightseeing afterwards - you’ll likely be in a blissful food coma.
3. Treat Yourself to afternoon tea at L’Orangerie
Recoleta’s Parisian-style architecture is one of the neighbourhood’s biggest draws, and a lovely way to take it all in is with afternoon tea at L’Orangerie.
Located inside the Alvear Palace Hotel, your afternoon tea at L'Orangerie takes place in an elegant Belle Époque setting.
Between the delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, and specially-blended house tea, it felt like such a fun, indulgent pause in the day.
4. Dine at one of Latin America's Top 50 restaurants
Creative dining experience at Aramburu
Buenos Aires' food scene offers much more than just asado.
We had the chance to dine at these two standout spots from Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants list - and we can’t recommend them enough:
Aramburu
Tucked away in Recoleta, Aramburu offers an 18-course tasting menu that’s both inventive and approachable. Each dish showcases Argentine ingredients in unexpected ways, and the wine pairings are spot on.
Don’t be thrown off by the unmarked entrance - just ring the bell, and you’re in for an exciting experience.
In 2023, Aramburu earned two Michelin stars, making it the only restaurant in Argentina with that distinction.
Mishiguene
Mishiguene brings Argentine-Israeli cuisine to the forefront, offering a refreshing change from the typical steakhouse fare.
Its lively, celebratory atmosphere is perfect for groups - expect music, share plates, and a buzz of energy that fills the room. We crafted a delicious meal by combining a hearty main with several veggie sides.
It's also recognized by the Michelin guide.
Browse more restaurants on the Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants list.
5. Watch tango masters perform at the seductive Rojo show
Buenos Aires is the heart of tango - you’ll find it everywhere, from street corners to late-night milongas.
If you’re not quite ready to jump into a dance class or join the locals on the floor, watch the pros in action at the Rojo Tango show.
It’s held inside the stunning Faena Hotel, a former grain warehouse transformed into a Belle Époque–inspired luxury hotel.
The show pairs a three-course dinner with incredible performances by world-class dancers, backed by a live ensemble. It was one of the highlights of our trip and worth the splurge.
The setting is intimate and dramatic - think red velvet, low lighting, and a touch of old-school glamour.
✔️ Top Tip: Book far in advance and request a table with a clear view of the stage so you don’t miss a moment. The table you get can make a big difference.
💃🏻 You can easily book your Rojo Tango show through Viator or GetYourGuide. They have free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.6. Learn tango, then test your moves at a local milonga
We started with a one-hour lesson, then headed straight to a milonga. After a glass of wine (or two), we got a crash course on how to navigate the fascinating milonga environment. That little bit of liquid courage helped ease us into the experience!
7. Shop for handmade tango shoes at Comme Il Faut
If you’re planning a tango night, make time for a visit to Comme Il Faut.
The charming little shop tucked away in Recoleta is known for its extravagant selection of handmade Argentine tango shoes.
They're made for dancing, though they would look just as good at dinner.
Their one-on-one service is amazing, and with so many unique styles, it’s hard to walk out empty-handed.
8. Explore the San Telmo Sunday market
San Telmo is Buenos Aires' oldest neighbourhood and the capital of tango. The cobblestoned streets are filled with milongas, bars, antique shops and handmade crafts.
Don't miss the Sunday Market where you'll see loads of vendor stalls and street performers.
We went back on a Monday and to our surprise the streets were dead and the umbrellas were even closed!
9. Enjoy a relaxed brunch in Palermo’s bohemian streets
Palermo is a laidback, bohemian neighbourhood that’s fun to explore, with leafy streets, independent shops, and plenty of great food.
For a healthy, veggie-forward lunch, try Artemisia. Or head to Salvaje Bakery, tucked inside a former garage, for excellent coffee, sourdough breads and creative pastries.
Both spots are a bit off the beaten path and perfect for a neighbourhood brunch.
10. Escape to Falena for wine, books and inspiring design
Falena is a bookstore and wine lounge that has a wonderful rooftop patio. The moment you walk into the bookstore your eyes are taken by the wonderfully restored interior.
It's a hidden gem in Buenos Aires and the perfect setting for an intimate discussion or a day alone with a new book.
11. Relax poolside in the garden at Home Hotel
12. Drink mate like a local
Mate (pronounced Mah-teh) isn’t just a drink in Argentina, it’s a lifestyle. This caffeine-rich herbal tea is sipped through a metal straw (bombilla) from a hollowed-out gourd, and it’s meant to be enjoyed slowly.
You keep refilling your cup with hot water from a thermos, often sharing it with others. It’s like the opposite of an espresso shot.
Our first taste was a bit intense - the bitter flavour takes some getting used to - but after a few days, we started to enjoy the ritual. The caffeine isn't as jolting as coffee.
13. Sip sunset cocktails over Recoleta at the Alvear Rooftop Bar
Alvear rooftop bar for sunset drinks
The rooftop bar at the Alvear Palace Hotel is the perfect spot to kick off your evening.
Grab a cocktail and take in the sunset views over Recoleta’s Parisian-style streets. It’s great for people-watching, and the drinks are just as polished as the setting.
We hope you enjoyed these 12 unique things to do in Buenos Aires!
🎥 See what it was like in our Argentina vlog and don't miss our 1 week Argentina Itinerary.
Get started on booking your trip to Argentina
- 🛏️ Book your accommodation: Booking.com is our go-to for finding places to stay. Sort by top reviewed.
- 🤠 Book your tour: browse local highly-rated tours Viator or GetYourGuide.
- 🛫 Book your flight: use Skyscanner to compare flights across different airlines (we recommend booking direct with the airline however).
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Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out our list of Unique Cultural Experiences to Inspire Your Next Trip.