Over two trips, we’ve gathered our favourite ways to experience Buenos Aires - through food, music, design and experiences that capture the city’s creative soul.
We cover what to do in Buenos Aires in 3 days, from shopping the best leather boutiques and dining at local hotspots in Palermo to slow afternoons in Recoleta and tango-filled nights in San Telmo.
This 3 Day Buenos Aires itinerary brings together where to stay, what to see, and the best places to eat and drink.
3 Days in Buenos Aires
Day 1: Discover Palermo’s creative energy and see a world-class tango show in a glamorous, red-lit cabaret. Day 2: Soak up Recoleta’s Parisian charm, visit iconic landmarks, unwind in style, and end the day with asado and live music. Day 3: Enjoy brunch at a local hotspot, explore historic San Telmo, dine on Argentine classics, and choose your night from three fun options. |
3 Day Buenos Aires Itinerary
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Overview: Discover Palermo’s creative energy and see a world-class tango show in a glamorous, red-lit cabaret.
Check into your hotel in Palermo
Our stay at Home Hotel
We always stay in Palermo when we’re in Buenos Aires. It’s a creative and lively neighbourhood, filled with buzzing restaurants, bars, design-forward cafes, and independent shops.
For a peaceful hideaway in the neighbourhood, check into Home Hotel.Its pool and garden space create a little oasis in the middle of the city. Lounging poolside with a book and coffee was one of our favourite ways to recharge.
Each room here has its own character, with vintage furniture and playful wallpaper making it feel more like a stylish friend’s home than a hotel.
We loved our stay so much that we came back again on our second trip.
Explore Palermo and its independent boutiques
Shopping for handmade leather pieces in Buenos Aires
Palermo’s creative spirit shows in its independent boutiques, where you’ll find beautifully crafted pieces and high-quality leather goods.
Thanks to Argentina’s cattle industry, the leather here is exceptional and much more affordable than in Europe or North America.
Our favourite boutiques in Palermo:
Teran: Best for men’s leather shoes - Sleek, contemporary designs handcrafted from premium Argentine leather. Ari picked up a pair of formal black dress shoes and a large duffel here.
Nimes: Best for sustainably made leather jackets and handbags - A local favourite that uses a natural vegetable-tanning process without chemicals. I bought a leather coat here I just love.
Tienda Patron: Best for stylish accessories made by artisans - This boutique brings together pieces from Argentine designers, from handbags to finely crafted jewellery. It's a great place to buy gifts.
Casafilo: Best for steak knives - Makes some of the finest steak knives in Argentina, even crafting the custom knives for Don Julio, the world’s top steakhouse. We picked up a set of steak knives (mixing and matching the handles).
See more things to do in Palermo.
Dine at Niño Gordo, a lively Palermo hot spot
Niño Gordo
After an afternoon of shopping in Palermo, head to Niño Gordo, one of the neighbourhood’s most exciting dining spots.
On our second trip to Buenos Aires, this ended up being our favourite meal.
The space feels part Tokyo night market, part surreal art installation - with glowing red lanterns and a hip-hop soundtrack that gives it a playful energy.
Every dish we tried was amazing. The menu blends Asian techniques with Argentine flavours - we loved the katsu sando, bao with strip loin, and beef tataki with sticky rice.
Book a table in the dining room for the full experience. It's one of Latin America's Top 50 restaurants, so it books up fast.
Watch the drama unfold at the Rojo Tango show
Buenos Aires is the heart of tango, and this intimate show captures its passion and drama like nothing else. It was one of the highlights of our trip and absolutely worth the splurge.
The performances are world-class, with dancers and a live orchestra. And the setting is pure theatre, with red velvet, low lighting, and a touch of old-school glamour.
The show starts at 9 pm, so skip the dinner option and just book tickets for the performance.
💃🏻 You can easily book your Rojo Tango show through Viator or GetYourGuide. They have free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.Join the late night buzz at Tres Monos, one of the world’s best bars
Tres Monos cocktail bar
If you’re not ready to call it a night, make your way to Tres Monos, a graffiti-splashed cocktail bar with a punk edge and purple-pink neon glow.
Ranked #10 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list in 2025, it’s lively and unpretentious, with creative cocktails, friendly bartenders, and a fun rock-leaning playlist.
We loved their cheeky drink names like Chimi Hedrix and Britney Spritz, but my favourite was the Bananita Mona - a silky mix of banana, vanilla, and chocolate.
Pair it with their mini sausages and mustard for the perfect late-night snack.
Day 2
Overview: Soak up Recoleta’s Parisian charm, visit iconic landmarks, unwind in style, and end the day with asado and live music.
Explore Recoleta’s Parisian-like streets and its most beautiful bookstore
Spend your day in Recoleta, a neighbourhood known for its Belle Époque and French Neoclassical architecture and leafy boulevards.
It’s one of the most beautiful parts of Buenos Aires to explore on foot, with a timeless atmosphere that tells the story of the city’s golden age.
As you wander its tree-lined streets, stop into El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a 1919 theatre transformed into one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
The space still has its original red stage curtain, ornate balconies, and painted dome overhead.
Grab a coffee at the stage-turned cafe and take a moment to sit back and admire the view.
Shop Recoleta’s boutiques for handmade shoes and leather goods
While you’re in Recoleta, stop by Comme Il Faut, a hidden boutique tucked away on a quiet street.
Founded by tango dancer Alicia Muñiz, it's renowned for its exquisite handmade tango shoes. They are designed for dancing but stylish enough to wear at dinner.
The shopping experience feels personal and old-fashioned in the best way. Staff bring out boxes one by one, helping you find the perfect pair that fits like a glove.
And don't miss Rossi & Caruso, a Buenos Aires institution that’s been perfecting leather goods since 1868.
Their coats, handbags, and shoes are beautifully made and built to last. Ari picked up a leather puffer jacket here.
See more things to do in Recoleta.
Experience old-world glamour with afternoon tea at L’Orangerie
Afternoon tea at L'Orangerie with friends
It’s one of the loveliest places in Recoleta to soak up its Belle Époque atmosphere. Sunlight pours through the tall windows, white tablecloths are perfectly set, and waiters in red jackets move gracefully between tables.
Afternoon tea arrives as a tower of pastries, sweets, and finger sandwiches, with their house blend served in fine china.
We spent the afternoon here with friends, talking and tasting our way through all of the delicious bites.
Unwind with a spa treatment or relax poolside
Our private spa suite at Palacio Duhau
After a morning of sightseeing and afternoon tea, take some time to relax. We have two options to pick from:
Option 1: Reset by the pool at your hotel before dinner
If it’s warm out, head back to Home Hotel and spend a couple quiet hours by the pool with a drink or a book - it’s the perfect reset before the evening.Option 2: Treat yourself to a spa treatment inside Palacio Duhau
If you’re in the mood to be pampered, book a treatment at Ahin Wellness & Spa inside Palacio Duhau.Set within a 1930s French-style palace, the hotel is one of Buenos Aires’ most striking landmarks. You don’t have to be a hotel guest to book the spa.
We booked the Afflora Ritual, which began in a private spa suite with a jacuzzi soak followed by a 75-minute aromatherapy massage.
It was one of the most relaxing experiences of our trip. Everything from booking over WhatsApp to the treatment itself was effortless.
Experience asado at Latin America’s best steakhouse
A steak feast at Don Julio
No trip to Buenos Aires is complete without an asado, Argentina’s beloved barbecue tradition - and there’s no better place to experience it than Don Julio.
This family-run parrilla in Palermo sources premium grass-fed beef, cooks it over a wood fire and lets the flavour speak for itself with simple seasoning.
Ranked #10 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list (2025), it’s a must for steak lovers. It's a great place to celebrate or plan a date night.
We recommend pairing your steak with one of the Argentine Malbecs on their impressive wine list.
Portions are generous, so come hungry - and be sure to book well in advance for dinner, as tables fill quickly.
Keep the night going with live music at two local favourites
La Catedral Club
After dinner at Don Julio, continue the night at a couple of beloved neighbourhood spots.
Start at El Boliche de Roberto, a tiny bar that’s been around since 1893. Stepping inside feels like time hasn’t moved much since.
Vintage bottles line the shelves, and locals take turns singing traditional songs with a few guitarists. The place was packed both times we were there.
If you’re still up for more, head to La Catedral Club, a tango hall inside a former milk factory.
The high ceilings, colourful murals, and mismatched furniture give it a raw, creative energy - more Berlin warehouse than classic tango club.
The crowd is young and eclectic, and it doesn’t really get going until after midnight. From the outside, you’d never guess what’s inside. It feels like one of the city’s best-kept secrets.
See more things to do in Buenos Aires at night.
Day 3
Overview: Enjoy brunch at a local hotspot, explore historic San Telmo, dine on Argentine classics, and choose your own night from three fun options.
Start your day with brunch at Oli Cafe
Ease into the day with brunch at Oli Cafe in Palermo. It’s a bright, busy local spot that does fresh plates really well. Think crisp salads, good coffee, and comforting dishes that don’t feel heavy.
We loved the chicken caesar and the all-in salad with avocado. It’s a great place to fuel up before crossing town for the rest of the day.
Explore San Telmo’s historic streets and market
After brunch, make your way to San Telmo, Buenos Aires’ oldest neighbourhood and the heart of tango.
Explore its cobblestoned streets and antique shops, and if you’re visiting on a Sunday, explore the San Telmo Market and the stalls along Defensa.
You’ll find vintage pieces, handmade crafts, records, art, and plenty of street performances.
If it’s not Sunday, it’s still worth a visit - come for the architecture, antiques, cafes, and slower pace.
Eat Argentine comfort food classics for dinner
Milanese sandwich and sorrentinos at Los Dos Hermanos
Over 60% of Argentinians have Italian roots, and you'll see that influence everywhere, from pizza and pasta.
For a true taste of Argentine comfort food, try a milanesa sandwich and a plate of sorrentinos.
The milanesa is a thin, breaded cutlet layered with ham, cheese, lettuce, and tomato, all tucked into crusty bread that barely contains it.
Sorrentinos are Argentina’s answer to ravioli - larger, round, and typically filled with ham and cheese, then served in a rich tomato sauce.
Our favourite place to have both was Los Dos Hermanos, a classic bodegón on the edge of Palermo.
With its red tablecloths, open grill, and local crowd, it’s as authentic as it gets. It was one of our best meals in the city.
Choose your night with one of these three exciting activities
Pick whichever experience feels most you for your last night in Buenos Aires:
Option 1: Feel the energy of a rivalry football match
If there’s a game on, join locals for a night of football. Argentinians live for it. The packed stadiums, booming chants, and diehard fans are unforgettable.
Tickets are usually reserved for members, so it’s easiest to book through a reputable agency that handles transport, tickets, and seating.
We booked tickets for a River Plate vs. Racing Club Classico (rivalry game) through LandingPadBA, and it ended up being one of the most memorable experiences of our trip.
Option 2: Learn tango, then visit a local milonga
If you’d rather lean into tango, start with a lesson and then head straight to a traditional milonga with a local instructor or group.
We booked our tour with Tango Classes with Lucia and Gerry, and they were fantastic.Having someone guide us through the etiquette and unspoken rules made all the difference and turned what could feel intimidating into a fun, immersive night.
Option 3: Listen to vinyl at Artlab
For something more contemporary, check what’s on at Artlab, a converted warehouse dedicated to music and digital art.
Their HiFi room and quadraphonic setup make vinyl and DJ sets feel alive, and the crowd is a mix of people who are genuinely there for the music.
Hearing 90s house legends on that system was a highlight for us.
End the night with late-night burgers at Pérez H
If you’re still hungry after the game or dancing, join Buenos Aires’ late-night burger tradition at Perez H.
The burgers are juicy and exactly what you want after midnight. Ari goes for his dripping with cheese sauce.
Enjoy your 3 days in Buenos Aires!
Don't miss our other Argentina itineraries:
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 through Viator or GetYourGuide.
- 🛫 Book your flight: use Skyscanner to compare flights across different airlines (we recommend booking direct with the airline however).
Don't forget about travel insurance
👩⚕️ For affordable travel insurance: go with SafetyWing - it's budget-friendly and you can even buy it while abroad, but note the max medical coverage is $250,000 USD. 🏥 For comprehensive travel insurance: go with World Nomads - it's more expensive, but the max emergency medical coverage is $5-10 million, depending on the plan.Save and pin this 3 Day Buenos Aires itinerary for later:
