If you’re visiting the city and wondering what to do in Buenos Aires, you need to know there is no single version of it. Some travelers arrive looking for tango and old cafés, others chase architecture, nightlife, or literary history. But sooner or later, everyone realizes the same thing: the city reveals itself through contrast.
You might walk past a 19th-century building that now houses a tattoo studio. Or hear a string quartet rehearsing behind a metal door covered in graffiti. That blend of elegance and edge, past and present, is what makes Buenos Aires feel so alive.
Culture here isn’t framed behind museum glass. It’s in the way locals speak, the food rituals, the obsession with fútbol, and the street art that climbs entire buildings. Buenos Aires doesn’t just invite you to visit, it dares you to participate.
This guide is your starting point to the best things to do in Buenos Aires. A way to explore the city through its history, flavors, sounds, and late-night rituals. Let’s get into it.
Discovering Buenos Aires Through Its History
One of the most meaningful answers to what to do in Buenos Aires is to walk through its history. The city’s landmarks aren’t just beautiful: they reveal how Argentina was shaped, both politically and culturally. You’ll find memory, identity, and resistance etched into its streets.
Start at Plaza de Mayo, the symbolic heart of the city. Surrounded by the Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Cabildo, it has witnessed revolutions, protests, and the ongoing march of the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo. The atmosphere here still carries the weight of those events.
From there, head down Avenida de Mayo, a boulevard that blends local tradition with European elegance. Stop at Café Tortoni, a favorite among writers and artists for over a century. With its stained glass and wooden booths, it offers a quiet pause in the middle of the city’s rhythm.
In Recoleta, you’ll find a different kind of stillness. The Recoleta Cemetery is home to some of the country’s most iconic figures, including Eva Perón. Nearby, El Ateneo Grand Splendid offers another surprise—a grand theater turned bookstore, where velvet curtains now frame shelves and reading nooks.
If your schedule is a little tight or you’re just passing through, we’ve summarized all these spots and the most important things to do when visiting Buenos Aires, in a 24 hours guide.
A Taste of Buenos Aires: Exploring the City’s Food Scene
There can’t be a travel guide without getting into argentine gastronomy ¿Right? Buenos Aires food scene blends tradition, creativity, and a strong sense of identity. This isn’t just about what people eat, but how they eat: slowly, socially, and with genuine enjoyment. From neighborhood parrillas to contemporary bistros, food is one of the clearest ways to understand the city’s personality.
Local gastronomy is anchored in simple, bold flavors. Grilled meats, especially the famous asado, are a point of pride. For a more elevated take, Fogón Asado offers an immersive dining experience that reinterprets the traditional parrilla with creativity and attention to detail, ideal for those curious to go beyond the classic steakhouse.
But Buenos Aires doesn’t just rely on tradition. In areas like Palermo, new voices in the kitchen experiment with seasonal ingredients, plant-based recipes, and global techniques. Tasting menus, fusion street food, and wine bars with local labels have added a fresh twist to the city’s already rich food culture.
For those who want to dive deeper, Sherpa Food Tours offers guided experiences that take you through local markets, neighborhood restaurants, and hidden food spots. This experience is perfect for travelers who want to explore the city’s culinary side while learning about its culture along the way.
And yes, dessert matters. A medialuna at breakfast, dulce de leche-filled pastries in the afternoon, or artisanal ice cream after dinner are part of the everyday rhythm. Coffee shops invite you to slow down and soak up the atmosphere, sometimes for hours. No one’s in a hurry here, and that’s part of the charm.
Everyday Culture: Sports, Streets and Stages
Culture in Buenos Aires doesn’t only live in museums or grand theaters. It’s in the chants at a football match, the rhythm of the streets or the way locals take their time in a café. Understanding the city means looking beyond the landmarks and into these everyday rituals.
Football (soccer) is one of the most powerful expressions of local identity (You wouldn’t expect anything else from the country that is the birthplace of the best players in the world.) The city is home to numerous clubs with passionate fanbases, but Boca Juniors and River Plate are the two giants that most visitors recognize. These aren’t just teams; they’re emblems of neighborhoods, families, and lifelong loyalties. Watching a match or even getting a tour to La Bombonera, El Monumental, or one of the many other vibrant stadiums across the city, is an unforgettable experience that offers a raw, emotional glimpse into how deeply this sport is woven into the city’s social fabric.
When the sun goes down, theater takes the spotlight. Buenos Aires is one of the most vibrant theater capitals in Latin America, with hundreds of productions every week, from independent plays in Abasto to major shows on Corrientes Avenue. The scene is affordable, dynamic, and deeply creative—many performances are born from local stories, politics or humor, offering visitors a real slice of contemporary life.
Art and culture flow into everyday spaces too. Street murals, open-air markets, and neighborhood cultural centers all play a role in making the city feel alive with expression.
📌 Visiting for a short time? We’ve gathered a perfect plan for 48 hours in the city in our guide to what to do in Buenos Aires in 2 days.
Music in Buenos Aires
Tango comes first
No travel guide on the best things to do in Buenos Aires would be complete without mentioning tango. It’s the city’s signature sound, and feeling.
While the city offers many ways to enjoy tango, there’s one experience that truly stands out: Secreto Tango Society. Intimate, raw, and emotionally powerful, it’s limited to just a few guests each night, so you’re not just watching tango, you’re inside it.
And sure, it might sound biased coming from us… but travelers from all over the world seem to agree (just check the reviews).
👉 Ready to feel tango like never before? Book your night with Secreto Tango Society
And there’s much more to hear
Beyond tango, the Buenos Aires music scene includes world-class venues like the majestic Teatro Colón, the modern Palacio Libertad (ex Centro Cultural Kirchner or CCK), and alternative spaces like Ciudad Cultural Konex, known for the legendary Bomba de Tiempo show. Whether you’re into opera, jazz, folklore or experimental beats, this city plays every note.
👉 Want to explore more? Check out our guide to music venues in Buenos Aires.
Nightlife in Buenos Aires: Where the City Truly Comes Alive
As the sun sets, Buenos Aires shifts gears, but never slows down. Whether you’re into live music, craft cocktails, or just wandering under the city lights, there’s always something happening after dark.
Palermo is the go-to neighborhood for late-night energy. Think rooftop bars, intimate jazz spots, and clubs like Niceto, where themed parties keep the dance floor full until sunrise. Don’t miss speakeasy-style bars like Frank’s or Tres Monos, where the drinks are as bold as the vibes.
If you’re craving something quieter or more romantic, Puerto Madero is perfect for a scenic walk along the river, especially with the Puente de la Mujer lit up behind you. It’s sleek, calm, and a solid reminder that this city knows how to do romance too.
And then, as we said before, there’s Corrientes Avenue, where theatergoers and pizza-lovers crowd the sidewalks into the early hours. Catch a play, grab a slice at Guerrin, and feel the pulse of Buenos Aires echo through the night.
👉 Looking for more ideas? Explore our full guide to things to do in Buenos Aires at night
The Best Things to Do in Buenos Aires: A Quick Recap
Buenos Aires is more than a list of attractions, it’s a city that invites you to live it fully. From strolling through iconic landmarks like Plaza de Mayo and Recoleta Cemetery, to exploring its dynamic food scene with parrillas like Fogón Asado or local favorites through Sherpa Food Tours, every corner and every bite tells a story.
We’ve explored the heartbeat of its culture—football, theater, live music, and tango—each shaping everyday life in their own passionate way. Whether you’re wandering Palermo’s buzzing nightlife, catching a jazz session, or diving deep into the power of tango at Secreto Tango Society, you’ll quickly realize that Buenos Aires isn’t experienced in highlights, but in moments.
If tango sparked your curiosity, don’t miss our full guide on Tango in Buenos Aires for everything from its origins to the best places to see it live.
So when building your list of things to do in Buenos Aires, think beyond the bucket list—think emotion, movement, and connection. That’s what truly makes this city unforgettable.
