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America > Argentina > Buenos Aires > A stroll through the city’s beautiful neighborhoods

Visit Buenos Aires

A stroll through the city’s beautiful neighborhoods

  • Tour

  • 7,9 km

  • 3h10

  • 23 audios

00 plan buenos aires 2
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21 lieux d'intérêt à découvrir pour visiter Buenos Aires in one day

Text version

When traveling to Argentina, or even South America, keep in mind that Buenos Aires isn’t exactly the place to go if you’re craving a total change of scenery. You see, it’s a far cry from the bustling La Paz Market, the hills of Medellín or Rio’s lush coastline. Argentina’s capital is more of a European city founded by immigrants – a conscious political decision on the part of the former government. There’s even a saying in Latin America that goes as follows: “If Mexicans are descended from Aztecs, and Peruvians from the Incas, then Argentinians descended from boats.” Yet, this European heritage has blossomed into a rich, passionate culture, deeply rooted in Latino soil. Our 8-kilometer tour takes you through the beautiful neighborhoods of Recoleta and Retiro. Back in the early 18th century, Recoleta was but a wasteland occupied by the Recollects, Franciscan friars who decided to settle the land. But things changed when the wealthy families of San Telmo, considered the city center at the time, had to flee a yellow fever outbreak in the area. So they migrated further north and built grand mansions and palaces, with materials imported straight out of Paris, creating the upscale neighbourhood you see today. Join us as we follow in the footsteps of these European immigrants and discover palaces, local heroes, grand boulevards and mythical cemeteries along the way.

Emilie

Publié le 17/03/2025

  • 12 the falklands war buenos aires poi petit

    1. The Falklands War

    You're standing in front of a very important war memorial for Argentina, in remembrance of the 649 soldiers who were sent to their deaths by the British in the Falklands War. Their names are engraved on the stones in front of you. Read more

  • 13 nosotros afuera buenos aires poi petit

    2. Nosotros Afuera

    What on earth is that huge white egg doing in front of the San Martín Square? It's actually a tribute to the avant-garde Argentinian artist, Peralta Ramos. Ramos created a giant egg sculpture back in 1965, called "Nosotros Fuera", aka "We the Outsiders”. Read more

  • 14 basilica of the holy sacrament buenos aires poi petit

    3. Basilica of the Blessed Sacrament

    If you look to your right, you'll see the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento peeking over the neighbouring buildings. The Basilica of the Blessed Sacrament, as it's called in English, was consecrated in 1914. Read more

  • 16 plaza libertad buenos aires poi petit

    5. Plaza Libertad – Liberty Square

    On your left, you'll find the charming Liberty Square, which is more of a garden than a square. It's a lovely spot to rest if you're in need of a break. There, you'll see the statue of Adolfo Alsina, an Argentine politician and founder of a liberal party back in 1812. Read more

  • 17 basilica of saint nicolas de bari buenos aires poi petit

    6. Basilica of St Nicholas of Bari

    On your left, you'll see the Basilica of St Nicholas of Bari. This Catholic church was built on the site of a chapel dating back to 1733. The latter was demolished in the early 20th century to allow the widening of the Corrientes Avenue Read more

  • 18 galeria bond street buenos aires poi petit

    7. Galeria Bond Street

    If you are a fan of alternative culture, you have to check out the Galeria Bond Street on your left. This place is a goldmine! It was built in 1963 as a high-end shopping arcade right at the heart of Barrio Norte. Read more

  • 19 el ateneo grand splendid buenos aires poi petit

    8. Ateneo Grand Splendid Bookshop

    You've arrived at the incredible Ateneo bookstore. Step into this magnificent building and let yourself be whisked away on a journey to the magical world of books. The Ateneo Grand Splendid has been named “the world's most beautiful bookshop” by National Geographic Read more

  • 20 birth of buenos aires poi petit

    9. The birth of Buenos Aires

    We've got about five minutes before we reach our next stop, so let me fill you in on the story of Buenos Aires and the origin of its name. You've already heard about the May Revolution, the War of Independence, the dictatorship and the domestic politics, Read more

  • 23 plaza mitre buenos aires poi petit

    10. Mitre Square

    Introducing La Isla, a hidden gem in Recoleta. This green oasis was designed in 1906 by French architect Joseph-Antoine Bouvard. You see, the city wanted to create a small green space with beautiful townhouses in line with the garden city movement. Read more

  • 01 plaza francia buenos aires poi petit

    11. Plaza Francia – France Square

    You'll quickly notice the strong ties between Argentina and France during your stay in Buenos Aires. From the Parisian-style architecture to a shared love of good wine and heated political debates, there's a real connection between the two countries. Read more

  • 02 floralis generica buenos aires poi petit

    12. Floralis Generica

    As you enter the 4-hectare Plaza de las Naciones Unidas, aka United Nations Square, you can't miss the stunning Floralis Generica, a colossal metallic flower that sits in the center of a small artificial lake. Read more

  • 03 faculte de droit buenos aires poi petit

    13. Faculty of Law

    This massive building, which looks more like a courthouse, is actually the Buenos Aires Law School. It's one of thirteen faculties in the city. Argentina has one of the most advanced and progressive education systems in all of Latin America. Read more

  • 10 point de vue caves de gaia pont dom luis porto poi petit

    14. Dr Alfredo Roque Vitolo footbridge

    You're now walking on the pedestrian bridge that leads to the Faculty of Law. Behind you are the Recoleta Gardens and the imposing Law School building, near that striking metal flower sculpture in the Plaza de las Naciones Unidas. Read more

  • 05 centre culturel recoleta buenos aires poi petit

    15. Recoleta Cultural Center

    You've arrived at the entrance of the Recoleta Cultural Center. This site originally belonged to a group of buildings run by the Recollects, a Franciscan order of monks who were given this plot of land in 1716. Read more

  • 07 avenue alvear buenos aires poi petit

    17. Alvear Avenue

    The avenue you are now walking up is arguably the most elegant in the city. It’s named after Mr Alvear, the first mayor of Buenos Aires back in 1885. It was he who gave the city its Parisian look, for he launched a number of major urban planning projects, modeled on those of Baron Haussmann. Read more

  • 08 ambassade de france buenos aires poi petit

    18. French Embassy

    Yet another beautiful palace! That’s right, we're definitely on the w side of town, but there's still a whole other world to explore in Buenos Aires. This chic, elegant building before you is the French Embassy, housed in the former Ortiz Palace. Read more

  • 09 palacio sain martin buenos aires poi petit

    19. San Martin Palace

    This imposing Beaux-Arts-style palace was built for Mercedes Castellanos, a local high-society lady who also funded the construction of the Basilica of the Blessed Sacrament. The building was completed in 1909 and became the property of the Argentine government Read more

  • 10 monument san martin buenos aires poi petit

    20. San Martín Monument

    Well, we couldn't take you to the Plaza San Martín without introducing you to the famous General himself! Look at him, proudly riding his horse, with the Republic at his feet, offering him a laurel wreath. This impressive monument honoring him was the first equestrian statue in Buenos Aires. Read more

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Visit information

Recommended Starting Point

No need to worry about where to begin! Our tours are designed as a loop, so you can jump in wherever you are. The navigation system and audio-guide will automatically adjust to your location. However, if you happen to be nearby, we do have a preferred starting point: on Plaza de Mayo in front of the Casa Rosada

Recommended parking downtown

Parking de las Artes : Buenos Aires Design : Av. Pueyrredon 2501

We strongly advise against bringing a car with you during your stay in Buenos Aires. While a road trip in Argentina is perfectly feasible, it’s best to avoid having a vehicle in large cities where traffic is dense, traffic regulations are somewhat unclear, and parking is tricky. If you do have your car, however, don’t panic. You will find several paid private parking lots. Street parking is always an option, but you will need to be patient.

Public transport

Public transport in Buenos Aires is very easy to use. The best way to get around is to download an app like citymapper that will tell you the best way to get from point A to point B. The local app is called “Como Llego” and it’s essential if you’re getting around the city on your own.

To use public transport, you will need to buy a rechargeable card called “SUBE” at any tobacco shop, kiosk or metro station. You can then load it with the amount of money you need and use it on buses or the metro. Tickets are very cheap.

Taxis and Ubers are a popular and convenient way to get around Buenos Aires. You can easily hail a taxi on the street, and fares are relatively inexpensive. Insider Tip: In Buenos Aires (and many South American cities with grid layouts), it’s better to tell the taxi driver the nearest intersection or the name of the street you want to go to, rather than the exact address. For example, you could say “Sarmiento and Maipu” if your hotel is at number 663 Sarmiento Street. If your hotel is not near an intersection, you could say “Sarmiento, between Maipu and Florida”. You get the idea.

Weather

If you’re visiting Buenos Aires, chances are it won’t be your only stop in Argentina. So before you’re off to explore the country’s diverse regions with their varying and sometimes extreme climates, make sure you take into account the different climate zones.

Argentina’s capital has a pleasant climate all year round. Summers are warm, sometimes even scorching, while winters are cold and humid. If you’re sensitive to heat or cold, consider visiting during the shoulder months.

So avoid January and February, the two summer months when temperatures surpass 30°C (86°F) in the shade. Winters, that is July and August (remember, we’re south of the equator!) can also be unpleasant. The humidity makes the 15°C (59°F) feel even colder. Instead, opt for March, April, May and September, October or November.

Currency

On to the saga of Argentine currency. Buckle up! It’s like a never-ending roller coaster ride, just like their economy. There’s the devaluation of the Argentine peso followed by perpetual inflation, and then the dollar exchange rate that skyrockets day after day. It’s impossible to give you even an approximate rate; even if I do, it will be outdated by tomorrow. But hey, that might actually work in your favor! Here’s the deal: there are two exchange rates. The official one, and the unofficial “blue dollar” rate. You’ll find hundreds of informal exchange houses, with people hanging around waiting for customers. That’s where you want to go. This “blue dollar” is what Argentinians use to fight their crazy inflation of around 25% a year! Since they are unable to change their pesos to dollars, they find people like you to exchange with directly, offering a much better rate than the official one. So don’t be afraid to head to these secret exchange houses, as you’ll get a better deal there. There are even websites that track the current “blue dollar” rate. So you see, it’s both illegal and official in a way. Update as of November 2022: The government has just implemented a new dollar-based rate for tourists who pay by credit card. This means you’ll be able to pay for your purchases by credit card at an intermediate rate, between the very low official rate and the very high black market rate. A practical alternative so you don’t have to carry a ton of cash. One last thing to remember: the peso has no value outside Argentina, not even in neighboring countries. So don’t even think about trying to exchange leftover pesos in Chile or Uruguay. Nobody wants them, and you’ll get ripped off with the worst exchange rate in history. You might as well spend it all or give it to someone who needs it. And since cash is both scarce and not worth much, don’t be surprised if supermarkets give you candy for change!

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