Best things to do in Buenos Aires

What to see in Buenos Aires: let’s explore the city

Let’s begin in Puerto Madero. Though it´s the financial district of Buenos Aires, with skyscrapers and office buildings, it's also an elegant and lively neighborhood. You can get there by crossing the Puente de la Mujer, designed by the Spanish Architect Santiago Calatrava in 1998 and, an icon of modern Buenos Aires. 

From there go to the Plaza de Mayo. Some of the most important political events of the country have occurred here, right at the foot of the Casa Rosada, the seat of the country's government. In the center of the Plaza de Mayo you will see the Pirámide de Mayo. This is the site where the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo began to organize in 1977 to demand answers about the disappearance of their children who had been kidnapped during the military dictatorship.

Head north, strolling along Avenida 9 de Julio, one of the widest streets in the world (measuring 140 meters across). In the distance you will see the famous obelisk, which is a city icon. Veering to the right, you will come to Plaza Martín, where you will be able to admire the Kavanagh building, an apartment tower built in 1936. At 120 meters tall, for many years it was the tallest building in South America. 

In order to complete this list of things to do in Buenos Aires, we recommend staying at one of our hotels in Buenos Aires, for example at the NH Collection Buenos Aires Centro Histórico, which is located near one of these points of interest. Choose the one that best suits your needs and enjoy a centrally located place to stay with all the amenities. 

Another of the mandatory plans within this guide on what to do in Buenos Aires is the Barrio de La Boca. This very popular neighborhood located in the southern part of the city owes its fame to soccer as it's home to the Boca Juniors (La Bombonera) stadium where Diego Maradona became famous. What's more, today it’s one of the most photographed areas of the city due to the colorful houses along Calle Caminito. On the weekend, the atmosphere is delightful as painters, artisans and tango dancers fill the street.

What to eat in Buenos Aires: the best restaurants

Argentina’s beef is world famous so you must try a grill or barbecue. Taste the meat in some of the more typical varieties: steak, entrails, strip roast, flank steak, rump roast or creole sausages. There are many restaurants that offer these dishes; for example, La Bistecca, in Puerto Madero. 

This neighborhood is home to many other types of restaurants as well. If your work takes you to this area of the city, you’re in luck as there are several fine dining options such as Bice (Italian), Cabaña Villegas, Simone or Estilo Campo. 

If you stay in one of our NH hotels in the center (close to Avenida 9 de Julio), there is a variety of places with excellent food. El Federal (Plaza San Martín), Piola or Broccolino (both Italian) or La Estancia (Argentine Barbecue) are a few examples. 

Within this brief list of things to do in Buenos Aires, you should not miss the empanadas, with their many different fillings, they are a delicious fast food option. And do not hesitate to try the desserts! As you will see, many of them are made with dulce de leche (a paste made with caramel and milk). Try the panqueque (a pancake with dulce de leche), pastelitos criollos (creole puff pastries filled with quince or sweet potato) or alfajor (cookies or cake layered with dulce de leche). 

And two suggestions if you want an unforgettable gastronomic experience: At Chila you will experience top notch fine dining. And at iLatina, you can discover the best cuisine in South America during the course of the 2 ½ hour, 7 course tasting menu.

Shows & Shopping in Buenos Aires

If you want to do something a little different, take note of these tips: 

Nightlife in the city

• Have a drink. Gran Bar Danzon has a good vibe and an extensive cocktail menu. 
• Verne Club and Belushi, both in Palermo Viejo, always have a great atmosphere. 
• Go to a Tango performance. It's the most emblematic music and dance of Buenos Aires. There are several options such as El Viejo Almacén (in San Telmo), Confitería Ideal (a lovely café that’s over 100 years old and has tango performances as well as classes), the club La Catedral (in the Almagro neighborhood), or La Esquina de Carlos Gardel, where you can hear some of the more emotional tangos such as "El día que me quieras". 
• Café Tortoni. Founded in 1858, it's the oldest café in Buenos Aires and has kept the 19th century atmosphere with its marble tables. It’s very touristy and is a "must see" for "mythomaniacs" since writers like Jorge Luis Borges, Federico García Lorca and Julio Cortázar, or musicians like Arthur Rubinstein and Carlos Gardel were regulars here. Check their calendar if you are interested in seeing a tango performance. 
• El Ateneo Bookstore. This is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Housed in what was formerly the Grand Splendid Theater, it has retained original features such as the magnificent ceiling frescoes and the gilded decorative elements that can be seen on all three floors. You can have a coffee while you decide among the thousands of books available in the store’s 2,000 square meters. 

Shopping around the city 

If among the things to do in Buenos Aires, you also want to go shopping:

• Visit Calle Florida, a pedestrian mall that runs through the center of Buenos Aires from the north (Plaza San Martín) to the south (Plaza Dos de Mayo). Be sure to check out the Galerías Pacífico located in an old art gallery. 
• If you are looking for something more upscale, you will find jewelers and international boutiques on the Avenida Alvear (in the Recoleto neighborhood). 
• In Palermo Viejo, there are stores featuring the works of Argentine designers. 
• On Avenida Corrientes, you can find shops of every kind as well as Abasto, one of the biggest shopping centers in the city. 

As you can see, you have endless possibilities for enjoying Buenos Aires during your trip. Undoubtedly, you will want to come back to this thrilling city!

Author: Mariano Gaston Ahumada

BUAM Hotel Director

I've been lucky to live in two beautiful cosmopolitan cities, full of unique and unrepeatable places, with majestic and historical architecture, and with people who accompany the environment and make it even better.
My name is Mariano Ahumada and I was the director of the NH Collection Buenos Aires Jousten Hotel in Buenos Aires Argentina, and the NH Collection Guadalajara Providencia Hotel, in the beautiful “Perla Tapatia”, Guadalajara, Mexico. Both experiences were unique and completely enriching both personally and professionally.