Choose from 74 Fun Things to Do in Buenos Aires
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Palais de Glace
The Palais de Glace, French for “ice palace,” was built in the early 20th century as an ice skating rink and social club catering to the city’s high society at the time. As the popularity of ice skating waned, tango quickly became the new trend, and the circular building was converted into an oak-floored dance hall, where some of the most important orchestras of the time performed.
Today, the Belle Époch building in the Recoleta neighborhood houses an always-changing selection of cultural, historical, musical and artistic exhibitions, as well as the National Visual Arts Exhibition (Salon Nacional de Artes Visuales). The building has been listed as a National Historic Monument since 2004.
Practical Info
Palais de Glace is open Tuesday to Sunday from noon to 8pm, and admission is free.
Address: Posadas 1725, CABA, Argentina C1112ADE, Argentina
Hours: Tue-Sun Noon-8pm
From $ 37
Guemes Gallery
Dazzling shoppers on Buenos Aires’ central Florida Street, the Guemes Gallery, or Galería Güemes, is one of the city’s finest gallerias, making headlines as the highest building in Argentina when it first opened in 1915. Designed by legendary Italian architect, Francesco Gianotti (the brains behind the landmark Confiteria del Molino building on Plaza Congresso), the domed atrium towers 87 meters over downtown Buenos Aires and still offers spectacular 360-degree panoramic views from its 14th floor observation deck.
A striking composition of Art Nouveau styles, the Gallery’s decadent interiors are a breathtaking college of ornamental archways, beautiful ironwork, sculpted granite walls and exquisite stained glass. The upper floor apartments are equally impressive, having hosted a smattering of famous names over the years, most notably writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince, to whom a photography collection is devoted to on the 2nd level. The undisputed highlight is the grand Astor Piazzolla Theatre in the basement, one of the city’s most celebrated tango venues, where tango icon Carlos Gardel once performed and the nightly dinner shows remain a popular pastime among tourists.
A striking composition of Art Nouveau styles, the Gallery’s decadent interiors are a breathtaking college of ornamental archways, beautiful ironwork, sculpted granite walls and exquisite stained glass. The upper floor apartments are equally impressive, having hosted a smattering of famous names over the years, most notably writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince, to whom a photography collection is devoted to on the 2nd level. The undisputed highlight is the grand Astor Piazzolla Theatre in the basement, one of the city’s most celebrated tango venues, where tango icon Carlos Gardel once performed and the nightly dinner shows remain a popular pastime among tourists.
Practical Info
Routes to take by transit: Subway: Line D, Line E, Line A, Line B, Line C.
Address: Florida 165, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Open Mon-Fri 8am - 8pm, Saturdays 9am - 3pm. Closed Sundays and holidays.
From $ 37
La Boca
Few places in Buenos Aires are photographed as frequently as Caminito Street. The main artery of the waterfront La Boca neighborhood is a jumble of old buildings, brightly painted facades, and street-side market stalls, with hawkers, buskers, and tango dancers adding to the atmosphere.
The Basics
Most Buenos Aires city tours stop at Caminito Street, and the buildings make a colorful backdrop for travel photos; look out for statues of Argentine political figures like Eva Perón and Che Guevara, and soccer hero Diego Maradona peeking out from doorways and balconies. Visitors can browse the street market, where stalls sell souvenirs and handicrafts; drink a yerba mate (tea) at one of the terrace cafés; or watch the street tango dancers.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Boca is known as one of Buenos Aires’ less safe neighborhoods; it’s advisable to stick to the main tourist areas and take a taxi if you’re traveling at night.
- Tours of Caminito Street are often combined with other La Boca attractions, such as La Bombonera stadium.
- There are a number of bars, cafés, and restaurants along Caminito Street
- Caminito Street is wheelchair accessible, though it is mostly cobblestoned and uneven in places.
How to Get There
Caminito Street is located in the neighborhood of La Boca, just south of downtown Buenos Aires. There is no subway service to La Boca, but several buses run from downtown, stopping along the waterfront at the eastern end of Caminito. Alternatively, it’s a short taxi ride.
When to Get There
Caminito Street can get busy, especially during peak season. For crowd-free photos, arrive before 11am, as most tour buses arrive in late morning or early afternoon. Due to safety concerns, it’s best to avoid visiting at night.
The History of Caminito
Caminito means “little path.” This pedestrian area was first settled by Italian immigrants, who worked at the neighboring port. Their haphazardly built homes—known as conventillos—were constructed from corrugated metal and wood, and painted in bright colors using leftover paint from the ships. By the 1950s, the street had become popular with artists and tango dancers, and local artist Benito Quinquela Martín transformed many of the buildings with street art.
Address: Avenida Suarez, Buenos Aires C1059ABC, Argentina
Admission: Free
From $ 15
Puerto Madero
Puerto Madero, once a lackluster cargo port, is now one of Buenos Aires’ most fashionable districts, teeming with upmarket restaurants and glitzy nightclubs. Marooned from the mainland by the Rio de la Plata estuary, the largely pedestrianized island is celebrated for housing some of the city’s most architecturally stunning buildings.
The Basics
Many visitors come to Puerto Madero for the drinking, dining, and dancing—the twinkling lights after sundown create an atmospheric setting for an evening out. The neighborhood features on many city sightseeing tours, and one of the city’s top tango shows, Rojo Tango, is staged at the island’s Faena Hotel. If you’re interested in the city’s diverse architecture, consider a themed bike tour that includes a pedal along the Puerto Madero waterfront.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Puerto Madero is a must-visit for architecture buffs, night owls, and foodies.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk; there’s a lot of ground to cover in Puerto Madero.
- Dinner and tango shows in the neighborhood typically last around three hours and often include round-trip transportation to your hotel.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to Puerto Madero via public transportation is to take the subte B Line to L.N. Alem station. From there it’s a short walk to the island.
When to Get There
The best time to visit this trendy neighborhood depends on the experience you want to have. By day, the island’s Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve is a popular spot for outdoor recreation. The rest of the neighborhood truly shines after dark, so plan at least one nighttime visit.
Puente de la Mujer
Of all the architectural gems in Puerto Madero, none is quite so recognizable as the Woman’s Bridge (Puente de la Mujer). This swing bridge connecting Puerto Madero to Plaza de Mayo on the mainland was designed by famed Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, who drew inspiration for the design from the tango.
Address: Teniente General Juan Domingo Peron and Avenida Alicia Moreau de Justo, Buenos Aires, Puerto Madero, Argentina
From $ 15
Cafe Tortoni
Buenos Aires enjoys a vibrant cafe culture, but few of the city’s cafes are quite as iconic as Cafe Tortoni. Opened in 1858 by a French immigrant, the cafe soon became a popular haunt of tango singers and literati, most notably the founding members of La Peña. Many of their old photos still adorn the walls.
Much like in the early twentieth century, Cafe Tortoni remains a popular place where locals come to chat over a morning or afternoon coffee. The art nouveau cafe, filled with marble tables and Tiffany lamps, specializes on coffee and pastries, but visitors with a bigger appetite will also find sandwiches, salads and steaks on the menu. Each evening, Cafe Tortoni hosts a live tango show.
Practical Info
Cafe Tortoni is located along Avenida de Mayo, within walking distance of both Plaza de Mayo and the Obelisk. The nearest subway stop is Piedras.
Address: Av. de Mayo 825, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 44
Plaza de la Republica
One of Buenos Aires’s most famous landmarks, the Obelisco (Obelisk), is located in the center of Plaza de la Republica. Erected in 1936 to commemorate the first (and ultimately unsuccessful) founding of Buenos Aires by Pedro de Mendoza on its 400th anniversary, the monument stands in the center of Avenida 9 de Julio where it intersects Corrientes.
The obelisk, designed by Argentine architect Alberto Prebisch, is famously visible from Plaza de Mayo. When Porteños have something to celebrate, particularly a significant soccer victory, flag-waving fans flood the plaza surrounding the monument.
Before the obelisk went up, Plaza de la Republica was the site of the Church of Saint Nicholas, built on the spot where the flag of Argentina was first flown in 1812 after gaining independence from Spain.
Practical Info
Metro stations Carlos Pellegrini, 9 de Julio and Diagonal Norte connect beneath Plaza de la Republica, making it easy to get to from almost anywhere in the city.
Address: Av Corrientes 1066, Buenos Aires 1066, Argentina
From $ 16
Esquina Homero Manzi
Few tango venues have as illustrious a history as the Esquina Homero Manzi, built in 1917 and earning a reputation as an important cultural hub in the 1940s, where local tango musicians, dancers and poets would gather to drink, talk and perform. Today, the protected building has been beautifully restored in period style and named after one of its most famous former visitors – legendary tango lyricist Homero Manzi, who wrote his famous tango 'Sur' within its walls.
The atmospheric 300-seat restaurant now hosts one of the city’s best tango dinner shows, where guests can dine on Argentine cuisine and wine, and watch a nostalgic show of iconic tango songs and dances by talented local performers.
Practical Info
Esquina Homero Manzi is located at the corner of Av. San Juan and Boedo in Buenos Aires’ Boedo neighborhood, and hosts daily tango shows.
Address: Av San Juan 3601, Bueno Aires, Argentina
Admission: Show: AR$330, Show & Dinner: From AR$550
From $ 20
Recoleta
An elegant residential district just north of downtown, Recoleta is Buenos Aires at its most polished—think luxury apartments, upscale boutiques, and perfectly manicured parks. The grand centerpiece is Recoleta Cemetery, a mini city of marble mausoleums and ornate crypts, where Eva “Evita” Perón was laid to rest.
The Basics
Strategically located en route from Palermo to Plaza de Mayo, Recoleta is a popular inclusion on Buenos Aires city tours, alongside neighborhoods such as La Boca, Puerto Madero, and San Telmo. The wide avenues and lively plazas of Recoleta are ideal for a walking tour, while bike tours will take you on a scenic detour through the parks and residential streets.
Most visitors make a beeline for the famous Recoleta Cemetery, but other top attractions in the area include the Palais de Glace (once a renowned tango hall), the striking Floralis Genérica sculpture, and the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, home to the world's largest collection of Argentine art.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Recoleta has some excellent restaurants serving traditional Argentine cuisine, most of which are located along Avenida Alvear and Rodriguez Pena.
- Although attractions, such as Recoleta Cemetery, are open daily, most museums are closed on Mondays.
- Hotels, bars, and restaurants are generally a little pricier in Recoleta than in downtown Buenos Aires.
How to Get There
The Recoleta neighborhood is just northwest of central Buenos Aires and a short taxi ride from Palermo to the west and Retiro Station to the east. From Plaza Francia, the Museo de Belles Artes, and Recoleta Cemetery, the closest subway (subte) stations are Las Heras (Line H) and Facultad de Derecho (Line H).
When to Get There
While weekday mornings are the quietest time to take in the sights and visit the museums, the most atmospheric time to explore is on the weekend. Plaza Francia hosts a lively art and handicrafts market each weekend, and the surrounding streets are full of bars, cafés, and restaurants for a post-shopping lunch or dinner. In the evening hours, bars around Rodriguez Pena are filled with well-heeled locals.
Recoleta Cemetery
Recoleta Cemetery, with more than 6,400 tombs, each more elaborate than the next, makes for an impressive walking tour. Stop by Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar, just north of the entrance, before passing through the grand cemetery gates to stroll along the tree-lined avenues. Look out for graves of notable Argentine politicians, military heroes, artists, and businessmen. Most famous, of course, is the tomb of former first lady Evita, which often draws a crowd.
Address: Junin Street, Buenos Aires 1060, Argentina
Admission: Free
From $ 15
Recoleta Cemetery
While it may seem odd that one of Buenos Aires’ principal tourist attractions is a cemetery, the Recoleta Cemetery is no ordinary graveyard. Encircled by a towering perimeter wall and entered via a striking columned portico, Recoleta Cemetery is one of the world’s most exquisite necropolises; a glorious ‘City of the Dead’ that houses some of the country’s most prominent political, military and artistic icons.
Over 6,400 tombs are found in the Cemetery, laid out in formal tree-lined avenues and punctuated with beautifully sculpted monuments, poignant marble statutes and grand, bronze-cast mausoleums. Notable burial plots include the vivid white stone tomb of newspaper founder José C. Paz, flanked by a pair of dazzling Rubenesque angels; the ostentatious tomb of former Argentine president Carlos Pellegrini, featuring an elaborate statue of the controversial leader atop the coffin; and the evocative statues of crying widows kneeling beside the tomb of Colonel Falcon, the Chief of Police famously assassinated by rebels in 1909. One of the most visited tombs is that of the city’s beloved Eva Perón, or Evita, whose family vault blooms year-round with bunches of fresh flowers and is inscribed with the promise: ‘I will return and be millions!’
With a list of residents that reads like a who’s who of Buenos Aires’ high society, the cemetery serves not only as a resting place for the dead but as a testament to the golden age of Buenos Aires and the equally turbulent and triumphant history of Argentina. One thing’s for sure – the ornate miniature city with its breathtaking sculptures and fine works of art is a fitting tribute to everyone buried there.
Over 6,400 tombs are found in the Cemetery, laid out in formal tree-lined avenues and punctuated with beautifully sculpted monuments, poignant marble statutes and grand, bronze-cast mausoleums. Notable burial plots include the vivid white stone tomb of newspaper founder José C. Paz, flanked by a pair of dazzling Rubenesque angels; the ostentatious tomb of former Argentine president Carlos Pellegrini, featuring an elaborate statue of the controversial leader atop the coffin; and the evocative statues of crying widows kneeling beside the tomb of Colonel Falcon, the Chief of Police famously assassinated by rebels in 1909. One of the most visited tombs is that of the city’s beloved Eva Perón, or Evita, whose family vault blooms year-round with bunches of fresh flowers and is inscribed with the promise: ‘I will return and be millions!’
With a list of residents that reads like a who’s who of Buenos Aires’ high society, the cemetery serves not only as a resting place for the dead but as a testament to the golden age of Buenos Aires and the equally turbulent and triumphant history of Argentina. One thing’s for sure – the ornate miniature city with its breathtaking sculptures and fine works of art is a fitting tribute to everyone buried there.
Address: Azcuénaga, Buenos Aires, Recoleta, Argentina
From $ 15
Caf e de los Angelitos
With a legacy dating back to the 1890s, Café de los Angelitos is one of the most historic and atmospheric tango venues in Buenos Aires. Once a favorite hangout of tango legends Carlos Gardel and José Razzano, the café was immortalized in their 1944 song “Café de los Angelitos.”
The Basics
Though daytime visitors stop by for lunch or coffee in the café, the highlight of a visit is attending an evening tango performance, held in the auditorium. It’s a spectacular show, with a cast of around 30 tango dancers and live musicians, dazzling costumes, and a variety of tango styles. Visitors can opt to attend the show with drinks included, enjoy a 3-course pre-show dinner at the venue, or watch from the VIP balconies.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is no dress code for the evening tango shows, but most guests wear smart-casual attire.
- The main café area serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and live music is often performed in the afternoons.
- Free Wi-Fi is available on-site.
- The café and auditorium are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to There
The café is located on the corner of Rincon and Rivadavia, three blocks west of Plaza de Congreso or about a 5-minute walk. The closest metro (subte) stations are Pasco (Line A) and Congreso (Line A), both around 2 blocks away.
When to Get There
Tango shows are held nightly year-round and typically start late (after 9pm), so it’s worth opting for a tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
Tango in Buenos Aires
The Argentine tango became popular in the bars and brothels of Buenos Aires’ working class neighborhoods during the 19th century, and today, the traditional dance is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Tango is everywhere in Buenos Aires, whether dancers are performing at San Telmo’s Sunday market, a glamorous tango dinner show, or a local milonga. Buenos Aires also hosts the International Tango Festival each August.
Address: Av. Rivadavia 2100 (esq. Rincón), Buenos Aires, Argentina
Admission: Varies
From $ 42
Puente de la Mujer
Puente de la Mujer, or Women’s Bridge, is a footbridge in the Puerto Madero district of Buenos Aires. It was designed by the renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and modeled after very similar bridges spanning the rivers in Seville, Spain and Redding, California. The prominent feature that all three bridges share is the big steel needle jutting at a sharp angle into the sky. The needle functions as an anchor for the suspension cables and holds up the entire span. According to the creator, the whole structure is supposed to show a couple dancing the tango, with the needle representing the man and the curved body of the bridge embodying the woman being lowered to the ground. Additionally, many of the streets in this Buenos Aires district have women’s names, a fact that Calatrava wanted to honor when he named Puente de la Mujer.
An interesting function of the bridge is its rotating feature to let water traffic pass through. The mobile section making up the center of the bridge is able to rotate 90 degrees, when it is working that is. Since the city has left the responsibility of maintaining the structure with the family that sponsored the construction, the 160 meter long pedestrian bridge is not in operation while matters of upkeep are being sorted out.
Practical Info
Puente de la Mujer spans a channel named Rio Dique in the Puerto Madero district. The closest underground metro stations are Plaza de Mayo, serviced by line A and Leandro N. Alem, serviced by line B.
Address: Puente de la Mujer, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 20
Galileo Galilei Planetarium
The neighborhood of Palermo is not just fashion and shopping and tony places to drink wine. It is also home to the ñeafu park 3 de Febrero, and inside, is the Galileo Galilei Planetarium. At night the exterior is lit up with blue and purple lights, and during the day, you’ll recognize it by its distinctive dome.
The building’s dome is 66 feet in diameter and seats 260 people. Shows are put on display with 100 different projectors and the use of Dolby 5.1 audio, meaning that in addition to the sun, moon and visible planets, nearly 9,000 other astral features such as stars, constellations and nebulas can be seen. The seating is 4-D and interactive, for an immersive experience for guests, and while the shows, such as Colisiones Cósmicas, are narrated in Spanish, they are mostly visual in nature, which means you’ll still get a lot out of it, even if you don’t know the language. There is a special show for children, one that combines stars and tango, and there are programs for blind and deaf patrons as well.
In the small adjoining museum, there is a piece of lunar rock, and fossils of 100 million-year-old sea life, and at the entry there is a metallic meteorite from Argentina’s Chaco province, and on Saturdays and Sundays during the day there is free use of a telescope to observe the sun.
Practical Info
In the summer this space is used for a concert series called “Música Bajo Las Estrellas” or music under the stars, just in case combining music and the cosmos is your thing.
Address: Avenida Sarmiento s/n, Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina
From $ 16
Esquina Carlos Gardel
Tango is the word on everyone’s lips when visiting Buenos Aires. It was here where the sultry dance was born and survived through a period of outlaw, and the passionate heart of the Argentine arts scene that emanates out from San Telmo. Though it isn’t in the San Telmo neighborhood, Esquina Carlos Gardel is regarded as one of the city’s best tango shows, and is named for the singer, Carlos Gardel, who brought the tango to fame. More than just honoring him by name, however, the show takes place in the very building where Gardel would croon his tango hits throughout the 1920s. From humble beginnings in this Abasto neighborhood, Gardel would rise to international fame for his passionate, mournful songs—many of which are performed here today as part of this elegant show. Even though the theater seats 410 people there isn’t a bad seat in the house, where after a dinner that’s paired with wine, you’re treated to performances by 25 different dancers, musicians, and singers. It’s a moody evening full of romance and lust, of talent, history, and desire, and a great way to spend a night on the town in the city where tango was born.
Practical Info
Transportation to and from the theater is included with the price of a ticket. Dinner begins at 8:30pm, and the show runs from 10:30pm-midnight. Dress code is formal and semi-formal.
Did You Know? In 1915, Che Guevara’s father shot Carlos Gardel in the chest after a late-night bar room brawl. The bullet remained lodged in his left lung for the rest of his career as a singer.
Address: 3200 Carlos Gardel Street, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Dinner begins at 8:30pm on every day of the year.
From $ 11
Retiro
Meaning retreat in Spanish, the Retiro neighborhood was named after a Spanish governor’s country retreat built in the area during the late 17th century. Located in northeastern Buenos Aires, Retiro is a study in contrasts. The barrio got its start as one of the capital’s wealthiest neighborhoods, evidenced by the belle epoque embassies, five star hotels and high end retailers scattered throughout the neighborhood. On the other hand, Retiro is one of Argentina’s busiest transportation hubs with throngs of people always passing through, and is also home to the overcrowded and under-serviced neighborhood known as Villa 31.
A highlight of the neighborhood (and of the entire city of Buenos Aires) is Plaza San Martin. This park located opposite the Retiro train terminal is surrounded by some of the city’s most impressive architecture. Shoppers flock to Avenida Florida, a pedestrian street that runs from Plaza San Martin in Retiro to San Nicolas.
Practical Info
Both Retiro and General San Martin metro stations are located within the Retiro neighborhood.
Address: Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 16
Caminito
Few places in Buenos Aires are photographed as frequently as Caminito Street. The main artery of the waterfront La Boca neighborhood is a jumble of old buildings, brightly painted facades, and street-side market stalls, with hawkers, buskers, and tango dancers adding to the atmosphere.
The Basics
Most Buenos Aires city tours stop at Caminito Street, and the buildings make a colorful backdrop for travel photos; look out for statues of Argentine political figures like Eva Perón and Che Guevara, and soccer hero Diego Maradona peeking out from doorways and balconies. Visitors can browse the street market, where stalls sell souvenirs and handicrafts; drink a yerba mate (tea) at one of the terrace cafés; or watch the street tango dancers.
Things to Know Before You Go
- La Boca is known as one of Buenos Aires’ less safe neighborhoods; it’s advisable to stick to the main tourist areas and take a taxi if you’re traveling at night.
- Tours of Caminito Street are often combined with other La Boca attractions, such as La Bombonera stadium.
- There are a number of bars, cafés, and restaurants along Caminito Street
- Caminito Street is wheelchair accessible, though it is mostly cobblestoned and uneven in places.
How to Get There
Caminito Street is located in the neighborhood of La Boca, just south of downtown Buenos Aires. There is no subway service to La Boca, but several buses run from downtown, stopping along the waterfront at the eastern end of Caminito. Alternatively, it’s a short taxi ride.
When to Get There
Caminito Street can get busy, especially during peak season. For crowd-free photos, arrive before 11am, as most tour buses arrive in late morning or early afternoon. Due to safety concerns, it’s best to avoid visiting at night.
The History of Caminito
Caminito means “little path.” This pedestrian area was first settled by Italian immigrants, who worked at the neighboring port. Their haphazardly built homes—known as conventillos—were constructed from corrugated metal and wood, and painted in bright colors using leftover paint from the ships. By the 1950s, the street had become popular with artists and tango dancers, and local artist Benito Quinquela Martín transformed many of the buildings with street art.
Address: Caminito, Buenos Aires C1059ABC, Argentina
Admission: Free
From $ 15
La Ventana Tango Show
There’s a sultry, sleek, and sexy beauty to Argentinian tango, and no place does is better at capturing that mood than the tango halls of San Telmo. Here in the old, cobblestoned barrio of downtown Buenos Aires, tango went from a local dance to a passionate craze that circled that globe and gripped a generation. Today that flare for the dance lives on, and La Ventana tango show combines an evening of sleek performance with succulent local cuisine. Set inside a conventillo, or historic tenement building, La Ventana has entertained audiences since 1982. More than just simply a tango, however, the evening features a look at traditional gaucho life in the mountains, and also includes an inspired tribute to the leader, Eva Perón. To absorb even more of the Argentine flavor, opt for a show that also includes a 3-course dinner and wine, before kicking back and losing yourself in the passionate beats of San Telmo.
Practical Info
The evening lasts 3 or 4.5 hours, depending on if you include dinner. Dinner and show are offered daily.
Did You Know? Since tango was formed by lower class residents, wealthier residents looked down upon tango as scandalous and a sinfully beneath them. The dance was virtually outlawed in the city from the 1950s to the 1980s, when conservative politicians felt it fomented revolution.
Address: Balcarce 431, San Telmo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Admission: Varies depending on type of show
From $ 55
Hippodrome
From the nomadic gauchos of the Pampas to the skilled champions of polo, Argentina boasts an illustrious equestrian history that draws horse lovers from all over the world. One of Buenos Aires’ principal equestrian venues is the Hippodrome race ground, located in the central Palermo district off Libertador Avenue, where weekly races are held on the 2.4 km track.
Although inaugurated in 1876, the elegant Hippodrome was remodeled in the early 20th-century, with French architect Faure Dujarric refashioning the entrance hall and 2000-capacity grandstand in an ornate Art Nouveau style. The magnificent building is now a popular haunt for both locals and tourists, most notably during mid November, when the Grand National, or the Argentine Derby, draws in large crowds.
Around 10 races are held at the Hippodrome each month so there are plenty of opportunities to experience the excitement of a live event. Don’t fancy splashing some cash? The Hippodrome complex also features a lavish underground casino, an art exhibition space, shopping mall and an array of top restaurants and bistros to keep non-betting visitors entertained.
Although inaugurated in 1876, the elegant Hippodrome was remodeled in the early 20th-century, with French architect Faure Dujarric refashioning the entrance hall and 2000-capacity grandstand in an ornate Art Nouveau style. The magnificent building is now a popular haunt for both locals and tourists, most notably during mid November, when the Grand National, or the Argentine Derby, draws in large crowds.
Around 10 races are held at the Hippodrome each month so there are plenty of opportunities to experience the excitement of a live event. Don’t fancy splashing some cash? The Hippodrome complex also features a lavish underground casino, an art exhibition space, shopping mall and an array of top restaurants and bistros to keep non-betting visitors entertained.
Address: Avenida del Libertador 4101, Buenos Aires, Palermo, Argentina
From $ 35
Rio de la Plata
Composing part of the border between Argentina and Uruguay, this 180-mile-long estuary is formed by the confluence of the Uruguay River and the Paraná River. Though used for centuries by native tribes, the river wasn’t explored by Europeans until the 16th-century Spanish navigator Juan Díaz de Solís went in search of a passage between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. He originally named this enclosed coastal body, about one mile across at its widest point, the Mar Dulce, or freshwater sea; after multiple explorations by various other Spanish navigators, the waterway came to be known as the Rio de la Plata, or River of Silver, for the promise of riches thought to lie upstream.
Address: Argentina
From $ 137
Avenida 9 De Julio
Porteños often boast about Avenida 9 De Julio as the world’s widest boulevard, and with a width of 460 feet (140 meters) with 12 lanes of traffic, they might just be right. Construction on the avenue began in 1937, modeled after the Champs Elysees but twice as wide, and built to commemorate Argentina’s Independence Day, July 9, 1816. It wasn’t fully completed until 1980.
Neo-classical and Beaux Arts buildings line the monumental street, but it’s most recognizable feature is the iconic Obelisco that towers over a small park at the intersection of Avenida 9 De Julio and Avenida Corrientes.
Practical Info
Don’t try to rush across the avenue. On average, a pedestrian needs two to three green lights to make it all the way across.
Address: Avenida 9 de Julio, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 15
La Bombonera Stadium
The beloved Boca Juniors soccer team plays its games at Alberto J Armando stadium, affectionately known as La Bombonera (Spanish for “the Chocolate Box”). It has a capacity of 49,000 and is known for vibrating when fans start getting too antsy – either from happiness or disgust – and start jumping in rhythm.
A behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium is a fascinating look at the sport that that most Argentines live and die by and the Buenos Aires soccer team that was founded in 1905 by five boys living in La Boca neighborhood.
Visit the interactive Museo de la Pasión Boquense, the first soccer museum in the Americas, and walk out on to the famous soccer field pitch, where you can close your eyes and imagine the roar of the passionate crowd.
A behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium is a fascinating look at the sport that that most Argentines live and die by and the Buenos Aires soccer team that was founded in 1905 by five boys living in La Boca neighborhood.
Visit the interactive Museo de la Pasión Boquense, the first soccer museum in the Americas, and walk out on to the famous soccer field pitch, where you can close your eyes and imagine the roar of the passionate crowd.
Address: Brandsen 805, Buenos Aires CP 1161, Argentina
From $ 15