Quick Guide of Things to Do in Buenos Aires

We asked our team about their recommendations for ‘must-sees’ in Buenos Aires since many of them have visited this vibrant city more than a few times. We recommend staying a few days in Buenos Aires before heading down to embark on your Antarctic cruise as this gives you some time to adjust to the time zone and frees you from the extra stress of making connections. Stay again on your way back for even more opportunities to explore! Here are some highlights that the Polar Latitudes team suggests during your time there.

A visit to Plaza de Mayo is a great jumping-off point for exploring Buenos Aires. Established in the 16th century, this plaza is filled with old colonial buildings. From here you can find the famous Casa Rosada , the presidential palace and an important landmark known as the spot where Eva Perón would speak to the throngs of people gathered outside.

Buenos Aires is referred to as the ‘Paris of South America’ and the European flare for delicious cuisine is prevalent. Visit a P arrilla (translation: ‘grill’ but refers to a steakhouse) to taste the amazing grass-fed beef that Argentina is known for. You’ll notice an abundance of Heladarías on many street corners – you don’t want to miss these popular gelato shops. Look for local favourites like dulce de leche and sambayón amongst the hundreds of flavors. For the ultimate eating-on-the-go adventure, grab an empanada or ‘choripan’ (a grilled chorizo sausage on a soft bun with chimichurri) from a street cart.

In the charming neighbourhood of San Telmo, you can meander the Sunday Fair perusing goods like leather, crafts, and antiques. You’ll also find live music, street performers and tango demonstrations as well as an array of food to try. San Telmo is the oldest neighbourhood in Buenos Aires and was built more than 100 years ago. Here you’ll find The Plaza Dorrego , one of the oldest public squares in Buenos Aires, as well as many beautiful art deco buildings, charming cafés, and antique shops.

It might sound eerie but there is something quietly beautiful about this famed cemetery. Sculptures, statues, grottoes, and interesting monuments await around every corner. Visit the resting place of some of Argentina’s most celebrated figures and wealthiest residents in the Recoleta Cemetery . Explore narrow passageways filled with over 5,000 vaults rich in unique design and religious iconography.

Buenos Aires has the most impressive collection of Latin American art on the continent. If you enjoy art then you’ll want to visit MALBA (Museo de Arte Latino Americano de Buenos Aires) to view their exhibits filled with avant-garde 19th- and 20th-century works. The Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art is home to a collection of local art as well as permanent exhibits from an assortment of global artists including Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. There is plenty of art to discover in this city, including an array of museums both large and small and displays of public art.

Teatro Colón is a stunning opera house and world-class theatre located in the heart of the city. Rated as one of the ten best opera houses in the world, there is loads of history, fabulous architecture, and all of the great stars from the last two centuries have performed here. We highly recommend signing up for a guided visit or even better- buying a ticket to a live performance.

El Ateneo Grand Splendid is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. A lovely outing would be grabbing a coffee and spending some time wandering around the building to admire the incredible architecture and picking out a book to read.