What to Do in 72 Hours in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s Capital

It offers an endless number of plans for those who want to cover it all. Buenos Aires is huge, yes. That’s why we will tell you what places you should consider visiting on your first trip. 

Vibrant energy, infinite nights, and cultural alternatives. That’s the perfect summary. Buenos Aires spots never sleep, and plans come up daily. For many, that means one of its greatest charms; for others, the main reason why you’ll never have enough time to visit all this big city has to offer. Yet, in 72 hours, you’ll be able to get completely thrilled.

Take down the schedule made by the 90 buyers that Visit Argentina invited to the International Fair of Tourism (FIT) for a weekend. Use it for your first steps in this metropolis.

Day One —History in Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, Puerto Madero, and Recoleta 

We all know streets keep secrets. That’s why there’s nothing better than getting lost to find these hidden stories. We will tell you what places you should visit and discover in some of the star neighbourhoods of the capital below:

The city’s historic centre is key to knowing the country’s memory. First stop: Plaza de Mayo, a place that has been and will be the witness of some of the most important landmarks of our history. Even though time passes, this square still works as a meeting point for loads of Argentinians, both for celebrations and people’s claims. This was the case in 1810, when patriots set up the first steps towards our independence, or in 1983, when we celebrated the return to democracy. Such prominence is due to the building arising in front of it: the famous Casa Rosada. Another not-to-be-missed spot, where Argentina’s Executive Power is seated. This place has guided visits. In addition, just a few steps away from this duet, there are architectural gems of high historical value, such as the Cabildo (the council in Colonial times) and the Cathedral, among others.

San Telmo is also part of the Buenos Aires’ historical centre. Walking around this neighbourhood means going back in time. It is considered the tango spirit mecca, so you’ll have the experience of enjoying its representatives in every cobblestone in 2-4 time. If you want to take part in this seductive melody, you can learn the steps of one of the most famous Argentinian rhythms in La Ventana, El Querandí, or El Viejo Almacén bars. Plaza Dorrego is the heart of the area and the city’s second oldest square. This place is attractive not only for its beauty, but also for hosting a great Sunday fair. Where exactly does it take place? From the streets Humberto Primo and Defensa up to Parque Lezama and part of the Pasaje Giuffra. Tip: it is a great place to collect souvenirs that will cross all borders, as there are antiques, unique pieces, and eccentric objects. And for the gastronomy hedonistic people, the San Telmo market is a key spot, which also has special souvenirs. 

Puerto Madero honours the country’s most important women, and the names of its streets prove it. This great tribute is crowned with Puente de la Mujer (Woman’s Bridge), the magnificent work of art by the architect Santiago Calatrava. It is not only a rotating bridge with one of the world’s biggest rotation mechanisms, but also an Argentinian musical culture symbol. Did you know that? That’s because of its design, which represents a couple dancing tango. The secret to interpreting it is as follows: the white mast symbolises the man, and the curved shape, the woman. The Ecological Reserve is another incredible spot in the neighbourhood. It has 350 hectares and is the biggest green area in the city. To put it simply, it’s people’s favourite place to walk, ride a bike, go for a run, go hiking, watch birds, or spend a day during the weekend.

On the other hand, Recoleta is a cultural luxury in the capital. Many of its corners take people to a walk around Paris, and that’s because its buildings (ideal to be photographed) display impeccable French architecture. There are loads of bars, squares, museums, and historic cafés. You can also find universities, commercial centres, luxury hotels, rooftops, and more. It is even home to the National Library, Latin America’s most important library for its 2 million books. The National Museum of Fine Arts (MNBA), with a significant international and national artists’ heritage, and the Recoleta Cultural Centre, which captivates young people with its interactive and avant-garde rooms, are also part of this neighbourhood.

Day Two —Walks, Gastronomy, and Art in Palermo, Villa Crespo, and Belgrano 

In 2018, the British tourism magazine Time Out declared Palermo one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods. If San Telmo is a tango mecca, this place is the cradle of independent designers and artists. So, it is not surprising that the walls are loaded with murals and signs with messages for everyone. We are talking about the city’s biggest district. So, gastronomic and commercial offers abound.

One of the most famous streets is Thames, chosen by Time Out as one of the world’s ten greatest streets, this time in 2021. Is it necessary to visit it? You must visit it. The variables that place it in the highest ranks are food, fun, culture, and the community.

Just a few minutes away on foot or by car, you’ll find Villa Crespo. It is a culinary and commercial neighbourhood that grows year after year, and it is now home to restaurants and unique murals. One of its symbols is the Villa Crespo market, which opened to the world with its urban vibes and avant-garde design to become the meeting point for chefs, passionate diner guests, and neighbours. 

On the other hand, Belgrano moves away from the continuous bustle and hustle of the other places since it is a residential area that touches a local feeling. It has several squares to enjoy the open air and iconic zones, such as Chinatown or the Belgrano market. The latter waves the Argentinian gastronomic culture flag, and there are places that make curious guests get immersed into culinary varieties, such as the country’s roots, plant-based food, and more.

Day Three —Relaxing Day in Tigre

One of the best ways of topping off a fast trip around Buenos Aires is relaxing with an exceptional view of the Paraná delta. After two intense tourist days, the river postcard-like scenery in Tigre is the ultimate answer. Why? Well, both Argentinians and international travellers choose it as the relaxing and enjoyable headquarters. Nature, landscapes, and local gastronomy are some of the experiences you’ll have in this place. 

Some of the well-known spots are the following. Puerto de Frutos is an outdoor market. It is open every day of the year, but it is better to visit it on Fridays since that’s when most of the stands are available for the public. You’ll find wicker objects, local pieces, pottery, cushions, antiques, and much more.

Buyers also visited El Descanso island, which proudly displays its artistic angle among gardens with famous contemporary Argentinian artists, including Pablo Reinoso, Bastón Díaz, and Vivianne Duchini. This is the perfect mix of landscape, peace, and art in the open air.