Choose from 74 Fun Things to Do in The Pampas
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Parque Tres de Febrero
Most people come to Palermo to enjoy the urban sights that Buenos Aires has to offer. There are several different sections, from mainstream to bohemian and from fashion and design to residential. And then there is Parque Tres de Febrero. This nearly 1,000-acre park is also referred to as the “Bosques del Palermo” (Palermo Woods).
The park has been in existence in a variety of forms since 1875, and over the years it has undergone additions including a zoo, a botanical garden and a rose garden, as well as the world’s largest Japanese garden outside of Japan. The park is popularly used by pedestrians and cyclists and is busiest on the weekends, when you can even take a boat ride in one of the artificial lakes. Visitors can spend a couple of hours walking among the trees and over the bridges that cross some of the lakes, or sitting in one of the gazebos to enjoy the tranquil park.
Parque Tres de Febrero contains many species of trees and plants from around Argentina (introduced and endemic), including eucalyptus, wide-buttressed ceibas and lavender-blooming jacarandas. Make sure to look up, as there are climbing vines and epiphytes, as well as up to 194 species of birds that have been seen here, including kingfishers and woodpeckers. In the summer the gardens also attract butterflies.
Practical Info
Poetry lovers will want to check out the Poet’s Garden, with busts of Argentine and other famous poets, including, of course, one of Argentina’s most famous writers, Jorge Luis Borges. The park is accessible via bus 10, 34 and 130.
Address: Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 15
Palermo
Buenos Aires’ largest barrio, the northeastern district of Palermo is one of the city’s most affluent and fashionable neighborhoods. Known for its beautiful parks, grand monuments, and art museums, Palermo is where porteños (locals) come to eat, shop, and party, with a buzzing nightlife and some of the city’s top restaurants, bars, and cafés.
The Basics
Most Buenos Aires city tours make a stop in Palermo, as well as neighborhoods such as La Boca, San Telmo, and Puerto Madero. Bike tours are a popular way to explore, and the most scenic route takes you through the Palermo Woods, passing the Botanical Gardens, the Japanese Garden, the planetarium, and the Floralis Genérica sculpture
Things to Know Before You Go
- Many of the smaller shops in Palermo don’t open until 10am and are closed on Sundays.
- Most of Palermo’s museums are closed on Tuesdays.
- Palermo’s large size means walking isn’t always possible, but taxis are easy to find, especially around the main plazas.
How to Get There
Located in the northeast of Buenos Aires, Palermo is well served by public transport. A number of buses run through the neighborhood, and the main metro (subte) stations are Palermo, Plaza Italia, and Scalabrini Ortiz.
When to Get There
There’s something to do at all hours in Palermo. During the day, you can explore museums or browse the shops around Plaza Serrano; at night, head to Palermo Hollywood to party until the wee hours. Many shops and attractions are closed on Sundays, when locals pack a picnic and head to the parks instead.
Subdistricts of Palermo
The vast barrio of Palermo is split into multiple subdistricts, each with its own unique character. In the east, Palermo Chico is the most exclusive quarter, lined with luxurious mansions and home to the MALBA (Museum of Latin American Art in Buenos Aires). Palermo Viejo is the historic center, which includes Palermo Soho, a lively shopping and dining area centered on Plaza Serrano, and Palermo Hollywood, known for its bars and nightclubs. Las Cañitas lies on the border of Belgrano and has some of the city’s best restaurants and parrillas (steakhouses).
Address: Argentina
From $ 6
Plaza Dorrego
The cultural heart of the historic San Telmo barrio, Plaza Dorrego is the second-oldest square in Buenos Aires and famous for its a vibrant weekly market. Named after the soldier and two-times Governor of Buenos Aires, Manuel Dorrego, the Plaza was once the center of the city’s 19th-century residential district, until clusters of tango venues and bars sprung up around the square in the 1930s.
Today the colonial square remains a lively hub of bars and cafés, with many historic venues holding tango shows and live music. Sunday is the most popular day to visit Plaza Dorrego when the square hosts the world famous San Telmo antiques market, accompanied by live musicians and tango dancers performing sultry numbers on the sidewalk. Sprawling along the adjourning Defensa Avenue, the Feria de San Pedro Telmo (San Telmo Market) offers up a colorful array of stalls selling antiques and curios alongside handicrafts, souvenirs, leatherworks, silver, tango memorabilia and local artworks. Browsing the peculiar medley of goods is a favorite pastime of both locals and tourists and post-shopping, the plaza’s many cafés are bursting with punters sipping coffee and soaking up the street entertainment.
Today the colonial square remains a lively hub of bars and cafés, with many historic venues holding tango shows and live music. Sunday is the most popular day to visit Plaza Dorrego when the square hosts the world famous San Telmo antiques market, accompanied by live musicians and tango dancers performing sultry numbers on the sidewalk. Sprawling along the adjourning Defensa Avenue, the Feria de San Pedro Telmo (San Telmo Market) offers up a colorful array of stalls selling antiques and curios alongside handicrafts, souvenirs, leatherworks, silver, tango memorabilia and local artworks. Browsing the peculiar medley of goods is a favorite pastime of both locals and tourists and post-shopping, the plaza’s many cafés are bursting with punters sipping coffee and soaking up the street entertainment.
Address: Humberto 1 and Defensa, Buenos Aires, San Telmo, Argentina
From $ 16
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
San Isidro Cathedral
Presiding over the historic town of San Isidro in the northeast region of Buenos Aires Province, the San Isidro Cathedral is the crown jewel of suburban Buenos Aires. It is a popular pilgrimage site for those taking the famous Train of the Coast (Tren de la Costa) along the Rio de la Plata.
The Basics
Day tours from Buenos Aires often include a visit to San Isidro en route to the nearby town of Tigre, where the highlight is a boat cruise along the Tigre Delta. For the best value, combine a half-day tour of San Isidro and Tigre with a Buenos Aires city tour, an evening tango show, or a sightseeing cruise along the Rio de la Plata.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The San Isidro Artisan Fair, which takes place on the square right outside San Isidro Cathedral, is a popular place to purchase traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.
- The church is open to visitors and holds daily services. There is no admission fee, but donations are welcome.
- The cathedral is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to There
The cathedral is located on Plaza de San Isidro, just across from the central train station. Regular trains run to San Isidro from Buenos Aires; the cathedral is about 40 minutes from Retiro Station.
When to Get There
The cathedral is open daily year-round. The liveliest time to visit is May 15, when the cathedral forms the centerpiece of the annual San Isidro Festival.
Architecture of San Isidro Cathedral
Built on the site of an early 18th-century chapel, the cathedral was designed in 1895 by French architects Dunant and Paquin in an elaborate neo-gothic style. The architectural masterpiece features three naves, decorated with a series of exquisite French stained-glass windows and images of St. Isidro. Highlights include the 226-foot (69-meter) clock tower, an 18th-century statue of Santa Maria de la Cabeza, and a relic of the body of Saint Isidro.
Address: Av. del Libertador 16200, San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 89
Paz Palace
Gaze up at the Paz Palace, and it’s easy to see why many consider Buenos Aires to be the Paris of South America. The mansion, designed to be the private residence of La Prensa founder Jose C. Paz, was built between 1902 and 1914 by French architect Louis Sortais. Paz died in Monaco in 1912, but while he never got to live in the palace he’d commissioned, his wife and children did.
When it was built, Paz Palace was the largest private residence in Buenos Aires, complete with 140 rooms and 40 bathrooms spread throughout its 129,000 square feet (12,000 square meters). All the construction materials and furnishings — marble, chandeliers, wood tiles and gold gilding — were imported from France.
Today, the palace serves as the headquarters of the Military Officers’ Association social club and also houses the National Museum of Armaments. English-language tours are offered weekly, allowing visitors to get a sense of just how opulent the palace was, as it still contains much of its original furnishings and fixtures.
Practical Info
The interior of the Paz Palace is accessible by guided tour only, so be sure to look up English tour times in advance and plan accordingly.
Address: Av. Santa Fe 750, Buenos Aires C1059ABO, Argentina
From $ 37
Plaza de Mayo
Home to the Casa Rosada—where Eva Peron famously stood on the balcony—and the Metropolitan Cathedral, Pope Francis’ former church, Plaza de Mayo is the historic and political heart of Buenos Aires. Named for the May 1810 revolution, the square’s centerpiece is the Pirámide de Mayo, an obelisk commemorating Argentina’s independence.
The Basics
The best way to explore Plaza de Mayo is on foot, strolling around the leafy central plaza and stopping to admire the grand 19th-century buildings. Though the most popular photo stops are the Casa Rosada and Metropolitan Cathedral, there are other notable buildings, such as the imposing Banco de la Nación (National Bank) and the Cabildo (Old City Hall).
Most Buenos Aires sightseeing tours include a stop at Plaza de Mayo, including walking, bike, and bus tours. From the plaza, it’s an easy walk south to the markets and tango venues of San Telmo, east to the parks and bars of Puerto Madero, or north along the main shopping street, Florida Avenue.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Free tours of the Casa Rosada are available on weekends.
- There are a number of bars, restaurants, and street food vendors located on and around Plaza de Mayo.
- Free public Wi-Fi is available at Plaza de Mayo.
- The main sights are all wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
Plaza de Mayo is located between downtown Buenos Aires and San Telmo, and can be reached on foot from many of the central sights. The closest subway (subte) stations are Plaza de Mayo (Line A), Bolivar (Line E), and Catedral (Line D), and numerous bus lines stop around the square.
When to Get There
It’s impossible to avoid the crowds at Plaza de Mayo, so it’s best just to join them and embrace the atmosphere. The most exciting time to visit is during national celebrations. Live music, parades, and festivities mark Revolution Day (May 25) and Independence Day (July 9), while the Pride Parade in November is very colorful.
Politics of Plaza de Mayo
Plaza de Mayo has long been the site of political protests and public gatherings. On Oct. 17, 1945 (now known as Loyalty Day), a public demonstration demanded the liberation of Juan Domingo Perón. Protests and marches still happen regularly, including the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, a group of women whose children went missing during the military Junta regime. The group marches around the square each Thursday at 3:30pm, as they have since 1977.
Address: Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires 01114, Argentina
Admission: Free
From $ 12
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
Palermo Viejo
Palermo Viejo is the old quarter of Buenos Aires’ largest barrio, Palermo. The old residential area is well worth visiting to stroll past grand buildings and gardens, and get a sense of the enclave’s increasing modishness as a current Buenos Aires' hot spot.
Drop into trendy cafes and fashion boutiques on Plaza Serrano, and unwind in the area’s many parks clustered around Avenue del Libertador.
The city’s main polo field is also in Palermo Viejo.
Practical Info
Palermo Viejo is north of Recoleta in northern Buenos Aires. The quarter is bound by Avenue Santa Fe and Avenida Dorrego, and is divided into several enclaves: Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood and Palermo Chico.
The D-line subway runs to Palermo from central Buenos Aires.
Address: Plaza Palermo Viejo, Buenos Aires 1414, Argentina
Admission: Free
From $ 35
Plaza Italia
Plaza Italia, a small perk located in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, was originally built in 1898 and named Plaza de los Portones, or Plaza of the Big Gates. In 1909, the city of Buenos Aires renamed it Plaza Italia after a statue of Italian general and politician Giuseppe Garibaldi was erected in the center of the plaza in 1904.
A small tile located on the northeast side of the park along Avenida Santa Fe commemorates another important moment in the history of Buenos Aires. In 1894, the city’s first electric tram departed from Plaza Italia, and the area remains a significant public transportation hub to this day.
Practical Info
To reach Plaza Italia, take Metro Line D to Plaza Italia station.
Address: Avenida Santa Fe 4000, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 16
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
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
Plaza Espana
The artistic hub of Mendoza and a popular meeting place for locals, Plaza Espana offers a tranquil retreat, just a short stroll from the central Plaza Independencia. The striking centerpiece of Plaza Espana is a beautifully tiled fountain, overlooked by a series of mosaics depicting scenes from Argentina’s Spanish colonization.
Stroll around the grassy lawns, settle on one of the mosaic-tiled benches for a picnic lunch or visit on the weekends, when a lively artisan’s fair takes place and local musicians provide impromptu entertainment.
Practical Info
Plaza Espana is located close to Plaza Independencia in central Mendoza.
Address: San Lorenzo con Avenida Espana, Mendoza, Argentina
From $ 16
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
San Telmo
The central barrio of San Telmo is one of Buenos Aires’ tango haunts. Formerly an upmarket residential area, the area’s “old mansions and faded glory” vibe set the perfect scene for the artists and musicians who now call this enclave home. The streets here are picturesquely cobbled, and the fascinating little shops are well worth a browse.
The Basics
As one of Buenos Aires’ most colorful and quirky neighborhoods, San Telmo features on just about every sightseeing tour, along with La Boca, the Obelisk, La Bombonera soccer stadium, Plaza de Mayo, and Puerto Madero.
San Telmo is also one of the best places in town for dinner and a tango show. For something more casual, stop at one of the cafes surrounding Plaza Dorrego to take in the sights and sounds, including a possible impromptu tango performance right on the street.
Things to Know Before You Go
- San Telmo is a must-visit for tango lovers, shoppers, and all first-time visitors.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
- Remember to bring cash if you plan to shop at the antiques market.
- Dinner and tango show tours in San Telmo typically last about four hours and often include hotel pickup and drop-off.
How to Get There
San Telmo is six blocks south of Plaza de Mayo and a few streets north of La Boca. The closest metro stations are Independencia and San Juan, a few streets to the west near Avenue 9 de Julio.
When to Get There
If possible, try to visit San Telmo on a Sunday when the Plaza Dorrego antiques market is in full swing and tango buskers are performing for onlookers. The neighborhood has a completely different vibe after dark, so it’s a good idea to plan a couple of visits.
Attractions in San Telmo
While San Telmo is all about soaking up the atmosphere, there are a couple of noteworthy attractions in the neighborhood as well. History buffs shouldn’t miss the National History Museum (Museo Histórico Nacional) that tells the story of Argentina’s independence. The neighborhood is also home to an 18th-century convent, Santo Domingo convent (Convento de Santo Domingo), where Manuel Belgrano, a hero of the independence movement, is entombed.
Address: Plaza Dorrego, Buenos Aires 1064, Argentina
Admission: Free
From $ 15
Rojo Tango
The sultry passion, intricate footwork and dramatic embraces of the Argentine tango always make for a show-stopping performance and attending a professional tango show is the highlight of Buenos Aires for many visitors. With its award-winning shows, gourmet cuisine and lavish surroundings, Rojo Tango is arguably the most luxurious venue to experience the tango and it’s an intimate spot, with just 100 seats.
Guests can attend the show or opt to couple it with a pre-show dinner, where you’ll dine in style in Hotel Faena’s dramatic red velvet and gold cabaret theater. The dazzling tango performances, which take you on a journey from the roots of tango to modern-day, are equally impressive, including an extensive repertoire of jazz and classical tango by legendary Argentine composer Ástor Piazzolla. It’s a luxury experience from start to finish, with exquisite costumes, a world-class tango quintet performing live, and a wine list featuring top quality Malbecs and choice vintage wines.
Practical Info
Rojo Tango is located at Hotel Faena in the Puerto Madero district of Buenos Aires and shows run nightly at 10pm (dinner from 8:30pm).
Address: Martha Salotti 445, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Admission: Varies by show
From $ 195
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
Passion for Boca Juniors Museum (Museo de la Pasión Boquense)
The Estadio Boca Juniors, locally known as La Bombonera, plays host to one of soccer’s greatest rivalries, that between porteño teams Boca Juniors and River Plate. The two floor Passion for Boca Juniors Museum (Museo de la Pasión Boquense) is housed within the stadium and chronicles the team’s history, dating back to their beginning as a modest neighborhood club in 1905.
A giant soccer ball-shaped auditorium houses a 360 degree theater screens footage from a match, while jerseys, photos, trophies and other team memorabilia from the last century are on display. For an extra fee, visitors can tour the stadium, which includes a visit to the locker room and Diego Maradona’s box.
Practical Info
Check the Boca Juniors schedule before heading to the museum, as it’s closed on game days.
Address: Brandsen 805, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Open daily 10am-6pm
Admission: AR$140
From $ 19
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
Parque Lezama
While everyone else is walking around the antiques fair in San Telmo and picking up items that are too big to take home, head to Parque Lezama, a public park in the same district. The city of Buenos Aires was first founded here by Pedro de Mendoza (see his statue in the park) in 1536. In 1857 it was sold to Gregorio Lezama whose widow ultimately gave it to the municipality of Buenos Aires in 1894.
The park borders a part of what used to be the Rio de La Plata, before its course was redirected and the neighborhood of Puerto Madero was created. And while Buenos Aires is almost completely flat, this park, along with the Plaza Francia and Barrancas del Begrano are on a rise that sets them higher than the rest of the city. There are rustic paths for walking and biking and a few lookout points over where the river used to be.
Also in the park is the National Historical Museum of Argentina, established in 1897. It holds a collection of some 50,000 pieces, some of them dating back to when Argentina was a viceroyalty in the late 1700s and continuing until 1950.
Practical Info
This public park is located in the San Telmo district. If you want to see the construction that changed the course of the river, and at the same time, see a part of Buenos Aires that, quite frankly, doesn’t feel like Buenos Aires at all, check out Puerto Madero, the ultra modern strip with brand new buildings, for a nice post-walk lunch or dinner.
Address: Paseo Colon, Buenos Aires 21330, Argentina
From $ 15