Choose from 74 Fun Things to Do in The Pampas
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River Plate Museum (Museo River Plate)
Spend some time in Buenos Aires, and you might be asked the question, River Plate or Boca Juniors? These soccer rivals fuel the city's sports scene, and the River Plate Museum (Museo River Plate) gives insight into one half of the epic rivalry.
Housed within the team's Monumental stadium, the museum showcases photos, jerseys and silverware from Club Atletico River Plate's century long history. A Time Tunnel leads visitors through a chronology of the team's leading personalities "” Enzo Francescoli and Alfredo di Stefano to name a couple "” and big moments, while a 360-degree cinema screens a 25-minute video about the team.
Practical Info
Visitors can add a stadium tour to the basic admission price for a chance to see the locker rooms and step onto the iconic pitch.
Address: Av. Figueroa Alcorta 7597, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Open daily 10am-7pm; on game days the museum closes an hour before the match
Admission: AR$140
From $ 54
San Telmo Market
Each Sunday morning, the historic San Telmo neighborhood of Buenos Aires plays host to the city’s most famous street fair, the San Telmo Market. Locally known as the Feria de San Telmo, the market brings hundreds of vendors to the streets surrounding Plaza Dorrego, most of them dealing in one-of-a-kind antiques. Leather goods, colorful glass soda siphons and antique knives are particularly popular items.
What started as a gathering of 30 or so antique vendors in 1970 when the fair was inaugurated has expanded to nearly 300. Tango dancers, buskers and other entertainers vie for attention of the thousands of shoppers that flood the neighborhood during the weekly event. Hungry shoppers can fuel up on fresh squeezed orange juice and choripan, a sandwich made with spicy chorizo sausage.
Practical Info
Start your market exploration at Plaza Dorrego, where most of the real antiques are located, before taking a stroll down Defensa Street.
Address: Defensa Street, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 16
Tigre
With its scenic waterways, riverside fun fair, and lively handicrafts market, the charming provincial town of Tigre offers a welcome change of pace from nearby Buenos Aires. Located on the Tigre Delta at the meeting point of the Paraná River and the Río de la Plata estuary, it’s a popular choice for a day trip from the capital.
The Basics
The highlight of a visit to Tigre is a boat cruise around the Tigre Delta, a scenic expanse of marshlands dotted with islands, traditional stilt houses, and floating markets. The town itself is easy to explore on a walking tour, taking in the harborside market and colonial architecture, or visiting the Parque de la Costa theme park.
Day tours from Buenos Aires often combine a visit to Tigre with the nearby colonial town of San Isidro. For the best value, combine a half-day tour of 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 town has a few notable museums, including the Tigre Art Museum and the Mate Museum, devoted to Argentina’s famous tea.
- Water sports like kayaking and wakeboarding are enjoyed along the river during the summer months.
- There are a number of cafés and restaurants located around the marketplace.
How to Get to There
The Argentine town of Tigre lies in the Tigre Delta, about 20 miles (50 kilometers) north of Buenos Aires. It is connected to the capital by regular trains (45 minutes from Buenos Aires’ central station) or by boat from the Puerto Madero docks (summer only).
When to Get There
Weekends can get busy in Tigre, especially during the summer months, but the crowds also add to the atmosphere, particularly at the daily market. Boat cruises run year-round, but activities like kayaking are only available during the summer and the Parque de la Costa theme park is only open on weekends. Sunset cruises around the Delta make for stunning photos.
Cruising the Tigre Delta
The Tigre Delta is one of the world’s largest natural deltas, stretching over 5,400 square miles (14,000 square kilometers), and takes its name from the wild tigers and jaguars that once roamed the area. The islands, forests, and villages of the delta are reachable only by boat, and the canal banks are lined with stilted houses, yacht clubs, and luxury villas, including the house of former Argentina president Sarmiento.
Address: Tigre, Argentina
From $ 23
Plaza San Martin
One of Buenos Aires' oldest public squares, Plaza San Martin is a pocket of greenery, shaded by ancient jacaranda and magnolia trees. This area bridges the gap between the central Retiro train and bus station and the lively shopping hub of Florida Avenue.
The Basics
Most visitors arriving or leaving from Retiro Station pass through Plaza San Martin, and the square is a common stop on Buenos Aires sightseeing tours. A popular way to get around is by bike, and a cycling tour of North Buenos Aires will take you through the plaza en route to neighborhoods like Palermo, Recoleta, and Puerto Madero.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The park has lots of benches and shady areas, making it a popular picnic spot.
- Look for a large selection of cafes, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs on and around the square.
- The wide walkways of San Martin are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get to There
Plaza San Martin is located just south of the Retiro train station, at the northern end of Florida Avenue. The closest subway (subte) station is San Martin (Line C). The square is a major transport hub, with buses arriving from destinations all over Buenos Aires.
When to Get There
The square is busiest on summer weekends, when locals gather to picnic on the benches or sunbath in the park. The plaza is also a popular place for art exhibitions, events, sporting match screenings, and festivals, including a military parade that is held August 17 each year to mark the anniversary of the death of General San Martin.
A Walking Tour of Plaza San Martin
Once home to Argentina's last remaining bullring Plaza San Martin now hosts a number of monumental statues. There's the Torre de Los Ingleses (English Tower), given to Argentina by the British in celebration of the 1810 revolution; the grand Monument to General Jose San Martín; and a poignant monument to those who lost their lives in the Falklands War. A number of impressive 20th-century buildings also line the square, including the luxurious Paz Palace.
Address: Plaza San Martin, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 15
La Plata
In the 1880s shortly after Buenos Aires became the new capital of Argentina, the town of La Plata was founded as the capital of Buenos Aires Province. Argentine architect and urban planner Pedro Benoit planned the layout of the city "” one of the first completely planned cities in South America "” to include a large park at the center with eight boulevards radiating out in all directions. La Plata is home to the Universidad Nacional de La Plata (75,000 students) which lends the city a distinctly college town vibe.
The city's plazas, tree-lined boulevards and somewhat confusing intersections are reminiscent of Buenos Aires, but in miniature. At the center of it all is Plaza Moreno with its towering neo-Gothic cathedral. Also of interest is the Museo de La Plata, ranked among the best natural history museums in Argentina.
Practical Info
La Plata is located 34 miles (55 kilometers) south of Buenos Aires along the Rio de la Plata.
Address: Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, Argentina
From $ 60
The Obelisk
Buenos Aires’ most iconic landmark, the Obelisk, or El Obelisco, towers over the intersection of the city’s two main thoroughfares, Corrientes Avenue and the ‘widest avenue in the world’ -9 de Julio. Erected in 1936 to commemorate the nation’s 400th anniversary, the pencil-like column marks the spot where the nation’s flag was first flown – a striking 220-foot tall monument that has become a memorable feature on the city skyline. Fashioned from 1,360 square meters of Cordoba white stone, the Obelisk was designed by Tucaman architect Alberto Prebisch and features poignant inscriptions on each of its 4 faces, referencing key moments in the city’s history.
Not only an important navigational landmark, the Obelisk also finds itself at the center of city celebrations and rallies, a common backdrop for sporting celebrations, political demonstrations, candlelit vigils and religious congregations. The ever-faithful landmark has even been known to make its own statement - famously donning a giant condom during World AIDS Awareness Day and draped in Argentine and German flags to mark the 150th anniversary of the countries’ bilateral relations.
Unfortunately, the only thing visitors can’t enjoy is the view from the top. The Obelisk features four windows at its pinnacle accessible by 206 interior steps, but sadly the stairwell has never been opened to the public.
Not only an important navigational landmark, the Obelisk also finds itself at the center of city celebrations and rallies, a common backdrop for sporting celebrations, political demonstrations, candlelit vigils and religious congregations. The ever-faithful landmark has even been known to make its own statement - famously donning a giant condom during World AIDS Awareness Day and draped in Argentine and German flags to mark the 150th anniversary of the countries’ bilateral relations.
Unfortunately, the only thing visitors can’t enjoy is the view from the top. The Obelisk features four windows at its pinnacle accessible by 206 interior steps, but sadly the stairwell has never been opened to the public.
Address: Avenida Corrientes 1066, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 15
National Library
Located in a quiet corner of Recoleta, the Argentine National Library is the largest library in the country and one of the most important in South America. In a city like Buenos Aires, famous for its belle epoch architecture, the National Library stands out as one of the best examples of contemporary architecture in the country.
The Brutalist structure was the work of architect Clorindo Testa, winner of a design contest staged in the early 1960s. Construction of the library wouldn't begin until a decade later, and it wasn't until 1992 that the completed library was inaugurated.
Visitors access the public library through a small, grassy reading garden. Inside, the collection is available to the public. The view from the top floor of the library is worth a look, and there are often special exhibitions on display within the building.
Practical Info
The National Library is open from 9am to 9pm Monday through Friday, and from noon to 7pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Address: Agüero 2502, Buenos Aires 1425, Argentina
Hours: Open Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat-Sun 12pm-7pm
From $ 35
Tigre Art Museum (Museo de Arte Tigre)
Housed in an ornate building on the banks of the Luján River in Tigre, the Tigre Art Museum (Museo de Arte Tigre) is known for its stunning architecture and impressive collection of Argentine paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum was declared a National Historic Monument in 1979.
The Basics
Most visitors to Tigre come on a half- or full-day trip from Buenos Aires, and the Tigre Art Museum is a popular stop on sightseeing tours. Visitors can explore the museum independently or join one of the regular guided tours.
Highlights include works from Juan Carlos Castagnino, Raúl Soldi, Cesáreo Bernaldo de Quirós, and Benito Quinquela Martín, as well as works by less-known local artists depicting life along the river delta. The riverfront museum can also be seen from water and boat cruises around the Tigre Delta.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an entrance fee to visit the museum, and guided tours are available.
- Exhibition information and tours are available in Spanish only.
- Most areas of the museum and grounds are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The museum is located at the northern end of Victoria Avenue in Tigre, along the banks of the Luján River. Trains from Buenos Aires arrive at Tigre station, and it’s a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride to the museum from there.
When to Get There
The museum is open all day, Wednesday to Friday, as well as weekend afternoons. The museum is less crowded during weekends.
Architecture of the Tigre Art Museum
The museum was originally built in 1912 by French architects Dubois and Pater as the Tiger Club, a social club for the Buenos Aires elite. A fine example of French neoclassical architecture from the belle epoch, the building is adorned with stained glass, marble staircases, gilt-inlaid columns, red oak floors, and bronze chandeliers. The surrounding park and sculpture garden provide an idyllic setting.
Address: Argentina
Admission: Varies
From $ 34
Temaiken Biopark
Temaiken Biopark, located just outside Buenos Aires, is more of a wild animal park than a traditional zoo. More than 7,400 animals representing 300 different species of mammals, birds, reptiles and fish live in large enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitats. Barriers between the animals and human observers are also natural — no bars or cages obstructing the view. About 60 percent of the species living in the park are native, and many of them are endangered.
The biopark also features an aquarium, divided into three environments representing three different Argentine ecosystems: coastal habitat, freshwater rivers and the ocean. At the farm, visitors learn more about the agricultural species of the Argentine countryside through interactive activities like milking cows, feeding poultry or brushing down a goat. Guests of the park also enjoy a 360-degree movie theater, the largest bird house in South America and several animal shows and interactions scheduled throughout the day.
Practical Info
Temaiken Biopark is located 30 minutes outside of Buenos Aires in the district of Belén de Escobar.
Address: Ruta 25 Km 1, B 1625 Belén de Escobar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Hours: Summer: Tue-Sun 10am-7pm, Winter Tue-Sun 10am-6pm, Closed Dec 24, 25 & 31 and Jan 1.
Admission: $148.50-$184.50, Children Under 3 Free
From $ 16
San Ignacio de Loyola Church
San Ignacio de Loyola Church began as a small adobe church built by the Jesuits in 1675. The structure as it stands today, located in the Montserrat neighborhood, was built between 1710 and 1734, making it the oldest colonial church in Buenos Aires.
San Ignacio de Loyola briefly served as the city cathedral after the Jesuits were expelled in the late eighteenth century. During the social unrest of 1955, this church, along with numerous others in the city, were burned by Peronist mobs.
The church interior required significant renovation, but the facade remained relatively unscathed. The church is immediately recognizable by its Baroque facade fronting Bolivar Street. Within the church, visitors will find several paintings and pieces of furniture dating back to the eighteenth century. Most notable is the canvas of San Ignacio de Loyola, made in 1767.
Practical Info
San Ignacio de Loyola Church is located on the corner of Bolivar and Alsina Streets in Montserrat, two blocks south of Plaza de Mayo.
Address: Bolivar 225, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 41
Santa Susana Ranch
Located in the pampas of Buenos Aires Province outside the capital city, Estancia Santa Susana (Santa Susana Ranch) is one of the region’s most popular destinations for experiences a taste of traditional gaucho culture. Founded at the end of the last century by an Argentine citizen of Irish decent, the ranch encompasses 2,965 acres (1,200 hectares) of land, originally used for agricultural activities, including cattle ranching.
Visitors to Santa Susana Ranch are greeted with two Argentine specialties, piping hot empanadas and wine. After a tour of the grounds by carriage or on horseback, including a stop at the Spanish-colonial house which now contains a museum, guests are treated to a parrillada, an Argentine-style barbecue that remains a popular weekend tradition even among modern Porteños. Tango dancers and folk singers entertain during the meat-centric lunch.
In the afternoon, visitors to the ranch sit back and watch as a group of gauchos show off their impressive horseback skills.
Practical Info
Santa Susana Ranch is located 48 miles (78 kilometers) from the capital, so plan to spend the entire day enjoying the activities at the ranch.
Address: Los Alamos S/n, Los Cardales, Argentina
From $ 130
Villa Crespo
A burgeoning hotspot for gourmet cuisine, Buenos Aires’ lively barrio of Villa Crespo lies just southwest of Palermo and has become a fashionable haunt for the city’s young and hip. The district is most notable for its array of bars and eateries, just as chic yet more affordable than many of those in neighboring Palermo and makes an atmospheric place to spend the evening hours.
The variety of cuisine on offer is the biggest draw, with popular restaurants including the Middle Eastern themed Sarkis, a favorite among locals; Almacén Purista, one of Buenos Aires oldest and most celebrated vegetarian restaurants; and Scannapieco, specializing in delicious homemade Italian gelato. Other dining options include Italian, Argentine, Jewish, African and Chinese cuisine, and the area also boasts two of the city’s most exclusive nightclubs, Ocho7Ocho and Club Silencio, both hidden behind unsigned doors.
Villa Crespo is also a popular area for shopping with a number of brand stores opening up around Aguirre and Gurruchaga streets and some of the city’s best leather stores lining Murillo street.
The variety of cuisine on offer is the biggest draw, with popular restaurants including the Middle Eastern themed Sarkis, a favorite among locals; Almacén Purista, one of Buenos Aires oldest and most celebrated vegetarian restaurants; and Scannapieco, specializing in delicious homemade Italian gelato. Other dining options include Italian, Argentine, Jewish, African and Chinese cuisine, and the area also boasts two of the city’s most exclusive nightclubs, Ocho7Ocho and Club Silencio, both hidden behind unsigned doors.
Villa Crespo is also a popular area for shopping with a number of brand stores opening up around Aguirre and Gurruchaga streets and some of the city’s best leather stores lining Murillo street.
Address: Villa Crespo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 35
Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar
The white bell tower and baroque pediment of the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar sits at the heart of the affluent residential enclave of Recoleta.
The baroque interior features a golden statue of the Madonna, ornate altars, lovely cloisters and a small museum of religious artifacts.
The basilica overlooks the Recoleta Cemetery, one of Buenos Aires' more unusual attractions. Follow the crowds to the grave of Eva Peron (Evita).
On weekends, Plaza Francia in front of the basilica comes alive with a large arts and crafts fair.
Practical Info
The Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar is in Recoleta, overlooking Plaza Francia and next door to the Recoleta Cemetery.
The nearest stations are Retiro and Callao, several blocks away.
Address: Junin 1904, Plaza Francia, Buenos Aires CP 1113, Argentina
Hours: Historical Cloisters open daily 10:30am - 6:15pm. Masses held every day
Admission: Free
From $ 35
Tango Porteno
Seeing a tango show is a quintessential Buenos Aires experience. Tango Porteno, housed within a former MGM movie theater, stages one of the best tango shows in town. The art deco-style theater is the perfect place for a trip back to the 1940s, considered the golden age of tango in Argentina. The show mixes clips of old tango footage with a live orchestra and sensual dancers, all complemented by an artistic set worthy of a Broadway production.
Guests at Tango Porteno have the option to add dinner to the tango show experience. The dinner portion is served as a three course menu, with several options for appetizers, entrees and desserts.
Practical Info
Show up early to participate in a free tango lesson. Tango Porteno is located near Teatro Colon.
Address: Cerrito 570, Buenos Aires, Argentina
From $ 22