Buenos Aires City: Puentes Destination Guide

Called the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires is one of the most cosmopolitan cities of South America and has cultural offerings for everyone, ranging from a myriad of restaurants and historical sites to expansive city parks.  It has enough entertainment options to keep you satisfied for a lifetime, and indeed, many who visit end up staying forever. The city has a population of 3.1 million people, with a metro area containing 12 million more, so it is the bustling hub of the country and offers a fast-paced backdrop to work and life.

On the streets of “Capital Federal,” as it is known by the “porteños” (the residents of the city), you might hear different languages, you’ll try different types of international cuisine, and you’ll find pockets of “barrios” (neighborhoods) that are made of people of different ethnicities. In this sense, Buenos Aires truly is a global city. But at its core, its protagonists are the “porteños” - a proud and friendly people who will welcome you into their city and share its splendor with you. While they might heavily debate the pros and cons of the government and politicians, they’ll also be the first to proudly tell you all the wonderful things that Buenos Aires has to offer.

 

Puentes Map of Buenos Aires

Map Sections:

  • Museums

  • Parks & Outdoor Markets

  • Things to Do

  • Shopping

  • Cafes & Restaurants

  • Bars & Nightclubs

  • Sports

  • Destinations

 

Neighborhoods

San Telmo

This neighborhood preserves colonial-style houses along narrow cobblestone lanes, illuminated with wrought iron lanterns.  In San Telmo, one breathes the history of Buenos Aires.
Must-See Sight: Plaza Dorrego

LA BOCA

Considered Buenos Aires’s most controversial neighborhood with an explosive personality, tourists favor this picturesque neighborhood for its rich history and vibrant colors: greens, yellows, reds, and purples highlight the urban scenery.
Must-See Sights: El Caminito, La Bombonera

PUERTO MADERO

Just like the London docklands, the antique port of Buenos Aires has been renewed and now represents the latest architectural trends of the city.
Must-See Sights: Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur, Puente de la Mujer

MICROCENTRO

Downtown is an ideal location for viewing the main historical spots of the Argentine capital.  Don’t miss Florida Street for window shopping or buying typical city souvenirs.
Must-See Sights: Obelisco, Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, Manzana de las Luces, Congreso, Palacio Barolo

RECOLETA

One of the finest and most expensive areas of the city. It boasts many French style buildings, large green spaces, and first class restaurants.
Must-See Sights: Cementerio de la Recoleta, Centro Cultural Recoleta, Floralis Genérica, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, Museo de Arte Decorativo

PALERMO

Hip, residential neighborhood of tree-lined streets and intersections packed with restaurants, bars, and shops. There are many sub-neighborhoods within Palermo, such as Palermo Soho, Palermo Botanico, and Palermo Hollywood.
Must-See Sights: Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays, Jardín Japonés, Jardín Zoológico, MALBA

LAS CAÑITAS

A very cozy, trendy neighborhood. It is also only five minutes from “Barrio Chino” (Chinatown) for some good Asian food.

BELGRANO

A peaceful, residential neighborhood with silent streets leading to shops, restaurants, architecture, and large green spaces. Belgrano is one of the most distinguished neighborhoods and is ideal for day walks along the wooded sidewalks.

 

Museums

Excellent museums can be found throughout the city of Buenos Aires. The following is a list of some of the not-to-be-missed museums:

MALBA: This collection features some of the finest work by artists of the Latin American region. Its installations are constantly in rotation so that there is always something new and interesting to see. Avenida Figueroa Alcorta 3415, Palermo.

Museo de Bellas Artes: Opened in 1896, El Museo de Bellas Artes is one of the classic museums of Buenos Aires. Here you will find Van Goghs, Rembrandts, elegant marble sculptures, and everything in between. Its convenient location in Recoleta just across from Plaza Francia makes it a great weekend activity. Avenida del Libertador 1473, Recoleta.

Museo Nacional de Arte Decorativo: Housed in a palatial home from the Golden Age of Argentina, this museum boasts some of the finest and most ornate period piece furniture from the 19th and early 20th century.  Ostentatious jewelry, ancient Greek and Roman busts, and finely crafted silver accessories round out the collection. It's been referred to as "The Argentine Frick Collection". Av. del Libertador 1902, Palermo.

Colección de Arte Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat: Just behind Dique 4 in Puerto Madero, you'll find the elegant Amalia Lacroze de Fortabat collection. Lacroze de Fortabat was an heiress to a railroad fortune and spent her golden years as a philanthropist and art collector.  Rodin, Klimt, and Warhol are just a few of the names that you'll find here. Olga Cosettini 141, Puerto Madero.

Museo Histórico Nacional: Contained within Parque Lezama, where the city of Buenos Aires was originally founded, as its name suggests, it contains many historical documents, and belongings of the forefathers of Argentina. A must for any history enthusiast. Defensa 1600, San Telmo.

Museo Xul Solar: An expressionist and surrealist painter, sculptor, and writer, Xul Solar was one of the most important figures of 20th century Argentine art. His home and studio have been converted into a museum dedicated to his life and work. Laprida 1212, Almagro.

Museo Casa Rosada: This museum is housed directly behind and underneath the Casa Rosada in what was originally the fortress protecting the city.  Great brick and mortar archways remain untouched, and within you'll find relics of Argentine presidents as well as informative exhibits and videos of the country's colorful past. Balcarce 50, Montserrat.

Museo Benito Quinquela Martín: Quinquela Martín is considered the greatest of all Argentine painters. He became famous for his impressionist portraits of the Riachuelo in the neighborhood of La Boca. His talents, recognized by the President of Argentina Marcelo T. Alvear, led to stints in Paris and New York where he gained worldwide fame. But his greatest legacy are his paintings of the neighborhood he called home, La Boca. Av. Don Pedro de Mendoza 1835, La Boca.

Museo Evita: Perhaps no one in history has captivated the imagination of the Argentine people as much as Eva Duarte de Perón, who rose from poverty in the small town of Los Toldos to become an actress in Buenos Aires and eventually the First Lady of Argentina. This museum is dedicated to her life and memory. Lafinur 2988, Palermo.

Nature and Outdoors

Buenos Aires has many parks within the city.  The Costanera Norte is located along Avenida Rafael Obligado and has recreational complexes that offer tennis, swimming, golf, basketball, soccer, windsurfing, sailing, and others spots.  There is also the Bosques de Palermo, a conjunction of multiple parks that extend east from Palermo to Belgrano and has tons of jogging and biking trails.  Within these parks, there is a planetarium, several lakes, the “Rosedal” (Rose Garden), the “Jardín Japonés” (Japanese Garden), and the horse racetrack.  Also in Palermo, you can visit the “Jardín Botánico” (Botanical Garden) and the “Ecoparque” right next to each other. There is also a span of green space east of Palermo heading toward Recoleta, near the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, and don’t miss the amazing “Reserva Ecológica” in Puerto Madero.  

Arts and Music

theater

There are many theaters in BA, such as the below:

Ticketing platforms

Tango and Live Music

Buenos Aires has a vibrant and eclectic music scene.  Don’t miss out on seeing (and dancing!) tango, as well as checking out other music venues throughout the city.

Cultural Centers

These cultural centers often offer art exhibitions, music shows, classes, and other engaging cultural activities.

 

Sports

Soccer

As three-time World Cup Champions, it’s no secret that Argentina’s primary passion is soccer. The six biggest soccer clubs are Boca Juniors, River Plate, Independiente, Racing, San Lorenzo, and Vélez Sarsfield.

Attending a soccer game is a great way to further immerse yourself in an important part of Argentine culture. You can buy tickets directly from the clubs or through tourist agencies such as Tangol.

While in Buenos Aires, you can play pick-up soccer games with BAFA (Buenos Aires Futbol Amigos). You can sign up directly from their website for your preferred date.  

You might also like to learn more about the soccer culture and history by visiting the Museo de la Pasión Boquense, which is the museum for the very popular Boca Juniors soccer team, or the River Plate Museum and Stadium Tour of the famed River Plate soccer team.

Rugby

  • The national rugby team, Los Pumas, is a source of great pride. If you’re interested in playing, check out Club Ciudad (Av. del Libertador 5683, Núñez).

Horse Racing and Polo

  • The Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo (Av. del Libertador 4101, Palermo) is Argentina’s main racetrack. It’s free to enter, and has beautiful architecture. Check the schedule of races here. 

  • Argentina is known as the world capital of polo, and the Campo de Polo de Palermo is often cited as the best field in the world.

Running

  • Click here for a guide to the city’s best running routes through Bosques de Palermo, Puerto Madero, Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur.

Rock Climbing

  • Bien Alto (Malabia 538, Palermo) is a great place for indoor climbing.

Tennis and Paddle

  • Complejo El Circulo (Av. Sarmiento 4040, Palermo) has tennis and paddle courts. You can rent racquets here as well.

Golf

Yoga & Pilates

  • There are plenty of classes in every barrio. Call or walk into a studio to ask for a “clase de prueba” (trial class), which are generally discounted or free.

 

Shopping

The city has several shopping circuits, each offering different items: antiques in San Telmo, books on Corrientes Avenue, leather items in Retiro neighborhood, souvenirs in La Boca, and artesanal objects, clothes, and decorative elements in Palermo Soho.

Be sure not to miss the “ferias” (markets) in San Telmo on Sundays, in Recoleta on Saturdays and Sundays, and for a real taste of the Gaucho culture, the Feria de Mataderos on Sundays and public holidays, from 11am - 8pm. Buenos Aires also offers extended shopping hours, with the main malls staying open until 10pm.  Some top malls are Galería Pacifico off Florida Avenue, Paseo Alcorta in Palermo, Alto Palermo in Palermo, Patio Bullrich in Recoleta, and the outlets in Villa Crespo along the street Aguirre.

 

City Tours

There’s no better way to get to know your new home city than by walking its streets and marveling at the majestic turn of the century architecture. Here is a list of free walking tours that will help you get oriented and understand some historical context. While these tours are officially free of charge, tipping is expected.

  • Free Walks Buenos Aires: This amazing tour through the heart of the city will take you from the National Congress to the Casa Rosada by way of the iconic Avenida de Mayo.

  • Buenos Aires Free City Tour: Another walking tour group that covers the city center.

  • Recoleta Free Tour: This tour focuses on the more affluent neighborhood of Recoleta. Known historically for its imposing French architecture and world famous cemetery, this is one of the best neighborhoods to walk in the city.

  • Jewish Heritage Tour: Discover the history and landmarks of the largest Jewish Hub of South America in a half day walking tour. Visit the Jewish Museum, Libertad Synagogue, Once neighborhood and more.

  • Afro-American Heritage Tour: This tour of the historic neighborhood of San Telmo uncovers the rich legacy of Afro-Argentines from pre-colonial times to the modern-day activism reshaping the country's relationship to race.

 

Off the Beaten Path

If you are looking for another side of Buenos Aires that is a little different than the normal tourist circuit, we’ve compiled a list of lesser-known activities to check out:

El Ateneo: The Grand Splendid coffee shop and bookstore has been voted by National Geographic as the prettiest bookstore in the world. Av. Santa Fe 1860, Recoleta.

A Ciegas Gourmet: An interesting interactive experience, the “Blind Theater” obligates the participant to use other senses to imagine what's happening in the show. Borges 1974, Palermo.

Fuerza Bruta: This theatrical thrill ride combines euphoria-inducing live music and breathtaking aerial displays in a performance that's as exhilarating as it is addictive. Junín 1930, Recoleta.

Uptown Speakeasy: A hidden speakeasy bar/nightclub disguised as an NYC subway entrance. Arévalo 2030, Palermo.

Pedal boats in the Rosedal: Forget the big city scene for a few peaceful hours in the immense and beautiful group of parks known as the Bosques de Palermo. Av. Infanta Isabel 410, Palermo.

Manzana de las Luces: Bask in the history of the "Block of Enlightenment," a part of the city where the principal thinkers of the early days of the city gathered. Perú 272, Montserrat.

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