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_{Admiring Buenos Aires –} 

After Salta, we still wanted  to travel within Argentina. And because our next stop will be Uruguay, we decided to travel to Buenos Aires. 

Instead of taking the bus this time, we flew to save time (only 90 minutes instead of 22 hours bus ride). Plus, with Flybondi we only spent 55 USD per person with checked in luggage included. 

_{On Arrival @ Buenos Aires}

Just like any other capital city in the world, choosing the area to stay plays an important role. Buenos Aires is a big city packed with 15 million people and it could be overwhelming if you want to see a lot with only a little bit of time. 

_{Busy Buenos Aires}

So, where should you stay in Buenos Aires? 

In conclusion, there are four big neighborhoods for you to choose below: 

San Telmo and Monserrate

This area is perfect if you are a history and colonial architecture lover. Besides that, you also have plenty of options for local eateries and market fairs. We stayed in San Telmo and loved it. There are a lot of old but well maintained buildings here. 

_{A cafe @ San Telmo} 

_{A vintage shop in the hood}

^{The classic staircase}

_{The most beautiful key that I’ve ever received during a stay}

Palermo 

Go to Palermo if you are looking for a great nightlife, top restaurants, parks, and street art. This is considered as the hype area. 

Recoleta 

Do you know that Buenos Aires is popular as the Paris of the South? Well, in Recoleta you can see that. There are palaces, boulevards and museums here. 

_{Does this resemble Paris for you?}

Centro 

If you want to experience shopping in high end shops, famous sights and the ease of getting around, you should stay at Centro.

_{A dulce de leche shop @ Centro}

How many days should you spend in Buenos Aires? 

Honestly it could range from and until. I know people who spend just 5 days until one month. Of course, the longer you stay, the more expensive it is. But, also the more time that you will have to explore. 

_{While exploring Buenos Aires by feet}

How much do you need for Buenos Aires?

Before we arrived here, we already heard about how expensive Buenos Aires is due to inflation in Argentina. And in reality it was expensive. Well, we only had a daily budget for 40 USD for two excluding our accommodation and sim cards. With this we could afford cheap eateries and daily caffeine with snacks. 

_{Our room @ Ontelmo Hostel, Buenos Aires, for 25 USD per night}

_{Empanada is life – Tasty, affordable, and fullfilling!}

What should  you experience in Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires Walking Tour 

This is my must thing to do on the first place since I know for sure I would gonna pick up the essence of the city and get some hidden gem tips.

_{For example this building as the narrowest house in the city (now served as a museum, back then as an immigrants house)}

_{Including a trip to the market as well 😀}

Take a picture with Mafalda and Friends

Mafalda is so phenomenal in Argentina that it was banned during the dictatorship era, since it was thought to be influential. Mafalda is a little girl that is progressive in thinking and illustrated in comics. 

Now, you can visit the store here with a bench of her and friends in front of it.  

_{This is Mafalda & Gang}

_{With the other Mafalda figure in front of Mafalda official store}

If you are interested in museums, do these two for FREE: 

Zanjon de Granados 

A house that restored labyrinths in Buenos Aires and has collections of urban archaeology. They have their own tour, which one has to pay for. And I heard you can also get some ghost stories during it. 

_{Sadly when I was there the labyrinth was closed}

Museo del Agua y de la Historia Sanitaria 

If you see the building from outside, you won’t even imagine that the history of sanitation of Buenos Aires started from here and the original pipings are still there. 

_{The exterior of the museum}

_{So many toilet bowls in a frame}

_{Types of water taps}

_{The original and still functioning setting of Buenos Aires sanitation pipes}

Watch Tango 

Did you know that Tango was born in Buenos Aires, in the La Boca area to be exact. So, you might see Tango performances around the city.

_{Tango street performance}

Explore La Boca 

A used to be a working class district in Buenos Aires, which is now has been transformed into a colorful area, where the main city stadium is there and the colorful alley, Caminito is there. 

_{CABJ Stadium} 

_{Street Art @ La Boca}

_{Painting table from famous painter of La Boca, Benito Quinquela Martin @ his museum} 

_{La Boca from above} 

_{Colourful La Boca}

_{Crowded Caminito}

Visit El Ateneo Grand Splendid

The prettiest bookstore that I’ve ever visited in my life. Since the building was used to be made for theater purposes and the store keeps the layout the same (even with the podium and curtains), the vibe is just top. 

_{I mean, just look at this!}

Try Parrilla

Argentinians love meat! And in Buenos Aires, you will have plenty of options where to eat your grill / Parrilla. You will normally get a set of normal meat with some entrails and two different sausages (blood and normal). 

_{There were 6 of us, but we ordered for 3 pax and there was a quite left over in the end}

Go for Dulce de Leche

And you can try it in different forms, from spread, Alfajor (biscuit with fillings), ice cream, even wine. 

_{White chocolate coated Alfajor with Dulche de Leche}

Try Argentinian Pizza 

Did you know that Italian immigrants build the majority of Argentina? My guide told how 80% of Argentinians have Italian heritage. Hence pizzas are easily to be found here. 

_{The pizza is normally like a Margarita but with a fluffier dough & a chunk of mozzarella}

Stroll around Plaza de Mayo 

And just admire the buildings surrounding you. I truly feel how European the buildings are as I was there. And due to some missing university students during the dictatorship era in Argentina, some women still marched around Buenos Aires searching for the clarity of where their lost family members are. 

_{Charming Plaza de Mayo}

_{Family members that still march}

_{Casa Rosada aka the federal government office across Plaza de Mayo}

_{Buildings surrounding Plaza de Mayo}

Cross Puente de La Mujer and walk to Puerto Madero 

A hype area with bars, steak houses, and high rise buildings in a harbour vibe. I noticed some street art while strolling there. The area itself is quite green since there is a big park nearby. 

_{@ Puente La Mujer}

_{Restaurants & bars @ Puerto Madero}

_{Green area nearby Puerto Madero}

Go back to nature by going to Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur

Located close by to Puerto Madero, this man made island is a short getaway to escape the busy capital city. I loved my walk there and saw a lot of birds along the way, including the parrots. 

_{@ The Entrance}

_{Three ducks on the move}

_{Highrises surrounded by nature}

 Note – No advertising or any kind of promotion was made in the post. Tips are based on personal experience and not meant to be used as legal advice. All prices are based on February 2025 travel.