Four days in amazing Buenos Aires
Four days is a great amount of time for a first visit: you can cover the historic centre, San Telmo, Recoleta, Palermo and La Boca without spending the whole trip rushing around.
Day 1 — Historic Buenos Aires + San Telmo
Morning
Start at Plaza de Mayo.
See the Casa Rosada, Metropolitan Cathedral and Cabildo.
Walk down Avenida de Mayo toward the Obelisco.
Stop at Palacio Barolo if you enjoy architecture and views.
Lunch
Head into San Telmo for a relaxed lunch and a wander through the cobbled streets.
Afternoon
Explore San Telmo's antique shops, galleries and cafés.
Finish around Plaza Dorrego.
Evening
Have your first proper Argentine steak and a bottle of Malbec.
If you're energetic, check out a traditional milonga rather than a touristy tango show.
San Telmo is one of Buenos Aires' oldest traditional neighbourhoods and is particularly atmospheric around its historic centre.
Day 2 — Recoleta + Palermo
Morning
Visit Recoleta Cemetery, including Eva Perón's tomb.
Walk around Recoleta's elegant streets and plazas.
Visit the nearby Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes if you like art.
Lunch
Stay in Recoleta for lunch.
Afternoon
Walk through Palermo's parks and the Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays.
Browse the boutiques and cafés around Palermo Soho.
Take your time here—Palermo is one of the city's best neighbourhoods for food, design and nightlife.
Evening
Drinks around Palermo Soho/Hollywood.
Day 3 — La Boca + Puerto Madero + tango
Morning
Go to La Boca relatively early.
Walk along Caminito and see the brightly painted buildings and street art.
If you're a football fan, consider a stadium tour around La Bombonera.
La Boca and Caminito are among the city's signature sights, combining tango, football, colourful architecture and street art.
Lunch
Have lunch around San Telmo or La Boca, then head north/east.
Afternoon
Walk around Puerto Madero.
Cross the Puente de la Mujer.
Continue toward the Costanera and, if you want some greenery, the ecological reserve. you tell
Puerto Madero makes a striking contrast with the older neighbourhoods: modern architecture, restaurants and riverfront views.
Evening — Tango night
Make this your big Buenos Aires night.
I'd choose a tango show with dinner if this is your first time seeing tango, or a milonga if you'd rather experience where locals dance.
Day 4 — Flexible / local Buenos Aires
Option A — Tigre day trip
Take the train north to Tigre.
Explore the riverfront and take a boat through the Paraná Delta.
Return to Buenos Aires for dinner.
Option B — More Buenos Aires
Start with a leisurely café breakfast.
Explore Palermo further.
Visit MALBA or another museum.
Wander around Villa Crespo for independent shops and food.
Finish with a long Argentine lunch or early dinner.
Option C — Food-focused day?If you're a serious foodie, skip the day trip and spend the day eating: café con leche + medialunas in the morning, empanadas for lunch, a wine bar in the afternoon, then a great parrilla for your final dinner.
What to eat and drink:
Asado
Empanades
Choripan
Milanesa a la Neapolotana
Pizza
Alfajores
Wine
Where I'd stay
For a first trip, I'd choose Palermo or Recoleta. Palermo is better for restaurants, bars and nightlife; Recoleta is more elegant and central-feeling. Both also make good bases for exploring the rest of the city.
When to go
The best time to visit Buenos Aires is during the spring (October-November) and fall (March–April), when the weather is mild and comfortable for walking.
SLEEP @ home Hotel Buenos Aires
SLEEP @ Patios de San Telmo
EAT @ Casa Coupage
EAT @ Fogón Asado
EAT @ The Argentine Experience
PLAY @ Buenos Aires Street Art
PLAY @ BuenosTours
PLAY @ La Bicicleta Naranja
PLAY @ Living Fútbol Argentina
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