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Buenos Aires Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know

Planning a trip to Buenos Aires? This lively city is full of culture, tango, and incredible food. Our travel tips cover everything you need — from the best neighborhoods and local eats to staying safe and finding English-speaking doctors when you need care.

Planning a trip to Buenos Aires? Argentina’s vibrant capital is known for tango, steak, and endless energy. This city blends European-style architecture with Latin American flair, offering travelers an exciting mix of culture, food, and nightlife. Whether you’re here for business, a family holiday, or solo exploration, these Buenos Aires travel tips will help you enjoy the city stress-free.

Getting From the Airport to the City Center

buenos aires travel tips

Buenos Aires is served by Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) for international flights and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) for domestic routes.

  • Taxis & Remises – Official taxis from the airport are reliable. Avoid unofficial drivers who approach you in the terminal.
  • Ride-Sharing – Apps like Uber and Cabify operate in Buenos Aires, though prices may be higher from airports.
  • Shuttles – Manuel Tienda León runs frequent shuttle buses to central locations.
  • Public Transport – For budget travelers, buses are the cheapest option but can take over an hour.

Getting Around the City

Buenos Aires is a walkable city, but it’s huge, so public transit is key.

  • Metro (Subte) – Fast and affordable. Runs across six lines covering major areas.
  • Buses (Colectivos) – Extensive network, available 24/7. Use a SUBE card to pay.
  • Bikes – EcoBici offers free bike rentals for short rides.
  • Taxis & Apps – Widely available, but confirm fares or use apps to avoid overcharging.

Must-Try Foods & Where to Eat

tips for visiting buenos aires

Buenos Aires is a foodie paradise.

  • Asado (Argentine BBQ) – Visit a parrilla for world-class steak.
  • Empanadas – Grab them from bakeries and street stalls.
  • Milanesa – Breaded meat cutlets, a local comfort food.
  • Choripán – Sausage sandwich, best eaten from street vendors.
  • Dulce de Leche Treats – Found in pastries, alfajores, and ice cream.

Where to eat:

  • Don Julio (Parrilla) – Iconic steakhouse.
  • El Sanjuanino – Famous for empanadas.
  • Mercado de San Telmo – A lively food market.

Sightseeing & Attractions

  • Plaza de Mayo – The historic heart of the city.
  • Recoleta Cemetery – Famous resting place of Eva Perón.
  • La Boca – Colorful neighborhood with tango dancers.
  • Teatro Colón – Renowned opera house.
  • Puerto Madero – Modern riverside district.

Activities for Families & Kids

  • Jardín Japonés – Beautiful Japanese gardens.
  • Museo de los Niños – Hands-on kids’ museum.
  • Parque Tres de Febrero – Rowboats, playgrounds, and open green spaces.
  • Planetario Galileo Galilei – Planetarium with family-friendly shows.

Finding the Best Accommodation

  • Palermo – Trendy, with cafés and nightlife.
  • Recoleta – Upscale, historic, and central.
  • San Telmo – Bohemian vibes with tango and markets.
  • Microcentro – Good for business travelers.

Hotels, boutique guesthouses, and Airbnb options are abundant.

Best Time to Visit Buenos Aires

  • Spring (Sept–Nov) – Pleasant weather, blooming jacarandas.
  • Fall (Mar–May) – Fewer tourists, comfortable temperatures.
  • Summer (Dec–Feb) – Hot, humid, peak prices.
  • Winter (Jun–Aug) – Cool but mild compared to Europe/North America.

Free & Affordable Things to Do

  • Walk around San Telmo Market.
  • Visit Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes (free).
  • Stroll the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur.
  • Free walking tours of city neighborhoods.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Buenos Aires comes alive after dark.

  • Tango Shows – At La Ventana or Café Tortoni.
  • Nightclubs – Palermo is packed with clubs, many open until sunrise.
  • Live Music – Check out Konex Cultural Center for eclectic events.

Tip: Locals eat dinner late (9–11 pm), so nightlife starts much later than in other cities.

Safety & Common Tourist Scams

Buenos Aires is lively, but watch out for:

  • Pickpockets – Especially in busy areas and on buses.
  • Currency Scams – Only use official exchanges.
  • Fake Taxis – Stick to radio taxis or apps.

General advice: Stay alert, don’t flash valuables, and avoid isolated areas at night.

Packing Tips & Travel Essentials

  • Comfortable walking shoes.
  • Light clothes in summer, a jacket in winter.
  • Universal travel adapter.
  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Cash (Argentine pesos) – not everywhere accepts cards.

Recap

Buenos Aires is a city of contrasts – elegant European architecture, Latin passion, and a buzzing modern vibe. With the right tips, you can navigate it with ease and soak up all the flavor this incredible city has to offer.

About Air Doctor

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FAQs

Do you tip in Buenos Aires?

Yes, tipping 10% is common in restaurants. Round up for taxis and cafés.

When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires?

Spring and fall are the most pleasant times, with mild weather and fewer tourists.

Do you need to carry cash in Buenos Aires?

Yes – while cards are accepted, many places (taxis, small shops, markets) prefer cash.

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Jenny Cohen Drefler

Jenny Cohen Derfler

Air Dr CEO & Co-Founder

Jenny is the CEO and one of the Co-Founders at Air Doctor. She spent more than 20 years at Intel, most recently as general manager of its manufacturing facility in Israel and before that in various engineering and manufacturing roles in Silicon Valley. Air Doctor is her second startup having previously founded electric vehicle company ElectRoad.

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