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The Insider’s Guide to Buenos Aires: Luxury Hotels, Foodie Spots and Cultural Must-Dos

Historical buildings in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is the Europe of Latin America. With its walkable neighborhoods, stylish social scene, and café culture, it’s the perfect alternative to jetting off to Paris or taking a “Grand Tour” of Italy – especially if you want your money to stretch a little further. You’ll get vibrant nightlife and historic architecture with a distinctive Italian and Spanish influence on the Latin culture. 

 

I was lucky enough to visit Buenos Aires when I was attending the Emotions Travel Show and as part of a hosted trip, which I combined with some personal time. I spent 3 nights in Buenos Aires before going to Iguazu Falls and returning for 2 extra nights of solo time in Buenos Aires.

 

This trip was a mixture of everything from experiencing Latin American culture to visiting luxury hotels and seeing the neighborhoods that make this city so unique. I’m already working on drawing up potential itineraries for clients and I’m giving you a sneak peek of what you could look forward to doing during a trip to Buenos Aires.


Where to Stay in Buenos Aires: 3 of the Best Hotels

Part of my visit to Buenos Aires included checking out some of the city’s top-rated hotels. I’m spotlighting 3 hotels that offer different experiences in the city, whether you want a relaxing boutique hotel or a classic Marriott property.


MIOBuenos Aires


I’ve stayed at a lot of boutique hotels in my time, but MIO Buenos Aires may have just been the cutest one yet. The service was on par with a 5-star resort, and the rooms were more spacious than you would expect from a smaller hotel. I didn’t want to leave my Junior Suite, especially the bathtub! It’s the kind of bathtub that makes you want to run out and splurge on bath oils and bubble bars.

 

This boutique hotel is all about those small moments, with a lounge area that’s perfect for recharging mid-afternoon. You’ll want to carve out time for a deep tissue massage at the spa, along with the indoor pool and steam room The cuisine here is all about comfort food, from pastries and charcuterie to classic pancakes and omelets for breakfast.


Casa Lucia Hotel


Casa Lucia was another boutique hotel that I fell in love with. The indoor pool is the perfect start to your day before indulging in a breakfast like salmon benedict, an omelet, or pastries. If you enjoy a larger shower, you’ll want to upgrade to a junior suite. The restaurant and on-site bar offer an outdoor space for relaxing if you want a quieter evening after a day of exploring the city.


Recoleta Grand Hotel


If you like a larger hotel with more amenities, then the Recoleta Grand is a great alternative. This Marriott property is split across two towers with a rooftop pool and started life as a 1930s theatre before being converted into a hotel. Conde Nast called this hotel the “Buenos Aires’ best-kept secret”, and this historic mansion would be perfect for a honeymoon or a milestone birthday celebration.


The Experiences and Attractions You Can’t Miss In Buenos Aires

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when in Buenos Aires, especially if it’s your first time visiting Latin America. I’ve curated a list of 11 things I’d consider including in every client’s itinerary for Buenos Aires.


Sherpa Food Tour

My top recommendation is to do a Sherpa Food Tour to get the full foodie experience. It’s no secret that Argentines are natural foodies with such a heavy emphasis on meat that the locals are often considered to have a “cow’s stomach”.

 

A Sherpa Food Tour will give you an intimate look at Argentina’s culture by learning about traditional food, Mate tea, and empanada traditions, along with the influence of immigration on the local cuisine.

 

Pro-tip: Mate tea is an antioxidant-rich, caffeinated herbal tea that is locally produced. If you can’t do a sherpa tour, head to the Caballito neighborhood for some of the best Mate tea in the city.                       


Recoleta Cemetery Tour


My group trip included a visit to the Recoleta Cemetery, famous for having over 4,000 mausoleums, including many of the city’s ruling class. Originally a Catholic cemetery, most tourists visit here to see where Eva Perón is buried, especially after the recent revival in popularity of the Evita musical.


Teatro Colón Tour


If you think that listening to Maria Callas sing Casta Diva is a heavenly experience, you’ll feel right at home at Teatro Colón. Considered one of the world’s best opera houses, it took almost 20 years to build, and European influences are everywhere in the design and architecture.

 

There are 2,500 seats across 7 levels, and our group tour gave us the chance to see behind the scenes, walking in the footsteps of Callas and Pavarotti. If you’re an opera fan, look out for free events, including dress rehearsals and chamber concerts.


Visit El Ateneo Grand Splendid

Interior of El Ateneo Grand Splendid

If you’re on BookTok, you’ve definitely seen El Ateneo Grand Splendid on your feed. This former theatre turned bookstore is considered one of the prettiest in the world, with thousands of books to choose from in multiple languages. It’s a solo traveler’s paradise and perfect for getting a practical souvenir.


Visit La Boca

La Boca is one of the city’s most colorful neighborhoods. You can explore Caminito and the surrounding streets in less than an hour, including the tango culture and bright buildings. I loved seeing the street performers but would only recommend visiting during the daytime.


Estancia Experience: La Bamba de Areco


One of the highlights of my trip was visiting La Bamba de Areco in rural Argentina, 120km from the city. It’s one of Argentina’s oldest estancias (private ranches) and amongst the first to open its doors to visitors. Around 200 years old, this ranch encapsulates Gaucho culture, offering everything from horseback riding to cycling paths.

 

This luxury countryside experience was all about unwinding in the comfort of Argentine hospitality. The main focus of the visit was a traditional Argentine asado, a ritualistic way of cooking meats that turns the meal into a social event. I also got to see my first polo match, one of the most unique experiences of my trip!

 

Afterwards, some of us relaxed along the banks of the Areco River, while others worked on their tans by the pool, before savoring the classic flavors of Argentina with a traditional afternoon tea. I can arrange a day trip for clients to La Bamba de Areco or an overnight stay.


Visit The Palermo Neighborhood

You’ll want to spend at least one afternoon in the Palermo neighborhood. This fashion and arts district is popular for shopping, with lots of trendy restaurants and cocktail bars. Café culture dominates here, and it’s a must-visit area for younger travelers, couples, and – of course – fellow foodies!


Indulge in an Asado Experience

If you want to experience traditional Argentine hospitality, make sure to do an asado experience. I took part in a rooftop asado dining experience, and it was a feast for the senses. You’ll get to sample a variety of meats and have a wine pairing with each course. This activity is a great way to meet new people as it’s hosted like a friends and family BBQ.


Take a Cooking Class


Going to Buenos Aires will make you want to upgrade your at-home cooking! I recommend The Argentine Experience as a cooking class and interactive dinner. You’ll even get a wine pairing with each course.


See a Tango Show

There’s a tango show to suit every taste and budget. I loved the Café de Los Angelitos, but the shows at Faena Hotel and the Secret Society are popular classics. You can do a dinner and show package or book a show-only ticket.


Visit the Evita Museum


If you have a spare hour, stop by the Evita Museum. This early 20th-century townhouse in Palermo takes you beyond the myth to get to know the real Eva Perón.


Planning a Longer Visit? What Else To Do In Buenos Aires

It’s hard to fit everything into a Buenos Aires itinerary. If you’re returning to the city or have extra time, these are my extra recommendations:

 

  • See the Tempo Percussion show: only on Mondays with different guest performers weekly.

  • Visit a perfumery to find your new signature fragrance.

  • Explore the interactive Eco Park, home to over 2,500 animals and over 40 historic buildings.

  • Spend a Sunday afternoon eating your way around the San Telmo Market.

  • Stop by the Museo Nacional Bellas Artes (MNBA) and Modern Museum.


What to Eat in Buenos Aires


Pizza culture shows just how strong the Italian influence is here. Los Inmortales, Pizzería Güerrin, and El Cuartito are some of the best pizza spots. Get ready to screenshot my list of the best restaurants, so that you know exactly where to eat in Buenos Aires.

 

  • Don Julio: one of the best steakhouses, where you’re greeted with empanadas and champagne. Set aside 3 hours for this dinner and grab a reservation at least a few weeks in advance.

  • Preferido de Palermo: owned by the same company as Don Julio, but with a more casual atmosphere.

  • Fuego Y Vine: for the ultimate combination of wine and steak.

  • Celia: for empanadas that you’ll end up dreaming about

  • Chori: the best sandwich to get you through a long day of sightseeing

  • La Pinocha Chocolate: for artisan chocolate and gelato

  • The Burger Joint: named one of the best burgers in the city by TimeOut

  • Anchoita: Micheline guide restaurant with a tasting menu from $30

  • Antiche: Over 50 flavors of gelato to choose from

  • Rapanui: Italian gelato with an Argentine twist


Where to Find the Best Rooftop Views and Nightlife

Looking for nightlife in Buenos Aires? Here’s my top recommendations:

  • Lounges & Bars: Floreria Atlántico (fun speakeasy), Sonna, SOMMA, Presidente Bar, Kika, and Isabel Bar & Restaurant

  • Nightclubs: Costa 7070, Tokyo Club, Crobar, Afrika, and Caramelo.

  • Rooftops: Edificio Comega and Avenar Icon Hotel


Coffee Culture in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires can be difficult to navigate for coffee drinkers, especially if you’re picky about your morning brew. You’ll find the best coffee at independent coffee shops or cafes, but it’s usually a good idea to stay clear of coffee elsewhere, including at restaurants. Swap your post-dinner espresso for a Dulce de Leche instead.


Discover Buenos Aires with a One-of-a-Kind Curated Itinerary

There are a hundred different itineraries for visiting Buenos Aires. The city genuinely has something to offer everyone, whether you’re an opera lover, a history enthusiast, or just want to indulge in some incredible steak and forget about your 9-to-5.

 

This guide is your launching point for starting to dream up your trip to Argentina. After experiencing the best of the city first-hand, I’ll show you why Buenos Aires is the next Paris by creating a one-of-a-kind itinerary that’s curated entirely to you.


 

Do you want to experience the mouthwatering cuisine and legendary hospitality of Argentina? Schedule a consultation with a travel stylist at Travel Queen LLC to start planning your next vacation to Buenos Aires, whether you want a solo adventure, romantic retreat, or a girls’ trip. 

 

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