Planning a trip & need a Buenos Aires travel guide? This Buenos Aires city guide covers the essentials: history, culture, things to do in Buenos Aires, and the neighborhoods where to stay. For more travel guides, click here.

Fondly called the “Paris of the South,” Buenos Aires is a must-visit for any traveler. It’s one of the most alluring cities in South America…full of energy, culture, food, and architecture that feels unlike anywhere else in the world.

To really experience the city, you’ll want to plan your own Buenos Aires tour—your trip, your way. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry… I’ve got you covered with a mix of history, culture, and can’t-miss experiences to help you make the most of it.

Why Buenos Aires is Called the “Paris of the South” 🇦🇷✨

Buenos Aires earned its nickname thanks to its architecture, grand statues, sprawling parks, and of course…the food. After Argentina gained independence from Spain, wealthy locals hired European architects—mainly French and Italian—to design much of the city. The result? Wide boulevards, ornate facades, and neighborhoods that could easily trick you into thinking you’re in Paris. That pride…and the European influence…are why any Buenos Aires tourist guide will make the comparison.

And then there’s the people. Porteños (the locals) are deeply proud of their city—much like Parisians. Don’t be surprised if they introduce themselves as Porteños first… Argentine second. That passion is part of what makes the city so unforgettable.

Buenos Aires Travel Guide: Best Things To Do

Explore the City with a Free Walking Tour 🚶‍♀️

• Offered daily at 10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• Covers El Centro, home to the National Congress, Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, and Palacio Barolo.
• A perfect way to get your bearings and soak in the city’s rich history.

There’s no better way to kick off your trip than walking the streets with a guide who knows all the secrets. You’ll see the highlights, sure…but you’ll also get little stories that make the history feel alive. By the time it’s over, you’ll already feel like you belong in the city.

Visit Recoleta Cemetery ⚰️

• Not your average cemetery — think dramatic mausoleums, marble statues, and peaceful walkways.
• Resting place of Nobel Prize winners, presidents, and Eva Perón (Evita).
• A mix of history and art in one unforgettable stop.

It might sound strange to put a cemetery on your travel list…but trust me, this one is worth it. Walking through feels more like an open-air museum than anything else, and the stories behind the tombs will stay with you long after you leave.

Experience Colorful Art in La Boca 🎨

• Famous for vibrant street murals and Caminito Street’s photo-perfect corners.
• Tells the story of Argentina’s immigrant and working-class history.
• Don’t miss La Bombonera Stadium, home of Boca Juniors football.

La Boca is loud, colorful, and full of life—just the way I like it. It’s touristy, yes…but also one of those places that captures the soul of the city. Go for the photos, stay for the music and energy.

Sample Delicious Argentine Cuisine (Buenos Aires food & café culture) 🥩☕

• Coffee & Pastries: Try San Telmo & Retiro’s cafés, especially Café Tortoni.
• Classics to Eat: empanadas, milanesa, and legendary Argentine steak.
• Italian Influence: amazing pizza, pasta, and helado (ice cream!).

From steak and empanadas to helado, the food scene here is irresistible. Buenos Aires is a city that eats well…and I mean really well. Buttery pastries with your morning coffee, a late-night steak with Malbec, street-corner empanadas that hit the spot…every meal feels like an experience. And the gelato? Let’s just say it gives Italy a run for its money.

Where to Stay in Buenos Aires 🛎️

Buenos Aires has neighborhoods for every type of traveler:

• Recoleta → Elegant, historic, polished, with luxury hotels.
• San Telmo → Bohemian vibe, tango, antique markets, cobblestones.
• Palermo → Trendy and leafy, full of restaurants, bars, boutique hotels.
• Puerto Madero → Modern and upscale, with steakhouses and high-rises.
• Centro → Bustling downtown core, convenient but noisier.

The hardest part? Deciding where to stay. Recoleta makes you feel like royalty, Palermo keeps you out late, San Telmo pulls you into the past…Puerto Madero gives you that modern skyline. Honestly, you can’t go wrong… Buenos Aires will win you over no matter what neighborhood you call home.

Final Tips 🌍

Buenos Aires is pure passion…whether it’s the Parisian-style boulevards, the late-night tango halls, or those meals you’ll still be dreaming about months later. It’s the kind of city that sweeps you up in its energy and doesn’t let go. My tip? Pick a neighborhood that matches your vibe, then leave plenty of time to just wander and get lost in the magic.

👉 Ready to experience Buenos Aires for yourself? Reach out and let’s plan a trip that captures the best of the Paris of the South.”

💬 And don’t forget to join my Facebook group: Vacation Travel with Curtis: Cruises, Groups, LGBTQ+, All-Inclusive, Family for even more tips, inspiration, and travel inspo from fellow adventurers.