👍 Fun Facts about Buenos Aires

📍 Country: Argentina; Capital and Largest City

💰 Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS); due to inflation and economic austerity measures, exchange rates vary widely — as of mid-2025, $1 USD ≈ 900–1,100 ARS. But currency is complicated in Argentina. Not long ago, the recommendation for travelers here was to pay for everything in US dollars to get a more favorable (black market) exchange rate. Now, the country is going through a lot of changes, and it means that the value of the two currencies is converging and you don’t really save by paying with American money. Last time I went in 2024, I found it was less trouble and not really any more expensive to just use my credit card everywhere.

🛒 But how much does it really cost?: Buenos Aires is affordable for most international visitors. In May 2024, upscale meals rarely top $25 USD, and taxis, wine, and activities were cheap. Hotels weren’t a ton cheaper, and clothing seemed to be the same price. When I went in May 2024, I was there for six days and spent $1,756 total, and this is eating out every meal, shopping, and drinking the prescribed amount of Malbec for an Argentina vacay. While it’s not Colombia, that the value we were getting for things like food and wine far outweighed how ‘cheap’ those things were in other countries. But here’s the deal: Argentina has one of the most volatile inflation rates in the world and from May 2024 to May 2025, prices in Buenos Aires rose by around 70–80%. So while everything I paid for last year still sounds like a steal by global standards, just know that the prices I mention in this blog have likely jumped by that much. Still a bargain in many ways, but adjust your expectations (and budget) accordingly.

🇪🇸 Its Founding: Buenos Aires was originally founded by Spanish conquistador Pedro de Mendoza in 1536, but that settlement was abandoned. It was re-founded in 1580 by Juan de Garay, becoming a key port and colonial hub for Spain in South America. Argentina is very tied to its relationship with its European ancestry to the point where some people say they’re racist toward other Latin Americans, considering themselves to be almost like Europeans who just happen to be living in Latin America. I also find their accents to sound like they have an Italian flair. 

🗣️ Language: Spanish (Porteño accent); with many locals (predominantly younger ones or people in the hospitality industry) speaking enough English to communicate with the unilingual American.

🛬 Airport: Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) is 45–60 minutes from the city, and Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery (AEP) is in the city. 

🕒 Time Zone: Argentina Time (ART); 4 hours ahead of California

🚇 Transportation: Subte (subway), buses (colectivos), taxis & Uber — no car needed, but get a SUBE card 

🌡️ Weather & 🏔️ Altitude: Buenos Aires sits at a very low altitude—just 82 feet (25 meters) above sea level. The city has a humid subtropical climate with hot, sticky summers (December–February) and mild winters (June–August). Expect summers in the 80s–90s°F (27–35°C) with occasional thunderstorms, and winters in the 50s–60s°F (10–18°C). 

☀️ Best time to visit: March–May (fall) or September–November (spring) — warm, sunny, fewer crowds

🍽️ Typical foods: Asado (Argentine BBQ), empanadas, choripán, milanesa, dulce de leche, Malbec wine

🧳September–November (spring) and March–May (fall) offer the best mix of great weather, lower prices, and fewer tourists.  Winter is mild (50s°F) but less vibrant.

Fly into Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery (AEP) if it’s available, but more likely you’ll be flying into larger, more international Ezeiza International Airport (EZE). 

Direct flights are available from NYC, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, and LA. On my last trip I took a 6,878-point Southwest Airlines flight from San Francisco to Los Angeles, then used 36,500 Delta SkyMiles points to fly from Los Angeles to Buenos Aires. For the return flight, I paid $99.80 and 69,700 Delta SkyMiles to fly home to San Francisco. Sign up for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (70,000 SkyMiles after spending $2,000 in 6 months) to do the same. 

It’s not a short flight – but it’s worth it. And if inflation has forced you to downgrade to economy, save your neck and get some vertical sleep with this travel pillow / eyemask that holds your head to the seat headrest so it doesn’t fall over and wake you up every 3 minutes. 

Once you get in, you’ll want to take a cab (buses are a hassle and not worth the savings, imo). My cab was a $40 flat fee from EZE. If you get AEP it’s much cheaper since you’re already in the city. 

Pro tip: If you fly into EZE and can get in not during rush hour your commute can be like 40 minutes instead of over an hour.

Palermo Soho 

Vibe: Boho

Palermo Soho is part of the larger Palermo district, and the “Soho” refers to the sub-area around Plaza Serrano — named after New York’s SoHo for its artsy, design-forward feel. It’s Cobbled streets lined with murals and industrial chic venues in converted warehouses, local designer boutiques, tree-lined plazas with brunch spots… It’s my favorite neighborhood, and I’m not the only one, so it’s touristy. It’s the trendiest and most walkable neighborhood in Buenos Aires, known for its bohemian vibe, street art, indie fashion, and café culture. I recommend staying here.

Reasons to come to Palermo Soho

🖼️ Street Art & Murals: Every block is its own art expo — take a walking tour or DIY stroll to pieces by famous Argentine artists like Martín Ron.

🛍️ Boutique Shopping: Discover indie fashion labels, leather goods, and handmade jewelry at stores like Felix and Rapsodia.

☕ Café & Brunch Scene: Local favorites like Cocu and Birkin serve up medialunas, avocado toast, and specialty coffee. 

🌳 Plaza Serrano (Plazoleta Julio Cortázar): The heart of the neighborhood. On weekends it turns into a craft fair surrounded by bars, perfect for day-to-night people-watching.

🍸 Speakeasies & Nightlife: Hidden cocktail bars like Frank’s (with a password at the door) and Uptown (designed like a New York subway station) are must-visits after dark.

Palermo Soho 

Trendy and tourist-friendly, Palermo Soho is full of stylish Airbnbs, boutique hotels, and lofts — some overpriced, but many worth it for the vibe and walkability.

Luxury: 

Krista Boutique Hotel – quiet luxury behind a beautiful façade with refined details (pictured above)

Mid-range: 

Fierro Hotel – stylish boutique stay with spacious rooms and a rooftop pool

Duque Boutique Hotel – elegant and friendly with a garden, spa, and classic charm

L’Hôtel Palermo – lush courtyard garden, romantic and central

With Your Points: 

Aloft Buenos Aires Palermo – modern and stylish – 20,000–30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night (with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® or Brilliant® Card) – steps from Soho’s shops and cafés, with a rooftop pool and spacious rooms.

Dazzler by Wyndham Palermo – clean and convenient – 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night (transferable from Citi ThankYou® Points with the Citi Premier® Card) – ideal for a no-frills stay near both Palermo Soho and Hollywood.

Selina Palermo – hip and social – available via some travel portals like Capital One – this boutique hostel-hotel hybrid has coworking, yoga, and a young, creative vibe right in the heart of Soho.

Recoleta

Classic and upscale, Recoleta is full of elegant hotels and old-money Airbnbs in French-style buildings, ranging from affordable luxury to true five-star stays.

Luxury: 

Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt – iconic French-style mansion – 25,000–35,000 World of Hyatt points per night (with the World of Hyatt Credit Card) – sprawling gardens, art gallery, and true five-star service in a historic setting

Alvear Palace Hotel – old-world opulence with butler service, marble bathrooms, and a glamorous rooftop overlooking the city (pictured above)

Mid-range: 

Mio Buenos Aires – sleek and modern boutique option with massive bathtubs and a prime location for walking to museums and parks

With your points: 

Howard Johnson Hotel Boutique Recoleta – comfortable and central – 15,000 Wyndham Rewards points per night (transferable from Citi ThankYou® Points with the Citi Premier® Card) – solid mid-range option near shops, parks, and Recoleta Cemetery.

San Telmo 

You’ll find quirky, artsy guesthouses and cheap-but-charming Airbnbs in crumbling mansions — atmospheric but sometimes inconsistent in quality.

Luxury: 

Hotel Casa Lucía – elegant and historic – cash rates from $400+ per night – newly opened five-star hotel in a restored 1929 tower in Recoleta with luxe Argentine design, spa, and rooftop views. (pictured above)

Mid-range: 

L’Adresse Hôtel Boutique – French-owned, cozy, and stylish

Patios de San Telmo – charming, colonial-style architecture with an affordable price tag

With Your Points: 

Anselmo Buenos Aires – stylish and central – 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night 

Retiro 

Retiro has a mix of stately grand hotels near the plazas and some sketchy, outdated budget spots near the bus station — choose your street wisely.

Luxury: 

Casa Lucia Member of Melia Collection  – a beautifully restored Belle Époque mansion turned luxury hotel, Casa Lucia blends old-world charm with modern elegance.

Mid-range: 

Palacio Paz Hotel – historic elegance – set in a former aristocratic mansion right near Plaza San Martín, with stately decor and a peaceful vibe in the middle of the city (pictured above, obviously)

With your points: 

Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel & Convention Center – reliable and spacious – 25,000–35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night – large rooms, full amenities, and walking distance to both Retiro Station and Recoleta attractions.

Park Tower, a Luxury Collection Hotel – classic elegance – 35,000–45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night (with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® or Brilliant® Card) – old-school luxury with plush rooms, upscale dining, and views of San Martín Plaza

Buenos Aires Marriott -classic downtown comfort – 35,000–45,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night (with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® or Brilliant® Card) – historic façade and modern interiors with spacious rooms, sweeping Obelisk views, and a central location near Teatro Colón. (pictured below)

Start with a walking tour. Always. Every city has free walking tours and this will help orient you so you can optimize the rest of your time. 

We did the Free Walks Buenos Aires tour. It’s a little long if you’re ADHD, but informative—and free. You have 2 options for this particular tour: Recoleta/Retiro or City Center. With tip this free tour came to $15 per person. 

Eating should be a big part of any trip to Buenos Aires, and your main focus should be upscale steakhouses and Malbec wine, with a side of casual local eateries and a hint of bodegón. 

Eating in Argentina is an experience of bold flavors, long meals, and serious pride in ingredients — especially when it comes to beef and wine. Quality is consistently high, even in modest places, and the price-to-portion ratio is shockingly good — you’ll routinely eat like royalty for under $20 USD.

Gaucho culture (Argentina’s answer to the American cowboy) is prominent in asado-focused dining, and European manners remain strong. Meals are social, and often shared, and never rushed. Buenos Aires restaurant ambiance ranges from candlelit bodegones dripping in nostalgia to graffiti-covered burger joints with thumping music, but the throughline is the same: eating is a cultural event, not a transaction, so leave your American, “can we get the bill” bullshit in California. People don’t like that here. 

Before I give you the list, let’s orient your palette.

Here are the foods and establishment genres that Buenos Aires is famous for:

• The Buenos Aires Steak – Argentines eat more beef per capita than almost anyone in the world, and their steak is famous for its rich flavor, thanks to grass-fed cattle and a national obsession with grilling. 

• Asado – Related but not always the same – Argentina’s legendary barbecue; slow-grilled meats over wood or charcoal. This can be anything from street food to high-end Parrillas (traditional steakhouses) like Don Julio, La Cabrera, and El Pobre Luis

• Fervor: Upscale and old-school, Fervor is a polished Recoleta brasserie that specializes in classic Argentine parrilla and seafood, and was strongly recommended by my Argentina client. The space feels straight out of another era, with leather banquettes, crisply dressed waiters, and black-and-white tile floors. We shared a few grilled meats and split a bottle of Malbec while watching elegantly dressed locals order oysters and ribeyes like it was nothing. It’s pricier than most but feels worth it for the atmosphere alone. (Recoleta)

• Perón Perón: We got a round of empanadas and six different meat-centric mains and ate them family-style at Perónista-themed restaurant. The food plus a bottle of Malbec came to $17 per person. This felt like an amazing value, especially when you factor in the free 20-minute lesson in Perónismo that the waiter gave me when I asked him about the ideology. According to him, no one knows what it is anymore. (pictured below)

🍽️ Fine Dining / Chef-Driven

Because you should treat yourself. 

• Gran Dabbang: A cult favorite in Palermo Soho and a Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants restaurant, Gran Dabbang fuses Southeast Asian flavors with Latin American ingredients in an unassuming, high-energy space. The dishes are small, spicy, and packed with flavor — think chard pakoras, turmeric lentils, and smoked lamb curry — all served on metal plates like a punk rock tandoori bar. (Palermo Soho)

• Proper: This World’s 50 Best Restaurants restaurant  is housed in a former mechanic’s garage with an open kitchen and concrete walls. It’s a moody, wood-fired paradise whose menu leans seasonal and inventive — charred carrots, whole fish, ember-roasted halloumi — and the crowd is as cool as the plating. (Palermo)

• Casa Cavia: Brunch at Casa Cavia feels like stepping into an artful dream — a 1920s mansion turned cultural concept space, where flowers, books, and food merge into one elegant moment. The garden patio is the real draw, but the refined seasonal dishes and cocktails are just as transportive. (Palermo Chico)

• Maula: Maula is a closed-door dining experience that feels part art installation, part tasting menu. With moody lighting, conceptual plating, and unexpected flavor combinations, it’s one of the most experimental spots in the city — and also one of the hardest to find. (Palermo Hollywood)

• La Frenetería: La Fernetería is a stylish Italian restaurant in Palermo Soho, offering a modern twist on classic dishes. With its sleek design and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors. (Palermo Soho)

• Tegui: Hidden behind a graffiti-covered facade in Palermo Hollywood, Tegui is one of Buenos Aires’ most acclaimed fine dining experiences. Chef Germán Martitegui’s tasting menu is a journey through Argentina’s diverse ingredients, from Patagonian oysters to foraged herbs, all plated with minimalist elegance. The sleek, monochrome dining room and open kitchen set the stage for a meal that’s both theatrical and deeply rooted in place. (Palermo Hollywood)

🥟 Casual / Street Food / Market

Because not every meal needs to be a whole thing. 

• Burger Joint: This super casual burger joint – aptly named – bills itself as the first gourmet burger in Argentina, and while the burger was amazing, the atmosphere is more like punk rock meets reggae and gets into a throuple with counter service. My blue cheese burger and IPA came out to $12.50. 

🕰️ Historic / Iconic

Because you watched Evita on the plane ride over here. 

• Café Tortoni: Established in 1858, Café Tortoni is the oldest coffeehouse in Argentina, located at 825 Avenida de Mayo in downtown Buenos Aires. This iconic café has been a gathering place for artists, writers, and intellectuals, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural history. Our walking tour guide recommended Tortoni as a “best but touisty cafe.” I think she means ‘worth the hype. (Microcentro)

• Confitería Ideal: Founded in 1912, Confitería Ideal is a historic café and tango venue situated at Suipacha 384 in the heart of Buenos Aires. Known for its elegant early 20th-century architecture, it has been a cultural landmark, hosting tango events and preserving the city’s heritage. Our local friends in Buenos Aires reccomend this place as a more affordable alternative to Tornoni. (Microcentro)

• La Biela: This was recommended by our tour guide. Located at 600 Avenida Presidente Quintana in the Recoleta district, La Biela is a traditional café known for its rich history and connection to the city’s literary and automotive culture. With outdoor seating under a giant rubber tree, it offers a classic Buenos Aires experience. (Recoleta)

• Cadore Gelato Artigianale: Situated on Avenida Corrientes, Cadore Gelato Artigianale is a family-run gelateria that has been serving artisanal Italian gelato since 1957. Renowned for its high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes, it’s a must-visit for ice cream enthusiasts. (Microcentro)

• El Preferido de Palermo: Michelin-mentioned, world’s 50 best restaurant, and pink bodega magic. This adorable pink building dates back to 1952 and has a charming old-world atmosphere and a country-style patio. It’s known for its traditional Argentine dishes, such as empanadas, which we of course ordered, along with some lighter dishes such as salad, flatbread, and a rice and vegetable dish. Our tab last time we ate there was $33 per person. (Palermo Soho)

• La Biela: An iconic café situated across from Recoleta Cemetery, La Biela has been a gathering spot for writers, artists, and racing enthusiasts since the 1950s. Its outdoor seating under a massive rubber tree and walls adorned with automotive memorabilia create a nostalgic atmosphere. The menu leans European, offering a mix of Argentine and Italian-inspired dishes. (Recoleta)

🇮🇹 Italian

To celebrate Argentina’s European motherland

• La Alacena Trattoria: A cozy Italian-Argentine trattoria in Palermo, La Alacena is renowned for its handmade pastas crafted from imported semolina and farm-fresh eggs. Chef Julieta Oriolo infuses her family heritage into dishes like saffron cappelletti and tagliolini al pesto. The warm, casual setting and Bib Gourmand recognition make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. (Palermo)

• Sottovoce: Located in Recoleta, Sottovoce offers a refined Italian dining experience with a menu featuring homemade pastas, fresh seafood, and classic dishes like aubergine parmigiana. The elegant ambiance, attentive service, and extensive wine list contribute to its reputation as one of Buenos Aires’ premier Italian restaurants. When we walked in here for lunch they gave us free champagne, which stole my heart, and free bread with really amazing dips. We each got our own plate of seafood pasta and split two desserts among the group. Our tab was $32.27 per person after all that. Pro tip: ‘Sottovoce’ means ‘low voice,’ like be quiet, like whisper. So keep it down please. (Recoleta)

• La Alacena Trattoria: Also recommended by my Argentinian client, this cozy Italian-Argentine trattoria is renowned for its handmade pastas crafted from imported semolina and farm-fresh eggs. Chef Julieta Oriolo infuses her family heritage into dishes like saffron cappelletti and tagliolini al pesto. The warm, casual setting and Bib Gourmand recognition make it a Buenos Aires favorite. (Villa Crespo)

• Nápoles: Housed in a former carriage house of the Anchorena family, Nápoles is a sprawling 2,000-square-meter space that blurs the line between antique shop, bar, and Italian restaurant. Curated by renowned antique dealer Gabriel del Campo, the venue is filled with vintage treasures—from classic cars and motorcycles to chandeliers and sculptures. The menu features handmade pastas, pizzas, and Italian-inspired cocktails, offering a dining experience amidst a living museum. (San Telmo)

🥦 Non-Meat Focused 

Because sometimes your blood pressure needs to recover. 

• 13 Fronteras: This fusion restaurant draws inspiration from the owner’s journey across thirteen borders from the U.S. to Argentina. The menu blends Latin American flavors with international influences, featuring dishes like gelato and pasta-adjacent creations. The eclectic décor and storytelling approach offer a unique dining experience. It was recommended by Nelson, our server from Fogón Asado, who told us to get the cricket taco and lime tree ice cream. (San Telmo)

• Tanta by Gastón Acurio: This upscale Peruvian restaurant is desigend beautifully, with high ceilings and glass casing around miniature forests of plants. When we had lunch here, we were pretty tired of red meat, so we ordered ceviche dishes and salad to share, and I got a few pre-flight cocktails. The tab was $32.45 each.  (Retiro)

because your Spanish is better when you’re buzzed

Drinking in Argentina is as much about ritual and ambiance as it is about the drink itself. Partaking here is unhurried, social, and deeply tied to identity. Locals love to linger – over a bottle of wine, a round of fernet and Coke, increasly more often craft cocktails in trend-forward bars that often double as design showcases.

While red wine is the main character (see: Malbec, Bonarda, and Cabernet Sauvignon), Argentina also embraces hard spirits like fernet (typically mixed with Coca-Cola), gin, and whiskey. Buenos Aires in particular has a thriving speakeasy and cocktail culture, with experimental bars hidden behind fake train stations, laundromats, and flower shops. The bar vibe ranges from chic and moody to full-blown immersive theater.

Where to get your drink on in Buenos Aires:

Florería Atlántico – A hidden door in a florist store opens to a cocktail joint & gastrobar with a world-traveler theme, this award-winning bar serves up cocktails inspired by immigrant histories and regions of Argentina. (Retiro)

Frank’s – A proper speakeasy with a secret code, velvet curtains, and a serious cocktail game — classy but not uptight. (Palermo Hollywood)

878 – Beloved by locals, this understated bar focuses on high-quality spirits, inventive cocktails, and zero pretension — a true insider spot. (Villa Crespo)

Victoria Brown – This split-personality bar hides a sleek, dimly lit cocktail lounge behind a polished coffee shop — great drinks, Instagram lighting. (Palermo Soho) 

Shopping in Argentina is less about bargain hunting and more about discovering distinctive, local craftsmanship—from leather goods and gaucho-inspired fashion to hand-carved mate gourds and artisan chocolates. Buenos Aires, in particular, blends high-style European influence with Latin American boho and, of course, Argentine cowboy chic. You’ll find indie designer boutiques in Palermo Soho, historic markets in San Telmo, and upscale fashion in Recoleta and Avenida Alvear.

As far as clothing pricing goes, I found myself surprised. I was expecting everything to be super affordable, as I’d read in blog posts, but the prices here were more or less what you’d find in the US. The Argentine fashion scene is still worth checking out, but not because it’s cheap. You should aim to hunt for those perfect staple pieces, and embrace the Argentine culture as style inspo. 

Alpargatas: Classic Argentine espadrilles. Lightweight, comfortable, and come in every color and pattern. Super easy to pack and a perfect under-$10 gift.

Gourmet Souvenirs: Bring home Malbec, chimichurri, dulce de leche, or a box of alfajores (cookie sandwiches filled with dulce de leche and covered in chocolate). For something stronger, fernet (usually mixed with Coke) is the unofficial national liquor.

Textiles & Ponchos: Wool and alpaca blends are common in the Andean north, but even Buenos Aires has shops selling traditional ponchos, scarves, and wraps in beautiful natural dyes.

Alpargatas (Espadrilles): These canvas slip-ons are a staple of Argentine culture — lightweight, cute, and available in every color and print. Perfect for tossing in your suitcase as a souvenir.

Arandu:  Pictured in almost every image above, this well-known Argentine brand specializing in leather goods, gaucho-style fashion, and polo wear. We spent two hours browsing wool ponchos, brimmed felt hats, belts, wallets, and yerba mate gear. My friends bought matching outfits, like a polo, Harry Potter kind of look – very cool. I walked away with a structured wool poncho, a cowboy-esque hat, and a boina for just $139 (can’t afford not to). And then later, I went back for a leather belt $32 and second $72 poncho because it’s that cute. (Retiro)

Urban Luxury Marcas: A sleek, multibrand shop offering a curated selection of local designers across clothing, shoes, and accessories — where modern Argentine fashion hits high-end status. (Palermo Soho)

Infinite Eyewear: My friend and I bought matching sunglasses for $92 (each) 🙁 here. Yeah, I don’t know what’s with the matching thing, or when that happened, maybe we’re codependent.  Anyway, this place is cool – it’s an ultra-trendy eyewear shop known for top-tier service and bold frames that actually fit your face. Their selection was small but great and their prices vary widely, and the staff was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. (Palermo Soho, pictured below left)

Rafina: Elegant and contemporary, Rafina specializes in chic day-to-night pieces and statement accessories — polished but still distinctly Argentine. (Recoleta)

Personal Shopper 

One other option, which I really wanted to do but she was out of town the week I was there, is to hire this personal shopper / stylist that I found on Instagram. Mani takes you to 3-4 stores and helps you pick out and style your outfits, which I think would be super fun and really helpful, especially when you’re trying to pick up a new style that you may be unfamiliar with. 

Her prices were super reasonable, especially for a group. Here’s her quote from early 2024 (please keep in mind that Argentinian prices change very quickly so if she quotes something differently, it probably makes sense):

Half Day Shopping Trip – 4 hours  – USD 195 until 2 people + USD 65 per extra person 

Full Day Shopping Trip – 7 hours – USD 330 until 2 people + USD 100 per extra person 

*Discounts are available for groups +4 

 

🍷 The Half Day and Full Day packages include a glass of wine or a coffee in one of our favorite spots in the city.  

🚗 During the shopping trip, we offer clients the option of walking and taxis (covered by the client) or a private transportation which is an additional USD 25 per hour.

Here is Mani Shop Hop BA’s Instagram, and here are some of the places she recommends you let her take you: 

• Design District – Gurruchaga and Armenia Streets
• Tienda Patrón
• animaná
• Nimes
• Paul French Gallery
• Ropa REVOLVER™
• La Merceria Palermo
• Yey House

Pro Tip: If you buy something, but it could fit better, get it tailored. You came this far to buy beautiful stylish clothing – why not go the extra mile and make it couture? There’s a tailor in Recoleta – Pablo Lange – who did a large alteration to my leggings and fixed up a scarf for $23. Much cheaper than it would have been in the US.

💃 Day 3: Old-World Charm & Tango Spirit – San Telmo & La Boca

Morning

• Visit San Telmo Market for antiques, pastries, and yerba mate souvenirs.

• Wander the cobbled streets, stopping at Plaza Dorrego for a live tango show.

Afternoon

• Head to La Boca — explore Caminito and tour La Bombonera stadium.

• (Eat lunch in San Telmo instead — La Boca food is mostly touristy).

• Visit MAMBA (Museum of Modern Art) if you want something quiet and cool.

Evening

• Dinner at Gran Parrilla del Plata or El Desnivel (classic steakhouse vibes).

End with a tango class or casual milonga like La Catedral.

🎥 Evita (1996) – Madonna’s musical drama tells the story of Eva Perón, Argentina’s most iconic First Lady. The film was partially shot on location in Buenos Aires, including Recoleta Cemetery and Casa Rosada.

🎶 Carlos Gardel – The voice of tango. Even one or two tracks of his smooth, melancholy sound will set the mood for wandering through San Telmo or watching a milonga.

🎧 Soda Stereo – Argentina’s most legendary rock band. Play their hits while walking Palermo to feel plugged into the country’s cultural soul.

📕 Santa Evita by Tomás Eloy Martínez – A novel based on the surreal true story of what happened to Eva Perón’s embalmed body after her death. Strange, poetic, and very Argentine.