Buenos Aires: Cheap Flights & Best Hotels

Buenos Aires Travel Guide

Buenos Aires has a European look and a thoroughly Latin American soul. Grand boulevards and belle époque buildings recall Paris and Madrid, but the rhythm is pure Argentina: late dinners, tango in the streets, football passion and long conversations over coffee. It is a city of distinct barrios, each worth a day of wandering.

Quick Facts

• Country: Argentina
• Currency: Argentine peso (ARS)
• Language: Spanish, with a distinctive local accent
• Main airports: Ezeiza (EZE) for international flights; Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) for domestic and some regional routes

Seasons

Seasons are the reverse of those in Europe and North America.

Spring (September to November) is lovely, with jacaranda trees blooming purple across the city in October and November. Autumn (March to May) is similarly mild and pleasant. Summer (December to February) is hot and humid, and many residents leave town in January, so some places close but the city is calmer. Winter (June to August) is cool and grey but rarely freezing, and a good time for museums, theatre and cosy cafés.

Neighbourhood by Neighbourhood

San Telmo

Cobbled streets, antique shops and old tango halls. The Sunday street fair along Calle Defensa is one of the city's great experiences.

La Boca

Famous for the brightly painted houses of Caminito and for La Bombonera, home stadium of Boca Juniors. Stick to the main tourist streets and visit in daylight.

Recoleta

Elegant and upmarket. The Recoleta Cemetery is a maze of ornate mausoleums, including the tomb of Eva Perón. The National Museum of Fine Arts is nearby.

Palermo

The largest barrio, with parks, rose gardens and the Japanese Garden, plus Palermo Soho's boutiques, cafés and bars. A good base for first-timers.

Microcentro and Plaza de Mayo

The political heart of the country, with the pink Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral and Avenida 9 de Julio, one of the widest avenues in the world, with the Obelisco at its centre. Don't miss the historic Café Tortoni and the El Ateneo Grand Splendid bookshop, set in a former theatre.

Puerto Madero

Converted docklands with waterfront restaurants and the Puente de la Mujer bridge.

Tango

You can watch tango as a polished dinner show, catch dancers performing in San Telmo, or visit a milonga, a social dance hall where locals dance late into the night. Many milongas offer beginner classes before the dancing starts.

Food and Wine

Argentina is famous for beef, and a parrilla (grill house) meal of steak, chorizo and provoleta (grilled cheese) is essential for meat-eaters. Try empanadas, milanesa, and Italian-influenced pizza and gelato. Dulce de leche appears in almost every dessert, including alfajores. Pair dinner with a glass of Malbec. Vegetarians can rely on pizza, pasta, empanadas with cheese or vegetable fillings and a growing number of vegetarian restaurants. Dinner usually starts late, often after 9pm.

Getting Around

From Ezeiza, use official taxis, ride-hailing, or the airport bus services into the centre. The journey can take a while in traffic. Aeroparque is much closer to the city.

The Subte (metro) and an extensive colectivo bus network cover the city. Both use the rechargeable SUBE card. The city has a public bike scheme, and many central barrios are pleasant to walk. Ride-hailing apps operate widely.

Where to Stay

• Palermo: Leafy, lively and safe-feeling; the most popular base.
• Recoleta: Classic, elegant and central.
• San Telmo: Historic and atmospheric, with lively weekends.
• Puerto Madero: Modern high-end hotels by the water.

Money-Saving Tips

• Argentina's exchange situation changes frequently. Research the current best way to pay (cards, cash or transfer services) shortly before you travel.
• Visit free attractions such as the San Telmo fair, the Recoleta Cemetery grounds (check entry rules), parks and street tango.
• Eat a "menú del día", the set lunch menu many restaurants offer.
• Use the SUBE card rather than taxis for longer trips.

Practical Information

• Visa: Entry requirements depend on your nationality. Check the official Argentine government or consulate website before booking.
• Safety: Generally safe in central areas, but watch for pickpockets and phone snatching, particularly on public transport and in busy tourist spots.
• Day trips: Ferries cross the Río de la Plata to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay; take your passport.
• Plugs: Types C and I.

Find Your Flights

Long-haul fares to Buenos Aires vary widely depending on the routing. voyagiro.com compares 27+ booking sites for free, so you can compare flights and hotels for Buenos Aires in one search.