Buenos Aires in 3 days: a day-by-day itinerary

Three days are a great start in Buenos Aires: one day for the historic south, from Plaza de Mayo to La Boca, one for Recoleta and Palermo, and a third for the city of cafés, theatres and tango. Distances are big: mix walking with the subte, buses or taxis.

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Day 1. Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo and La Boca

  1. Plaza de Mayo & Casa Rosada

    The country's political heart, with the Casa Rosada and the Cabildo. The Casa Rosada offers free guided tours with advance booking.

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  2. San Telmo

    The oldest neighbourhood: cobblestones, antique shops and old-school bars. On Sundays the Defensa street fair takes over the area.

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  3. La Boca (Caminito)

    The colourful tin houses of Caminito and the Boca Juniors stadium. Stay in the tourist area and visit by day.

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  4. Puerto Madero

    The old port turned waterfront promenade, with the Puente de la Mujer. A good place for dinner.

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Day 2. Recoleta and Palermo

  1. Cementerio de la Recoleta

    A monumental cemetery of marble mausoleums, home to Eva Perón's tomb.

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  2. Floralis Genérica

    The giant metal flower that opens and closes with the sun, in the United Nations square.

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  3. MALBA

    Modern Latin American art, with works by Frida Kahlo and Xul Solar. Closed on Tuesdays.

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  4. Palermo Soho

    Leafy streets full of design shops, bars and steakhouses (parrillas). Perfect for a steak dinner.

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Day 3. Cafés, theatres and tango

  1. Café Tortoni

    The city's oldest café, on Avenida de Mayo. Order coffee with medialunas (sweet croissants).

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  2. Teatro Colón

    One of the world's great opera houses. Take the guided tour or, better still, book a performance.

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  3. Obelisco & Avenida Corrientes

    The city's symbol and the avenue of theatres. Try a Buenos Aires-style pizza at one of the classic pizzerias.

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💡 End the night at a tango show or a milonga, where locals dance.

Practical tips

  • Get a SUBE card for the subte and buses: you can't pay the fare in cash.
  • Dinner is very late: many restaurants fill up from 9 or 10 pm.
  • Argentina's exchange rate changes often: check before you travel whether paying by foreign card or in cash works out better.
  • Watch your phone and wallet in crowded areas, as in any big city.

Frequently asked questions

Are 3 days enough for Buenos Aires?

Yes for the essentials: the centre, San Telmo, La Boca, Recoleta and Palermo. With more days, visit the Tigre delta or take the ferry to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay.

What's the best day for San Telmo?

Sunday, when the Defensa street fair fills the neighbourhood with antiques, crafts and tango dancers.

How do I get around Buenos Aires?

The subte and buses reach almost everywhere with a SUBE card. At night or for long trips, use taxis or ride-hailing apps.

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Opening hours and rules can change: check the official websites before you go.