Buenos Aires

 

💡Buenos Aires: Good to Know

 

🛂 Visa: Citizens of the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and many other countries do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days.

 

✈️ Closest Airport: Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza - EZE)

 

💬 Language: Spanish is the official language. English is spoken in major hotels, tourist areas, and some restaurants, but basic Spanish phrases go a long way.

 

🏷️ Price Level: Moderate — eating out, transport, and accommodations are very affordable by international standards, but imported goods can be expensive.

 

🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Argentina: US$2.34 (Note: Due to inflation, prices may fluctuate.)

 

💰 Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS) | Exchange rates vary frequently due to inflation. Many tourists use credit cards or USD cash for better value, especially at unofficial "blue rate" exchange locations.

 

☀️ Best Times to Visit: March–May (fall) and September–November (spring) — mild weather and fewer crowds.

 

🚘 Transportation: Subways (Subte), buses, and taxis 

 

🔌 Adapter: Argentina uses Type C and I plugs (220V). Visitors from North America and the UK will need plug adapters and possibly a voltage converter.

 

🛜 WiFi: Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, public parks, and shopping malls. Speeds are generally good in urban areas.

 

🏧💰 ATM and “Cash or Card”: Credit/debit cards are accepted in many places, but cash is king, especially in local markets, taxis, and small restaurants. Bring USD if possible for better exchange rates.

 

💸 Tipping: Tipping isn’t required, but rounding up or leaving 10% at restaurants is customary for good service. Tip hotel staff, guides, and taxi drivers for exceptional service.

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🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Terminal de Pasajeros Benito Quinquela Martin. Av. Ramón Castillo 13, Buenos Aires, Argentina (docked)

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✈️ 🚇 🚕 Getting There and Around

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🎟️Getting around Buenos Aires is affordable and efficient, with a well-connected network of subways (Subte), buses, and taxis. The Subte is the fastest way to travel across the city, especially during rush hour, and consists of 6 main lines (A–H) that connect key neighborhoods like Palermo, Recoleta, and San Telmo. Trains run frequently, are air-conditioned, and most stations have signage in both Spanish and English.

To use public transport, you’ll need a SUBE card — a reloadable smart card that works on buses, subways, and commuter trains. Cards can be purchased and recharged at kiosks, metro stations, and some convenience stores.

Buses (called "colectivos") run 24/7 and are an excellent way to get around, but they require a bit more Spanish language skill and route planning. Google Maps works well for navigating both subway and bus routes.

While central neighborhoods like Recoleta, San Telmo, and Palermo are very walkable, Buenos Aires is a large city, so for longer distances, public transit is your best bet. Just avoid peak rush hours (8–10 AM and 5–7 PM) if possible, as trains and buses can get crowded.

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✈️ The main airport serving Buenos Aires is Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE), commonly known as Ezeiza Airport. It’s located about 30–35 km (19–22 miles) from the city center and handles most international flights.

There is no metro or train directly from the airport, but several transport options are available:

• Taxi: Official airport taxis (Taxi Ezeiza) are available 24/7 outside the arrivals area. Fares to central Buenos Aires typically range from 12,000 to 18,000 ARS (approx. 15–25 USD, depending on exchange rates and traffic). Be sure to use the official taxi counter inside the terminal to avoid scams.

• Ride-hailing apps: Uber, DiDi, and Cabify operate from Ezeiza and are generally more affordable than taxis. Note that pickup points may be in designated areas, so check the app carefully. Some drivers may ask for cash even if the app shows a card payment.

• Shuttle bus: Tienda León offers reliable shared shuttle buses and private transfers to downtown (Retiro) and major hotels. The shared service is a budget-friendly and safe choice, especially if you’re traveling solo or with light luggage.

• Public transport: While the cheapest, public buses (like Line 8) are not recommended for new visitors due to long travel times and limited luggage space. They also require a SUBE card, which isn’t sold at the airport.

Travel time to the city is around 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic. Allow extra time during rush hours or for customs and immigration on arrival.

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🚇 The Port of Buenos Aires (Puerto Nuevo Cruise Terminal) is centrally located and well-connected to the rest of the city. It sits just 2–3 km (1–2 miles) from key downtown areas like Retiro, Puerto Madero, and Microcentro, making it easy to start exploring right after disembarkation.

There’s no subway (Subte) station directly at the terminal, but the Retiro transport hub — served by multiple Subte lines (C, E), trains, and buses — is just a 5–10 minute taxi or ride-hailing drive away. Alternatively, you can walk to Retiro in about 20 minutes, depending on your luggage and comfort level.

 

🚌 One company offers hop-on hop-off services connecting the most important sights around Buenos Aires (more info here). 

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⭐️ Top Sights in Buenos Aires

"Buenos Aires has the most bookshops per capita in the world."

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📸 La Boca & Caminito: This vibrant, historic neighborhood is one of Buenos Aires’ most photogenic spots, famous for its brightly painted buildings, street tango performances, and lively open-air art markets. Caminito Street is the main attraction — lined with artists, dancers, and vendors selling handmade crafts and souvenirs. While it’s a must-visit for photos and atmosphere, be sure to stick to the tourist-friendly areas, as some nearby streets can be less safe.

 

📸 San Telmo: Buenos Aires’ bohemian heart, San Telmo is a charming district of narrow cobblestone streets, antique stores, and old-world architecture. On Sundays, the San Telmo Fair fills Plaza Dorrego with street performers, tango dancers, and stalls selling everything from handmade jewelry to vintage vinyl. Don't miss the San Telmo Market — a classic 1890s iron structure filled with food vendors, produce, antiques, and great local flavor.

 

📸 Recoleta Cemetery: More than just a cemetery, this ornate necropolis is a maze of mausoleums and sculptures, many crafted in marble and adorned with stained glass. It’s the final resting place of Eva Perón (Evita) and many other Argentine luminaries. Set in the upscale Recoleta neighborhood, it’s free to enter, and guided tours are available to explain the historical and artistic significance of its most famous tombs.

 

📸 Plaza de Mayo & Casa Rosada: The political and historical center of Argentina, Plaza de Mayo is where many major events in Argentine history have unfolded. On its eastern edge stands the Casa Rosada, the iconic pink presidential palace where Evita famously addressed the nation from the balcony. Also in the plaza are the Metropolitan Cathedral and Cabildo (colonial town hall). Great for photos and understanding the country’s political roots.

 

📸 Palermo Soho & Palermo Hollywood: These trendy Palermo sub-neighborhoods are beloved for their independent boutiques, art galleries, and some of the best cafes, restaurants, and cocktail bars in Buenos Aires. Palermo Soho has a more artsy, boho vibe, while Palermo Hollywood leans modern and hip. Wander the leafy streets, admire the colorful murals, or relax at one of the many sidewalk cafes.

 

📸 Teatro Colón: One of the finest opera houses in the world, Teatro Colón is an architectural masterpiece both inside and out. Opened in 1908, its elegant interior features Italian marble, French stained glass, and gold leaf detailing. Take a guided tour to learn about its rich history, or better yet, attend a performance for an unforgettable cultural experience.

 

📸 Avenida 9 de Julio & Obelisco: One of the widest boulevards in the world, Avenida 9 de Julio slices through the center of Buenos Aires. At its heart stands the Obelisco, a 67-meter-tall monument commemorating the city’s founding. It’s an iconic photo spot, especially when lit up at night or during national celebrations.

 

📸 Puerto Madero: Once an old port, Puerto Madero has been transformed into a sleek, upscale waterfront district. Walk along the restored red-brick warehouses (now home to luxury restaurants and lofts), stroll through the Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, or cross the Puente de la Mujer, a striking footbridge designed by Santiago Calatrava. Ideal for a scenic dinner or sunset walk.

 

📸 El Ateneo Grand Splendid: A must-see for book lovers and photographers alike, El Ateneo is a breathtaking bookstore housed in a former 1920s theater. The original stage, balconies, and frescoed ceilings have been beautifully preserved. Grab a coffee at the cafe set on the former stage and soak in the unique atmosphere. It’s consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

 

 

🍽️😋 Regional Specialties

 

Argentina’s culinary identity is built around high-quality beef, bold flavors, and European influences — especially from Italy and Spain. Whether you're dining in a high-end restaurant or a casual neighborhood parrilla (steakhouse), you’ll find dishes that are comforting, hearty, and meant to be shared. In Buenos Aires, food is a way of life — and trying the local specialties is an essential part of the experience.

 

🍽️ Asado: The soul of Argentine cuisine. Asado is traditional barbecue, typically enjoyed at long weekend gatherings with friends or family. Cuts like short ribs (asado de tira), flank steak (vacio), sausages (chorizo), and blood sausage (morcilla) are grilled over wood or charcoal for hours. Head to a parrilla like Don Julio, La Cabrera, or El Pobre Luis for a proper introduction.

 

🍽️ Empanadas: These savory hand pies are a favorite street snack or starter, and every region has its own version. Fillings include spiced ground beef, chicken, ham & cheese, and vegetarian options. Salteñas (from Salta) are juicier and more aromatic, while Tucumanas are bigger and doughier. Usually baked in Buenos Aires, but fried versions are common too.

 

🍽️ Milanesa: A nod to Argentina’s Italian roots. This breaded and fried meat cutlet (usually beef or chicken) is similar to a schnitzel and often topped with cheese and tomato sauce (milanesa a la napolitana). Served with fries, mashed potatoes, or tucked into a crusty sandwich as a quick lunch.

 

🍽️ Provoleta: Cheese lovers, don’t miss this. Provoleta is a small round of provolone cheese, grilled until it’s crispy on the outside and gooey in the center. It’s often served in a hot cast-iron dish, topped with oregano and chili flakes. Pair it with bread and red wine — a classic asado starter.

 

🍽️ Pizza & Pasta: Buenos Aires has one of the world’s largest Italian diasporas, and it shows. Expect thick, cheesy pizzas (try fugazzeta, loaded with onions and mozzarella) and unique pasta shapes like sorrentinos (round, ravioli-like pasta often stuffed with ham and cheese). Head to traditional spots like Guerrin or El Cuartito for a true porteño pizza experience.

 

🍽️ Dulce de Leche Desserts: Argentina is obsessed with dulce de leche — a thick, caramel-like spread made from sweetened milk. It finds its way into everything, from pancakes (panqueques), cakes, and churros to alfajores — cookie sandwiches filled with dulce de leche and coated in chocolate or powdered sugar. Perfect with coffee or mate.

 

🥤 Mate: A cornerstone of Argentine culture. Mate is a bitter herbal infusion (made from yerba mate leaves) sipped from a gourd (mate) with a metal straw (bombilla). Locals drink it throughout the day — at work, in parks, on the go — and often share it among friends. You can try it at cultural centers or cafes, but be warned: it’s an acquired taste.

 

🍷 Argentine Wine: Argentina produces world-class wines, and you don’t have to go to Mendoza to enjoy them. Malbec is the star — rich, fruity, and full-bodied — but Torrontés (a floral white grape) and Cabernet Sauvignon are also excellent. Wine is widely available and surprisingly affordable. Many restaurants offer house wines by the glass, and wine bars like Aldo’s or Pain et Vin are great for tasting.

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📍🗺️  Maps, Apps & Links

 

🌐 Public Transport Map 

🌐 Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour

🌐 Free Walking Tour I

🌐 Free Walking Tour II

 

🚕 Uber

🚕 Cabify

🚕 Didi