Buenos Aires is a city that will sweep you off your feet. Whether it’s the European-inspired architecture, the vibrant tango culture, or the mouthwatering steak and wine you are bound to fall in love with this city. So read on and discover how to make the most of 2 days in Buenos Aires!
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Day One: Arrive & Explore Buenos Aires
Hopefully, you managed to get some sleep on your flight because you will be hitting the ground running!
First things first, where to stay? After reading endless travel blogs, we booked a stay in Palermo, and while it was undeniably charming, I have to say, I wish we had stayed downtown instead. Buenos Aires is HUGE, and if you’re only here for two days, staying closer to downtown will save you a ton of time (and Uber fares). So if you want to maximize sightseeing, I recommend picking a hotel near the city center.
Once you’re settled, the best thing to do on day one? Just get lost in the city.
- Wander the streets around your hotel, soaking up the energy of Buenos Aires.
- Grab lunch at a local café—maybe a classic milanesa (breaded beef) or an empanada (or three).
- Explore a nearby park or plaza or museum (if that’s your thing).
Use my Buenos Aires Google Map to use as a reference:
Dinner at Betty & Marcelo’s – A Must-Do in Buenos Aires
After a long travel day, you’ll probably want an “early” dinner—which in Argentina means 7 PM (yes, locals typically eat dinner around 10 PM or later!). The perfect way to ease into the Buenos Aires food scene? A traditional Argentine asado with Betty & Marcelo.
This intimate, family-style BBQ experience was a highlight of my trip. You’ll be treated to:
- Perfectly grilled meats cooked the Argentine way
- Homemade empanadas that will ruin all other empanadas for you
- Local wines paired with every bite
- Stories about Argentina’s rich history and asado culture
It’s more than just a meal—it’s an experience that connects you with locals and fellow travelers over amazing food. If you only have two days in Buenos Aires, make this dinner one of them! Book in advance here.
Afterward, you’ll probably be ready to crash for the night—tomorrow is going to be packed with more Buenos Aires magic.
Day Two in Buenos Aires: Exploring the Iconic Sights
I hope you had a good night’s sleep because today is going to be JAM-PACKED! If you have more than two days in Buenos Aires, you can definitely slow down this itinerary, but if you’re short on time, this full-day adventure will help you see all the major highlights.
Morning: The Ultimate Buenos Aires City Tour
Buenos Aires is massive, so one of the best ways to see as much as possible in a short time is by booking a small-group city tour. I booked the tour through Viator, and it was worth every penny! I LOVED this tour and our guide—it covered all the must-see spots without feeling rushed.
Highlights of the tour:
- Plaza de Mayo – The heart of Buenos Aires, where you’ll see the famous Casa Rosada (the pink presidential palace).
- San Telmo – One of the city’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods, filled with cobblestone streets and a rustic vibe.
- La Boca & Caminito – The colorful, artsy district that is a must-visit for its bright-painted buildings and tango street performances.
- Matanza River & Puerto Madero – A mix of old and modern Buenos Aires, with waterfront views and stunning architecture.
- Palermo & Retiro – Trendy neighborhoods filled with parks, cafés, and beautiful streets.
- Recoleta – One of the most famous districts in Buenos Aires, where the tour ends.
Afternoon: Exploring Recoleta & El Ateneo Grand Splendid
After the tour, you can either head back to your hotel to recharge or stay in Recoleta to visit one of the most famous cemeteries in the world. I recommend staying in Recoleta. Here are two sights you must not miss:
Recoleta Cemetery – This 5-block-long cemetery is filled with stunning mausoleums and intricate statues in a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. It’s also the final resting place of Eva Perón (Former First Lady of Argentina). If time permits, book a guided tour of the cemetery. It is worth knowing what you are looking at and the history and stories of the headstones.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid – Just a short walk from the cemetery, this breathtaking bookstore is housed in a former theater and is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s worth stepping inside to take in the grandeur.
Late Afternoon: San Telmo Area
Uber back to San Telmo Market for a late lunch and some exploring.
Lunch at the Market – Grab a meal at one of the many food stalls—empanadas, choripán, or a juicy steak sandwich are all great choices!
The Wine Window – Don’t miss this charming little wine window, where you can grab a glass and enjoy the panoramic street views from above.
Tango in the Streets – You’ll most likely see live tango performances right in the middle of the market. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
San Telmo Sunday Street Fair – (Seriously, try to be here on a Sunday!) On Sundays, the neighborhood hosts a massive street fair. It’s the largest, most chaotic street event I’ve ever seen! It is so fun to walk and see all the stalls. The market stretches for miles.
Evening: Rooftop Drinks & a Tango Show
After a busy day, freshen up at your hotel and get ready for a night of classic Buenos Aires magic—rooftop drinks + a tango show!
Pre-Tango Drinks/Dinner at a Rooftop Bar
- Salon 1923 – A stunning speakeasy-style rooftop bar with a moody, vintage vibe.
- Trade Sky Bar – Modern, sleek, and offering some of the best views of Buenos Aires.
Tango Show – Buenos Aires is THE city for tango, and there are so many venues to choose from. You honestly can’t go wrong with any of them! I booked a show at Piazzolla Tango, and it was fantastic. If you want a list of all the best tango venues, check out my Google Maps pins to see all the venues.
Tips for Visiting Buenos Aires: What to Know Before You Go
Buenos Aires is a city that’s full of life—think European charm meets Latin American soul. Whether you’re strolling through the colorful streets of La Boca, indulging in world-class steak, or dancing the night away in a tango club, Buenos Aires has something for everyone. Here are my top tips to make your trip smooth and stress-free!
Best Time to Visit Buenos Aires
Argentina is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons are opposite to those in North America / Northern Hemisphere:
- Summer (December–February): Hot and humid, but lively with festivals. Great if you love the warmer days!
- Fall (March–May): Ideal weather, fewer crowds, and stunning fall foliage in the parks.
- Winter (June–August): Mild compared to other parts of Argentina, but chillier. A quieter time to visit.
- Spring (September–November): One of the best times to visit—perfect temperatures and the city is in full bloom!
Exchanging Money: The Smart Way
Argentina has fluctuating exchange rates, and getting the best conversion for your U.S. dollars can make a big difference.
- Ask your hotel for the best place to exchange USD. They’ll know where to get the best rate—you can also go to any Western Union, but they will often have higher rates.
- Most places take credit cards. And at a decent rate! Just make sure you always run your card in pesos (ARS), not USD. This helps you get the best conversion rate from your bank.
Safety: Buenos Aires Felt Safe!
I felt completely safe exploring Buenos AIres, but like any big city, it’s good to be aware of your surroundings.
- Use common sense—don’t walk alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
- Stick to well-lit, busy streets and avoid flashing valuables.
- Keep an eye on your bag in crowded areas like San Telmo Market.
Overall, I never felt uneasy—it’s a city where you can confidently explore.
Uber is Your Best Friend
Getting around Buenos Aires is easy and cheap with Uber! We used it numerous times a day, and every ride was reliable. It’s generally more affordable than taxis and saves you from the hassle of negotiating fares.
How to Spend a Long Layover or Late Flight Out of Buenos Aires
Most flights from Buenos Aires to the U.S. leave late at night, so if you find yourself with a long layover or hours to kill before your flight, you’re in luck—there’s plenty to do! We flew in mid-morning from Iguazu Falls (following my 2-week itinerary through Argentina), and with a 10:55 PM departure, we had a full day to explore Buenos Aires.
First things first—ditch your luggage! Carrying bags around all day is a hassle, so I found two great options for luggage storage: Stasher and Bounce. Both offer secure locations throughout the city, making it easy to drop your bags and roam freely.
If you want a hands-on experience, consider a cooking class! We spent part of our day learning how to make empanadas and alfajores. While our creations weren’t the prettiest, they were absolutely delicious. Prefer to just eat instead of cook? Check out this food tour—it was at the top of my list, but unfortunately, it was sold out, so book in advance!
Not in the mood for food? Buenos Aires is packed with museums, from history to art to tango. I’ll admit I’m not usually a museum person, but if that’s your thing, you’ll have plenty of options to fill your day before heading to the airport.
Final Thoughts on 2 Days in Buenos Aires
I hope this blog post helps you plan the perfect trip 2 Days in Buenos Aires, and inspires you to add this diverse country to your travel list!
If you need any help planning or have any questions, please comment below or message me on my contact page! I would love to hear about how your trip went as well. Did you go to Betty and Marcelo’s?
Follow my 2-week Argentinian Itinerary for the next stop, Bariloche!
