Three Days in Buenos Aires, The Perfect 72-Hour Itinerary for First -Time Visitors
Three Days in Buenos Aires
We had two days in Buenos Aires and planned to explore as much as possible. The city, with its rich culture and European-style architecture especially along the waterfront, which resembles many cities in Europe, was very lively and there was a lot to take in.
Day 1 – Exploring Buenos Aires and Enjoying a Tango Show
We started our first day at Plaza de Mayo, the historical and political center of Buenos Aires. Surrounded by significant landmarks, we spent a good amount of time walking around.
Pink House
Casa Rosada (Pink House) This is the official workplace of the President of Argentina. We were lucky to witness a small parade during the ceremonial changing of the guards.
Bank of Argentina
Bank of the Argentine Nation This monumental building, also located in Plaza de Mayo, is the headquarters of the country’s most important national bank.
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Casa Rosada – Pink House
Catedral Metropolitana
Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral) This main Catholic church of the city was once the church of Jorge Bergoglio, who later became Pope Francis. Inside, there’s a small museum dedicated to his time as Archbishop.
The Cabildo
The Cabildo (Historic Town Hall) A colonial-era building that once served
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Catedral Metropolitana
as the seat of the town council during the Spanish viceroyalty. It now operates as a museum focused on Argentina’s colonial and independence history.
The Colorful Houses
From there, we headed to La Boca, a neighborhood famous for its colorful houses and vibrant street life. The highlight was Caminito, an open-air museum and pedestrian alley filled with brightly painted buildings made from wood and sheet metal. The area reflects the immigrant roots of the community and is known for its lively tango performances, artisan markets, and quirky restaurants.
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The colorful houses of La Boca
Tango Show
In the evening, we attended a tango show, an absolute must-do in Buenos Aires. Tango originated here and is deeply woven into the city’s cultural identity. With so many performances available, it was tough to choose, but we eventually booked one recommended by locals. The dancing, music, and atmosphere were all incredible, an unforgettable experience.
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A wonderful Tango performance at Aljibe in Buenos Aires.
Day 2 – History and Architecture – Recoleta Cemetery & National Congress
La Recoleta Cemetery
We began our second day at La Recoleta Cemetery (Cementerio de la Recoleta), one of the most famous cemeteries in the world. Known for its elaborate mausoleums, it houses the graves of many notable Argentinians, including Evita Perón, Nobel laureates, and former Presidents.
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Inside La Recoleta Cemetery
The cemetery was established in 1822 on land that once belonged to Recollect monks. Many of the monuments are declared national historical landmarks. It was fascinating to learn that families of the deceased must still pay property taxes for the grave sites. We spent about 1.5 hours here, taking in the mix of history and artistry.
Palacio del Congreso
Next, we took a short taxi ride (about 5 minutes) to the Palacio del Congreso, the national Congress building of Argentina. Modeled after the U.S. Capitol, its grand green dome and European architecture make it stand out.
They give free guided tours on weekdays and we were lucky to be there on a Friday. We joined the guided tour that included the
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The national congress building of Argentina
Senate Chamber, the Chamber of Deputies, and the stunning Congress Library, full of history, art, and impressive details.
Puerto Madero
As evening approached, we visited Puerto Madero, the sleek and modern waterfront district of Buenos Aires. The pedestrian bridge Puente de la Mujer offered a beautiful view of the skyline, and the area buzzed with nightlife and upscale dining. After enjoying the view and strolling along the boardwalk, we had dinner and took a peaceful walk by the water.
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The pedestrian bridge Puente de la Mujer
Day 3 – Tigre Delta
I’ve written about it in a separate post, check out Tigre Delta for the full story.
Where we stayed in Buenos Aires
We stayed at NH City Buenos Aires, which turned out to be the perfect base for exploring the city. The hotel is just about a one-minute walk from the Pink House (Casa Rosada), the official office of the President of Argentina, placing you right in the heart of the city’s political and historical center. The surrounding area is home to other government buildings and the Federal Bank, so it’s not only central but also very safe.
The Metropolitan Cathedral is less than a five-minute walk away, making it easy to soak in Buenos Aires’ history without worrying about transportation. Staying in this neighborhood means you’re surrounded by some of the city’s most important landmarks while enjoying a sense of security and convenience.
Check availability at NH City Buenos Aires
If this hotel isn’t available for your dates or you’d like to explore other areas of the city, you can browse more hotels in Buenos Aires to find something that suits your travel style and budget.
View other hotels in Buenos Aires
Tips for Visiting Buenos Aires
Best Time to visit
The best time to visit Buenos Aires is during spring, from September to November. We visited in December during the holiday season, and although it was hot, we spent time both indoors and outdoors, we were able to managed to cope with the heat.
Be Cautious with Street Currency Exchanges
Be aware that many individuals may approach you to exchange US dollars in Buenos Aires. Stick to authorized exchange services to avoid scams.
Plan Ahead and Pack Essentials
Buenos Aires can be quite expensive, especially Puerto Madero, where restaurants and everyday essentials cost significantly more. We bought sunscreen for $40, and that was the cheapest we could find. To avoid overspending, make sure to pack everything you might need before you go.
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