Buenos Aires is one of the most charming cities in South America and is home to incredible architecture, art, culture, wines, and food. While the “highlights” are essential to understanding this vast city, there are so many other special experiences and things to do in Buenos Aires to get an in-depth view of the city. Here are ten ideas for unique things to do in Buenos Aires, all recommendations from the experts on our Knowmad team.
If you’re interested in crafting an adventure combining Buenos Aires, Argentina and other regions in South America, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Trip Specialists at 612-315-2894 or [email protected] to plan your trip today!
No. 1: Art / Wine / Asado Adventure tour
A unique food tour from the eyes of a local. Live the typical life of a porteño in Palermo with a neighborhood tour and an asado, a traditional Argentine BBQ complete with tasty chimichurri sauce. Visit a butcher, a baker, and a wine shop with stops along the way to learn about the artists and work of Palermo’s famous street art. Then, stop at a private home to prepare and cook the asado, then enjoy the fruits of your labor with drinks, snacks, meats, and vegetables. This experience is best for anyone wanting to combine the many unparalleled facets of the life of a local in one day.
No. 2: Maté Experience
Move over Malbec! Learn about Argentina and Uruguay’s favorite shared beverage, maté. Learn the special rituals of how to select the herbs and prepare the maté, as well as share it with your friends. This experience is great for anyone who wants to enjoy the long-standing traditions of the Argentines.
No. 3: Hidden Buenos Aires Gems
Explore some of Buenos Aires’ hidden gem neighborhoods that the city highlights miss with stunning architecture, distinctive street art, century-old bars, and incredible history. This experience is best for anyone wanting to go beyond the hop-on hop-off bus tour.
No. 4: Tapas and Tango
This unique experience is for anyone who wants to go beyond the typical tango dinner and show. Visit Trade Bar, one of the most famous rooftop bars in Buenos Aires in trendy Puerto Madero for a cocktail. Then, head to Floreria Atlantico, one of the World’s 50 Best bars for tapas, finally followed by a trip to a milonga where the locals dance until the early morning hours.
No. 5: Isla Maciel
Near La Boca / Caminito, this “community museum” is bringing educational and work opportunities to the neighborhood that was previously plagued by socio and economic problems. In this experience, meet the members of Isla Maciel to learn more about their neighborhood, the community, and their art. With a local guide, visit a historic home and eat a traditional Argentine lunch, learn about the daily lives of the locals, their art, and their passion for their local soccer team. For anyone hoping to go deeper into the local culture, this is a rare opportunity to add-on to a city exploration.
No. 6: Folkloric Bar
In contrast to the serious nature of tango shows, Peñas Folkloricas are bars where patrons gregariously play traditional folklore music. There may be a professional playing a show in the earlier hours, but later in the evening, everyone grabs a bar-supplied guitar or other instruments and starts singing and playing and pounding on the tables for a makeshift drum. This is a special alternative for all music lovers or visitors who want an off-the-beaten-path experience and one of my personal favorite things to do in Buenos Aires.
No. 7: Xul Solar
Step into the mystic world and home of Xul Solar, an artist who, with his utopian vision, created art, invented 2 languages, and a game called spiritual chess. Visitors can find his documents, alternative universe art, heirlooms of the cosmos, and his library in the gallery below his apartment. This is a unique option for art lovers compared to the larger museums of Buenos Aires.
No. 8: Tierra Santa
A one-of-a-kind experience, Tierra Santa is a religious theme park with scenes from the bible, a 59 ft Jesus who rises behind a rock every hour, and tributes to saints and living religious figures. There is a restaurant with sodas, beers, and snacks and a gift shop. This experience is suggested for anyone interested in religion, culture, or rare experiences.
No. 9: Standing room at Teatro Colon
Enjoy a show at one of the top opera houses in the world, Teatro Colon. For those in the know, the “standing room only” section at the very top has the best acoustics. Built in the early 1900s, Teatro Colon is seven stories of magnificence and history. Visit the theater during the day for a full guided visit, but if you can get tickets to a show in the evening, go for the cheap seats! This exclusive experience is one for anyone who wants to see the luxury and glamour of the olden days of the city.
No. 10: Sailing Rio de La Plata
Enjoy a relaxing sailing journey on the Rio de la Plata, a massive river that feeds into the Atlantic Ocean. From this point of view, enjoy uncommon views of the city and learn a bit of history about the city as well. This uncommon experience is best for anyone hoping to spend a peaceful day in the water, away from the hustle of the streets of Buenos Aires.
It is always Knowmad’s goal that our travelers feel excited and prepared for their adventure to Argentina and South America. If you have questions we can help answer, or if you’d like to discuss planning your adventure, give one of our Trip Specialists a call today at 612-315-2894, or email us at [email protected] to begin planning your personalized Argentina itinerary.
Cheers, Rebecca
Rebecca is a Trip Specialist at Knowmad Adventures, a company dedicated to making unique, private and custom trips to South America. She first traveled to South America for love in 2008 and ended up staying for 6 years, traveling extensively through the continent. She is enamored with the different cultures, food, and colorful landscapes that she has experienced through her adventures. Read Rebecca’s biography and more about the Knowmad team.
