If you only have one day in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, it’s an absolute shame. This beautiful and historic city is bursting with life, music, and impeccable food. However, sometimes, short breaks happen.
Whether that’s an extra day before you fly elsewhere or a long layover, there is still plenty to see and do in Buenos Aires in just one day. Don’t worry, whether you’re looking for history, culture, architecture, or tasty food and drink, I have you covered in this one-day in Buenos Aires itinerary. Make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes, and let’s dive in.
Okay, before we start, I’m going to quickly caveat this by saying this is a jam-packed itinerary. After all, if you only have one day, you better make the most of it.
It’s also not the most budget-friendly itinerary either, but again, if you’re only here once, you’ve gotta make the most of the airfare!
[tqb_quiz id='19878']Recoleta Cemetary
Now, it might seem odd to start off the day in a cemetery, but the Recoleta Cemetary is one of the most amazing places in Buenos Aires. This area is filled with ornate mausoleums and tombs, and most importantly, it’s the resting place of Argentina’s most famous presidents and figures. As a result, it’s where Eva and Juan Peron are buried.
It’s a really beautiful place to start the day, with the sun dappling over the tombs, and there’s a real sense of history and architecture here. On this itinerary, I’d recommend getting here when it opens at 9am as it’s a full day, with plenty of appointments to keep!
Asado Adventure Food Tour
The main bulk of this single-day itinerary revolves around one particular food tour: the Asado Adventure run by Asado with Frank. This was the first ever asado tour in Buenos Aires and remains the best.
While committing to a five-hour food tour when you only have a day seems like an odd choice, this is way more than just a food tour, and you’ll see and discover a lot more than just wandering around the sights.
The tour runs from 10.30am til 3.30pm, so it’ll take you from the morning into the mid-afternoon. It’s also the reason why this itinerary doesn’t suggest an elaborate Argentinean pastry breakfast!
If you don’t already know, asado is a traditional dining experience in Argentina. You’ll see Asado restaurants and have experiences all around the city. On this tour, you’ll explore the Palermo Viejo neighborhood to grab ingredients for the asado, checking out street art and visiting the butcher, a winery, and a bakery along the way.
As you start to get hungry, Frank has you covered. Back at the private residence, you’ll receive a cheese and salami plate, then salad, then grilled offal and cheeses, the main meat course, dessert, and mate to round out the day. You also get a whole bottle of wine to share between two people, which is generous for a food tour.
So, you get a neighborhood tour, street art vibes, a market visit, and a food tour all in the space of five hours. This is the kind of multi-tasking that we love in a 24-hour city visit!
Explore the Colourful La Boca
Once you’re full of delicious local wine and food, head to the La Boca neighborhood. While I admit that this is a little bit touristy, it’s also a beautiful place to take photos. This is due to the bright, colorful buildings all around this neighborhood and the street artists down the narrow Caminito alleys.
I’d warn that if you’re in Buenos Aires on a match day, to maybe avoid this part of the itinerary as this is where Boca Juniors play their soccer games, and it can get super noisy and busy. However, if you can get a ticket for a soccer game in Buenos Aires, it’s a unique and amazing experience!
Check Out El Ateneo Bookstore
For something a little more relaxing, journey across to El Ateneo Bookstore. There are a few, but you’re looking for the main one called Grand Splendid on Avenida Santa Fe. This amazing shop has been named the most beautiful bookstore in the world by National Geographic and sits within an old theater.
The building and architecture stretch back to 1919, and now it’s a hub for bookworms and architecture lovers. It used to host ballet, opera and was a cinema for a period before becoming a bookshop, so it’s one of the most important cultural sights in Buenos Aires.
There is an English language section if your Spanish isn’t great, but reading books in another language is a great way to learn! One of the great things about this bookstore is that it’s open until 9 pm, so you can easily carve out time to visit after your neighborhood tours.
Grab Dinner and a Tango Show at Plaza San Telmo
Finally, it’s time to sit down and relax. Head to Plaza San Telmo, a square that’s famous for its restaurants and live tango performances. Is there anything more Argentine than live tango with a steak and a large glass of wine? I think not!
There is also live music here, street performers, and more, so it’s a cool place to end your whistlestop tour around Buenos Aires. Enjoy a delicious steak or an empanada or two, grab a generous glass of Argentine malbec, and let the evening wash over you.
Of course, if you still have the energy, continue onto one or two of Buenos Aires’ many, many wine bars to soak up the nightlife scene that the city is so famous for. For the best recommendations, ask Frank from the food tour, as he knows all the best local spots.
Alternate Activities in Buenos Aires
While this is the one-day itinerary that I’d choose in Buenos Aires, not everyone has the same vibe, or you might be looking for something a little calmer or more budget-friendly. Regardless, there are so many things to see and do in Buenos Aires that you can’t really go wrong.
Here are some great alternatives for a one-day itinerary or short break in Buenos Aires. Whether you’re looking for something for a rainy day, an injection of nature, or something to enjoy in the evening, I’ve got you covered.
Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires
This amazing art museum has works by Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Antonio Berni, alongside some lesser-known Latin American artists and creators. It’s a super interactive museum, which is great for visitors of all ages, and it’s an ideal way to learn about the history and culture of Latin America.
Teatro Colón
If you love breathtaking theaters, you need to visit the Teatro Colón. This is the central opera house in Buenos Aires, and it first opened all the way back in 1908.
You can take a guided tour of the building most days, which takes 50 minutes, or keep your eye on the calendar of events and experience a show in awe-inspiring, historic surroundings.
Jardín Japonés
If you’re looking for stunning Japanese gardens with a tranquil vibe while you’re in Buenos Aires, the Jardín Japonés is one of the largest Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Originally opened in 1967, these gardens are a beautiful place to reflect, rest your feet for a while, and just watch the busy world go round.
Tres de Febrero Park
If you love city parks, then you have to check out Tres de Febrero Park, otherwise known as Bosques de Palermo. At 400 hectares, it’s the largest park in the entire city. It has lakes, nature trails, woodlands, and a rose garden that’s home to over 8,000 roses.
It’s a popular spot with tourists and locals alike, and you can see people enjoying a stroll, rollerblading, having a picnic, and just generally having a chilled-out time.
Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur
For an excursion that makes you feel like you’re a million miles away from a bustling capital city, visit the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur. Located on the Río de la Plata riverbank, this amazing ecological reserve spans 865 hectares.
You can spot wildlife, rare plants, and more in the lagoons, marshland, and forest. You can wander along the boardwalks or hire a bike and explore this peaceful part of Buenos Aires, just a short distance from the central business district.
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Boat Tour of the Tigre Delta
If you prefer your tours at a leisurely pace where you can relax, check out the boat tours of the beautiful Tigre Delta. It takes you out of the city to waterside artisans and markets, explaining the importance of this mighty waterway.
You can get tours as short as 40 minutes, all the way up to a couple of hours, so it’s a great way to balance city and nature without having to get sweaty hiking or cycling.
Vanessa Wachtmeister is a travel tech professional and the creator of the wealth & wanderlust platform, Wander Onwards. Vanessa is originally from Los Angeles, California, she is a proud Chicana, and she has been living abroad for the last 9 years. Today, she helps people pursue financial and location independence through her ‘Move Abroad’ Master Class, financial literacy digital products, and career workshops.