Argentina · 2026 itinerary
Buenos Aires 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Buenos Aires: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
The historic heart of Buenos Aires, flanked by the Casa Rosada presidential palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Cabildo. Scene of major political events and the famous Thursday marches of the
🕐 Open 24 hours (public square)
Free entry💡 Come on a Thursday at 3:30pm to witness the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo march — a powerful weekly tradition since 1977. Avoid peak midday heat in summer (Dec–Feb); the square is fully exposed.
Hotels near Plaza de Mayo →Every Sunday, the cobblestone streets of San Telmo fill with antique stalls, live tango dancers, and street food. Browsing is free; expect to pay for food or vintage finds.
🕐 Sundays only, 10am-5pm (stalls start packing up by 4)
Free entry💡 Arrive before 11am to see it set up without crushing crowds. The north end near Plaza Dorrego is pricier; walk south toward Defensa for better deals on old books and vinyl.
Hotels near Mercado de San Telmo (Sunday Antiques Fair) →Restaurant Museo Evita · ££
Voulez Bar · ££
Deeper Into Buenos Aires
18th-century colonial church next to Recoleta Cemetery, with a simple interior and a small museum (fee for museum). Outside, the weekend craft market sells handmade jewellery and leather goods.
🕐 Church: Mon-Fri 7am-7pm; Sat-Sun 7am-8pm. Craft fair: Sat-Sun 10am-6pm.
💡 The church itself is free and quiet midweek. The craft fair is Sat-Sun only—good for affordable souvenirs like mate gourds or silver earrings. Museum entry is 50 ARS and not worth it.
Modern art museum in Puerto Madero with rotating exhibitions of Latin American and international contemporary works. The rooftop bar is great for skyline views.
🕐 Wed-Sun 12pm-7pm; Wed free entry. Closed Mon-Tue.
💡 Free only on Wednesdays—check their website first. Most other days charge 200 ARS (about 50p). The permanent collection is small but the temporary shows often punch above their weight.
Massive green space with rose garden, artificial lake, rowboats, jogging paths, and weekend street performers. Perfect for a picnic or a cheap afternoon out.
🕐 Daily 24 hours (lake and rowboats 10am-6pm)
💡 Bring your own mate and a blanket. Rowboats cost about 50 ARS per half hour (cash only). The rose garden (Rosedal) is loveliest in November when in full bloom.
Olivetti
Bella Italia
Getting Around Buenos Aires
Colectivos (numbered buses) are cheapest local option. Use SUBE card for discounts. 138 bus line passes near San Telmo.
Get SUBE card at kiosks for seamless travel. Line A is oldest, runs near Plaza de Mayo. Most reliable for avoiding traffic.
Nostalgic restored 1920s experience. Perfect for tourists, passes Caminito street. Limited coverage but iconic Buenos Aires experience.
Use only white taxis with meters or pre-book through your hotel. Avoid unmarked taxis at airport. Fixed rate booths available in terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Buenos Aires?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Plaza de Mayo and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Buenos Aires?
See our full best time to visit Buenos Aires guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hotel Madrid, Hilton Buenos Aires, Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.