Things to Do in Buenos Aires

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 Mothers of Plaza de Mayo.

🕐 Open 24 hours (public square)

💡 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.

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)

💡 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.

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.

Vast, ornate necropolis with elaborate mausoleums holding Argentina's elite, including Eva Perón. Guided tours are paid, but wandering alone costs nothing.

🕐 Daily 7am-5:30pm (post-renovation hours check; usually closes 5:30pm in summer)

💡 Go around 4pm on weekdays—fewer crowds and the light through the stained glass is stunning. Avoid Sundays when it's packed with tour buses.

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.

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.