It’s most easily defined by its neighbourhoods: Recoleta with its world famous cemetery, Palermo Hollywood with its designer bars and worldwide cuisine and San Telmo where you can buy antiques in a market surrounded by colonial style buildings. There is also the elegant Puerto Madero and La Boca where the first Genoese immigrants settled in red, blue and yellow houses along picturesque Caminito Street.
Also known for its historic museums and plazas, and love for soccer, tango music and dance, it’s one of the most vivacious cities on earth. With so much to see and do, just how can you fit it all into 48 hours? Let us help you!
Day 1
Arriving into Buenos Aires – the ‘Paris of the South’ – you will immediately be struck by the charm of this traditional yet avant-garde city. With no time to waste, you’ll grab a quick breakfast of tostadas and coffee at a local cafe before it’s time to head off on a full day city tour! This is the easiest and most efficient way to see many of the highlights the city has to offer. You’ll start in the main square – Plaza de Mayo, known for the La Casa Rosada, ‘the Pink House’ and office to the President of Argentina.
Plaza de Mayo by Chris Meechan
You’ll then walk through the famed Recoleta Cemetery where Eva Perón was laid to rest, and spend time at Caminito Street in the colourful La Boca District. A great place to pick up those souvenirs for the family and even have a photo taken with a Tango dancer.
In the afternoon, there’s time for a visit to the stunning Colon Theatre, one of the most renowned opera houses in the world.
Inside the Colon Theatre by David Hein
If you’re a lover of meat, when dinner time rolls around, why not try one of Argentina’s best dining experiences at La Cabrera Norte Restaurant? Located in the charming Palermo District, it’s almost certain to be one of the best steaks you have ever had. Just make sure to book in advance.
Day 2
This morning you’ll escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head to the El Ateneo Grand Bookstore on Santa Fe Avenue. Housed in a beautifully refurbished old theatre, you can relax in one of the old theatre boxes that have been furnished with armchairs for visitors to settle in with a book or sit and admire the elaborate Italianate frescoes on the domed ceiling.
Food is often the heart and soul of a culture, and is what really brings families together. This afternoon, you’ll eat your way through Buenos Aires on a walking food tour of San Telmo. A neighbourhood with European charm, cobblestone streets and grand old buildings, it is truly a beautiful part of the city. Stopping at many parillas, Argentine restaurants offering traditional cuisine, you will discover some of the city’s most delicious gems frequented by the locals. You’ll learn the history of empanadas, visit one of the best artisanal “heladerias” (ice cream shops) and enjoy some excellent Argentine wines.
Empanadas by Deutsch_LionHeart/Pixabay
This evening you’ll experience a lively tango dinner show – an absolute must while you are in Argentina. Don’t forget your dancing shoes, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a tango lesson too! With just a few hours left in your 48 hour whirlwind tour, you’ll be able to use your new skills to dance the night away and work off all the food from earlier.
