So you can fully enjoy one of the most fascinating cities in South America, we’ve created an itinerary filled with the best experiences and activities to do in 3 days in Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires is a beautiful and vibrant city that we’ve visited several times and even lived in for a while. And whenever we can, we return to the destination to revisit our favorite spots and discover new attractions.
The city, heavily influenced by European architecture and cuisine, has it all—from beautiful historic buildings, impressive museums, parks, and squares, excellent cafés and restaurants, to lively bars and parties. In short, Buenos Aires offers a wide range of attractions for all tastes.
We have compiled an itinerary for 3 days in Buenos Aires in this post, which includes recommendations for the top short-term activities as well as information on hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafés.
What to do in Buenos Aires in 3 days?
Buenos Aires is a large city, so three days or a weekend is not enough to see everything. But of course, during that time, you can visit the city’s main attractions and have amazing experiences, especially if you know how to optimize your itinerary.
Our suggestion is to divide your Buenos Aires 3-day itinerary by neighborhood. This way, you save on transportation time and have more time to explore the tourist spots. In three days, you can visit the main neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, which are: San Telmo, La Boca, Centro, Recoleta, Puerto Madero, and Palermo.
Day 1: Itinerary for the Microcentro and Puerto Madero
Places to visit in 3 days in Buenos Aires:
- Teatro Colón ($22,000 Argentine pesos)
- Obelisco (free)
- Plaza de Mayo (free)
- Casa Rosada (free)
- Museo Histórico del Cabildo (free)
- Metropolitan Cathedral of Buenos Aires (free)
- Calle Florida and Galerías Pacífico (free)
- Puente de la Mujer (free)
- Sunset at Puerto Madero (free)
The downtown area of Buenos Aires has many tourist attractions, but they are all close to each other. So, it’s possible to visit many sights in this area in a single day. However, your day should start early to make the most of it.
If you’re staying in the city center, we suggest starting your Buenos Aires 3-day itinerary with an amazing breakfast. If your hotel doesn’t offer breakfast, London City and Cafetería Negro are fantastic options to try.
We recommend starting the itinerary at the Colón Theater, one of the most important opera houses in the world. Take the opportunity to admire the beautiful exterior of the theater. If you wish, you can also take a guided tour to explore its interior.
Afterward, walk along 9 de Julio Avenue to the Obelisco (Obelisk), a city landmark. It is a quick visit to the Obelisk, so enjoy the surroundings and snap some pictures.
Continue your walk along Av. 9 de Julio to Av. de Mayo, then head to Plaza de Mayo (Mayo Square). Along the way, you’ll see several beautiful buildings, and if you haven’t had breakfast yet at London City, a “notable café” in Buenos Aires opened in 1954, this is an incredible time to stop by, as it’s located on Avenida de Mayo.
On this same avenue, you’ll also find Café Tortoni, another notable café. We didn’t find the food particularly good, but the place is beautiful and worth a visit.
Explore Mayo Square and the historical buildings around it. Visit the Museo Hisórico do Cabildo (Cabildo Historical Museum), which is free to enter, and the building is beautiful, with interesting exhibits. The Cabildo also offers a lovely view of Mayo Square and the Casa Rosada.
Also visit the Casa Rosada, the seat of the Argentine government. This is one of the most iconic buildings in Argentina. Next to the Casa Rosada is the Catedral Metropolitana (Metropolitan Cathedral). The church is housed in a historic building, and both its interior and exterior are beautiful.
Take a break for lunch; we recommend the restaurants Extrawurst Gastschänke (German cuisine), Bárbaro Bar (Argentine cuisine), and Santos Manjares (parrilla).
After lunch and a bit of rest, it’s time to explore Puerto Madero. It’s best to visit Puerto Madero in the late afternoon to watch the sunset. But if you have some extra time, stop by Calle Florida (Florida Street) and Galerias Pacífico Shopping.
Then head to Puerto Madero, where you can enjoy some ice cream, walk along the canal, and visit the Puente de la Mujer (Woman’s Bridge). We recommend that you stay until dusk so you can enjoy the view from one of the local bars.
Temple Craft Madero is located right in front of the bridge, making it a wonderful spot to watch the sunset. You are free to select a different restaurant or stay at the bar for dinner if you would like.
An incredible way to follow the itinerary through the downtown is by joining the free walking tour, which takes place daily at various times between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. In Puerto Madero, there is also a free tour on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, departing at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. We recommend only doing the Old Town Free Tour because doing both on the same day can be quite exhausting.
Tip: For accommodation in this area, we recommend the Hilton Buenos Aires, located in Puerto Madero. The hotel is well-located, just steps away from Puente de la Mujer, and offers a beautiful view of the canal. Staying in this location, you can easily explore Buenos Aires’ downtown and San Telmo on foot.
Places we recommend for dining in the downtown and Puerto Madero:
- Extrawurst (German cuisine in the city center).
- Bárbaro Bar (Argentine restaurant in the city center).
- Santos Manjares (traditional parrilla in the city center).
- Temple Craft Madero (bar in Puerto Madero).
Map of Day 1 of the 3 days in Buenos Aires itinerary:
Day 2: Itinerary for Palermo and Recoleta
Places to visit in 3 days in Buenos Aires:
- Floralis Genérica (free)
- Facultad de Derecho (free)
- Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de Buenos Aires (free)
- Plaza Bartolomé Mitre y Plaza Francia (free)
- Centro Cultural Recoleta (free)
- Basílica Nuestra Señora del Pilar (free)
- Cementerio de la Recoleta ($16.100 Argentine pesos)
- Feria de la Recoleta (Sundays only)
- Jardín Japonés ($4.500 Argentine pesos)
- El Rosedal de Palermo (free)
- MALBA ($8.000 Argentine pesos)
- Planetario Galileo Galilei
- Jardín Botánico (free)
- Palermo Soho (free)
If you didn’t have breakfast at the hotel, start the second day of your 3 days in Buenos Aires itinerary by visiting a good café in Recoleta. We recommend Café La Biela or Bicho Café de Especialidad.
We suggest beginning your day by visiting Floralis Genérica (currently under renovation as its petals were damaged in a storm). Don’t miss the classic photo in front of the flower, and take some time to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Then, walk to the Facultad de Derecho (Law School), which is located next to Floralis. The faculty is housed in a beautiful building, but this is a quick stop just for photos and to admire the architecture.
Continue walking and cross the Puente Peatonal Dr. Alfredo Roque Vítolo, a pedestrian bridge that offers a lovely view of both Floralis and the Law School.
Head to the Museo Nacional Belas Artes de Buenos Aires (National Museum of Fine Arts), one of the most important museums in Latin America, with free admission. Then walk to Plaza Bartolomé Mitre and Plaza Francia, a beautiful green area with a few sculptures.
In the summer, people often sunbathe in these plazas, making them quite lively. So, if you’re feeling tired, take advantage of the opportunity to sit and rest there. On Sundays, the Feria de la Recoleta (Recoleta Fair) also takes place in this area, so if you’re following this itinerary on a Sunday, be sure to explore the fair.
Next, it’s time to visit the Recoleta Cultural Center, a place that promotes various artistic movements, including exhibitions and shows. Next to the Cultural Center is the Basilica Nuestra Señora del Pilar, a beautiful church that draws much attention from visitors.
Head to the Recoleta Cemetery, located beside the Basilica.
The cemetery is one of the neighborhood’s main tourist attractions due to its architectural significance, with grandiose tombs, some of which have been declared National Historic Monuments. Many prominent Argentine figures, such as Eva Perón, are buried there. Entrance to the cemetery costs 16,100 Argentine pesos for international tourists. There is also a very interesting free tour available in the cemetery.
Now it’s time for a lunch break! We suggest having lunch in Recoleta before heading to Palermo. Our recommendation for lunch is El Sanjuanino, a local bodegón (restaurant that serves traditional dishes, often in a rustic and relaxed environment) with incredible food and reasonable prices.
After lunch, head to Palermo for the second part of the second day of your 3 days in Buenos Aires itinerary. Although you could walk, it is preferable to take an Uber, taxi, or bus and save your energy for walking around Palermo because this itinerary includes a full day of attractions.
In Palermo, start your itinerary at the Jardín Japonés (Japanese Garden), the largest Japanese-style garden outside of Japan. Admission costs 4,500 pesos for foreigners and 1,500 pesos for Argentine residents.
There are two other amazing attractions near the Japanese Garden: the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano-MALBA (Latin American Art Museum) and the Rosedal de Palermo. We recommend choosing just one of these to avoid making your Buenos Aires 3-day itinerary too exhausting. If you choose to visit MALBA, go there before the Japanese Garden for better flow in the itinerary.
In the Bosques de Palermo area, where the Japanese Garden and the Rosedal are located, you’ll also find the Planetario Galileo Galilei (Galileo Galilei Planetarium). If you have time in your itinerary, it’s worth a visit (the planetarium is more beautiful at night, but it also has its charm during the day). Afterward, head to the Jardín Botánico (Botanical Garden), one of the largest green spaces in Buenos Aires, home to a wide variety of botanical species.
Now it’s time to head to Palermo Soho, the busiest area of the neighborhood. The walk from the Botanical Garden to the central part of Palermo can be a bit tiring, so I recommend taking an Uber to Plaza Inmigrantes de Armenia.
Before strolling around Palermo, it’s a fantastic idea to stop for a drink and recharge your energy. Adorado Bar Soho is an excellent place for coffee or a cocktail. Overo Bar de Copas is an excellent spot for enjoying wine and some snacks.
Visit Calle Russel (Russel Street) in Palermo; the street is lined with gorgeous graffiti; also, take a stroll around the neighborhood. This is a lively neighborhood, so if possible, have dinner at one of Palermo’s restaurants or bars to end your day.
Tip: If you’re staying in Palermo, you can head back to your hotel and rest a bit before going out for dinner, as restaurants and bars usually get busy later in the evening. In Palermo, we recommend the Mine Hotel, a simple, well-located hotel with excellent service.
Places we recommend for dining in Palermo and Recoleta:
- Bar de Fondos (traditional bar and restaurant in Palermo).
- La Hormiga (grilled meats and pasta in Palermo).
- Vanffanculo (Italian cantina in Palermo).
- La Cabrera (award-winning parrilla in Palermo).
- Bellagamba (traditional bodegón in Palermo).
- El Sanjuanino (traditional bodegón in Recoleta).
- La Cocina (traditional empanadas in Recoleta).
- Restaurante Fervor (grilled meats and seafood in Recoleta).
- Café La Biela (café in Recoleta).
- Bicho Café de Especialidad (café in Recoleta).
Map of Day 2 of the 3 days in Buenos Aires itinerary:
Day 3: Itinerary for San Telmo and Caminito
Places to visit in 3 days in Buenos Aires:
- Caminito (free)
- La Bombonera ($1,500 Argentine pesos)
- Museo Histórico Nacional de Argentina (free)
- Parque Lezama (free)
- Plaza Dorrego (free)
- Mercado de San Telmo (free)
- Galeria Solar de French (free)
- San Telmo Fair (Sundays)
- Mafalda Statue (free)
San Telmo and La Boca are the most traditional neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. If possible, do this itinerary on a Sunday to experience the San Telmo Fair.
Start your third day of the 3 days in Buenos Aires itinerary at Caminito, a charming street located in the La Boca neighborhood.
Caminito is a postcard of the city—a narrow street with zinc-covered, colorful houses, shops, museums, and restaurants. Due to the high volume of tourists in this area, prices are typically higher, and there is a lot of solicitation from visitors. If you want to avoid the high prices, have breakfast at your hotel or in the neighborhood where you’re staying.
The establishments in Caminito begin opening around 9 a.m. We suggest arriving between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., allowing you to explore the area with fewer crowds and take photos with fewer people in the background. The later it gets, the busier the street becomes. On Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, there is a free tour at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m., which is an excellent way to learn more about the neighborhood.
At Caminito, walk along the street, visit art studios, check out souvenir shops, and take the classic photo in front of the Havanna store on the street corner. If you’re a football fan, don’t miss the Boca Juniors stadium, La Bombonera. Keep in mind that there are occasional thefts in La Boca, so be mindful of your belongings.
Afterward, head to San Telmo, the most traditional neighborhood in Buenos Aires. You can take a bus, taxi/Uber, or walk. We did this route on foot, and while it’s not very close, it was a pleasant and manageable walk.
In San Telmo, start your tour at Parque Lezama. If you enjoy visiting museums, check out the Museo Histórico Nacional de Argentina (National Historical Museum of Argentina), located in the park, with free admission.
Across from the park, you’ll also find the Iglesia Ortodoxa Rusa de la Santísima Trinidad (Russian Orthodox Church of the Most Holy Trinity), which, though small, stands out for its unique architecture.
Next, walk along Defensa Street to Plaza Dorrego (Dorrego Square). If it’s a Sunday, the San Telmo Fair will already be starting in the square. We recommend taking a break for lunch before exploring the fair or the next tourist spots.
For lunch, I suggest Hierro Parrilla San Telmo, a traditional parrilla located in the San Telmo Market. Take the opportunity to explore the San Telmo Market either before or after your meal. However, if you’re looking for a local and affordable restaurant, head to Caracol, which is just one block from Dorrego Square.
If you had lunch outside the San Telmo Market, head there afterward. This market is one of the oldest in Buenos Aires, having opened its doors in 1897. If you enjoy photography, make sure to stop by the Galeria Solar de French, located between the market and Dorrego Square.
Then walk along Defensa Street. If it’s Sunday, you’ll pass through the San Telmo Fair, the most famous and popular fair in Buenos Aires, held since 1970.
Head to the Mafalda Statue and take the classic photo with the characters (on Sundays, there’s usually a line for photos). Now, spend the rest of the day exploring the neighborhood, stopping by a fantastic café, or enjoying a drink at a traditional bar.
On this last day in Buenos Aires, try to include a Tango show in your itinerary. It’s one of the most authentic experiences in the city. Our favorite is the Tango show at Café Los Angelitos.
Tip: San Telmo (a budget-friendly and traditional neighborhood) and Puerto Madero (modern, with luxury hotels) are the best areas to stay for this 3-day Buenos Aires itinerary. San Telmo is a charming neighborhood with excellent restaurants and bars, and it allows you to explore much on foot. We recommend the Anselmo Buenos Aires hotel, ideally located right in front of Dorrego Square.
Places we recommend for dining in San Telmo:
- Javi’s Parrilla (restaurant).
- Hierro Parrilla (restaurant).
- Caracol (traditional restaurant).
- Atis Bar (Instagrammable café and bar).
- Café Riva (beautiful and charming café).
- La Poesia (traditional café).
- Gibraltar (traditional pub).
Map of Day 3 of the 3 days in Buenos Aires itinerary:
Other things to do in Buenos Aires in 3 days, if you have extra time:
- Visit the Evita Museum in Palermo, which features exhibitions highlighting different moments in the life of Eva Perón.
- Attend a horse race at the Palermo Racetrack.
- Shop at the outlets in Palermo and Villa Crespo.
- Visit the El Ateneo bookstore in Recoleta, a stunning bookstore located in a former theater. If you love books, take a tour of Buenos Aires’ bookstores.
- Walk along the Costanera Sur in Puerto Madero, enjoy the view, and try the street food. Take the opportunity to visit Parque Costanera Sur (Costanera Sur Park), a park with a view of Mar del Plata.
- Visit the Puerto Madero Casino.
- Explore the Palacio Barolo with a guide. This old structure features a distinctive architectural design that was influenced by Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy.
- If you’re short on time, take the hop-on-hop-off tourist bus to visit landmarks in different neighborhoods in a single day.
- Visit Plaza del Congreso and the National Congress of Argentina.
- Take a trip to the Tigre Delta, one of Buenos Aires’ most popular excursions.
Most exciting experiences and tours in Buenos Aires
- Colon Theatre & MALBA Museum Walking Tour.
- Café de los Angelitos Tango Show.
- Buenos Aires Food Tour.
- Buenos Aires Bike Tour.
- Buenos Aires Electric Scooter Tour.
- Buenos Aires Bar Crawl.
- Colonia del Sacramento Trip.
Where to stay for 3 days in Buenos Aires?
Although Palermo is often recommended as the best neighborhood to stay in, for a short 3-day itinerary, we suggest staying in San Telmo at the Anselmo Buenos Aires, located in Dorrego Square. This location allows you to walk to many attractions on both the first and third days of your itinerary. Additionally, the hotel is close to traditional Buenos Aires restaurants, bars, and cafés.
San Telmo is an old neighborhood, so it’s common to find cheap hotels, but many of them are outdated and in need of renovation. Be cautious if you choose another hotel in this area.
If you prefer more modern and luxurious places, stay in Puerto Madero. This area has some of the city’s most modern hotels and allows you to explore the city center and San Telmo on foot. It also offers a fantastic selection of bars and restaurants for evening outings. The Hilton in Puerto Madero is an excellent choice in this area.
Tips for Buenos Aires 3-day itinerary:
This itinerary is for those who want to see as much of Buenos Aires as possible in three days. As a result, it’s quite fast-paced since there’s little time to explore the city.
We’re assuming you’ll have three full days of travel, not counting your arrival and departure days. So, use your arrival day to explore your neighborhood, exchange money, and get a SUBE card (if you plan to use public transportation).
Some restaurants in Buenos Aires only accept cash or debit cards, so don’t rely solely on your credit card during your trip. It’s always a fantastic idea to have some cash on hand, even if you’re using cards. We recommend using Western Union to exchange money.
To save time, prefer taking Uber or taxis. Buenos Aires has an excellent public transportation system, but it’s slower compared to ride-sharing services.
Did you enjoy our tips on what to see in Buenos Aires in 3 days?
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PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ARGENTINA
Book your hotel in Argentina in advance
To ensure the best stay in Argentina, we recommend using Booking or Hotels.com, reservation sites we trust for all our trips. With a wide selection of hotels and the best available rates, you will find the perfect option for your stay, ensuring an incredible and economical travel experience. Our favorite hotels in Argentina are:
- Mine Hotel (Buenos Aires)
- Diplomatic Hotel (Mendoza)
- Hotel Nahuel Huapi (Bariloche)
- Hotel Kosten Aike (El Calafate)
For greater convenience, rent a car in Argentina
Argentina is a wonderful country to explore by car, offering stunning landscapes and charming cities. If your plan is to explore more than one city and maximize your comfort and freedom, renting a car is the ideal choice. The companies we recommend for car rentals are Discover Cars and Rental Cars.
Book your tours and experiences
Planning your tours in advance can save you a lot of time during your trip. Imagine being able to book all your activities directly from the comfort of your home and even pay with your credit card. The companies we use and recommend for booking tours and buying tickets are Viator, Civitatis, and Get Your Guide.