Explore Buenos Aires

Historical Sights
Argentina was once subject to Spanish rule, so many of Buenos Aires’ monuments are dedicated to freedom and patriotic pride. The Pirámide de Mayo (May Pyramid), located in the Plaza de Mayo, was built in 1811 for the first anniversary of the May Revolution—a largely non-violent political movement that resulted in the installation of the first local government. It’s the oldest national monument in the city. The Obelisk of Buenos Aires was erected in 1936 in celebration of the city’s 400th anniversary. Situated in the Plaza de la República (Republic Square), it’s certainly one of the signature sights of the city.

The current executive in chief resides in La Casa Rosada (The Pink House), also known as the Presidential Palace. This beautiful structure can be found in the Plaza de Mayo, which is also home to other important political bodies. Another impressive home—currently serving as headquarters of the Foreign Ministry—is the Palacio San Martín. This century-old mansion was built for a wealthy family, and the structure of the building is thought to be a model for many other upscale homes built around the turn of the 20th century. The Palacio houses an expansive library with 60,000 books on topics such as international law and world history.

At the popular Recoleta Cemetery, visitors can view the tombs of some of the most important figures in Argentine history. After a harrowing journey involving the theft of her remains twice, Eva Peron (Evita) is now buried in Recoleta Cemetery. Juan Manuel de Rosas, a violent leader who ruled the country for 20 years, is buried near some of the people he persecuted.

Landmark Churches
Catholicism is the prevailing faith in Argentina, and many of churches built for its faithful followers are exquisitely beautiful—sometimes doubling as art galleries. The oldest is San Ignacio de Loyola Church, whose construction was started in 1710 and lasted 24 years. This storied church is famed for its role as a stronghold of resistance when Britain invaded in 1806. Visitors can check out the subterranean tunnels and view exquisite 18th century paintings within the church—including the sliding canvas of San Ignacio de Loyola, which was created in 1767.

The neoclassical Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral is the main church for the city’s Catholics and serves as the final resting place of General José de San Martin, known as the liberator of Argentina, Chile, and Peru. The Church and Convent of Santo Domingo, located in Montserrat, also houses famous remains: those of General Manuel Belgrano, who created the Argentinean flag.

Three additional historic churches that are well worth a look are San Francisco, built in 1730 by a Jesuit architect, and containing a tapestry created by native son Horacio Butler; Pilar, completed in 1732 by the Franciscans, is located next to the Recoleta Cemetery and is arguably the prettiest church in Buenos Aires; and the Russian Orthodox Church, a Muscovite-style structure complete with five dazzling blue domes, Venetian mosaics, stained glass windows, and artefacts sent to the church from Czar Nicholas II.

Amazing Museums
Societal and cultural history, as well as pieces from the country’s many talented artists, fill the diverse museums in the capital city. Lovers of visual art will enjoy the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, a large art museum covering periods including the Early Modern European, French Impressionism, and post-Impressionism. Among the works are paintings by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Picasso. The Museum of Latin American Art Buenos Aires was created to promote modern Latin American artists. It contains gems from luminaries such as Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, and Emilio di Cavalcanti.

The Museo Historico Nacional occupies the historic home of an influential Italian family and is among the most important museums in the city. Artefacts relating to war and Argentine history, personal effects of explorers and conquistadors, and religious items can be found in its 33 rooms. The Museo de Motivos Argentinos provides an eclectic home to fascinating artefacts form the gaucho tradition and interesting pieces belonging to some of Argentina’s legendary figures. The Museo de Arte Hispanoamericano Isaac Fernandez Blanco is dedicated to telling the story of the Catholic faith in South America, with items such as paintings, wood carvings, silver, and a whole segment devoted exclusively to images of the Virgin Mary.

Argentineans love their national heroes and legends, so it’s no surprise to find plenty of museums dedicated to these larger-than-life personalities. The Museo Evita, an homage to Eva Peron, contains film clips, photos, and personal items that chronicle her entire life. The Casa Museo Carlos Gardel is the former home of the adored tango singer, where visitors can browse pictures, music scores, media coverage, and his famous fedora.

Buenos Aires Night Life
Buenos Aires has a night life that’s as vibrant as the days are laid back. Tango, of course, is a popular diversion, as are wine bars, pubs, and discos. One note to visitors: even compared to European cities, the citizens of Buenos Aires get a late start on their evenings. Dinner is typically at 11 p.m., while the clubs don’t get hopping until around 3 a.m.

The height of Buenos Aires’ cultural sophistication is the Teatro Colón, which, after two decades of construction, opened in 1908. The city’s great opera house also hosts symphonic performances and is among the top five opera houses in the world in terms of acoustics. Even if you’re not into opera, make it a point to tour the intriguing building.

For those who prefer tango to opera, take in the shows at La Ventana Tango Show in San Telmo, a very traditional performance complete with outstanding South American dinner; and the Esquina Carlos Gardel, a 1940s-style club that provides high-quality tango and a lovely dinner. If you want to learn to tango—and then show off your moves-- take part in the lessons at these clubs: Milangas in San Telmo; Malaveje, a hall at the Carbonería that also serves homemade food; and Sunderland Club, which boasts a more family-friendly environment. 

The Buller Pub & Brewery is famous for its delicious microbrews, perfect on a hot evening. Club del Vino offers a refined ambience and features a courtyard with a fountain, a tasty restaurant, and live music many nights. The futuristic style of Deep Blue—with a neon bar, colourful lighting scheme, and tin walls—is certainly unique, but the pool tables and big-screen TV will help you remember that you’re in a bar. 

Asia de Cuba in the riverside Puerto Madero district is one of the hippest and largest clubs in the city. It offers superb Asian cuisine and then, after the tables and chairs are cleared, transforms into a dance club and cocktail lounge. Bahrein is relatively new to the club scene, but it became an immediate hit. The basement is one of the big draws, with an intimate space and décor that feels like a genuine underground event. Pacha is largely responsible for growing Buenos Aires’ reputation as a happening club city. This huge venue consists of many dance floors, a lively terrace, and a vibe that’s attracted a who’s who of performers.