Day 1: Historic centre and San Telmo
- Morning: Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, the Cathedral and the Cabildo.
- Midday: walk Avenida de Mayo; coffee at Café Tortoni; Palacio Barolo tour.
- Afternoon: San Telmo’s streets and antique shops.
- Evening: tango show with dinner. See tango shows.
Day 2: La Boca and Puerto Madero
- Morning: La Boca’s Caminito and Fundación Proa (by taxi or Uber).
- Afternoon: Puerto Madero docks and the Costanera Sur nature reserve.
- Evening: steak dinner at a parrilla.
Day 3: Recoleta and Palermo
- Morning: Recoleta Cemetery, then El Ateneo Grand Splendid.
- Midday: Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes or MALBA.
- Afternoon: Palermo’s rose garden and parks, then boutiques in Palermo Soho.
- Evening: cocktails and dinner in Palermo Hollywood.
Day 4: Colonia del Sacramento
Take an early ferry across the Río de la Plata to Uruguay’s UNESCO-listed town. Walk the cobbled old quarter, climb the lighthouse and watch the sunset before the evening ferry. See Colonia day trip.
Day 5: Tigre Delta or an estancia
Take the train to Tigre for boat rides through the delta’s islands, or join an estancia day trip with an asado lunch and gaucho show.
Itinerary at a glance
| Trip length | Plan |
|---|---|
| 2 days | Day 1 + Day 3 |
| 3 days | Days 1–3 |
| 4 days | Add Colonia |
| 5 days | Add Tigre or an estancia |
Tips
- Adjust to local hours: late lunch, dinner after 9pm.
- Stay in Palermo or Recoleta. See where to stay in Buenos Aires.
- Combine with Iguazú Falls, Mendoza or Patagonia by domestic flight.
For events, opening hours and official visitor information, see Buenos Aires official tourism site.
More Buenos Aires guides
- Buenos Aires travel guide
- 20 best things to do in Buenos Aires
- Where to stay in Buenos Aires
- Best time to visit Buenos Aires
- Ezeiza Airport to Buenos Aires
- Money in Argentina for tourists
- Tango shows and milongas
- Colonia del Sacramento day trip
FAQ: Buenos Aires itinerary
Is 3 days enough in Buenos Aires?
Yes for the main neighbourhoods. Add days for Colonia, Tigre or simply enjoying the café culture.
What’s the best day to be in Buenos Aires?
Sunday, for the San Telmo market and the street tango in Plaza Dorrego.
Where should I go after Buenos Aires?
Iguazú Falls, Mendoza’s wine country, Patagonia or Uruguay.
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