10 Nights in Buenos Aires: Ultimate Itinerary for an Unforgettable Trip

When I tell you that this was the most hyped destination of my trip… I do not lie. So I was psyched for these 10 nights in Buenos Aires.

As I backpacked across South America, I came across multiple people in various destinations raving about this curiously European-vibe but South American-infused capital city.

The amount of “I could live there” and “ugh, I wish I could have spent longer” was enough to get me pumped for this change of scenery. Leading up to Buenos Aires, I was mostly in more outdoorsy environments, like Banos, Ecuador, the San Pedro de Atacama Desert in Chile, or smaller cities, like Cusco, Peru. 

I was excited about the change of pace, walkability, food and art scenes, and more. So, let’s get right into this vibrant city!

If you visit any of these spots, tag @accentgolden and let me know your favorites!

Introduction to Buenos Aires

Why Spend 10 Nights in Buenos Aires?

Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a sprawling city full of culture, history, and unique experiences, and 10 nights gives you the perfect amount of time to explore it (without rushing).

From strolling through colorful neighborhoods like La Boca and Palermo, to taking a dance class and immersing yourself in the city’s world-famous tango scene, a longer stay enables you to experience the hidden gems alongside the highlights.

Best Time of Year to Visit Argentina’s Capital City

If you’re traveling from other parts of the world, keep in mind that Buenos Aires is located in the Southern Hemisphere. Winter lasts from June to August, Spring from September to November, Summer from December to February, Fall from March to May.

For lower prices, fewer crowds, but still pleasant weather, aim to visit in the Spring or Fall.

Day-by-Day 10 Nights in Buenos Aires Itinerary

Days 1-4: Put on your walking (and dancing!) shoes

I don’t know about you, but I am a wanderer. I love to take a bus/train to a new neighborhood and explore on foot for a whole day. Every cafe, bakery, bookshop, and grocery store calls my name. These were some highlights from my first few days:

• Walk Palermo Hollywood & Palermo Soho – From beautiful murals lining the streets to pop-up events and great restaurants. These were my two favorite neighborhoods in the city, part of the larger Palermo neighborhood and conveniently located side-by-side.
• Practice Your Tango – My local host introduced me to a fun tango experience at La Viruta, where you pay roughly $5 for the evening. It covers a group tango learning session as well as an open dance hour that follows.
• Embrace Your Tourist-Self on a “Red” Bus – Not gonna lie, I love a red bus tour. They can be an affordable way to cover a lot of ground and see where you want to explore further.
• Invest in Local Art – With a city as vibrant as Buenos Aires, there is bound to be a big art scene. You’ll find all different types of works throughout the city, but my favorite stop was at the art gallery of Roberto Jofre in the colorful neighborhood of La Boca.

Days 5-9: Explore the food scene, local wildlife, and green spaces

I try to take a cooking course wherever I travel to, to experience the local culture from a delicious perspective. Additionally, there is so much to explore in Buenos Aires that I was hitting the ground walking to cover some serious ground in my remaining days. These are some of my most noteworthy experiences:

• Spend a Morning Making Empanadas and Alfajores – I took a class where we learned the history behind the Argentinian empanadas and alfajores and got to make our own. It was a small course and a fun way to spend a morning. For some tips on booking cooking courses abroad, read this!
• Visit the Buenos Aires Ecoparque – This former zoo turned ecological sanctuary has a variety of animals and plants roaming the grounds. Literally. You’ll see peacocks and Patagonian maras (yeah, that was a new one for me too) just casually strolling by while you sit and enjoy your chipas.
• Learn About Yerba Mate, the Local Drink – As you wander around Argentina, you’ll notice a lot of people carrying totes or backpacks with a thermos as well as a cup with a peculiar-looking straw. I took an afternoon class with a local Yerba Mate distributor, who not only gave me the history behind this almost strong, green-tea-tasting drink but also the chance to make my own variations!
• Book a Tasty Experience – In my hunt to find all things food culture, I came across the Argentinian Experience. It’s a fun night filled with a tasting menu of food and drink where chefs prepare local dishes, and your various hosts teach you the history and culture behind each. It is a little on the pricier side for your travel budget, but it’s a fun way to meet other travelers and try a variety of the local cuisine. 
• Grab a Pastry at Lharmonie – This place is a GEM (and yes, I visited multiple times across my 10 nights in Buenos Aires). You walk right up to the counter (directly on the sidewalk) to order any of the delicious pastries or savories they have left alongside an array of coffees and teas. Highly recommend the chipas paired with a sweet treat before heading out to a local garden to sit and people-watch.
• Get Lost in the Paseo El Rosedal Garden – On my last day in Buenos Aires, I headed to this beautiful rose garden for a slow morning picnic on a park bench surrounded by all the pretty flowers. It’s free to enter, and outside of the garden, there are also trails to walk or run, and lots of duck sightings all around.

I covered so much more than what I mentioned above, but those were the highlights from my 10 nights in Buenos Aires. The weather was gorgeous, the food was yum, the neighborhoods were a joy, and the people were friendly – what more could you ask for?