Travel Journal

Buenos Aires is a fantastic city to spend a few days. The cosmopolitan capital of Argentina is rich in history and culture, displays an eclectic mix of architectural styles, and is home to several iconic neighbourhoods just waiting to be explored.

Getting There With Air New Zealand offers direct flights between Auckland and Buenos Aires three times a week, it’s easier to get there! It’s the perfect city to start or end your South American adventure and is becoming a popular stopover on the way to or from Europe.

4 Days in Buenos Aires

Day 1: Introduction to the City, Botanical Gardens, Evita Museum & Wine Tasting in Palermo. Start your day with breakfast in one of the city’s many cafes. No matter where you’re staying, you’ll find a cosy spot nearby to grab a coffee and some churros or croissants.

After breakfast, hop on the Hop-on-Hop-off City Sightseeing Bus. These tours are fantastic for getting to know the city, finding your bearings, and deciding where you’d like to spend more time. Tip: Do a full loop without getting off first to get a great overview of the city.

In the afternoon, relax in the Botanical Gardens before visiting the Evita Museum, where you’ll learn about the life of Argentina’s most famous woman, Eva Perón. The museum is just a short walk from the gardens.

In the evening, join the “Malbec Trail of Palermo” tour. Enjoy your first glass of Malbec, learn about Argentine wine with a local expert, and savour some Argentinian tapas.

Day 2: Recoleta Cemetery, Avenida Alvear, the Museums District & Tango! Start your morning at the stunning Ateneo Grand Splendid bookshop, one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world.

After admiring the bookshop, visit the Recoleta Cemetery. It might seem odd to visit a cemetery, but trust me, this one is worth it! It’s one of Buenos Aires’ most popular attractions, and you can’t miss the mausoleum of Evita.

Next, take a stroll along Avenida Alvear, home to some of Buenos Aires’ most extravagant and expensive mansions.

After admiring the neighbourhood, visit one of the city’s many museums. The National Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Latin American Art (MALBA) are both in the Recoleta neighbourhood and just a few blocks apart.

In the evening, dive into Buenos Aires’ tango scene with an Urban Adventures Tango tour.

Day 3: City Walking Tour, La Boca & Foodie Tour Start your day with a guided walking tour of the city centre. Visit iconic spots like the Obelisk, The National Congress, Plaza de Mayo, and more. Walk along Avenida de Mayo, known for its impressive architecture, linking the Congress Building with Plaza de Mayo, the site of many important political events in Argentina’s history. You’ll see landmarks like Casa Rosada, the pink governmental palace, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

In the afternoon, explore the famous colourful houses of the La Boca neighbourhood.

In the evening, go on a foodie tour with a local guide. If you haven’t tried empanadas or dulce de leche yet, you’re in for a treat!

Day 4: San Telmo Market, National History Museum & Theatre Today, visit San Telmo to see the historic San Telmo Market. The large indoor antique market is open every day, but on Sundays, the outdoor market fills the streets from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, stretching along 13 blocks and side streets!

Defensa Street becomes pedestrian-only and packed with entertainers and a wide array of street vendors selling antiquities, original art, funky clothing, homemade snacks, and much more. If you’re in Buenos Aires on a Sunday, the San Telmo Market is a must! It’s worth planning your visit around a Sunday just for the market.