Buenos Aires landscape
Back to Guides

Perfect Weekend in Buenos Aires

Tango, steak, and European elegance in South America's Paris

📍Buenos Aires, Argentina⏱️2 Days

Buenos Aires is a captivating blend of European sophistication and Latin passion. This weekend itinerary takes you through elegant boulevards, colorful neighborhoods, legendary tango shows, and world-class steakhouses. From the antique markets of San Telmo to the vibrant streets of La Boca, experience the soul of Argentina in just 48 hours.

📅Saturday

🌅Morning

9:00 AM - Plaza de Mayo 🏛️ Start at the historic heart of Buenos Aires, see Casa Rosada (Pink House) where Evita addressed the masses.
10:00 AM - Café Tortoni ☕ Argentina's most famous café since 1858, enjoy medialunas (croissants) and café con leche.
11:00 AM - Teatro Colón 🎭 Take a guided tour of one of the world's best opera houses with incredible acoustics.

☀️Afternoon

1:00 PM - Lunch in Puerto Madero 🥩 Waterfront district with modern restaurants, try a classic Argentine asado (BBQ).
3:00 PM - La Boca & Caminito 🎨 Explore the colorful houses, street tango dancers, and Boca Juniors stadium.
4:30 PM - MALBA Museum 🖼️ Museum of Latin American Art featuring Frida Kahlo and Fernando Botero.

🌆Evening

7:00 PM - Palermo Soho 🌆 Stroll through this trendy neighborhood with boutiques, street art, and jacaranda trees.
9:00 PM - Parrilla Dinner 🍖 Late dinner (Argentine style) at a traditional steakhouse for bife de chorizo and Malbec wine.
11:30 PM - Tango Show 💃 Experience authentic tango at Café Tortoni, Esquina Carlos Gardel, or El Querandi.

📅Sunday

🌅Morning

10:00 AM - San Telmo Market 🎪 Sunday antique fair with vintage treasures, street performers, and empanadas.
11:30 AM - San Telmo Streets 🏛️ Walk cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and artisan shops.
12:30 PM - Plaza Dorrego 🎵 Watch street tango performances in San Telmo's main square.

☀️Afternoon

2:00 PM - Late Lunch 🥟 Try empanadas, choripán, or locro (traditional stew) at a local bodegón.
4:00 PM - Recoleta Cemetery 🏰 Visit Evita Perón's tomb and stunning mausoleums in this architectural masterpiece.
5:30 PM - Recoleta Cultural Center 🎨 Free art exhibitions and weekend craft fair outside.

🌆Evening

7:00 PM - Palermo Parks 🌳 Walk through Bosques de Palermo, Japanese Gardens, and Rose Garden (El Rosedal).
8:30 PM - Palermo Soho Dinner 🍷 Modern Argentine cuisine and rooftop bars in the city's hippest neighborhood.
10:30 PM - Milonga Experience 💃 Try social tango dancing at a local milonga (dance hall) - lessons available for beginners!

💡Essential Tips

Currency & Cash - Argentine Peso (ARS). Bring USD cash for better exchange rates, use "blue dollar" rate
Dining Times - Lunch 1-3 PM, Dinner 9-11 PM (or later!). Restaurants empty before 9 PM
SUBE Card - Rechargeable card for subte (metro) and buses (ARS 200-300 per ride)
Tango Shows - Book in advance, expect to pay ARS 15,000-30,000 including dinner and transfer
Safety - Watch for pickpockets in San Telmo and La Boca, avoid displaying expensive items
Sunday Best - San Telmo Market is Sunday-only, Recoleta Fair best on weekends
Learn Basics - "Che" (hey), "Boludo" (dude/buddy), Argentines are friendly and chatty!
Tipping - 10% in restaurants, round up for taxis, not included in bill

💰Budget Guide

Budget Breakdown: Expect ARS 150,000-250,000 (approx $150-250 USD at blue rate) per person for the weekend (excluding accommodation). Accommodation: ARS 50,000-100,000/night ($50-100). Food: ARS 40,000-60,000/day ($40-60) - steak dinner ARS 15,000-25,000. Transport: ARS 5,000/day ($5). Tango show: ARS 30,000-50,000 ($30-50). Buenos Aires is very affordable for international travelers!

Want More Weekend Guides?

Get new city guides delivered to your inbox every week.

Join the community of smart travelers

Weekly destination guides
Money-saving travel hacks
Packing lists & checklists
Exclusive travel deals

Your email is safe. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.