Must-see and must-do

Buenos Aires is one of the most vibrant cities of South America and often referred to as the ´Paris of the South´. The long lined avenues green avenues, impressive architecture and the many museums, bars and restaurants which you can find in Buenos Aires are what make it such an interesting place to visit. Also the Tango was born over here, this romantic dance stands for the character of the city. 

One will have more time than the other to spend in Buenos Aires, one of the most beautiful cities of South America. We will give you some tips for 24 hours, 48 hours and a 4/5 day visit. When arriving at ViaVia Buenos Aires we will be able to help you to have a second look at your plans, we offer you more than just a bed!

24 Hours in Buenos Aires

Ok, we wil be honest with you 24 hours in Buenos Aires is never enough, but if that´s all you have, this itinerary could be interesting for you. Start you day with breakfast at the ViaVia Hostel , after that you will take the bus (line 130) or de underground to Recoleta. There you will visit the interesting Cementerio de Recoleta, one of the most well-known historical sites of the city. Eva Peron´ grave can be found over there.  

You can now take a taxi back to the city center or again catch the bus or underground (subte) to Av. De Mayo. If taking, get on line D and change on the way to Line A, one oldest line which still uses wooden trains. This historical line will leave you at Plaza Congreso. As the name says, this square houses the Congress building of Argentina, there is a beautiful fountain in front. Elegant av. de Mayo connects Plaza Congreso with Plaza de Mayo, during this walk which takes about an hour you will cross av. 9 de Julio and see the Obelisk on your left-hand side. All impressive and important buildings on av. de Mayo will have an information sign. Don´t forget to stop at the city´s oldest cafe: Café Tortoni.  You might want to drink a coffee or have lunch before heading to San Telmo.

From Plaza de Mayo you can enter av. Defensa and follow your way back to San Telmo. Have a drink at one of the historic bars at Plaza Dorrego. A great place to have a famous Argentine steak is Desnivel, which is as well located on av. Defensa.  More intested in seeing some Tango at night? ViaVia Buenos Aires can arrange a tango show at night, many are located in San Telmo. 

48 Hours in Buenos Aires

If you only have two days in the beautiful city of Buenos Aires it would be great if one of those is a Sunday. As on Sundays you will be able to visit some of the many handicraft markets in the city. You’ll find these markets in the neighborhoods of San Telmo, Recoleta and Mataderos.  

Day 1

Let’s say that Sunday is your first full day in the city. Catch the bus to the Recoleta neighborhood after a nice breakfast in ViaVia Hostel. This is one of the most residential areas of Buenos Aires. Well known because of the cemetery that is located in the center of this neighborhood, ‘Cementario de Recoleta’. Many people visit this cemetery to see Evita’s grave. After this visit you can stroll along the stands on the Recoleta handicraft market which is located in the park in front of the cemetery. The Cultural Center that is located located in the square is worth a visit as well. Entrance to the Recoleta Cultural Center is free of charge. Walk around and see some of the expositions or visit one of many dance and/ or theatre performances (requires a small entrance fee).

Head back to San Telmo after lunch to visit today’s second market. The San Telmo market is even bigger than the Recoleta one! Walk all the way on Avenida Defensa until Plaza Dorrego. In the late afternoon you will be able to see Tango dancers in the middle of the square. Find a table at one of the terraces or take the next bus to see the colored houses in the La Boca neighborhood. Here you’ll be able to see Tango in front of almost every restaurant. Make sure to leave La Boca before dark!

After this very busy day you might opt for a nice and quiet dinner at the ViaVia Resto/ Bar.

Day 2

You’ve not been to the actual center of the city yet. And that the part you will be visiting this morning! Start on Plaza Congreso and walk on the beautiful Avenida de Mayo towards Avenida 9 de Julio. Don’t forget to look up as some of the most beautiful buildings of the city are located on this important avenue. While crossing 9 de Julio you will see the Obelisk on your left hand side. Get closer if you feel like it and after the photo moments at the Obelisk you can follow your way on Avenida de Mayo until you get to the oldest Tango café of Buenos Aires, Café Tortoni. Another nice route would be continuing your way on Avenida 9 de Julio until The Colon Theater. Every 15 minutes there is a tour in English available. Through the streets Lavalle and Florida you will be able to arrive at Plaza de Mayo, the most important square of the city. Two important buildings on this square are Casa Rosada and The Metropolitan Cathedral.

Visit the Palermo in the afternoon, a neighborhood for with restaurants, bars and boutiques. Plaza Serrano is the ideal place to stop for a late lunch or a glass of wine. Stroll along the boutiques and if you want to get some rest in this city that never stands still a visit to the Botanical Gardens is a great option. From the Botanical Gardens at Plaza Italia it will be easy to get back to San Telmo by public transportation.

ViaVia Buenos Aires can help you arranging tours through Buenos Aires and surroundings. Some examples:

• Cycle Tours - from the classic city tour - the Palermo tour or all the way to Tigre!

• Guided city walks -  Half day and complete day walking tours - showing you the rich architecture of Buenos Aires
• Wednesdays - Tango tour including a 2 hour Tango class
• Cooking course - Always been curious how to prepare empanadas? Cooking course in the ViaVia kitchen!
• Argentine Soccer - Experience an Argentine soccer game (bilingual guide, transport and entrance fee are included)