Buenos Aires, Argentina is an enormous city with an incredible number of sights, intriguing districts and delicious food options. With so much to see and do, planning a One Day in Buenos Aires Itinerary is challenging.
Each BA neighborhood is distinct and offers array of things to see. During our trip, we were quick to learn that there is no shortage of things to do in Buenos Aires. Gorgeous architecture, modern marvels, dynamic markets and savory local cuisine were all things that we wanted to squeeze into a Buenos Aires One Day Itinerary.
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Best One Day in Buenos Aires Itinerary
Determined to see the highlights on our own, we decided to tour Buenos Aires on foot. Our ambitious One Day Buenos Aires Itinerary led us on a 5-mile journey through the heart of the city. We focused on the best downtown neighborhoods of Centro, San Telmo, Puerto Madero and Retiro in a full day of exploration.
Is 1 Day in Buenos Aires, Argentina Enough?
Deciding how many days to spend in Buenos Aires is a quandary. We could easily spend weeks in the city and not run out of things to do. However, many travelers use BA as a transit point for other destinations in Argentina and South America.
There is no doubt that spending just one day in BA will be quite limiting. In our opinion, we think travelers need 2 days in Buenos at the very least – and spending 3 days in BA would be ideal.
That said, if one day is all that you have for the trip, we suggest making the most of it…and our outlined One Day Itinerary showcases the best of the city!
Sightseeing Buenos Aires in a Day
A day in Buenos Aires is just enough time to get a feel for the massive metropolis. In order for your 1 Day Buenos Aires Travel Itinerary to go off without a hitch, you will want to make sure you are prepared for your amazing day of sightseeing.
Be sure to wear comfortable travel shoes and carry a good travel day bag with zippered compartments to deter sticky fingers. A guide book may be useful, but you can also find your way using the map of Buenos Aires, Argentina below, which is marked with our recommended attractions.
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One Day in Buenos Aires Itinerary
Our Buenos Aires in One Day Itinerary includes detailed information of the top places to visit – which will help make your trip planning a breeze. Plus, at the end of the article, we share more BA travel planning tips. Now, let’s get to it!
MORNING: Centro Buenos Aires Sights
Our plan of what to see in Buenos Aires in 1 day begins in Centro at Plaza Lavalle. The plaza can be reached on foot or by subway. Use Subte B to Carlos Pellegrini, Subte C to Lavalle or Subte D to Tribunales.
Teatro Colon on Plaza Lavalle
Plaza Lavalle is a striking park consisting of three blocks of green space in the center of BA. The spacious square is home to the famed Teatro Colon Opera House. The ornate structure dates to 1888 and is known the world over for its exceptional acoustics.
Sitting across from Teatro Colon is the Neoclassical Palacio of Justicia. The building houses the Argentine Supreme Court and is a national historic landmark.
Avenida 9 de Julio
After admiring the architecture on Lavalle Square, proceed down the Diagonal Norte to Avenida 9 de Julio. Known as the widest avenue in the world, the street is a Buenos Aires must-see!
Plaza de la Republic marks the intersection of the two major streets. Standing at the center of the square is the Obelisco, the icon of Buenos Aires. Built in 1936 to commemorate the establishment of the city, the 220-foot-tall is often decorated for important celebrations.
Plaza de Congreso
A bright and airy square in the center of the city, Plaza de Congreso is one of the interesting places to visit in Buenos Aires. The square is capped on the west by the Congress of Argentina and to the east by the distinct Palacio Barolo building – and features numerous statues and monuments within.
Top things to see in Plaza de Congreso are the signed replica Rodin sculpture (The Thinker), the Monumento a los Dos Congresos statue and the Zero Kilometer Monolith, which designates the starting point of several national routes of Argentina.
Cafe Tortoni
A legendary cafe that first opened its doors in 1858, Cafe Tortoni is a lavish coffeehouse by day and tango venue by night. Step inside to see the nostalgic interior, but expect long wait for a table. If seats are available, we highly recommend taking a mid-morning break and enjoying an Argentinian breakfast of chocolate with churros.
Catedral Metropolitana
Continue your discovery of Buenos Aires attractions and walk west toward Plaza de Mayo and the Catedral Metropolitana. The Metropolitan Cathedral has a history that can be traced to the year 1580. More recently, when Pope Francis served as the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in the late 1990s, he often held mass at the cathedral.
A unique attraction at the cathedral is the Mausoleum of San Martin: the tomb of Argentina’s liberator Jose de San Martin. If you time your visit right, you can witness the changing of the guard.
Plaza de Mayo
Visiting Plaza de Mayo is one of the top Buenos Aires things to do. The plaza has always been –and clearly still is – a place for political demonstrations. The Casa Rosada commands attention and encourages some tourists to recreate Evita by singing, “Don’t cry for me, Argentina!”.
The square is ringed by government buildings and popular Buenos Aires museums. At the center of Plaza de Mayo is the Piramide de Mayo, a pillar that marks the Argentina May Revolution.
La Manzana de Las Luces
From the plaza, walk south toward one of the historic things to see in Buenos Aires: the colonial structures of La Manzana de Las Luces. Step inside the Iglesia de San Ignaciso de Loyola, the oldest church in the city, and appreciate the quiet before continuing to the San Telmo district.
MIDDAY: San Telmo Sights
By midday of your 1 Day in Buenos Aires trip, make your way into the bustling San Telmo neighborhood. The lively San Telmo district ranks as one of the oldest areas of Buenos Aires – and still clings tight to long traditions and cultural beliefs.
La Defensa Street
Embark on one of the top activities in Buenos Aires and stroll the length of the charismatic La Defensa Street. The throughfare hosts a popular flea market, Feria de San Pedro Telmo. The crowded market only takes place on Sundays, but it has evolved into one of the most visited Buenos Aires tourist attractions.
Sunday Feria de San Pedro Telmo Market
If your 1 Day in Buenos Aires happens to be a Sunday, wade your way through the crowds to vendors hawking everything from authentic antiques to cheap trinkets. Regardless of what day it is, walk the six blocks of the cobbled street from Plaza de Mayo south to Plaza Dorrego.
Lunch on Defensa Street
Hopefully you’re ready for lunch on your day trip to Buenos Aires. We recommended enjoying local food from one of the parrilla establishments along Defensa.
Again, if it’s Sunday, let your senses lead the way to sizzling meat and live music. Order a choripan sausage sandwich, do a little toe-tapping and a lot of people watching, then continue to work your way through the crowds to the south.
Alternatively, file into Desnivel, a classic San Telmo restaurant that serves traditional Argentine cuisine. An order of empanadas are a must, but consider saving room for more snacks at the next stop on our Buenos Aires Day Tour.
Mercado de San Telmo
Near the south end of Defensa Street, detour into the historic Mercado de San Telmo. Designed in the late 1800s, the building is constructed of iron, metal and glass, and features high arches.
Inside, visitors can shop at the old-fashioned stalls, where fresh fruits, vegetables and meat are sold alongside antiques and souvenirs. Vendors at the San Telmo Market also sell prepared foods. Two top spots are El Hornero for empanadas and La Choripaneria for choripan.
Plaza Dorrego
Make a last push through the crowds on Defensa Street to Plaza Dorrego. The square is in the heart of San Telmo and is the second-oldest plaza in Buenos Aires. The square is often crowded (especially on weekends), but there is always room for tango dancing in the center.
If your weary feet need a rest, sit at a patio table at the longtime favorite Bar Plaza Dorrego. A quintessential corner bar in Buenos Aires, it’s best to order a chopp (draught) of local cerveza (beer) – just like the locals do!
La Boca District
Just south of San Telmo is the captivating La Boca District. Known as the birthplace of Tango and home of the famous Boca Juniors Football Club, tourist visit the area for its bright, colorful streets and vibrant atmosphere.
If time allows, wander into the district to see the lush Lezama Park, stroll along the cobblestone streets of El Caminito, visit the Conventillo craft shops and seek out street art.
AFTERNOON: Puerto Madero Sights
As the day eases into the afternoon, continue your One-Day Buenos Aires Itinerary in Puerto Madero. Stretch your legs alongside the waters of the old port and among a sea of modern skyscrapers as you walk north along the pedestrian promenade.
Presidente Sarmiento Ship
The docked Presidente Sarmiento naval vessel is a top Buenos Aires attraction. Built in 1898, the historic frigate now serves as a museum. Visitors can step aboard to learn about the ship’s seafaring past.
Puente de la Mujer
The famous Puente de la Mujer bridge is an icon of modern Buenos Aires. The pedestrian bridge is a unique cable-stayed swing bridge. The structure’s name translates to ‘Woman’s Bridge’ and was designed to depict a couple dancing the tango.
Centro Cultural Kirchner
Divert from the waterfront and work your way back into the city to the Centro Cultural Kirchner – or CCK. The massive cultural center (one of the largest in the world) features spectacular architecture. Converted from the old Central Post Office, the renovation of the center was completed in 2015.
Inside, CCK hosts multiple concert venues and art galleries, but the highlight is the rooftop terraces. There is no entry fee; the CCK is one of the free things to do in Buenos Aires!
Florida Street
Marking the commercial center of the city, Calle Florida is must for your One Day Itinerary for Buenos Aires. The pedestrian-only street bustles with businesspeople, shoppers and tourists. Naturally, the area is flush with retail shops, restaurants and street performers.
EVENING: Retiro Sightseeing
As the day moves into the evening, there are just a few more sights to see on your 1 Day in Buenos Aires Itinerary.
Plaza General San Martin and Torre Monument
A gorgeous city center park, Plaza General San Martin is an ideal place to wrap up your One Day of Buenos Aires sightseeing tour.
The historic square has witnessed centuries of important events. Developed into a park in 1891, the green space is highlighted by walking trails, ancient shade trees and war monuments. From the northeastern end of the park, visitors can see the Torre Monumental – a 196-foot-tall clock tower celebrating Argentina’s independence.
Dinner at El Establo
Feasting on a steak dinner rounds out our list of things to do in Buenos Aires in one day. While there are a number of upscale steakhouses in BA, we recommend eating at the unassuming corner restaurant, El Establo, where they grill an amazing ribeye!
Buenos Aires Map of Sights
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our of Buenos Aires Things To Do in One Day Map!
More Buenos Aires Sights
Our outlined One Day Itinerary of Buenos Aires is packed with top BA sightseeing. However, travelers with different interests or visitors with more time in the city might want to include these alternate things to do in Buenos Aires, Argentina to their itinerary.
Recoleta Cemetery
The Cemeterio de la Recoleta is the famous final resting place for elite citizens of Buenos Aires. Dating to 1822, mausoleums and artistic statues decorate the cemetery. Among the many notable ‘residents’ is Eva Peron. For many visitors to Buenos Aires, the Recoleta Cemetery is an absolute must-see.
Palermo District
Buenos Aires’ trendy barrio, Palermo, is filled with boutique shops, fashionable eateries, spacious parks and fun bars. It’s a fantastic district to wander during the day – but really comes to life in the evening.
Top Tip: Use our detailed Buenos Aires Walking Tour as a step-by-step guide to these sights in Buenos Aires (and more)!
Travel Tips for Visiting Buenos Aires
Now that you know what to see in Buenos Aires in one day, we have some additional advice to help you plan your vacation to Argentina.
Guided Buenos Aires Tours
Travelers who would rather let a local lead the way to the top city sights should consider joining one of the guided tours in Buenos Aires.
Guided Bike Tours are extremely popular – as travelers can cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time. For a more personal introduction to BA, however, hire a Private Guide.
Where To Stay in Buenos Aires
Those spending the night will find a plethora of hotels in Buenos Aires. To find the best Buenos Aires hotel at a bargain rate, be sure to read our tips for Finding Hotels for Cheap and then begin your search on Booking.
Argentina Travel Insurance
Regardless of how well you plan your One Day in BA, things can go wrong…luggage gets lost, flights cancel. Trip insurance might help. Check the affordable rates and robust coverage at World Nomads.
Planning a Trip to Buenos Aires
Our Itinerary for One Day in Buenos Aires is an ideal trip plan for those short on time – but organization is key. Use our Printable Travel Planner to stay on top of all the details of your vacation!
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Start planning your trip to Argentina! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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