1. Street Art in Palermo Soho
Staying in Palermo Soho felt just like being back in my old home of Brooklyn - not only is the neighborhood full of great bars, restaurants, and boutiques, but the walls on every street are covered in colorful artwork. Many neighborhoods of Buenos Aires are filled with art, from large murals covering entire building walls to smaller sketches, but not nearly as concentrated as Palermo. You can spend days walking through various neighborhoods and still feel like you have not seen them all, but behind many of these murals and paintings lies a deeper socio-political context. Many of the moody urban artwork pieces are messages of political protest. Join one of the many guided tours for an in-depth look behind the work, or just walk down the streets and admire. Some of the best murals in Palermo can be found near the Mercado de las Pulgas (flea market). It's also a great neighborhood to experience the nightlife and bar scene of Buenos Aires.
Where To Stay Nearby: Mine Hotel Boutique - Stay in Palermo Soho for easy access to its street art, cafés, and evening restaurants.
What To Do Nearby: Palermo urban art walking tour - Explore Palermo’s murals with a guide who explains the artists and stories behind the changing walls.
2. Jardín Botánico Carlos Thays
Take a break from the bustling city into this peaceful oasis filled with tons of greenery and colorful florals. The garden is home to five greenhouses, and beautiful sculptures and rose bushes scattered throughout. On a sunny day, the light coming in through the greenhouses will make for a perfect photo. While you're there don't forget to visit the butterfly garden.
Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 8.00am - 6.45pm. Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, 9.30am - 6.45pm. Closed on Mondays.
Where To Stay Nearby: Mine Hotel Boutique - Stay in Palermo Soho for easy access to its street art, cafés, and evening restaurants.
What To Do Nearby: Palermo and Recoleta bike tour - Explore Palermo’s leafy parks and neighboring Recoleta on a guided bike ride.
3. El Ateneo Grand Splendid
Make sure to stop by El Ateneo Grand Splendid, a famous bookstore in Buenos Aires, but it isn't just any bookstore. El Ateneo Splendid really does live up to its name as one of the world's most beautiful bookstores. It started in 1919 as a performing arts theatre, then a cinema, and now functions as a bookstore but it's still kept its old-school charm. The bookstore kept its original decoration from the 1920s including a fresco-decorated dome. Head upstairs to the stunning balcony to snap photos from a bird's eye view or head to the stage cafe, another popular photo spot. Order a coffee at the bar and grab one of the comfy chairs spread around the shop before delving into your book.
Hours: Check El Ateneo Grand Splendid’s current opening times before visiting.
4. Caminito Boca - Villa Iberia Street
Caminito Boca is one of the most well known areas of Buenos Aires for a reason - the streets here are alive and beautiful, and visiting is a must for vibrant, colorful photos. The street is filled with brightly painted houses, colorful artwork, live music, sidewalk cafes. vendors selling art, and souvenir shops. If you're interested in learning more about the neighborhood's history sign up for a walking tour.
Where To Stay Nearby: Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton - Stay beside Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo, close to the neighborhood’s antique shops and historic streets.
5. El Gran Paradiso Restaurant
This restaurant located right on Caminito in La Boca is a must-stop for both amazing BBQ and for photos! Walk through the beautiful dining garden, and then walk upstairs to the mini museum, and even take a beer or glass of wine up to the rooftop sun deck.
Where To Stay Nearby: Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton - Stay beside Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo, close to the neighborhood’s antique shops and historic streets.
6. Solar de French - San Telmo
Head over to this small shopping mall for some colorful photos. The Galería Solar de French used to be an old soldier's home but has been transformed into a cute shopping district. The shops here sell everything from local art to gift wares and jewelry, all uniquely crafted. Don't miss the iconic umbrella ceiling!
Where To Stay Nearby: Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton - Stay beside Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo, close to the neighborhood’s antique shops and historic streets.
What To Do Nearby: San Telmo and historic Buenos Aires walking tour - Explore San Telmo’s streets and antiques district with a guide who connects them to the city’s history.
7. Colonia del Sacramento
If you have time, plan for a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay, located just across the river. Not only is this another country (Passport stamps included!), the streets and entire village are BEAUTIFUL. This may have been our biggest highlight of Buenos Aires. The charming city is just a one-hour ferry ride from Buenos Aires across the Río de la Plata, making it pretty easy to squeeze in. Set within a UNESCO World Heritage site, Colonia de Sacramento is quaint, filled with narrow cobblestone streets and vibrant buildings. Make sure to check out the Colonia del Sacramento Lighthouse. Once you climb the 111 steps up the staircase to the top, you will be rewarded with some pretty amazing views.
8. Gratitude vivir disfrutar & Regalar
Photos Via Lili Gratitute Facebook
We passed by this place while walking and didn't have time to stop, but I wrote it down to share just because it is so gorgeous! Gratitude vivir disfrutar & Regalar is beautifully decorated with light and airy tones and gets plenty of natural sunlight. They specialize in bottomless brunch, decadent pastries, and also serve up delicious and healthy foods with vegetarian and vegan options. Each meal comes out with a reminder to live life in gratitude and enjoy life to the fullest.
Where To Stay Nearby: Mine Hotel Boutique - Stay in Palermo Soho for easy access to its street art, cafés, and evening restaurants.
What To Do Nearby: Palermo Soho walking tour - Take a guided walk through Palermo Soho’s streets, boutiques, and creative corners.
9. Boticario Bar
Photo via RegiaMag
We found this bar through a Vogue article on Buenos Aires, so we had very high expectations going in, and it did not disappoint! Original craft cocktails, a hip crowd, and a beautiful interior make for my favorite kind of cocktail bar. Prices and exchange rates change quickly, so check the current menu rather than relying on prices from our trip. You won't want to miss this cool botanical-themed pharmacy bar in the heart of Palermo. The Boticario Bar used to be an old pharmacy and this theme has carried over into their drinks today. Their tagline, "todo para enfermo" means everything for the sick, displayed with a neon sign. Their signature cocktails are unique and fresh like a Tea Hibiscus Tonic with gin, a Sparkling Grass with whiskey and lemongrass, or a fungus negroni with gin , vermouth, campari and smoked mushrooms. Their ambiance is on-point for a perfect date night out.
Buenos Aires Travel Essentials:
Where To Stay Nearby: Mine Hotel Boutique - Stay in Palermo Soho for easy access to its street art, cafés, and evening restaurants.
What To Do Nearby: Buenos Aires cocktail-bar tour - Continue exploring the city’s cocktail scene on a guided evening that starts in Chacarita and finishes in Palermo.
10. Frida Kahlo Mural
Head over to Palermo for one of Buenos Aires's most iconic murals. Created by three artists, the tribute to the legendary Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo, stands tall at 30 feet high. It shows Frida Kahlo, holding a cigarette with flowers in her hair. The mural is located at Dorrego and Cabrera, see the map location here.
Where To Stay Nearby: Mine Hotel Boutique - Stay in Palermo Soho for easy access to its street art, cafés, and evening restaurants.
What To Do Nearby: Private tango lesson in Palermo - Arrange a lesson with a professional dancer at a Palermo studio and learn the fundamentals of Argentine tango.
11. Casa Rosada
The Casa Rosada is one of the most iconic buildings in Buenos Aires. Named after its unique pink color, this building houses Argentina’s presidential offices. Located behind the Casa Rosada is the Casa Rosada Museum, which showcases objects relating to previous presidents. The building is especially beautiful as the evening turns into nighttime when the lights turn on, illuminating the building.
Where To Stay Nearby: Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton - Stay beside Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo, close to the neighborhood’s antique shops and historic streets.
12. Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires
We visited this museum on the morning we landed in Argentina, and didn't bring our camera - so only snapped a couple of phone photos. But there is WAY more you can do here, it's a seriously cool spot! Located in the San Telmo neighborhood, the Museo de Arte Moderno de Buenos Aires showcases more than 7,000 pieces of modern and contemporary art in a building that used to be a tobacco factory. Most of the artwork displayed is by Argentinean artists, giving the museum a unique perspective. If you have time, hop over next door to the Contemporary Art Museum, known as the MACBA.
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays: from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where To Stay Nearby: Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton - Stay beside Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo, close to the neighborhood’s antique shops and historic streets.
What To Do Nearby: Private Buenos Aires art and museums tour - Explore the city’s art collections with an art historian, discussing your preferred museums when arranging the itinerary.
13. The Airbnbs in Palermo Soho
We LOVED staying in Palermo on a small tree and cafe lined street not only because it felt like such a local experience, but because the Airbnb options are both affordable and insanely beautiful. We had this little penthouse with terraces to ourselves for the week and could have easily moved in. Compare current accommodation options below; the old Airbnb first-stay referral offer is no longer available.
Where To Stay Nearby: Mine Hotel Boutique - Stay in Palermo Soho for easy access to its street art, cafés, and evening restaurants.
What To Do Nearby: Argentine cooking class in Palermo - Make Argentine dishes in a small-group class while learning about local food traditions.
14. The Streets of San Telmo
San Telmo is the oldest neighborhood in Buenos Aires. You could easily spend a half day strolling through the cobbled, narrow streets. One of the most popular attractions is San Telmo’s feria, or market, which is held every Sunday. The market is filled with 10 blocks of vendors selling crafts and souvenirs to locals and tourists. San Telmo is also known for its tango culture. Head over to Plaza Dorrego to watch professional tango couples and musicians perform for the crowds. While you're in the neighborhood you will definitely want to hop into one of the traditional Argentinian steakhouses that are all over town. Calle Defensa is a popular street known for its traditional parrilla restaurants.
Where To Stay Nearby: Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton - Stay beside Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo, close to the neighborhood’s antique shops and historic streets.
What To Do Nearby: El Zanjón and Casa Mínima guided visit - Explore San Telmo’s historic architecture and underground passages on a guided visit.
15. Teatro Colón
This iconic theatre is beautiful inside and out, but the only way to see the inside is to either book a tour or purchase a concert ticket. Check the theater’s official schedule for current tour prices and availability. Even at night it was just as gorgeous, we had to stop for a few photos.
What To Do Nearby: Teatro Colón guided tour - Go inside the opera house with a guide to appreciate its ornate architecture and performance history.
16. The Parisian Streets of Palermo Chico
Different areas of Buenos Aires feel like you have stepped into Brooklyn, Italy, Spain, Manhattan, and most often - Paris. The neighborhoods Palermo Chico and Monserrat are so reminiscent of Paris, they are not to be missed! This one city feels like - and photographs like - you're taking a trip around the world in just a couple of short miles.
Where To Stay Nearby: Mine Hotel Boutique - Stay in Palermo Soho for easy access to its street art, cafés, and evening restaurants.
17. The European Cathedrals
We passed by so many beautiful cathedrals and churches that made us double take - were we sure we weren't in Europe? I knew that Buenos Aires was known as "The Paris of South America", but I had no idea how European it really would be! While you're at it, don't miss the incredibly macabre and bizarre tourist site of the Recoleta Cemetery.
Where To Stay Nearby: Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton - Stay beside Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo, close to the neighborhood’s antique shops and historic streets.
18. Plaza Dorrego
San Telmo's central plaza is surrounded by cute boutiques, restaurants and sidewalk cafes, and beautiful buildings. Take a stroll through the neighborhood and see what you stumble on to!
Where To Stay Nearby: Anselmo Buenos Aires, Curio Collection by Hilton - Stay beside Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo, close to the neighborhood’s antique shops and historic streets.
What To Do Nearby: El Viejo Almacén tango show - Spend an evening at a traditional tango show in nearby San Telmo, with an optional dinner.
19. The Unexpected Street Scenes
While I did a lot of research of where to go and what to do before our trip, so many of the places listed here were NOT on that original list - we began wandering and just kept finding (and saving for you, because I'm a giver) beautiful places to stop. Put on your walking heels (or is that just me?), start wandering the city, and see what you find!
Did I miss any of your favorites? Leave a comment and let me know!
Where To Stay Nearby: Mine Hotel Boutique - Stay in Palermo Soho for easy access to its street art, cafés, and evening restaurants.
What To Do Nearby: Buenos Aires evening scooter tour - Explore illuminated downtown streets on a guided electric-scooter outing with an introduction to fernet.
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