Buenos Aires, the stunning capital of Argentina, is often referred to as the Paris of South America. The city offers so much for both adventurous cyclists and curious travelers who wish to explore the city on foot.
Whether you’re exploring the city by bike or on foot, here are some of the best attractions you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Buenos Aires. By bike, you can visit these attractions at your own pace and without parking hassles.
Looking to book a bike tour in Buenos Aires? Opt for the Buenos Aires Bike Tour: the Highlights. This bike tour allows you to see all the top Buenos Aires attractions up close.
Modern attractions in Buenos Aires:
Puerto Madero
Start your exploration of Buenos Aires with a visit to Puerto Madero, the city’s modern harbor district. Here you’ll find impressive skyscrapers, chic restaurants, and a pleasant waterfront promenade. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and to experience the modern side of Buenos Aires.
Floralis Generica
Another modern attraction in Buenos Aires is the Floralis Generica, a giant metal sculpture in the shape of a flower that opens and closes with the sun. It’s a beautiful sight that is impressive both during the day and at night. This Buenos Aires attraction is open during the day and free to access.
MALBA (Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires)
If you’re interested in contemporary art, a visit to MALBA is a must. This museum houses an excellent collection of Latin American art, including works by artists such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
Tickets for the museum can be purchased online through the official
Palermo
Palermo is a trendy and hip neighborhood in Buenos Aires, known for its boutiques, street art, and vibrant nightlife. It’s the perfect place to experience modern Buenos Aires and is also close to various other Buenos Aires attractions.
Explore the colorful streets and enjoy the local culture. Also, visit the botanical gardens and the Japanese garden in this part of the city.
Parque Tres de Febrero (Bosques de Palermo)
This beautiful city park offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk along the lakes and gardens of Parque Tres de Febrero. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic or just to unwind.
Traditional attractions in Buenos Aires
Plaza de Mayo / Casa Rosada
Plaza de Mayo (translated May Square) is the most famous square in Buenos Aires and is also known as the political square of Argentina. The square is named after the May Revolution of 1810, after which Argentina became independent from Spain. The Casa Rosada is also located on the square. This is the presidential palace. Protests are regularly held here, including every Thursday afternoon at 3:30 PM by the “Madres de Plaza de Mayo“. These are mothers of victims of disappearances under the Argentine military regime (1976-1983).
Jardin Botánico Carlos Thays
The Botanical Garden of Buenos Aires, named after the famous landscape architect Carlos Thays, is an oasis of peace and greenery in the city. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and admire the diverse plant collections from around the world.
Practical information: access to the Botanical Garden of Buenos Aires is free for the public, and no tickets are required to explore the gardens.
Teatro Colón
The Teatro Colón is the most famous concert hall in Buenos Aires. The original theater was built in 1857 at Plaza de Mayo, but the current theater opened in 1908. The current hall, located between Plaza Lavalle and Avenida 9 de julio (the widest street in the world), has 2,500 seats and 1,000 standing places. The acoustics of the theater are considered among the best in the world.
La Boca and Caminito
La Boca
When you think of Buenos Aires, you think of La Boca. Maybe not consciously, but everyone recognizes the colorful houses (Caminito) and the tango in the street. La Boca has changed significantly in recent years due to tourism. In the past, it was unsafe for tourists to walk alone in La Boca, but due to its increased popularity, a part is now specially designated for tourists. Take a photo with Maradona, watch a tango show on the street, and snap a picture in front of the colorful houses.
La Bombonera – Boca Juniors Stadium
Football enthusiasts can take a tour of La Bombonera, the stadium of the famous Boca Juniors. Experience the passion for football that is deeply rooted in the culture of Buenos Aires and learn more about the rich history of this legendary club. And of course, everything about the legendary rivalry with city rival River Plate.
Tickets: you can buy tickets online, through the Boca Juniors club website.
Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes
This national art museum houses an extensive collection of European and Argentine art, including works by famous artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Goya. It’s a great place to discover the art history of Argentina.
Practical information: access to the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes is free for the public,
but donations are appreciated.
Top attractions in Buenos Aires
Recoleta Cemetery
Recoleta Cemetery is not an ordinary cemetery; it’s more like an open-air museum of beautiful
tomb monuments and sculptures. It’s the final resting place of many famous Argentinians,
including Eva Perón. A walk through this maze of graves is a fascinating experience.
San Telmo
San Telmo is comparable to the Jordaan in Amsterdam. It’s one of the most charming neighborhoods in Buenos Aires. Because it had become a neglected area, many artists, students, and intellectuals moved to the neighborhood in the seventies, breathing new life into it. Now the neighborhood is one of the city’s hotspots, but it still retains its typical Argentine characteristics.
El Ateneo Grand Splendid
Book lovers won’t want to miss the chance to visit El Ateneo Grand Splendid. This former theater has been converted into one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. You can spend hours here, browsing through books and enjoying the historic ambiance.
Practical Information:
- Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes during your (bike) tour through
Buenos Aires. - Don’t forget to bring enough water, especially on warm days.
- Tickets for museums and tours can be purchased online to avoid queues.
- Buenos Aires is known for its delicious cuisine, so stop by a local
restaurant for a tasty meal along the way.
Bike tour with Dutch guide
Buenos Aires attractions – Discover them by bike with guide
To get a good impression of the city, a bike tour with a Dutch guide is highly recommended.
In just over 3 hours, you will see the city’s main attractions. In recent years, Buenos Aires has added many kilometers of bike paths, making the city more accessible by bike.
The Dutch guide will take you through the neighborhoods and attractions mentioned above, and you’ll also cycle past the modern Puerto Madero, Plaza San Martin, and many other attractions and parks that are well worth a visit. Interested in cycling through Buenos Aires? Book a tour now via Baja Bikes.
Whether you prefer modern architecture, historical attractions in Buenos Aires, or art and culture, Buenos Aires has something for everyone. For more travel tips and inspiration, check out our other blogs. Buenos Aires is waiting to be discovered! By bike, on foot, or in any other way.