Tourist Mecca! 13 Must-See Spots in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, has developed as a major global city, serving as a political, economic, and cultural hub since the country's founding. In the world city rankings published by an American consulting firm, Buenos Aires is rated as the number one city in South America and plays an important role not only domestically but also internationally.

From the mid-19th to the early 20th century, Buenos Aires welcomed European immigrants, particularly of white European descent. As a result, the city features many European-style buildings, with its beautiful streetscape earning it the nickname "Paris of South America." This European charm is one of the reasons why the city is so popular with tourists. In this article, we will introduce some recommended tourist spots packed with the hidden charms of Buenos Aires!

1. Teatro Colón

Teatro Colón is an opera house considered one of the world's three great theaters, along with La Scala in Milan and the Opéra Garnier in Paris. It is also known as one of the world's top five concert venues. Teatro Colón originally opened in 1857, but due to the need for a new theater, it was closed in 1888. After 20 years of planning and construction, the new Teatro Colón opened in 1908 on Buenos Aires' main avenue, Avenida 9 de Julio.

The interior of Teatro Colón features a U-shaped auditorium with about 2,500 seats and standing room for about 1,000 people. Its stage measures 20 meters wide, 15 meters high, and 20 meters deep. From 2005 to 2010, a complete renovation was carried out, and today the theater attracts many tourists who come to admire the grandeur of its massive concert hall. There are also guided tours, so if you're visiting Buenos Aires, why not enjoy an opera performance?

2. Puerto Madero

Puerto Madero is a popular tourist area on the eastern side of central Buenos Aires, facing the Río de la Plata. It developed as a port facility in the late 19th century but later fell into decline. However, around 1990, redevelopment efforts restored its vibrancy, and today, it is one of the most modern and trendy areas in Buenos Aires.

The old red-brick warehouses along the river have been converted into upscale restaurants and cafes, making it a popular spot for tourists and celebrities to enjoy elegant moments by the water. At night, the area, including its skyscrapers, lights up, turning Puerto Madero into a beautiful nightspot. While gambling is prohibited within Buenos Aires by law, Puerto Madero has a government-approved casino on a ship. Puerto Madero is a highly recommended tourist spot to enjoy the nightlife of Buenos Aires!

3. Recoleta Cemetery

Recoleta Cemetery is located in the upscale neighborhood of Recoleta, Buenos Aires. It is the final resting place of many historical figures, including former Argentine presidents and Nobel Prize winners. Established in 1881, the cemetery covers a massive 5.5 hectares and contains around 4,700 tombs in various architectural styles, including Baroque and Neo-Gothic. In 2013, CNN listed it among the top 10 most beautiful cemeteries in the world. Despite being a cemetery, it attracts numerous tourists from around the world.

The most famous tomb here belongs to Eva Perón, Argentina's beloved former First Lady, known affectionately as "Evita." Her grave is always adorned with beautiful flowers. Since Recoleta Cemetery is a bit away from the city center, it is recommended to take the subway or a taxi to reach it.

4. Bosques de Palermo

Bosques de Palermo is located in the Palermo district, known as the youth hub of Buenos Aires. It is a large area covering around 400 hectares of parks and green spaces, making it a popular place for locals to relax. The park is also a popular destination for tourists, with many smaller parks and gardens to explore.

One of the most popular attractions within the park is the Galileo Galilei Planetarium, a distinctive building that stands out in the park. At night, the beautifully lit-up planetarium creates a stunning sight, just as beautiful as the shows inside. The park also features exhibitions of moon rocks and fossils of marine life from over 100 million years ago.

In addition, Bosques de Palermo is home to the Buenos Aires Japanese Garden, one of the largest Japanese gardens outside Japan. It was created in 1967 to commemorate the visit of the Japanese Emperor and Empress to Buenos Aires. Visiting this garden in a foreign land might offer you new insights and experiences!

5. National Museum of Fine Arts (Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes)

The National Museum of Fine Arts is located in the Recoleta district of Buenos Aires. It opened in 1895 and moved twice, in 1909 and 1933, before settling at its current location. Between 1955 and 1964, the museum was modernized to house its growing collection. It now has about 4,600 square meters of exhibition space and showcases nearly 13,000 works of art, with an additional 150,000 pieces stored.

The museum's first floor features 24 exhibition halls displaying a collection of world paintings from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. On the second floor, eight halls display works by renowned Argentine painters of the 20th century, while the third floor is dedicated to photography and sculpture. Some of the famous pieces on display include works by Monet and Gauguin, attracting art lovers and tourists from around the world. And the best part? Admission is free! It's a perfect spot to relax and learn more about Argentine culture.

6. Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA)

The Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires, known by its Spanish acronym MALBA, was founded in 2001 by Argentine businessman Eduardo Costantini in the Palermo district of Buenos Aires. MALBA is a nonprofit organization, and its mission is to collect, preserve, research, and promote Latin American art from the 20th century to the present day.

In addition to its role as a museum, MALBA also functions as a cultural center, regularly hosting art and film exhibitions and other cultural activities. Every year, it attracts more than a million visitors, including tourists coming to see Latin American art. Being located in the popular Palermo district, it's worth a visit along with other nearby attractions!

7. Metropolitan Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral located in Plaza de Mayo, at the heart of Buenos Aires. It is the most important church in the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires. This sacred cathedral was once served by the current Pope. Its origins date back to the 16th century, but after several renovations, the current cathedral combines an 18th-century nave and dome with a 19th-century facade, which lacks towers and incorporates various architectural styles.

Inside the cathedral, you will find valuable 18th-century sculptures and altars adorned with Neorenaissance and Neogothic elements, creating a beautiful and solemn atmosphere. As the largest cathedral in Buenos Aires, it draws numerous tourists and is a must-see attraction.

8. Palermo Soho

Palermo Soho is located in one of the largest districts in Buenos Aires and is a hotspot that attracts not only tourists but also locals. Known as the center for shopping and culture in the Palermo district, it is a hub of trends where hipsters and designers are constantly creating new businesses and cultural phenomena. The area features renovated Spanish-style houses and warehouses, now home to boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and coworking spaces, making it one of the most diverse and innovative areas in Buenos Aires.

In Palermo Soho, you can enjoy shopping for the latest trends in stylish boutiques, relax with a drink on a cafe terrace, or explore the charming alleys. It’s also a great place to find cutting-edge Argentine souvenirs for your trip!

9. San Telmo

San Telmo is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Buenos Aires, preserving its colonial Spanish buildings and cobblestone streets. The area is packed with cafes, tango parlors, and antique shops, and you can often see street performers and dancers showcasing their talents. As the birthplace of tango, Buenos Aires offers many places to enjoy tango performances, making San Telmo a popular tourist destination.

San Telmo is also home to several beautiful buildings, such as the San Pedro Telmo Church built in 1734 and the Russian Orthodox Church with its distinctive blue domes. One of the most famous attractions is the Feria, a large antique market held on Sundays. Due to colonial influence, many European antiques are available, attracting tourists from around the world. It's an ideal spot to experience the rich history of Buenos Aires.

10. National Museum of Decorative Arts

The National Museum of Decorative Arts is located in the Recoleta district of Buenos Aires and originally served as a grand mansion built in 1916 for Argentine nobility. After the owner's death, the property was donated to the Argentine government and has operated as a museum since 1937.

The luxurious interior of the mansion is awe-inspiring, and it’s worth visiting just to admire the opulent decor. The museum houses 12 exhibition halls with around 4,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and Oriental art, many of which were collected by the mansion’s original owner. In addition to the valuable art pieces, the museum offers a glimpse into the lives of Argentina's elite from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, making it a fascinating tourist destination.

11. Barolo Palace

Barolo Palace, a famous landmark in Buenos Aires located in the San Nicolás district, was declared an Argentine National Historic Monument in 1997. While it is a popular tourist destination, the building also serves as an active office space, housing travel agencies, language schools, and other businesses.

The palace was designed by Italian architect Mario Palanti at the request of Luis Barolo, an Italian immigrant who arrived in Argentina in 1890. The building stands at approximately 100 meters tall, symbolizing Barolo’s success in the textile industry, and was the tallest building in South America at the time. Barolo Palace’s design is inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, with the basement and first floor representing hell, floors 2 to 15 symbolizing purgatory, and floors 16 to 23 depicting heaven. The upper floors also offer a fantastic panoramic view of Buenos Aires, making it a must-visit spot.

12. Water Company Palace

The Water Company Palace, located in the Balvanera district of Buenos Aires, is the headquarters of the city’s water company. Known as a landmark in the area, it continues to play an important role as a functioning water supply facility. The building, completed in 1894, is designed in the French Renaissance style and is decorated with over 300,000 glazed terracotta tiles, making it a remarkable sight.

The water company was nationalized in 1892 but was privatized in 1993 under a 30-year contract. However, in 2006, the contract was terminated, and the facility is now operated by a state-owned company. While the building serves as an office for related companies, it also houses a small museum where visitors can learn about the facility’s history. Its ornate architecture alone makes it worth a visit.

13. Avenida 9 de Julio

Avenida 9 de Julio is a major avenue that stretches from the Retiro district to the Constitución district, running north to south through Buenos Aires. The avenue is named after Argentina's Independence Day, July 9, 1816. With seven lanes on each side and an additional two lanes on each end, it is often referred to as the “widest avenue in the world,” even wider than avenues in Manhattan. The avenue is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors eager to cross the world’s widest street.

The construction of Avenida 9 de Julio was first planned in 1888 but was delayed by opposition from local landowners and residents until 1935. The first section of the avenue opened on July 9, 1937, with the main part completed in the 1960s. It can take several minutes to cross the avenue due to its width, and there are even plans to build an underground pedestrian passage. If you visit Buenos Aires, don’t miss the chance to conquer the world’s widest avenue!

◎Summary

This guide has introduced some must-see tourist spots in Buenos Aires. With its strong Spanish colonial influence, Buenos Aires is one of the most European cities in South America, offering a mix of architecture, culture, and history throughout the city. This unique historical background, combined with its modern trends, makes it a fascinating destination that attracts many visitors.

While we’ve highlighted some key spots, simply wandering around the city can reveal even more unexpected gems. Buenos Aires is truly a paradise for tourists, where history, art, and culture converge. We hope this guide serves as a helpful reference for your travels!

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Tourist Mecca! 13 Must-See Spots in Buenos Aires