A 3 Day Buenos Aires Itinerary for Solo Travellers (2026)
Buenos Aires in Argentina is a popular stop in South America but much time should you spend here? I spent several days solo in Buenos Aires during my one-month South America trip and got to know the history and culture of the city. Here’s the 3 day Buenos Aires itinerary I would recommend for solo travellers, including where to stay and activities that are easy to enjoy by yourself.
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Quick overview of this 3 day Buenos Aires itinerary
- Day 1: Get your bearings with a city walking tour and explore the neighbourhood associated with Carlos Gardel
- Day 2: Learn more about Eva Perón at Museo Evita, then discover Recoleta Cemetery
- Day 3: Have a relaxed final day exploring the cafés and boutiques in Palermo Soho, then enjoy a tasty steak dinner and try a beginner-friendly tango class
Is 3 days enough for Buenos Aires?
Three days in Buenos Aires is enough to go on a walking tour to see the main attractions, as well as exploring different neighbourhoods and museums in your own time.
Is Buenos Aires safe for solo travellers?
Yes, I travelled there alone and didn’t have any issues. When I was on a walking tour, the guide recommended we stay alert for pickpockets, especially on public transport. But this is good advice for any city. In general, stick to tourist areas like Palermo, Recoleta and the city centre, use common sense and trust your instincts.
Planning your 3 day Buenos Aires itinerary
This three day itinerary is designed to help you settle in quickly, explore at a comfortable pace and choose activities that work well on your own. It balances guided tours with independent exploration.
Day 1: Take a walking tour and discover its history
I recommend taking a walking tour in English on your first day to get your bearings and learn about this fascinating city.
My tour guide arrived in Buenos Aires from the UK years ago. He loved it so much he stayed. It’s a dream job to now spend his days sharing his insights about the city, including its history, culture and essential tips for first-time visitors.
Visit the home of Carlos Gardel, Argentina’s father of tango
Sights include the home of Argentina’s most prominent figure in the history of tango, Carlos Gardel. This fedora-wearing crooner transformed this notorious street dance into a mainstream cultural phenomenon in the 1920s and 30s, thanks to his popular songs. In the Balvanera neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, you will see Carlos’s handsome face painted in colourful murals displaying some of his most famous song lyrics.
Book your place on a guided walking tour of Buenos Aires in advance here.
See the pink presidential mansion, Casa Rosada
My walking tour took us through Buenos Aires’s jacaranda-lined streets, flowering bright with their blue blossom. It concluded in Plaza de Mayo, where we stood outside the pink Presidential mansion, Casa Rosada.
On this building’s balcony in October 1945, Juan Perón and his First Lady Eva famously made their impassioned speeches to tens of thousands of Argentines squeezed into this square.
Day 2: Discover Eva Perón’s legacy
It’s time to dive deeper into the city’s most fascinating historical figure. Day 2 of your 4-day Buenos Aires itinerary is dedicated to Eva Perón, Argentina’s beloved First Lady who became a global icon. Learn about the woman who captured the hearts of a nation and inspired one of the world’s most famous musicals.
Visit the inspiring Museo Evita
President Juan Perón’s wife Eva became famous around the world thanks to the Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical that bears her nickname: Evita. In Buenos Aires, I visited Museo Evita to learn all about the acting ambitions and political career of ‘that woman’ – as her detractors labelled her.
This museum tells her story through proud quotes from her autobiography, her stylish designer outfits and her work to improve the rights and lifestyles of women, children and the poorest communities in Argentina.
The museum was built on the site of a women’s refuge established by Evita and now features a lovely al fresco cafe.
Explore the famous Recoleta Cemetery
Eva Perón’s body is buried in the city’s Recoleta cemetery. You can walk along avenues of grand Gothic tombs or take an organised walking tour in English. Some of these tombs contain more than a dozen caskets in their eerie, cobwebbed depths.
Intricate, symbolic stone-masonry and wrought ironwork decorate these mausoleums, which belong to some of Buenos Aires’ most wealthy and accomplished families. If you choose to go on a walking tour of Recoleta, you will learn the fascinating and tragic tales about its recumbent residents.
You can also spot Recoleta’s feline tenants. Despite their macabre home, this collection of crypt-rambling cats look well-fed and seem to love all the attention they get from the attraction’s visitors.
Day 3: Taste authentic steak and learn to tango
Day 3 of your 4 day Buenos Aires itinerary is all about indulging in the city’s most passionate pleasures. Today you’ll experience two things Buenos Aires is world-famous for: the sensual art of tango and Argentina’s legendary beef. This is the perfect combination for an unforgettable evening – first learning the intimate steps of this iconic dance, then savouring the city’s finest steak paired with rich Malbec wine. Get ready for a day that captures the true spirit and soul of Buenos Aires.
Tuck into happy hour steak
Buenos Aires is famous for its food scene, specifically its top quality beef steak.
With shiny fruit and vegetables on display in grocery stores, as well as vegan restaurants, Italian eateries and specialist cheese and wine delicatessens, this is one of South America’s best cities for foodies.
A local friend’s tip took me to La Cabrera for its steak happy hour. I love this concept: at this notable restaurant you get to sample the top notch steak, accompaniments and Malbec wine for around 40% less than patrons normally pay – as long as you arrive promptly and leave the restaurant by 8pm. Perfect if you’re on a budget like I was.
Take a tango class
On my 4 day Buenos Aires itinerary, I was keen to learn tango. With a friend from my hostel dorm room, I visited La Catédral Club, recommended by a friend who used to live in the city for its lively tango lessons.
This atmospheric venue reminded me of Baz Luhrmann’s vision of Moulin Rouge. A huge, red, artistically-rendered heart suspended from the wooden vaulted ceiling, symbolised Buenos Aires’s constantly beating passion for this dance. Watching the people twirling with their partners, I was seduced by this place before it was our turn to take to the floor.
A couple of guys asked us to partner with them. We took their hands and tentatively learned to lean our weight against them, balancing together. Then we swapped partners to learn the eight steps of the tango dance, which was complex but a lot of fun.
Where to stay in Buenos Aires
I was lucky enough to be given a number of tips from people who have lived in and loved this city. The first was the best area to stay in Buenos Aires.
I was advised to head straight for Palermo Soho. It’s a joy to walk around the streets of this charming neighbourhood, with its lively cafés and restaurants, with music and tables spilling outside.
Alongside are immaculately stylish glass-fronted fashion stores from every brand and label imaginable. These windows are so tempting, if I were to live and work in this city, I’d spend all my money on clothes
Affordable accommodation in Palermo Soho
If you are looking for a hostel in Palermo Soho, check out the Selina Palermo which has a rooftop bar and on-site restaurant.
Alternatively, there’s the Meridiano Hostel Boutique, the Malevo Murana Hostel or Caravan BA, which has a pool.
Check the map below for the latest accommodation deals for your dates in Buenos Aires:
Frequently asked questions about Buenos Aires
Do I need to speak Spanish in Buenos Aires?
It definitely helps. Hotels, tour guides and restaurants in popular neighbourhoods often accommodate English speakers. However, many others may not, so it’s always a good idea to download a translation app and learn basic phrases.
When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires?
March-May (autumn) and September-November (spring) have the best weather with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer (December-February) can be hot and humid, while winter (June-August) is cooler but still pleasant for city exploration. I went in November and the weather was perfect.
Final thoughts on this 3 day Buenos Aires itinerary
Buenos Aires is a city that’s easy to relax in. It feels quite European with its walkable neighbourhoods, wide avenues and café culture. Three days works well, especially if you’re travelling solo, as you can dip into guided activities when you want more insights, then spend the rest at your own pace.
