If you’re travelling to Argentina, a visit to its capital city of Buenos Aires is a must. With its stately architecture and jacaranda-lined boulevards, it’s known as the ‘Paris of South America.’ I spent several days in Buenos Aires as part of my one month South America itinerary and loved its legendary steaks and seductive tango. Here is the best 4 day Buenos Aires itinerary, including locals’ tips, what to do and great places to stay.
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Quick overview of this 4 day Buenos Aires itinerary
- Day 1: Get your bearings with a city walking tour and discover tango’s origins at Carlos Gardel’s neighbourhood
- Day 2: Dive into Eva Perón’s fascinating story at Museo Evita and explore the famous Recoleta Cemetery
- Day 3: Taste Argentina’s legendary steak during happy hour and learn to tango
- Day 4: Find your zen with a yoga class and explore Palermo Soho’s trendy cafés and boutiques
This is the coolest area 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.
Don’t forget to pack your copy of Lonely Planet’s essential Buenos Aires guide book.
These are the hippest hostels in Buenos Aires
If you are looking for a stylish hostel in Palermo Soho, check out the Selina Palermo which has a cool rooftop bar and an on-site restaurant. As well as large and small dorms, there are affordable private rooms, each with their own balcony and seating area.
The beautiful Meridiano Hostel Boutique has a cool bar and terrace, and its dorm beds come with useful personal fittings and curtains for privacy.
The super clean and friendly Caravan BA boutique hostel is loved by guests for its seasonal outdoor swimming pool, sports facilities and activities that help you meet other travellers easily.
Finally, the fabulous Malevo Murana Hostel is perfectly located in Palermo and offers a tasty breakfast and great outdoor areas.
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 popular full-day walking tour of Buenos Aires in English.
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.
Don’t miss out – book your place on a guided walking tour of Recoleta cemetery in English.
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 top quality beef steak, but food in general seems to be a passion here.
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 for backpackers on a budget.
Why not tuck into a special Buenos Aires gastronomical dinner experience.
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. It was a exercise in trust for me after almost a year of travelling alone and being self-sufficient. Then we swapped partners for our next challenge, which was to learn the eight steps of the tango dance.
Gabriel introduced himself with a smile. In the few minutes we had to chat, I learned that I had something in common with this Argentine. He had recently lived for a year in Kensal Green, a London neighbourhood close to the home I had left behind to embark on this round the world trip. The two of us quickly mastered (in our opinion at least) the tango steps. Gabriel shot me a proud smile whenever we successfully completed our routine.
Soon we were tangoing across the floor like pros, being careful not to bump into the other couples. I thoroughly enjoyed it, as did Gabriel, who asked afterwards if I wanted to join him in some more tango classes that week.
Enjoy an authentic tango experience with a tango night with the locals.
Day 4: Wellness and explore Palermo Soho
Your final day in Buenos Aires is designed for reflection and relaxation. After three days of exploring the city’s history and nightlife, the last day of your 4 day Buenos Aires itinerary focuses on wellness and leisurely discovery. Start with a rejuvenating yoga session to center yourself, then spend the afternoon wandering through Palermo Soho’s charming streets at your own pace. This is your chance to savour the neighborhood’s artistic atmosphere before heading home or continuing your journey.
Indulge in a yoga class
In the Palermo Soho neighbourhood is a stylish and welcoming yoga studio called Valletierra.
It runs yoga and meditation classes six days a week, as well as massages and 5Rhythms flow dance. They are able to easily accommodate English speakers, so you can simply relax and focus on the present moment.
Read my full review of Valletierra and why it’s the best yoga place in Buenos Aires.
Discover Palermo Soho’s charm
Spend your afternoon wandering the tree-lined streets of Palermo Soho at a leisurely pace. Pop into the stylish boutiques, enjoy a coffee at a sidewalk café, and soak up the neighborhood’s artistic vibe. This is also the perfect time to pick up any last-minute souvenirs or gifts.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could return to La Catédral Club for another tango session, or simply enjoy a relaxed dinner at one of Palermo’s many excellent restaurants.
Frequently asked questions about this Buenos Aires itinerary
Is 4 days enough in Buenos Aires?
Yes, 4 days is the sweet spot for Buenos Aires! It gives you enough time to see the main attractions, learn tango, explore different neighborhoods, and experience the food scene without feeling rushed. Many travellers find 3 days too short and 5-7 days more leisurely.
Is Buenos Aires safe for solo travellers?
Yes – I travelled there alone. You’ll be fine, especially in tourist areas like Palermo, Recoleta, and the city centre. Use common sense, like avoiding poorly lit areas at night, keeping valuables secure and trusting your instincts. The city has a strong café culture which is another way to meet other travellers.
How much should I budget for 4 days in Buenos Aires?
Budget travellers should allow $30-50 USD/day for hostels, cheaper food and free activities. Mid-range travellers should budget $60-100 USD/day for private rooms, nice restaurants and paid tours. For luxury travellers, $150+ USD/day will cover hotels, fine dining, and private experiences.
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.
Is tipping expected in Buenos Aires?
Yes, 10% is standard at restaurants if service charge isn’t included. Tip tour guides $2-5 USD, and round up taxi fares. Many places add a “cubierto” (cover charge) to your bill, which is normal practice.
Final thoughts on the best 4 day Buenos Aires itinerary
Compared with Santiago in Chile and Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires feels more familiar to a European like me, a bit like being somewhere like Madrid. I can see how it’s temptingly easy for travellers to stop here for a while and make this city their new home.
Buenos Aires is the ideal city to fall in love in. I can imagine wandering the sun-drenched streets, arm in arm with your new beau. Sharing rich red wine, you gaze into each other’s eyes and dance the tango late into the night.
But even if you are there alone like me, you will undoubtedly fall in love with the city.
Now, discover the ultimate one-month itinerary for South America.
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