Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina and a bustling metropolis full of energy. The city is divided into distinct neighborhoods, each offering a unique experience. Whether you're strolling through cobblestone streets, enjoying a café in a leafy square, or exploring its world-class museums, you'll quickly fall in love with its character and culture.
Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)
Language: Spanish (but English is common in tourist areas)
Booking travel: Make sure you book your flight ideally before July, since December is a pretty popular month to visit Argentina, so flight prices can get expensive. Book your flight to Buenos Aires' International Airport (Ezeiza - EZE). For people coming from the US, we recommend connecting via NY or Miami since you'll have the best options in case you miss a connection.
Length of Stay in Buenos Aires: We recommend ~3-4 days to see Buenos Aires fully (ideally December 18th-21st). If you want to continue to discover the country (before or after your visit to Buenos Aires), see additional recommendations on the "Travel" section of the website.
You can either book a hotel or Airbnb. We recommend the following neighborhoods in the city!
1. Palermo: Trendy and bustling, filled with boutiques, cafés, and nightlife. This area is where the venue is located, so you'll be closest if you stay close to Avenida Libertador in Palermo.
2. Recoleta: Recoleta is an elegant neighborhood known for its French-style architecture, cultural attractions, and high-end shopping.
3. San Telmo: Charming and historic, with a bohemian vibe.
4. Belgrano: A more residential area that's quieter and offers a local experience with plenty of green spaces.
5. Puerto Madero: A modern, upscale neighborhood along the waterfront, known for its sleek skyscrapers, luxury hotels, and fine dining.
Note! The wedding will be in Palermo, so you'll be closest if you stay in Palermo, Recoleta, or Belgrano.
Suggested Hotels (just a selection):
• Casa Sur Palermo - Costa Rica 6032
• Casa Sur Bellini - Cabello 3780
• Home Hotel - Honduras 5860
• Fierro Hotel - Soler 5862
• Meliá Recoleta Plaza - Posadas 1557
• Sofitel Recoleta - Posadas 1232
• Libertad Hotel - Libertad 1617
• Faena Hotel - Martha Salotti 445
• Hilton Buenos Aires - Macacha Guemes 351
Internet: Once you land to Ezeiza International Airport you will have free Wifi at the airport. You can either opt for an eSim (e.g. Airalo) for the rest of the trip or a SIM card (e.g. Movistar, Claro or Personal, although none available for purchase at the airport)
Transportation from the airport: Uber and Cabify (ride-sharing apps) work in Argentina. There also are private car service companies you can use, right after you exit baggage control, such as: Manuel Tienda de Leon, On Baires Transfers, Remises Vip Cars, Taxis Municipalidad de Ezeiza, etc.
Getting Around: Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Cabify or Uber are safe and convenient. Personally (Agus speaking), I prefer Cabify since the cars are usually in better shape. You can also use Taxis (Official taxis are painted yellow and black), but they are usually more expensive than ride-sharing Apps and sometimes they only accept cash.
Safety: Buenos Aires is generally a safe city for tourists, but like any large urban area, take common sense precautions, especially at night.
Cash vs Card: Today the gap between the official exchange and the market exchange is ~10% which means you'll get a more favorable exchange rate by exchanging dollars into pesos (vs using a credit card). However, almost all restaurants, bars, and tourist places will accept VISA and MasterCard cards (American Express is less common). So it's up to you!
Tipping & Dinner: Dinner starts late (around 9 PM or later), and tipping is typically 10%.
Some Great Restaurants in Buenos Aires:
1. Don Julio (Palermo) – Renowned for its classic Argentine steakhouse experience.
2. Tegui (Palermo) – Michelin-starred, offering innovative dishes.
3. La Cabrera (Palermo) – Famous for its generous portions of traditional parrilla.
4. El Preferido de Palermo – A revived corner bodega with standout Argentinian comfort food.
5. Aramburu (Monserrat) – Elegant tasting menus and modern presentations.
6. Mishiguene (Palermo) – A unique take on Jewish-Argentine cuisine, with bold flavors and modern twists.
7. Anafe (Colegiales) – Creative shared plates served in a cozy, intimate setting.
8. Anchoita (Chacarita) – A hidden gem offering high-quality seasonal ingredients and creative dishes.
9. Corte (Chacarita) – A meat lover's paradise specializing in expertly grilled cuts.
10. Elena (Recoleta) – Sophisticated dining with top-notch service and exceptional Argentine cuisine.
More restaurants and bars here!
Suggested Activities:
1. Visit La Boca: Explore colorful streets, vibrant murals, and the historic Caminito walkway.
2. Tour the Recoleta Cemetery: A stunning, maze-like cemetery home to the tomb of Eva Perón.
4. Take a Tango Class or See a Tango Show: Embrace Argentina’s signature dance with a class or show.
5. Relax in Palermo Parks: A beautiful area full of greenery, botanical gardens, and a Japanese garden.
6. Explore San Telmo Market: Enjoy artisanal crafts, antiques, and street performances every Sunday.
7. Enjoy a Night of Jazz: Book a ticket at Borges in Palermo and enjoy a night of good jazz in a cozy bar.