Buenos Aires — The Paris of South America — with steak.
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Buenos Aires Travel Guide

The Paris of South America — with steak.

BEST TIME: October–November, March–May CURRENCY: ARS COORDINATES: -34.60°, -58.38°

Tango, malbec, endless boulevards, and cafés that open at midnight.

Last updated: 2026-07-16

PRACTICAL INFO

What to know before you go.

Tourist traps, SIM cards, cash vs card, taxis and safety — the city's reality in five questions.

Biggest tourist mistake

Exchanging money at the official rate — tourists who don't learn the 'blue dollar' gap lose half their cash.

SIM card & internet

Claro/Personal prepaid or an eSIM; ID may be requested.

Cash or card?

Bring US dollars in cash and change via Western Union or a trusted 'cueva'; card payments now get a tourist rate, but cash still wins.

Taxi & transport apps

Radio taxis or Cabify/Uber; the Tienda León shuttle is practical from the airport.

Safety

Don't let the European feel fool you: phone-snatching is common, so no strolling with the phone in hand; do La Boca in daylight.

CITY PULSE

The city's 24-hour rhythm.

Turn the dial to any hour and it tells you where you should be.

12:00
0006121823
BUDGET

What will it cost me?

Pull the day dial; the estimated per-person cost is calculated instantly.

Total Estimated Budget
$324
$108 / day · 3 gün
1 day7 days14 days

Figures are per-person daily USD estimates compiled from BudgetYourTrip, Numbeo and recent traveller reports. Flight/ferry tickets not included.

Buenos Aires budget in detail: daily costs & calculator →

TRAVEL GUIDE

Insider knowledge.

Things you won't find on the first page of a search engine.

Must Do

  • See El Ateneo Grand Splendid: an opera house turned bookshop.
  • Eat a giant dinner at a neighbourhood bodegón.
  • Catch gaucho culture at the Sunday Feria de Mataderos.

Avoid These

  • Ordering steak well-done — a cultural insult.
  • La Boca at night (daytime is fine).
  • Foreign-card ATMs — brutal fees; bring US dollars in cash.

Tips

  • The SUBE card covers metro and buses; any kiosk sells it.
  • Lunch 1-3pm, dinner from 9pm at the earliest — join the rhythm.
  • Ask about the 'blue dollar' rate before exchanging; the gap is large.

Hidden Gems

  • Villa Crespo: Palermo quality at half the price.
  • Palacio Barolo tours: a tower designed after Dante's Divine Comedy.
  • Chacarita: Recoleta's gothic, tourist-free sibling.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Buenos Aires: frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires?
The best time for Buenos Aires is October–November, March–May. Weather and crowd levels are most favourable for travellers then.
How many days are enough in Buenos Aires?
2-3 days is a good start for Buenos Aires's highlights; extend to 4-5 to explore the surroundings and nearby routes. Our hour-by-hour City Pulse plan helps you organise each day.
Is Buenos Aires expensive? What is the daily budget?
For a mid-range traveller, the estimated daily cost in Buenos Aires is about $108 per person (food, local transport, accommodation and activities; flights excluded). Budget travellers can spend less; use the budget calculator in the guide to see your own figure.
Is Buenos Aires safe?
Don't let the European feel fool you: phone-snatching is common, so no strolling with the phone in hand; do La Boca in daylight.
How is internet and SIM in Buenos Aires?
Claro/Personal prepaid or an eSIM; ID may be requested.
Cash or card in Buenos Aires?
Bring US dollars in cash and change via Western Union or a trusted 'cueva'; card payments now get a tourist rate, but cash still wins.
How is transport and taxi in Buenos Aires?
Radio taxis or Cabify/Uber; the Tienda León shuttle is practical from the airport.

Nearby routes