Although Buenos Aires is best experienced in 3-5 days, for those who have a short stop in Buenos Aires, here’s how to experience this bustling city in a day.
Evening in Buenos Aires is the time for tango
The upper level of the Galerías Pacífico houses the Centro Cultural Borges. Various local and international art and photography exhibits are included under a single entrance fee and it is worth every penny. You can also purchase a ticket to the Pasión de Tango show hosted by the Centro Cultural Borges, ($12.50 USD).
Buenos Aires is famous for the tacky dinner and tango show combo that costs anywhere from $50 USD to $250 USD. You are guaranteed mediocre food and a theatrical performance instead of a technically choreographed routine. The Pasión de Tango show costs a fraction of the dinner show ticket and the dancing is equally as impressive. Book your ticket for that evening if possible and keep shopping Avenida Florida until show time. If time permits, visit the Teatro Colón at 1171 Tucumán for a tour of the theatre.
After the Pasión de Tango show, you’ll be glad you skipped the dinner show. Now time to head back to Palermo by taxi ($5 USD) for a succulent steak dinner – possibly one of the best in Buenos Aires.
Be sure to make a reservation for La Cabrera at 5099 Cabrera. Don’t be shy to ask the waiters for recommendations, and remember main dishes are for sharing and come with an assortment of homemade compotes, relishes and condiments. Appetizers are not recommended as the portions of meat at La Cabrera are almost surreal – in size and in taste.
To work off the dinner carbs, spend your last hours in Buenos Aires wandering Palermo. Shops are open late and curb side patios are brimming with chic bohemian Argentines talking, drinking and dancing until sunrise. If you’re not ready to say goodbye to Buenos Aires, join the party around Plaza Serrano just off Honduras. Treat yourself to a full bodied Malbec or a steaming espresso.
After all, you’re only in Buenos Aires one day – might as well make it a long one.
Start from the beginning – Part 1 of Buenos Aires in 24 Hours: Spend the morning in Palermo.
Mari Suyama (www.marisuyama.com) is a freelance writer from Toronto, Canada who is currently on a one-year journey working and volunteering in South America.
She is tripatlas.com/new’s South America Expert – go to our South America Trip Guide for more.