Suggested Itineraries

3 Days in Buenos Aires

When a city is as wonderful as Buenos Aires, it seems no matter how long you spend there, it's never enough. In this itinerary, I take you through 3 days in Buenos Aires. The best features of Buenos Aires's many neighborhoods are highlighted here, from the Microcentro to Recoleta to San Telmo. You'll have several great meals, enjoy shopping, and take in breathtakingly beautiful sites. While I schedule you some downtime, remember that Buenos Aires is a city that never sleeps.

Day 1: Relaxing and Settling In

More than likely you've arrived early in the morning after an all-night flight. If you're staying at the Marriott Plaza Hotel, use their special lounge in the gym to freshen up while your room becomes ready. Have the hotel make a reservation for you at Cabaña las Lilas for dinner tonight. Afterwards, head to Calle Florida, checking out the shops at Galerías Pacífico and have a snack at Il Gran Caffe. Wander down to Plaza de Mayo and take a look at such historic sites as the Cabildo, Buenos Aires' original city hall, the Catedral Metropolitano, and the Casa Rosada, with Evita's famous balcony. Head back to the hotel for a much needed nap before heading out to Cabana Las Lilas for dinner. Certainly you've admired the view of Puerto Madero from your table, so have a wander dockside.

Day 2: Microcentro and San Telmo

Have breakfast at your hotel, and wait in the lobby for your tour guide from Borello Travel & Tours, Say Hueque Tours, or your private freelance tour guide. They'll help you explore the historic center of Buenos Aires, with the Plaza de Mayo, the turn of the last century marvel Avenida de Mayo, and Congreso, explaining how architecture, history and the lost glory of a powerful Argentina is reflected in the streets of Buenos Aires. To get there, ride the A Line Subway's wooden turn-of-the-last-century trains down to Avenida de Mayo station. Have a coffee and medialuna at Café Tortoni, one of the city's most historic and scenic cafes, and try to catch the conversation of Buenos Aires locals discussing the latest issues. Go back to Plaza de Mayo and head south, using Calle Defensa, towards romantic and historic San Telmo. Stop into one of the numerous antiques shops lining the street such as Galería El Solar de French. Walk around Plaza Dorrego and absorb the atmosphere in one of the city's original colonial squares. If you're doing this day on a Sunday, all the better, as that's when it's filled by the San Telmo Fair, and you'll even get to watch live tango. Head back to the hotel and freshen up. You're having dinner tonight at Señor Tango and watching their show, a great way to end the night in Buenos Aires.

Day 3: A Day in Recoleta

Sleep in and have a late breakfast at your hotel. Have your hotel make reservations at La Bourgogne for dinner tonight, a fine French restaurant in the Alvear Palace Hotel. Then head to Recoleta Cemetery in the Recoleta neighborhood. Pay homage to Evita's grave, the most famous tomb of them all. Make sure to wander around and see many of the other tombs, all glorious works of art. Around the corner from the cemetery, head to the Centro Cultural Recoleta and check out the newest art exhibit. If you've brought the kids along or are feeling young at heart, don't forget to visit the children's section inside, with its interactive science exhibits. Afterwards, head across Plaza Francia and take a coffee at La Biela, one of the most famous cafes in the city. After this much needed break, it's time to do some shopping along Avenida Alvear, stopping into such stores as Polo Ralph Lauren, built into a grand mansion. If you've been shopping for hours, you're just in time for your reservation at La Bourgogne, a wonderful end to your last night in Buenos Aires.