With its treasure-filled markets, legendary neighborhoods and, always, an air of tango in the background, the Argentine capital has a lot to offer. You’ll probably spend some time there at the beginning or end of your trip, so here are our tips for living Buenos Aires… in the most authentic way possible.

48 hours won’t be too much time to explore its ferias, enjoy its parrillas, learn new tango steps… and even gallop in the surrounding pampas! To get a better idea of the infinite possibilities offered by the Argentinean capital, here is a selection of our favourite places, far from the clichés.

First day: Buenos Aires, between historic and modern districts

 

In the morning, pick up your travel souvenirs in the feria of Plaza Serrano in Palermo.

Buenos Aires is a huge market with luxury brands, shops and ferias, typical bazaars where all kinds of stalls mix with travelling shows. It is good to stroll through its streets, from shop windows to stalls, from main streets to lively squares… A strategic place for movida (nightlife) at night and shopping during the day, Palermo Soho is also the trendiest district of the city. It houses a large feria in Plaza Serrano where it is possible to buy records, works of art and clothes.

At noon, treat yourself to the best parrilla in Buenos Aires.

In Palermo Soho, all roads lead to La Cabrera, one of the best restaurants in Buenos Aires, which offers delicious meats prepared on a parilla (barbecue grill) in the purest Argentine tradition. This is the perfect opportunity to taste the famous grilled bife de chorizo (sirloin steak) or the empanadas de carne, small puff pastry turnovers to be eaten on the go. If you sometimes have to wait a little while for a table to become free, the house will be happy to serve you tapas to keep you waiting.

In the afternoon, play the fans in the football stadium of La Bombonera.

Located at the mouth of the Rio de la Plata, La Boca is a mythical district that lives to the rhythm of the boats coming and going in its port, its music resounding on every street corner… and the whistle of the referee of La Bombonera. To attend a football match in this stadium, which is one of the most famous in the world, it is best to book your ticket in advance, as the stands are often packed. Football fans won’t leave without a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium and its dedicated museum.

In the evening: well, dance now! Tango night in San Telmo

Rendezvous in San Telmo, the Mecca of traditional Argentinean dance, for an introduction to tango. In the summer you can even dance in the open air at Plaza Dorrego. What could be more romantic than spinning with your partner under the stars? To continue the evening in a real milonga (dance ball), go a few metres further on, to the Torquato Tasso Cultural Centre, a neighbourhood dance hall with a relaxed atmosphere.

Second day: artistic visits and the great outdoors

 

In the morning, learn about Argentine art at MALBA.

Early the next morning, you can complete your immersion in the local culture by visiting the Malba, the Museum of Latin American Art, which is also a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. Designed by architects Gaston Atelman, Martín Fourcade and Alfredo Tapia, it is located in the Palermo district and houses the collections of its president, Eduardo Costantini. Lovers of painting can discover paintings by Frida Kahlo, but also by avant-garde artists such as Xul Solar. You can also watch a film in the cinematheque or stroll through the huge bookshop.

In the afternoon, treat yourself to a trip to the pampas with the gauchos.

After a quick lunch at A’ Manger, a small bar in de Palermo, don’t hesitate to leave the city for a green getaway. Less than an hour’s drive from Buenos Aires, San Antonio de Areco is the former stronghold of the gauchos, the Argentinean cowboys. This authentic rural centre lives by its craftsmanship… and its horses. After visiting the local museum and watching a knife-throwing show or a horse training session, set off to conquer the pampas on the back of one of these spirited mounts!

Above all, don’t stop at full gallop… Argentina is vast and other nuggets await you for the rest of your journey.